Nick Wright: Pulisic's World Cup Performance Was Unacceptable
Christian Pulisic's performance in the World Cup was unacceptable, marked by fragility, missed opportunities, and an inability to consistently perform in crucial moments. Despite being hailed as the star, his impact was minimal, and his frequent injuries and withdrawals from games raise serious concerns about his dependability as the face of American soccer.
Cowherd: Celtics' Analytics Favor Tatum Over Brown
Colin Cowherd argues that the Celtics' decision to effectively choose Jason Tatum over Jaylen Brown is rooted in analytics, suggesting that Tatum is a superior player by objective metrics. He posits that Brown's inefficiency and high usage rate negatively impact Tatum's performance, making him an 'impediment.' Cowherd concludes that in the modern NBA, teams must identify their singular star and build around them, and the Celtics have chosen Tatum as that star based on superior analytical data.
Cowherd: USMNT Needs Pochettino Back
Colin Cowherd argues that despite the USMNT's loss to Belgium, the team showed significant progress and potential, warranting the retention of coach Gregg Pochettino. He highlights the team's competitiveness, depth in attacking and midfield units, and the strong performance of backup players against Turkey as reasons for optimism. Cowherd concludes that Pochettino's guidance is crucial for developing the young talent and building towards future success, particularly for the 2030 World Cup.
FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card was the correct one, as the VR system was inappropriately used for an intensity argument rather than factual checks like offsides or goal-line decisions. Tradition should not trump accuracy, and FIFA's ability to get it right, even if it sets a new precedent, is crucial for the sport's integrity.
Erling Haaland: The Soccer Gronk?
Erling Haaland embodies the question of what American athletes like Gronk would look like playing soccer. His size, athleticism, and finishing ability make him a unique and powerful force, answering the call for a physically dominant soccer player. While the US team has evolved to be more skilled and fluid, Haaland represents a different, yet equally effective, archetype.
The 'Us Against The World' Mentality
Cowherd suggests that the USMNT might benefit from adopting an 'us against the world' mentality, drawing a parallel to how coaches rally teams when they feel marginalized. He contrasts this with Belgium's perceived obsession over the Balogun ruling, implying it could be a distraction.
Colin Cowherd asserts that LeBron James's time with the Los Angeles Lakers was fundamentally transactional, not a deep emotional bond. He cites Ramona Shelburn's reporting that LeBron was willing to take a pay cut but wanted input on team spending, which the Lakers ultimately rejected, signaling a mutual decision to part ways. This marks the end of an era where LeBron was more of a consultant than a founder.
Hachimura's Clippers Move: A Strategic Fit?
Rui Hachimura's surprising move to the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $28 million deal is analyzed. While some expected him to join San Antonio, his decision to join the Clippers is seen as beneficial for their need for a tall, long three-point shooter and a potential future point guard. The Lakers, despite having the money, chose to move on, prioritizing different roster constructions.
Baseball's Umpire Exodus and Replay System
Colin Cowherd applauds baseball's evolution, noting the retirement of multiple umpires, including C.B. Buckner, which he attributes to the introduction of replay for balls and strikes. He argues this system protects umpires from embarrassment and represents a smart tweak by Commissioner Rob Manfred, fostering more parity in the sport.
LeBron James is reportedly willing to play for the veteran minimum, signaling a strategic approach to his next career move. His agent, Rich Paul, has indicated that LeBron is considering all factors, including taxes, location, family, weather, lifestyle, and investments. The most likely destinations appear to be the Golden State Warriors, due to their high-IQ play and established stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, or a return to Cleveland, where he has strong relationships and a home. This decision-making process mirrors that of other elite athletes like Tom Brady and Lionel Messi, who also factored in personal and business considerations when choosing their teams. The final decision will likely hinge on a complex interplay of basketball fit, personal life, and future business ventures. The audience is left to wonder if his business acumen will outweigh his on-court legacy.
