Overview of What's Right with Nick Wright
In this episode, Nick Wright and guest co-host Ty Butler react to the Spurs’ Game 7 win over the Thunder, preview a Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals, and break down two massive NFL trades involving Myles Garrett and A.J. Brown. The conversation centers on whether Oklahoma City is more of a regular-season powerhouse than an all-time playoff juggernaut, how much Wembanyama’s emotion and workload matter, and what the blockbuster moves mean for the Rams and Patriots.
NBA Playoffs: Spurs, Thunder, and the Finals
Spurs vs. Thunder: the series takeaway
- San Antonio closed out Oklahoma City in Game 7 on the road.
- Wembanyama was emotional after the win, saying he wants winning “like my life depends on it.”
- Nick praised Wemby’s intensity but noted it could also hint at how much emotional and physical energy the Spurs spent just getting to the Finals.
Why Nick thinks the Thunder are not a true dynasty-level playoff team
- Nick argued the Thunder have looked like a regular-season juggernaut more than a historically dominant playoff team.
- His reasoning:
- Their depth and defense overwhelm teams over 82 games.
- In the playoffs, when rotation depth matters less and execution tightens, their advantages shrink.
- Their title resume over the last few seasons resembles teams like the 2021 Bucks or 2023 Nuggets more than an all-time dynasty.
- He emphasized that this does not diminish their championship, but it does make the “future dynasty” talk premature.
Chet Holmgren’s Game 7 collapse
- Nick and Ty were both shocked by Chet Holmgren’s passive performance.
- The key concern:
- Zero shot attempts in the second half.
- He looked unwilling to attack in the biggest moments.
- Nick suggested Wemby may have gotten in Chet’s head psychologically, especially in a matchup where Wemby’s size and rim protection mattered.
SGA’s greatness — but with a ceiling in this series
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played well in Game 7, but his overall series was viewed as underwhelming by his standards.
- Nick said SGA is clearly an all-time great guard, but not in the Kobe/Jordan tier.
- He placed SGA more in the neighborhood of Dwyane Wade in historical guard rankings.
- Main critique:
- His efficiency dropped sharply in the series.
- He didn’t get the same whistle he often enjoys.
- In this matchup, opposing defenders were not as afraid of his foul-drawing pressure.
What the Spurs’ run means going forward
- Nick said the Spurs’ roster is promising, but not guaranteed to stay intact long enough to become a multi-title team.
- He raised concern that Wemby’s size and injury risk mean the team’s championship window may be more urgent than people assume.
- He also noted that the Spurs may have spent a lot of emotional gas getting through the Thunder.
Knicks vs. Spurs NBA Finals Preview
Narrative angles
- If the Spurs win:
- Wemby’s trajectory enters true all-time-great territory.
- Nick said it would strengthen the case that Wemby is on pace toward being one of the greatest players ever.
- If the Knicks win:
- Jalen Brunson’s place in history among small guards gets a huge boost.
- Nick argued Brunson would enter the very small group of guards who have unquestionably led a team to a title.
Injury, rest, and matchup factors
- Nick thinks the Knicks have two major advantages:
- More rest, both physical and emotional.
- A more businesslike path through the playoffs, with fewer wars than San Antonio.
- Mitchell Robinson is viewed as a swing factor:
- His rebounding and physicality could help wear down Wemby.
- His ability to be playable despite the hand injury could shape the series.
- Karl-Anthony Towns is also seen as important because he gives the Knicks size and toughness without being a pure perimeter-only big.
Predictions
- Nick’s pick: Knicks in 6
- Ty Butler’s pick: Spurs in 7
- Nick also mentioned Demondze’s placeholder pick as Spurs in 6
NFL Blockbusters: Myles Garrett and A.J. Brown
Myles Garrett to the Rams
- The Rams reportedly landed Myles Garrett in a huge trade package.
- Nick’s view:
- This makes the Rams immediate Super Bowl favorites.
- It is a risky but understandable “go all-in” move for Matt Stafford’s window.
- He also said Cleveland likely will not regret the trade:
- The Browns weren’t close to contention.
- They added major draft capital and improved their long-term flexibility.
- His only concern for the Rams: they need Garrett to commit to a long runway, not just a short-term stint.
A.J. Brown to the Patriots
- The Patriots traded for A.J. Brown, reuniting him with Mike Vrabel.
- Nick liked the move for New England:
- It gives Drake Maye a legitimate No. 1 receiver.
- It addresses a glaring offensive need.
- He expects Brown to post strong numbers, likely similar to his recent production but with more yardage and a solid touchdown total.
- Nick also pointed out the Eagles could be one of the NFL’s most volatile teams next season:
- They could contend for the best record in football.
- Or they could crater and finish below .500.
Key Takeaways
- Nick sees the Thunder as a great team, but not yet a proven playoff dynasty.
- Chet Holmgren’s passivity in Game 7 is a major concern, especially against elite rim pressure teams.
- Wemby’s emotional intensity is a strength, but the Spurs may have spent too much to get to the Finals.
- The Knicks enter the Finals with more rest and a cleaner emotional state.
- Nick’s official Finals lean: Knicks in 6.
- The Rams and Patriots both made major splash moves, with the Rams pushing all-in and the Pats giving Drake Maye a true star target.
Show Notes / Housekeeping
- Nick reminded listeners to send in questions for Friday’s mailbag episode.
- He also promoted upcoming TV and podcast appearances and mentioned Ty Butler’s show and ESPN New York slot.