Best of The Herd

Big Wednesday energy—I’m upbeat on Team USA, huge Mahomes update later, but first the letdown: Wembanyama vanished in Game five, and as one of his biggest fans I’ve got to say it—he didn’t show, then skipped the mics afterward.

OKC fed Chet early, Caruso roared back, role guys mattered, and San Antonio let Victor drift without touches while the Thunder got physical; the series isn’t done, the market leans Spurs in a zigzag spot, and SGA’s numbers are slipping even if the points look fine.

On the USMNT, I’m bullish: minimal roster drama, I think this is our deepest group yet, Pulisic needs a spark, and I still like us to beat Paraguay, escape the group, and grab at least one more win—pace yourselves, but be optimistic.

Al, the Knicks are rolling—how much of this leap is the change to Mike Brown?

A ton—he’s always had a sharp offensive mind, carries championship know‑how from Golden State and that early Cleveland run, and he’s tapped into this roster in a way that’s lifted the whole room.

Karl‑Anthony Towns looks reborn as a playmaker—what are you seeing there, especially with how it frees up Brunson?

He embraced facilitating after some early friction, loves finding guys, and it takes eyes off Jalen so he can cut, relocate, and score in cleaner windows.

Brunson left serious money on the table and somehow keeps delivering—how do you weigh that sacrifice and the whole ‘winner’ thing analytics can’t capture?

Ninety‑nine percent of players don’t do that; he bet on legacy in New York, and his impact is everywhere—late‑game decisions, timely charges, whatever it takes—heart and control in big moments don’t fit a spreadsheet, but you feel it.

Do you buy the idea that a small guard can’t be your guy in June?

No—history’s full of smaller lead guards on titles, and Brunson keeps solving bigger matchups with craft and space.

Flopping and the whistle were a mess—how do players really see it?

It’s frustrating, but guys will use whatever works, and home floors get whistles; our era was more gladiator‑style and daily grind, the game’s different now, but longevity’s up and the young wave is hungry.

Is SGA getting exposed a bit?

San Antonio’s length is bothering him and they shade him into traffic with Victor behind it, but he’s still impacting with control and free throws even on off nights.

Can Wemby flip it next game or is he gassed?

He’s human—fatigue shows—but back home I expect the ‘alien’ version; he needs the cast to shoulder more so catches aren’t so far out.

Quick two‑parter: Jordan or LeBron, and where’s LeBron next year?

Jordan for me, and I’d love to see LeBron finish in Cleveland; he’s not retiring—he’ll chase one more run and enjoy the farewell tour.

Mo, roster’s out with little controversy—what jumps for you?

Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann were close calls in my mock, Gio Reyna’s talent still changes games, and ten defenders hints at three center backs; I’m upbeat about the group.

Only four listed midfielders—too thin?

We’re light there unless everyone stays healthy, but belief matters and that opener can settle nerves and set the tone.

Recent shutouts have fans uneasy and Pulisic’s cold—how do you reset?

Two big tune‑ups—Senegal in Charlotte and Germany in Chicago—are chances to grab a result, build rhythm, and carry momentum into the tournament.

Paraguay may bunker—does that drag us into a slog?

If they sit deep, we’ll need patience, coordinated pressing, and creators like Reyna or Zendejas to unlock a low block; not every match will look like that Uruguay romp.

What do you expect up front tactically?

A three‑four‑three fits: Balogun as the nine, Pulisic underneath with a creative partner like Tillman, Robinson and either Dest or Weah as wingbacks, and McKennie deeper next to Adams.

If we don’t score early at home, do nerves creep in?

Fans will feel that, but inside the lines it can flip in one moment—a set piece, a counter, a spark—and a home World Cup should fuel them, not freeze them.

Those friendlies are close to kickoff—useful or risky?

Alternates must stay ready, and those games are vital to lock the best eleven, sharpen chemistry, and fine‑tune details.

Bottom line on Pulisic—worried or not?

Not worried—others are in form, he isn’t hiding, and on this stage I expect him to embrace responsibility and lead.

Are we getting out of the group?

Yes—book it, and I think they top the group.

Great stuff, Mo—can’t wait to watch you all summer on Fox and FS1; we’re locked in and ready for a run.