Jaylen Brown's Fit: An Analytical Conundrum
Jaylen Brown's fit within an NBA team is analytically complex, as he excels at 'on an island' basketball, often operating in isolation plays. While this allows him to create his own shot, it doesn't translate well to team-oriented actions like pick-and-roll or spot-up plays, where he is considered below average. The Celtics' data indicated that the team moved the ball better and performed more effectively when he was off the floor. Despite his talent and ability to score in clutch moments, his individualistic style makes him a difficult piece to integrate seamlessly into a system that values ball movement and player synergy. This analytical assessment, coupled with chemistry concerns, ultimately led to his trade, suggesting that even star players face scrutiny based on their statistical impact and team fit in the modern NBA. The question remains whether his individual talent can overcome these analytical limitations on a new team.
Cowherd: Jaylen Brown's Chemistry Issues
Colin Cowherd suggests that the Boston Celtics moved on from Jaylen Brown not solely due to finances, but primarily because of chemistry concerns and his perceived inability to relinquish shots for Jason Tatum. He posits that Brown's high contract value ($57 million) made him a difficult fit, pushing front offices to reconsider his role and value to the team.
The red card issued to Folarin Balogun was an egregious and inappropriate decision, as the contact was not intentional and VAR should be reserved for factual calls like offsides, not subjective intensity arguments. Slow-motion replays can make any action appear more malicious than it is.
Bradley: Crisis Management and Tactical Adaptability
Playing a man down forced the USMNT into effective crisis management, requiring patience and smart tactical adjustments. The team found a balance between aggression and organization, showcasing their ability to adapt and manage the game effectively under pressure.
Cowherd: Soccer's Popularity and Officiating Parallels
Despite claims that Americans don't care about soccer, ratings and attendance for the World Cup are shattering records. Furthermore, egregious officiating calls are not unique to soccer, as evidenced by controversial moments in the NFL and NBA, suggesting it's a universal sports issue.
Cowherd: Celtics Prioritize Flexibility Over Brown
Colin Cowherd argues that Brad Stevens' decision to trade Jaylen Brown to the 76ers for Paul George and draft picks was primarily driven by a need for flexibility under the new CBA. He believes Stevens chose to build around Jayson Tatum and avoid the financial constraints of keeping both stars long-term, drawing parallels to Jerry Jones' trade of Micah Parsons for flexibility.
Holley: Celtics' Trade Puzzling Despite CBA Logic
Michael Holley acknowledges that Brad Stevens might be strategically navigating the new CBA by prioritizing flexibility, but he finds the return for Jaylen Brown, specifically Paul George, to be a significant downgrade. He emphasizes that George's availability and contract are major concerns, making the trade a puzzling move for a team that just won a championship.
LeBron's Veteran Minimum and Lakers' Future
The discussion shifts to LeBron James' reported willingness to accept a veteran minimum contract. Cowherd questions the narrative of 'complete happiness' and suggests the Lakers may not have even offered him the minimum, which he deems insulting. Holley implies that if LeBron truly wanted to stay, the Lakers could have made it work, but his agent's comments suggest a desire to move on.
Despite some criticism, LeBron James' tenure with the Lakers was a success, delivering a championship and making them a perennial playoff team after years of struggle. He also achieved significant individual milestones, including becoming the all-time leading scorer.
Mbappé's World Cup Brilliance
Kylian Mbappé's individual brilliance is showcased by his record-breaking performance in the World Cup knockout stages, demonstrating that elite talent can transcend scheme and coaching. His ability to deliver in the biggest moments sets him apart as a generational superstar.
Cowherd: Jaylen Brown's Market Woes
Colin Cowherd posits that Jaylen Brown's market value is diminished because he "always feels disgruntled," despite his strong statistics and team success. He argues that Brown's public expressions of unhappiness, particularly on live streams, make potential GMs hesitant, questioning if he'd be happy elsewhere. Cowherd suggests that while Brown is a great athlete, his perceived lack of consistent contentment and potential analytical red flags could be deterring teams from viewing him as a $50-60 million per year player, impacting his trade value.
The United States Men's National Team is facing a pivotal moment in its history, heavily favored in a knockout stage game at home. This 'Halley's Comet' of circumstances, with weakened European rivals and a 'golden generation' of players in their prime, presents a unique window to achieve significant success, potentially reaching the final four or eight. Failure to capitalize on this moment could mean a long wait for another comparable opportunity.
