Best of The Herd

Thursday energy to start: Victor Wembanyama isn’t just great, he’s warping the sport. He put up 41 and 18 in about half an hour, and the efficiency is breaking our sense of what’s possible; if he’s doing this in limited minutes, imagine playoff minutes.

He looks totally sure of himself on both ends now. You can do everything right and there are still plays you just can’t stop.

Pivot to quarterbacks: Fernando Mendoza’s pro day screamed leadership—he called routes out loud so receivers got shine. That’s Peyton-style ownership of the room, not the optics-first vibe that’s tripped up talented “too-cool” QBs; winning demands the boring, relentless stuff.

What you see is what you get with Mendoza: size, accuracy, low mistakes, and elite red-zone care. I’ll take that over cool points every time.

I’ve never bought a player jersey, but I’d plaster Mendoza’s on every wall if it meant culture shows up day one; the Raiders get an identity the second he walks in.

Your quarterback should be the alpha who grabs the keys. Mendoza has the traits you want leading a room.

Team-building rule of life: land the quarterback, then buy the insurance—fix the offensive line. Weapons come later; protect your investment first.

On face-of-the-league stakes: I love that Wembee openly wants MVP. Awards matter early when you’re building a legacy, and honesty beats the fake smile during award shows.

Dell Curry joins: you were bombing threes before it was trendy—how different was that era?

Back then, the game ran through the post and the three was a specialty. If you took a few, you’d better hit them or you sat; that’s how I lasted 16 years stretching the floor.

Dynasties aren’t easy. With Draymond’s edge, Kerr’s intensity, and Durant’s arrival, did the weight of being the face ever wear on Steph?

Pressure comes with winning, and expectations stack fast, but he was built for it. Growing up around the game helped him handle the day-to-day grind and lead through the chaos.

Steph and Draymond are opposites, yet they’re the team’s soul. Did that click right away?

It grew like any relationship. Championship teams need the steady floor general and the fiery enforcer; I played with guys like Barkley and Mason who brought that edge you want in battle.

Today’s kids hit the league fast. Your rookie has set the tone right away—what stands out?

He’s remarkably mature, low maintenance, and impacts winning on both ends even on off shooting nights. Our front office nailed it; he’s beyond what anyone projected.

I’ve floated a tweak: kill the corner three to bring back rim collisions. You in?

No way. Adapt your roster with mobile, skilled bigs who can switch, shoot, and funnel drives. The corner three is part of winning DNA now.

Have you ever seen anything like Wembanyama?

There’s no comp. He covers ground in a step, passes well, alters everything defensively, and now he’s stronger; if he stays healthy, he’s the next face of the league.

Quick fairway detour: 140 yards out—who’s better, you or Steph?

Steph by a hair, but I’m hitting pitching wedge while he’s gapping it; our family golf chat thread is relentless.

Your jersey retirement looked electric. How did it feel?

Emotional and surreal. To look up, see Curry 30, and still be pouring into this franchise and city—humbling, proud, and grateful.

Back then the Hornets took a handful of threes; now they fire away. Your game would slide right into today, and it’s great to see the league so healthy. Congrats, and thanks for the time.