Best of The Herd

Welcome to a glorious Thursday on The Herd. Play‑in drama delivered, I’m in for Colin, Rachel’s fresh off Warriors–Clippers, and Adam Silver’s smiling.

Q: What did last night tell us about Steph and the Warriors? A: Curry poured in thirty five in thirty six minutes, nailed a falling‑out‑of‑bounds dagger, and dragged a thin group to a comeback that felt like the dynasty for one more night.

Q: Should he have shut it down? A: He didn’t—he leads the league in clutch threes despite limited games—and the play‑in reminded everyone how good this league can be.

Q: Who else swung it? A: Draymond threw a fourth‑quarter defensive clinic on Kawhi—denials, a clean pick, and no rhythm for the Clippers’ star.

Q: Are they going anywhere? A: Probably not past Phoenix or OKC, but this one belongs in their memory bank.

That thump in Kerr’s presser wasn’t a bad mic. He was pounding the table, and I’ve almost never seen him that amped.

Q: Best first‑round bout? A: Jokic versus Anthony Edwards is the show, and it’s a crossroads for Minnesota’s core.

Q: What’s at stake for the Wolves? A: If they flame out after recent deep runs, that pricey roster could get torn down, and you’ll hear Giannis chatter again—history warns, see the Garnett era.

If Arch Manning were in this draft, would he go ahead of Fernando Mendoza? I say yes, even if Mendoza feels locked at one to the Raiders, because teams draft projection over box scores; Arch needed real reps, and next year’s softer start screams breakout—which, as a Jets fan, has me eyeing twenty twenty seven.

Q: Quick bracket blitz? A: OKC cruises, Denver advances, and I’m calling the Spurs to storm the West and beat my Knicks in the Finals.

About a third of the building wore Warriors colors, but by the end it sounded like more. Some Clippers fans might’ve converted in real time.

Q: With the draft a week out, are we past smokescreens? A: Let’s bring in Ian Rapoport.

There’s less outright lying and more omission. I even learned the Panthers’ receiver plan the night before when a prospect quietly told me he’d been throwing with Bryce Young.

Q: Which receivers are pushing into the top tier, and any first‑round curveballs?

Tyson and Tate should go early—possibly both in the top ten—with Lemon in that range and Conceição rising into the mid first as teams finally tip their hands.

Teams keep their crushes quiet, which is how I first heard about Taysom Hill from a coach who whispered, check this kid out.

Q: Where does Ty Simpson land, and what’s the latest on the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers?

Simpson is probably a second‑rounder who could sneak late first if someone jumps, and beyond Mendoza he’s the only other first‑round QB candidate. As for Rodgers, Pittsburgh is likely but no firm word yet, and a McCarthy reunion shouldn’t be an issue.

Q: Would Drew Aller as the second quarterback stun you?

It would; he looks the part, but nobody I’ve talked to loves him that high, and after last year’s shocks you have to let these guys play.

Q: If Arch were eligible today, would he go ahead of Mendoza?

Too soon to say; the room is crowded, he may not even declare next year given his family’s approach and NIL comfort, and life as a Texas star is pretty great.

Q: Where will AJ Brown be on June second? A: Give us the real read.

Most expect New England after the post‑June date eases the cap hit, but price still matters and Howie will want future picks.

Sounds close to done to me, and that’ll light up the screens.

It makes sense on paper, but we’ll see if it actually happens—Howie rarely moves off great players.