World Cup Favorites Emerge
While France and Argentina are the top contenders, with France showcasing incredible attacking dynamism and Argentina possessing a formidable will to win, other teams are making strong showings. Morocco's athleticism and aggression have been impressive, even against strong opponents like the Netherlands. The tournament has been marked by intense competition and surprising performances, indicating a wide-open race for the title.
USMNT's Unique Knockout Stage Pressure
For the USMNT, this knockout stage game against Bosnia and Herzegovina is unique because they are expected to win, unlike previous tournaments where upsets were the goal. This shift from 'hoping for a draw' to 'needing a win' creates a different kind of pressure. The potential for 20 million Americans to tune in adds to the significance, making this a special opportunity for the team to make history and advance further than ever before.
Nick Wright suggests that the Golden State Warriors are actively pursuing LeBron James, and this pursuit is independent of whether Anthony Davis is also acquired. He highlights the potential synergy between LeBron, Draymond Green, and Steph Curry, emphasizing the team's blend of offensive and defensive capabilities.
Cowherd: Lakers' Strategic Pivot from LeBron
Colin Cowherd argues that the Lakers' decision to let LeBron James pursue other opportunities, despite his continued high-level play, is a strategic move by the new ownership. This 'hard thing' allows them to avoid the 'easy' path of re-signing him and signals a commitment to building for the future, even if it means sacrificing immediate contention. This approach is seen as a departure from the previous era's reliance on aging stars.
Cowherd: Brazil's Undervalued World Cup Potential
Colin Cowherd argues that Brazil is undervalued in the World Cup due to perceptions of their 'artistic' style versus their current 'dangerous' and pragmatic approach under manager Carlo Ancelotti. He believes their strong defense, elite goalkeeper, and the brilliance of Vinícius Júnior, combined with Ancelotti's tactical acumen and the advantage of five substitutions, make them a formidable contender capable of winning close games.
Colin Cowherd correctly predicted that the USMNT would advance to the knockout stage with a chance to win multiple games, citing the team's prime-age players and depth compared to rivals like Belgium and Croatia. He felt the team was not a one-man offense and had impressive reserves.
WNBA's Struggles and Officiating Concerns
Cowherd points out the WNBA's continued struggles, particularly regarding Caitlin Clark, citing issues with officiating and a lack of support from other players. He questions the league's handling of merchandise and the physical nature of the game.
Jaylen Brown's Value and Celtics' Dilemma
Cowherd argues against trading Jaylen Brown, emphasizing his two-way play and aggressive nature, which contrasts with Jayson Tatum's more passive style. He believes teams should draft players like Brown and questions if Tatum's passivity contributes to the Celtics' struggles.
Mario Chalmers suggests LeBron James and Bronny could join the Miami Heat, citing the team's existing stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, and the opportunity for Bronny to develop. Chalmers believes LeBron prioritizes playing with his son and enjoys warm weather cities like Miami, making it a plausible destination if the Lakers don't meet his demands.
Lakers' Center Search: Kessler and Duren
Jovan Buha discusses the Lakers' need for a center, identifying Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren as prime targets. While Duren might be unrealistic due to Detroit's plans, Kessler presents a potential fit, though likely expensive. Buha emphasizes Kessler's rim protection, rebounding, and offensive competence as ideal for the Lakers' needs.
Lakers' Financial Flexibility and Roster Moves
Jovan Buha outlines the Lakers' potential cap space, which could reach into the high $50s or low $60s million, theoretically allowing them to sign both a center like Walker Kessler and LeBron James. However, he cautions that prioritizing a big contract for a center over LeBron could be perceived negatively by James, impacting his decision.
Tiago Splitter believes the Chicago Bulls have a promising young core with players like Giddy, Modus Buzzelis, Claxton, and Caleb Wilson, suggesting they could be a competitive team in the East, potentially a six seed. He highlights Wilson's versatility and defensive capabilities as key assets for the team's development.
Cowherd on Caleb Wilson's Potential
Colin Cowherd acknowledges Caleb Wilson's potential as a good number two option for the Chicago Bulls, bringing toughness, athleticism, and defense. However, he questions if Wilson has the star power to be a franchise cornerstone, suggesting Chicago still needs a primary star to reach the level of teams like the Knicks.
