Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: What's Wright - Best Of - Thunder ALL-TIME Team? Nick reveals Club Superstar, Eagles Top 5 NFL Team Ever
Release Date: May 31, 2025
1. Saquon Barkley’s Bold Claim on the 2024 Eagles
Timestamp: 02:27 - 05:19
Nick Wright delves into a contentious claim made by Saquon Barkley, who stated that the 2024 Eagles are among the top five NFL teams of all time. Wright vehemently disagrees, arguing that the Eagles' accomplishments do not warrant such high placement in NFL history.
- Nick Wright: "Not only is it not true, it's not even an... you can't even make a credible argument for it." (02:37)
He contrasts the Eagles with legendary teams like the 1972 Dolphins, 1984 49ers, and 1985 Bears, emphasizing their undefeated records, dominant defenses, and postseason performances as benchmarks that the 2024 Eagles fail to meet.
- Nick Wright: "The 72 Dolphins that went undefeated had the number one offense and the number one defense and beat teams by an average of 15 points a game. That's a top five team of all time." (03:38)
Wright also criticizes Barkley’s selection process, highlighting inconsistencies such as including the 2000 Ravens, whom he doesn't consider a top 20 team.
- Nick Wright: "One of the teams he listed was the 2000 Ravens, which is not a top 20 team of all time." (03:51)
2. Club Superstar: Building the Ultimate Team
Timestamp: 06:42 - 10:33
Transitioning from NFL discussions, Nick Wright introduces his rendition of "Club Superstar," a fantasy team selection that includes iconic NBA players. The conversation revolves around the strategic inclusion and exclusion of certain players based on performance and potential.
- Nick Wright: "We took out Embiid because of all the injury stuff and AD for similar reasons." (07:58)
He explains the criteria for maintaining team depth and ensuring that each spot is occupied by reliable and high-performing athletes. Donovan Mitchell's inclusion over veterans like Anthony Davis sparks a debate about leadership and playoff performance.
- Nick Wright: "The hardest call was Donovan." (07:51)
A notable quote during this segment reflects Wright's critical stance on roster management:
- Nick Wright: "Your guys lists suck. And... he wouldn't even it was so his top. Here are his top five teams of all time for the record..." (05:20)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder: Evaluating Dynasty Potential
Timestamp: 20:04 - 41:18
Nick Wright offers an in-depth analysis of the Oklahoma City Thunder's current season, debating whether they should be considered a dynasty in the making. He meticulously compares their performance to some of the greatest NBA teams in history.
- Nick Wright: "They are four wins away from one of the single greatest Seasons in NBA history." (20:21)
Wright references historical data, such as win totals and point differentials, to contextualize the Thunder's achievements. He draws parallels with the 1996 Bulls, 1997 Bulls, and the 1972 Dolphins, underscoring the rarity of such success.
- Nick Wright: "The 73 Celtics not, you know, had a disappointing playoffs. And then this Thunder team." (27:58)
He also addresses the Thunder's draft capital and future prospects, noting that while they possess a significant number of picks, the quality and potential of these assets remain questionable.
- Nick Wright: "The Thunder's draft capital is more quantity than quality. So this year they have the 15th pick from Miami and the 24th pick from the Clippers." (28:04)
Wright concludes by assessing the Thunder's resilience and depth, arguing that their comprehensive team structure positions them well for sustained success without necessitating exorbitant spending.
- Nick Wright: "They have one more Denver pick later. But again, unless we think Joker's gonna retire." (31:39)
4. The Best All-Time NBA Teams: A Comparative Analysis
Timestamp: 13:12 - 19:55
In this segment, Wright discusses the criteria for the best all-time NBA teams, weighing factors such as regular-season records, playoff performances, and individual player excellence. He emphasizes the importance of consistent dominance and the ability to perform under pressure.
- Nick Wright: "If we're trying to do the hypothetical, if they were to match up against each other... And if your guy is peak Wilt Chamberlain or Peak Michael Jordan...". (28:04)
He debates the merits of current superstars like LeBron James and Steph Curry in historical contexts, defending their places among the elites despite evolving team dynamics and league competitiveness.
- Nick Wright: "When we just saw he just finished sixth in MVP voting. Sixth. He just finished firmly. Second team, all NBA." (12:00)
Wright also touches upon the subjective nature of ranking players and teams, acknowledging differing opinions while advocating for his assessments based on tangible achievements.
5. Listener Interactions and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: 19:55 - 41:18
Throughout the episode, Nick engages with listener questions and comments, providing insights and clarifications on previous discussions. He maintains a candid and often assertive tone, ensuring that his perspectives are clearly conveyed and debated.
- Nick Wright: "I am not trying to give myself credit here. I... I was not one of the loud Thunder skeptics." (31:45)
In his closing thoughts, Wright reiterates his support for the Thunder's potential, while cautiously acknowledging the unpredictable nature of sports championships.
- Nick Wright: "I think the dynasty talk is so silly and I understand folks argument is they are set up so well and I will just make the point that I made on Tuesday again we think every team almost is set up so well when they're in the midst of winning." (35:00)
Conclusion
This episode of "What's Wright" by Nick Wright offers a robust discussion on both NFL and NBA topics, blending historical analysis with contemporary commentary. From challenging Saquon Barkley's assertions about the Eagles to meticulously evaluating the Oklahoma City Thunder's championship prospects, Wright provides listeners with a comprehensive look into sports rankings and team dynamics. His decisive stance and analytical approach make for an engaging and thought-provoking listen for sports enthusiasts.
Notable Quotes:
- "Not only is it not true, it's not even an... you can't even make a credible argument for it." (02:37)
- "We took out Embiid because of all the injury stuff and AD for similar reasons." (07:58)
- "They are four wins away from one of the single greatest Seasons in NBA history." (20:21)
- "If we're trying to do the hypothetical, if they were to match up against each other..." (28:04)
- "I am not trying to give myself credit here. I... I was not one of the loud Thunder skeptics." (31:45)
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and providing context for listeners who may not have tuned in.
