Best of The Herd

Big Monday energy here with the title game looming, Michigan and UConn tonight, and we’re live. Quick word on the Lakers mess in OKC: people want to torch JJ Redick for heavy minutes, but the real issue is a thin, lopsided roster that forces stars to carry too much.

New York and L.A. share a record, but the Knicks bury bad teams because they have depth, while the Lakers grind even against average clubs. This is a front office problem, not a sideline one.

On the college side, Michigan’s older, stronger, and beautifully connected, the kind of team NIL has made more common. I like the Wolverines in a close, bruising finish.

We played Michigan and they choked off our twos, switched everything, and leaned on real size; they’re the full package. Mara’s jump as an offensive hub really stood out.

This UConn group is not their most talented, but Dan Hurley’s culture is elite and his off‑ball system is a bear on a one‑day prep. That quick turnaround magnifies their advantage.

Cooper Flagg does a bit of everything at high speed, and the fifty he dropped still surprised me given how complete he already is.

The portal works, but a one‑time free move with a sit year after that would help programs keep culture without boxing players in.

Where I’ve been hot and cold: Michigan to the title felt right, OKC looks like the real thing, and the Luka workload warning was always about sustainability. Giannis and Milwaukee were headed for turbulence, and it is here.

Tonight probably swings on whistle and shotmaking; if Michigan is hitting, it tilts their way.

Mike Malone to the college ranks makes sense in the NIL era, where pro credibility sells. Joe Adell robbing three homers was wild, and the UFL delivered a last‑second kick after a miracle conversion.

Malone’s tough, pro‑tested style should translate with players who are already navigating money and movement.

JJ’s done well; blame the medical guidance before blaming the coach, and there’s logic to testing a mini‑run after halftime even when trailing big.

LeBron’s Memphis comment drew heat because the optics were bad, not because his intent was. Knowing his history, it was clumsy timing more than anything else.

Denver’s poise showed late against San Antonio, but Wemby is such a unicorn that he can bend the usual rules about playoff seasoning.

That OKC blowout should sober the Lakers’ new owners about gaps in depth, shooting, and defense. If LeBron returns on a smaller number, surround Luka and Austin with athletes and spacers.

It helps the league to have a domestic star, and Cooper Flagg has that edge and bite; he may have nudged ahead in the rookie race and looks easier to build around than a ball‑dominant guard.

Tip‑off is coming, and I expect a tight, physical game with Michigan’s age and NIL‑fueled continuity on display. We’ll wrap it there and enjoy the show tonight.