Parsons on the Giannis Trade Impact
Chandler Parsons believes a hypothetical trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami would make them better, acquiring a top-five player. However, he doesn't see it as enough to make them a true contender in the East, emphasizing the need for more guards and shooting, and suggesting they are not done making moves.
Colin Cowherd: Austin Reaves' Contract is a Record-Breaker
Colin Cowherd highlights the massive four-year, $185 million contract Austin Reaves signed with the Lakers, emphasizing its record-breaking nature for a player of his caliber. He suggests this deal sets a new precedent for player value and team building around stars.
Colin Cowherd: Caleb Wilson's Potential vs. Rookie of the Year Odds
Colin Cowherd questions Caleb Wilson's odds for Rookie of the Year, suggesting his offensive numbers might not be high enough to compete. He believes Wilson will be a valuable defensive player and floor-spacer, but not a primary scorer, contrasting him with players like AJ Debons or Darren Peterson who are projected to score more.
Jeff Goodman: Harry Kane's Miss and England's World Cup Prospects
Jeff Goodman analyzes Harry Kane's crucial missed opportunity in the World Cup match against Ghana, attributing it to a difficult header that sailed over the bar. While acknowledging the frustration, he defends England's overall standing as top contenders, noting that Ghana's defensive strategy made scoring difficult.
Colin Cowherd argues that the Miami Heat's acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo is a risky move, as he believes the team lacks the necessary shooting and depth to contend. He suggests that Giannis's injury history and the team's limited offensive firepower will prevent them from winning a title, despite the star power.
Cowherd: Celtics Need Major Changes Post-Giannis Miss
Colin Cowherd believes the Boston Celtics, having missed out on Giannis Antetokounmpo, are not close to a championship and need significant roster changes. He suggests that trading Jaylen Brown might be necessary, as the team's current composition is not athletic enough to compete with the league's elite.
Cowherd: USMNT's World Cup Success is Undeniable Data
Colin Cowherd acknowledges the USMNT's impressive performance in the World Cup, citing statistical achievements like winning back-to-back matches and achieving a positive goal differential. He believes the team is performing at a high level and has a real shot at reaching the quarterfinals, calling it a potentially historic achievement for American soccer.
AJ Dybantsa is identified as a pure scorer with a translatable shot and exceptional finishing ability in transition and the paint. While scouts desire more playmaking and defensive consistency, his size, mobility, and scoring instincts suggest he has the potential to lead the league in scoring.
Cowherd: Giannis to Celtics?
Colin Cowherd suggests that the Boston Celtics have emerged as a potential destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Jaylen Brown being a key trade piece. He notes the strained relationship between Brown and Tatum, and the Celtics' struggles in the paint, which Giannis would immediately address. Cowherd believes this move is plausible given the Celtics' recent performance and the need for improvement, as acknowledged by Brad Stevens. The analysis concludes that Giannis's fit with shooters like those on the Celtics roster makes it a compelling scenario.
College Basketball's Future
Colin Cowherd argues that NIL and the transfer portal have made college basketball better by introducing more mature players. He believes the first nine or ten picks in the upcoming draft are all strong prospects due to this. Cowherd also touches on the financial realities of college sports, questioning how some programs can afford massive facilities and salaries while others struggle. He suggests that the fluidity and uncertainty in college basketball are uncomfortable for some, but the quality of the product and revenue, particularly in conferences like the Big Ten, remain high. The discussion implies that coaches like Dusty May and Brad Stevens, driven by curiosity, might find the constant roster turnover exhausting.
Colin Cowherd argues that the Boston Celtics should aggressively pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite his perceived flaws like injury history and a developing jump shot. He believes Giannis's unique athleticism, defensive capabilities, and ability to attack the basket make him a necessary addition to elevate the Celtics' front line, even if it means trading Jaylen Brown.
Brunson: The Exception to the Rule
Jalen Brunson's MVP-caliber performance challenges the NBA's traditional view that smaller guards are a liability. Cowherd argues that while big men often dominate, Brunson's skill, toughness, and determination prove that exceptional players can overcome size limitations, similar to Steve Nash and Nikola Jokic. His success suggests a shift towards prioritizing skill and basketball IQ over pure athleticism.
