Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: What's Wright - Best of: Nick Wright GOES OFF on Mavericks-NBA Draft lottery rigging rumors, Jalen Brunson all-time Knick, NFL schedule release reaction
Release Date: May 18, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction
In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by Nick Wright, listeners are treated to a "Best of the Week" segment where Nick dives deep into some of the most contentious and engaging sports topics. The episode zeroes in on NBA Draft lottery rigging rumors, the debate surrounding Jalen Brunson's standing among New York Knicks legends, and the latest reactions to the NFL schedule release.
1. NBA Draft Lottery Rigging Rumors
Timestamp: 02:05 - 08:40
Nick Wright kicks off the discussion by addressing the widespread conspiracy theories suggesting that the NBA Draft Lottery is rigged. He takes a firm stance against these claims, labeling them both illogical and indicative of a lack of understanding of probability and statistics.
Key Points:
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Probability Explained: Nick emphasizes the importance of understanding odds, comparing the belief in a rigged lottery to the improbability of winning the Powerball jackpot.
Nick Wright (02:15): "The odds of any one person winning the Powerball are like 1.4 billion to one. But someone always wins it. That’s how probability and statistics work."
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Critique of Conspiracy Theories: He criticizes the notion that firms like Ernst and Young or NBA executives would orchestrate such a large-scale rigging, describing it as "idiotic."
Nick Wright (04:30): "Any conspiracy where it's like, well, we need a whole lot of executives and lawyers at Ernst and Young to be in on it... It's so dumb."
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Real-World Example: Using the Dallas Mavericks' play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies as an example, Nick illustrates how perceived anomalies are often just statistical outcomes rather than evidence of manipulation.
Nick Wright (06:00): "There are five teams that if they would have won it, we would have said rigged. People are just reverse-engineering these conspiracies."
Guest Interaction: Damanze engages with Nick, challenging him to respect differing opinions but ultimately agreeing with the rational approach to debunking conspiracy theories.
Damanze (06:36): "Dallas is the team."
2. Jalen Brunson: Best Knicks Player Since Patrick Ewing?
Timestamp: 08:59 - 17:44
The conversation shifts to the New York Knicks, specifically focusing on Jalen Brunson's impact and his potential legacy within the franchise.
Key Points:
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Comparing Brunson to Melo: Damanze brings up the debate of whether Brunson surpasses Carmelo Anthony in the Knicks' all-time rankings.
Damanze (08:59): "Do you think he's the best Knicks player since Melo?"
Nick initially hesitates but ultimately argues that while Brunson is not yet above Melo, he stands out among recent Knicks players.
Nick Wright (09:27): "He's not above Melo in my [player pyramid]. If Jalen Brunson retires today, is he one of the 45 greatest players ever? Carmelo is obviously not."
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Leadership and Championships: Nick contemplates the scenario where Brunson leads the Knicks to an NBA championship, questioning whether that would elevate his status among Knicks legends.
Nick Wright (10:50): "If he were to win the finals this year, that’s not a bad Melo."
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Mount Rushmore of Knicks Legends: The discussion evolves into whether Brunson should be considered among the top Knicks players of all time, alongside legends like Willis Reed and Walt Frazier.
Nick Wright (16:15): "Here's a better question. Maybe is Jalen Brunson now on the Mount Rushmore of Nicks? Reed, Frazier, Ewing are three locks. I think Brunson's four."
Notable Insight: Nick underscores the importance of championships in cementing a player's legacy, suggesting that without a title, Brunson's standing remains solid but not legendary.
Nick Wright (17:44): "He wouldn't be above Ewing either yet. But he is now Jalen."
3. NFL Schedule Release Reaction
Timestamp: 23:12 - 36:17
Nick transitions to football, offering an in-depth analysis of the newly released NFL schedule. He breaks down key matchups in the nationally televised games and highlights implications for various teams.
Key Points:
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Sunday Night Football Slate: Nick reviews each Sunday Night Football game, providing his opinions on which matchups are must-watch.
Nick Wright (24:56): "The Ravens at Bills is a kick-ass game. But I don't get it to, be totally honest with you."
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Team Performance Predictions: He shares predictions on how teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Green Bay Packers might perform based on the schedule.
Nick Wright (27:14): "Packers at Cowboys is a good early-season measuring stick game for both teams."
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Potential Wild Card Implications: Emphasizing the importance of early games in determining playoff prospects, Nick analyzes how certain matchups could influence postseason scenarios.
Nick Wright (29:13): "Week seven Falcons vs. Niners again. I'm being a little overserved."
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Thursday Night Highlights: The discussion also covers Thursday night games, highlighting intriguing matchups and potential upsets.
Nick Wright (35:00): "The Bears, Eagles, awesome. Then Cowboys, Lions, really good."
Guest Interaction: Damanze adds perspectives on specific games, such as the Jaguars potentially winning their division, reinforcing Nick's analysis.
Damanze (36:08): "I think you can get the Jags to win the division at nearly three to one right now. Pretty good bet."
Conclusion
Nick Wright wraps up the episode by summarizing his insights on the NBA and NFL topics discussed. He reiterates the importance of understanding statistics to debunk unfounded rumors and recognizes Jalen Brunson's growing legacy within the Knicks while anticipating an exciting NFL season ahead.
Final Thoughts:
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Understanding and Rationality: Emphasizing the need for analytical thinking in sports discussions.
Nick Wright (08:40): "You're just dumber than you think you are."
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Legacy Building: Highlighting the ongoing journey of athletes like Jalen Brunson in shaping their legacies.
Nick Wright (17:44): "He now is Jalen. Here's another question. God, we're doing an hour on this game I gotta get better at this stuff."
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Excitement for Sports Seasons: Expressing enthusiasm for both NBA and NFL seasons, anticipating engaging performances and memorable moments.
Nick Wright (36:16): "Travis Hunter, Prince Redemption. Liam Cohen Fading your fading your guy. C.J. Stroud, Texans."
Notable Quotes
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On NBA Lottery Rigging:
"The odds of any one person winning the Powerball are like 1.4 billion to one. But someone always wins it. That’s how probability and statistics work."
— Nick Wright (02:15) -
On Conspiracy Theories:
"Any conspiracy where it's like, well, we need a whole lot of executives and lawyers at Ernst and Young to be in on it... It's so dumb."
— Nick Wright (04:30) -
On Jalen Brunson's Legacy:
"If Jalen Brunson retires today, is he one of the 45 greatest players ever? Carmelo is obviously not."
— Nick Wright (09:27) -
On NFL Schedule Analysis:
"The Ravens at Bills is a kick-ass game. But I don't get it to, be totally honest with you."
— Nick Wright (24:56)
This episode offers a compelling mix of statistics-based debunking of NBA conspiracy theories, a heartfelt debate on a rising Knicks star's legacy, and a comprehensive breakdown of the NFL's upcoming season schedule. Nick Wright's candid and analytical approach provides listeners with valuable insights and stimulates thoughtful discussions on current sports narratives.