Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "What’s Wright - Best Of: Nick Wright GOES OFF on Stephen A. x LeBron Feud, Bronny Drops 39 in G League, JuJu Watkins Tears ACL"

Release Date: March 29, 2025
Host: Nick Wright
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Nick Wright delves into some of the most compelling sports stories of the week. From devastating injuries and breakout performances to high-profile media feuds, Wright provides insightful analysis and passionate commentary. This summary captures the key points, discussions, and notable quotes from the episode, offering a comprehensive overview for those who haven’t tuned in.

1. JuJu Watkins Tears ACL

Timestamp: [12:16]

Nick Wright opens the episode with heartbreaking news about JuJu Watkins, a standout basketball player at USC, who recently tore her ACL during a game. Wright emphasizes Watkins' exceptional talent and the impact of her injury on both her career and her team's prospects.

• Outstanding Talent: Wright highlights Watkins' potential to be the greatest women's basketball player ever, citing her impressive stats: "38 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, eight blocks in a single game" ([12:25]).

• Career Implications: He discusses the likely timeline for her recovery, stating, "ACLs are different in that they used to truly be career-altering and these days they are not. She needs a great NCAA tournament run just to catapult her celebrity the way Caitlyn had" ([12:45]).

• Team Impact: The injury not only affects Watkins but also USC's chances in the upcoming basketball tournaments. Wright speculates, "USC should still get. They should be able to win next round without Juju, but not past that" ([13:10]).

Wright also expresses empathy for Watkins and the broader basketball community, lamenting the loss of what could have been a landmark season for both the player and the team.

2. Bronny James Drops 39 in G League

Timestamp: [24:00]

Shifting focus to rising stars, Wright discusses Bronny James' stellar performance in the G League, where he scored a career-high 39 points in a recent game. This marks a significant milestone in James' professional career, especially considering his previous health challenges.

• Remarkable Performance: Wright commends James' achievement, noting, "Bronnie James, 39 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals—far and away his best game at the professional level" ([24:10]).

• Overcoming Adversity: He reflects on James' past struggles, including a cardiac arrest that derailed his collegiate season, highlighting his resilience: "20 months ago, this kid suffered cardiac arrest. It totally derailed his collegiate season. And now he's breaking records in the G League" ([24:30]).

• Future Prospects: Wright speculates on James' potential trajectory in the NBA, stating, "Kevin O'Connor tweeted that if they did a redraft today, he thought Bronnie would be a first-round pick" ([24:50]).

This section underscores James' determination and potential to become a legitimate NBA player, despite the setbacks he has faced.

3. Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James Feud

Timestamp: [27:00]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the ongoing feud between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James. Wright offers a deep dive into the origins, developments, and implications of their public spat.

• Origins of the Feud: Wright narrates how Stephen A. has publicly criticized LeBron, leading to tension between the two figures: "Stephen A. just today said, 'He'll smile in your face, then stab you in the back. That's why I don't like him'" ([27:15]).

• Impact on Media and Fans: He discusses the broader impact of the feud on sports media and fans, remarking, "The toxicity of sports media across all sports is actually about Michael Jordan and that era" ([28:00]).

• Personal Reflections: Wright shares his own experiences with public perception and media scrutiny, stating, "I have a bit of... I am my most honest" ([29:00]).

• Current Standings: Despite the feud, Wright acknowledges LeBron's continued excellence on the court: "LeBron gets to actually go out and play the games, and he's still awesome" ([29:30]).

• Future Implications: Wright speculates on the potential outcomes of this feud, suggesting it may perpetuate negativity rather than leading to a resolution: "It's a war you're not going to win because of your popularity and success" ([30:00]).

This segment provides a nuanced perspective on how personal conflicts between high-profile athletes can influence public discourse and sports journalism.

Conclusion

Nick Wright's episode delivers a blend of emotional storytelling, statistical analysis, and critical commentary. From JuJu Watkins' unfortunate injury and Bronny James' impressive performance to the heated exchange between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James, Wright encapsulates the highs and lows of the sports world with clarity and passion. His ability to connect individual stories to larger trends in sports media makes this episode a must-listen for enthusiasts seeking depth and insight.

Notable Quotes

• JuJu Watkins Injury:
  "She needs a great NCAA tournament run just to catapult her celebrity the way Caitlyn had." ([12:45])

• Bronny James Performance:
  "Bronnie is now averaging 22, 5 and 5 on 46, 38, 80 splits. That is a great value for your 55th overall pick." ([24:50])

• Stephen A. Smith Feud:
  "Stephen A. just today said, 'He'll smile in your face, then stab you in the back. That's why I don't like him.'" ([27:15])

• Wright on Feud Impact:
  "The toxicity of sports media across all sports is actually about Michael Jordan and that era." ([28:00])

This summary aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of the episode, capturing all essential discussions and insights while excluding non-content segments and advertisements.