Kiffin's LSU Ambitions and Portal Strategy
Lane Kiffin is confident he can bring a national title to LSU, viewing it as the best job in America. He has aggressively recruited via the transfer portal, amassing 50 newcomers, though Cowherd notes that building chemistry with such a large influx of players presents a significant challenge.
The USMNT's first half against Paraguay was a dream scenario, exceeding any script with scintillating play, particularly from Christian Pulisic, who was as good as any player in the tournament so far. This performance was joyful to watch and set a high bar for the team's potential.
Colin Cowherd: Soccer vs. American Sports Culture
Soccer's embeddedness in American culture is less than football, basketball, or baseball. While the USMNT has many players in top European leagues, the validation comes from overseas success, not MLS. Unlike Europe's historic, car-free infrastructure, the US has wide streets and a culture that developed other sports first, making soccer's growth a long-term endeavor.
Maurice Edu: The Atmosphere and Early Goal
The atmosphere at the USMNT's opening game was incredible, matching the players' intensity and creativity. Scoring an early goal was crucial, as it stripped away tension and allowed the team to play dominantly, leading to an excellent performance and a 4-1 victory. This confidence now carries into the next match.
Wemby's Finals Struggles: A Physical and Tactical Challenge
Victor Wembanyama faced significant physical and tactical challenges in the NBA Finals, struggling against larger, more physical defenders and a different officiating style. While his unique skillset is undeniable, his ability to consistently score in the post against such opposition was limited, and the Spurs' offensive scheme did not optimally utilize his strengths, leading to a missed opportunity for the team.
Giannis's Future: A Looming Decision for Milwaukee
Giannis Antetokounmpo's long-term future with the Milwaukee Bucks is a significant question, especially given the team's roster construction and his desire for a competitive situation. While he has shown loyalty, the possibility of a trade, potentially to a team like the Miami Heat, looms, forcing the Bucks to consider their options for retaining or moving their superstar.
USMNT's Rise: A New Era for American Soccer?
The US Men's National Team is showing promising signs of improvement, with a more dynamic style of play and talented players capable of making plays. This evolution suggests a potential shift in American soccer's global standing, moving beyond its historical limitations and offering a more exciting and competitive future.
Colin Cowherd is confident in the Los Angeles Chargers exceeding their 9.5 win total, citing the hiring of Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator, the return of key offensive linemen, and Jim Harbaugh's proven track record of success. He believes the team's upgrades make them a strong contender despite a tough division.
Brendan Sorsby's NFL Projection
NFL executives view Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby as a talented prospect with good size, mobility, and arm strength, comparable to Jackson Dart. However, his gambling violation introduces uncharted territory regarding judgment and off-field issues, making him a risky draft pick, likely a third-round supplemental selection.
Chiefs' Receiver Depth and Mahomes' Knee
Albert Breer identifies the Kansas City Chiefs' receiver depth and Rashi Rice's reliability as key concerns, noting a lack of proven talent beyond him. He also draws a parallel to Tom Brady's career, suggesting that Mahomes' recovery from knee surgery could impact the team's early-season performance, though he still expects them to be competitive.
Nick Wright: Brunson's Playoff Dominance Defies Size Concerns
Nick Wright vehemently argues that Jaylen Brunson's recent playoff performance, including scoring 45 points in a closeout game and leading the Knicks to the NBA Finals, proves he can win at the highest level, regardless of his height. He dismisses comparisons to players like Cade Cunningham and emphasizes Brunson's consistent winning impact, drawing parallels to Isaiah Thomas's success.
Draymond Green & Colin Cowherd: Wemby's Sportsmanship and Youth
Draymond Green criticizes the Spurs' walk-off after losing the finals as a 'lack of leadership' and 'youthful' behavior, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging opponents. Colin Cowherd agrees that while understandable due to frustration, this lack of sportsmanship is poor form and draws parallels to past incidents like the Pistons-Jordan incident, suggesting it reflects a need for maturity.
Colin Cowherd: Wembanyama's Immaturity and Media Coddling
Colin Cowherd criticizes the media's perceived 'coddling' of Victor Wembanyama, arguing that the young player's actions—including lecturing about basketball sophistication, boasting about his MVP case, and not shaking hands after the finals loss—reveal immaturity. Cowherd believes Wembanyama's finals performance exposed flaws like a lack of a go-to move and poor conditioning, despite his undeniable talent.
