Best of The Herd

Here we go. NBA Finals tip tonight, there’s real Aaron Donald smoke, Andy Reid’s swinging by, and we’ll hit the Knicks, Spurs, and the Rams’ big swing.

What makes a great NBA moment is when the best player is also the face of the league, and Wemby versus New York nails it; I’m leaning Spurs in six or seven because they’ve got the top overall player, home court, more scar tissue, and the Knicks’ best defensive big is banged up.

San Antonio’s 39 and 6 since February when Wemby just logs 15 minutes, 13 and 1 against the East, and he’s wired to chase everything—regular season, in-season cup, All-Star, playoffs—he wants the whole thing.

On Aaron Donald flirting with a return: older linemen are still thriving, his Instagram is all workouts, and if you drop him next to Miles Garrett, with that young interior already surging, you’re staring at an all-time defensive front.

I stay tight with Aaron and respect how he sees it; if he dusted it off at 35, I bet he’d still play at a really high level.

Let’s talk to Les Snead—when did the Miles Garrett talks truly heat up?

Cleveland shifted his bonus timing and we knocked, got a quick no, kept knocking for five to six weeks, and finally found a path.

How hard was it to include Jared Verse?

We pushed to do it with picks only, the Browns made Jared non‑negotiable after the draft, and saying yes near June 1 was brutally hard for us.

Did you need the green light from Stan Kroenke on a move this big?

Ownership lets us be flexible and bold; SoFi hosting the Super Bowl is a nice coincidence, but it guarantees nothing—we’ve got miles to go and have to earn it.

Be honest—did the Garrett trade tempt Aaron Donald?

For the first time since he retired, I think he’s truly tempted; he’d only return if he knew he could really help us.

Quick one on rookie Ty Simpson—any early flashes?

Our offense is complex and it’s early, but you can see anticipation throws in seven‑on‑seven and team work; earning trust takes time and he’s taking steps.

So who are the 10 best players in this series and what does that say? Wemby’s one, Brunson’s two, OG is massively valuable, Stefan Castle pops on both ends, Karl‑Anthony Towns can pull Wemby from the rim, and the Spurs’ young wings—Dylan Harper, Mikal Bridges, De’Aaron Fox, Josh Hart, Devin Vassell—play with rare late‑game trust; I still like San Antonio, but it’s tight and Mitchell Robinson should go.

This feels huge—long‑starved Knicks energy versus a new‑era Spurs surge, and the league’s thrilled Wemby meets the top media market.

It’s more about story than city size; this matchup has real weight and I expect close games, not blowouts.

Coach, when’s the last time you drew up something new?

Eric Bieniemy and I were sketching this morning during OTAs; it’s fun to add wrinkles and try fresh ideas.

You’ve done this a long time—how do you keep it fresh for you?

I love this job, there are only 32 of us, and the players’ energy keeps me young and challenged every day.

Why did Travis Kelce come back when he could’ve walked away?

It wasn’t about money; he loves to play, hated how last season ended, and his competitive heart is off the charts.

What’s the real status with Mahomes’ ACL—are you expecting Week 1?

We trust the doctors, manage his work without risk, his rehab’s relentless, and I can’t promise Week 1; if he’s not ready, he won’t go, and that’s why we added Justin.

He’s global, rich, in commercials, and still feels normal—how?

He grew up in locker rooms with a pro athlete dad and a great mom, so he handles it right; some people just have it.

How do you plan to use Kenneth Walker without grinding him down?

He’s all muscle and full speed even in shorts, can handle third down, goal line, and short yardage, and we’ll feed him while keeping his growth steady.

Good way to close—coach, appreciate you, and yes, Jay Mac needed that.

My phone won’t stop buzzing—people are losing it.