Colin Cowherd argues that the New York Knicks' recent success and championship run were built on a foundation of doubted moves and an underdog mentality, rather than acquiring established stars. He highlights that nearly every personnel decision, from firing coach Tibbs to trading for key players like OG Anunoby and acquiring Jaylen Brunson, was met with skepticism. This constant questioning fostered a resilient culture, allowing the team to overcome challenges and injuries, ultimately leading to their championship.
Celtics' Dilemma: Tatum-Brown Stagnation and Giannis Pursuit
Colin Cowherd suggests that the Boston Celtics' star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown may not be a long-term optimal fit, pointing to Tatum's occasional passivity and Brown's desire to run the offense. He speculates that a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, potentially involving Jaylen Brown, could be a strategic move to increase the team's athleticism and consolidate talent, especially after losing Kristaps Porzingis.
Cowherd: Knicks' Fourth Quarter Prowess
The New York Knicks are a superior fourth-quarter team due to their experience, making it crucial for opponents like the youthful Spurs to establish significant leads early. Being tied in the fourth quarter with a young team against the Knicks is a losing formula.
Jason Timpf argues that the Spurs' coaching staff, particularly Mitch Johnson, made critical tactical errors in the final possessions, such as double-teaming Jalen Brunson and mismanaging the inbound play, which directly led to the Knicks' victory. He also points out the lack of offensive aggression from Dylan Harper in the crucial final minutes.
Knicks' Maturity vs. Spurs' Youth
Colin Cowherd posits that while the Knicks have great elements, they are not a 'great' team, but their maturity and steadiness in close games, unlike the younger Spurs, make them the safer bet. Jason Timpf agrees, noting that the Knicks consistently execute better in clutch situations, playing through Brunson, while the Spurs appear unsure of their offensive actions.
World Cup Pressure and USMNT Readiness
Greg Burhalter believes the pressure of playing the World Cup on home soil is a positive force for the USMNT, amplified by strong fan support and momentum. With 13 players having prior World Cup experience and being in their prime, he feels this team is better prepared for a strong performance compared to previous iterations.
Mitch Johnson and the Spurs' coaching staff failed Victor Wembanyama and the team by not managing his minutes and the game's strategy effectively, leading to a historic collapse after a 27-point lead. They continued to rely on threes instead of feeding Wembanyama in the paint and failed to give him adequate rest, resulting in his fatigue and poor performance in the crucial second half.
Wembanyama's Growing Pains
Victor Wembanyama, despite his immense talent, is still in the 'beta testing' phase of his career, showing limitations in crucial late-game moments. His struggles with fatigue, settling for threes, and a minus-21 rating in the final 9.5 minutes of Game 4 underscore the need for better player management and development, especially given the Spurs' youth and inexperience.
Bears' Move Driven by Ownership Wealth
The potential relocation of the Chicago Bears from Chicago to Indiana is primarily driven by the Macasi family's relatively modest wealth compared to other NFL owners, forcing them to seek the most financially beneficial stadium deal. Unlike ultra-wealthy owners who can self-fund massive projects, the Bears' ownership group must prioritize fiscal viability.
The Dallas Cowboys' brand is no longer synonymous with winning, as evidenced by their absence from the top NFL jersey sales lists. Unlike iconic brands that endure, the Cowboys' marketability is directly tied to on-field success, which has been lacking in crucial games. This suggests a fundamental disconnect between their perceived status and their actual performance, raising questions about their 'America's Team' moniker.
College Football's Resilience Against Scandals
Despite the Brendan Sorsby betting scandal and the NCAA's perceived inability to enforce rules, college football is fundamentally resilient and will continue to thrive. Historical precedents show that major sports leagues have survived significant scandals, with ratings often increasing afterward. The current controversy, while serious, is predictable given the prevalence of gambling and will not capsize the sport's infrastructure or momentum.
Malik Willis's Transformation Under Hafley
Malik Willis has undergone a significant transformation, showing increased command, confidence, and understanding of the offense under coach Jeff Hafley. Hafley, who has known Willis for two years, attests to his growth and comfort level, suggesting he is a different player now. This positive assessment from a coach who has worked closely with him indicates a strong potential for Willis in his new situation.