Michael Jordan is headed to NBC as a special contributor, but according to LeBron James loyalist Nick Wright, the network might want to put the GOAT in a very… specific role.
On a recent episode of his podcast What’s Wright?, the always-outspoken Wright couldn’t resist poking fun at Jordan’s storied history—this time zeroing in on the six-time champion’s well-known gambling habits. With NBC securing Jordan for their NBA coverage starting next season, Wright offered a take that was as sarcastic as it was biting.
“Michael Jordan is going to join NBC as a contributor,” Wright said, before delivering the zinger. “Listen, NBC is a different network, but fair is fair. I gotta give credit where it’s due… If they are going to use him the way he should be used, that is going to be an unbelievable addition. And by that, I mean—he should be their gambling expert.”
The comment sparked immediate laughter from co-host Demonte, who could barely hold back a grin. The jab may have been tongue-in-cheek, but it was unmistakably a shot at Jordan’s infamous gambling past—a topic that’s followed the NBA icon for decades.
A fan account quickly reposted the clip on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Nick Wright drops an absolute gem on the new Michael Jordan/NBC partnership…”
NBC’s Big Move and MJ’s Return to the Spotlight
NBC’s blockbuster 11-year deal with the NBA begins in the 2024–25 season and includes exclusive Monday night national games and regional doubleheaders on Tuesdays. The addition of Jordan, even in a limited contributor role, brings undeniable star power to the broadcast team.
While the exact nature of Jordan’s responsibilities hasn’t been disclosed, Wright’s “gambling expert” comment—though clearly a roast—touches on a larger conversation about how the league’s legends are portrayed in media roles. Jordan has always maintained a guarded public image, so seeing him step into the analyst spotlight, even briefly, could offer fans a rare look into the mind of a man often shrouded in mystique.
Draft Lottery Controversy: Wright Fires Back at “Rigging” Claims
Wright didn’t stop at trolling MJ. In a separate segment, he addressed the chaos following the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, where the Dallas Mavericks snagged the No. 1 pick despite just a 1.8% chance.
Many fans cried foul, accusing the NBA of rigging the lottery in favor of the Mavericks. But Wright dismissed the conspiracies in blunt fashion.
“Do you think the NBA Draft Lottery is rigged? Because if you think it is, you are kind of dumb,” he said.
“Go to your local community college, you can probably get courses for $70 a credit hour and take an introduction to probability and statistics.”
The unlikely outcome stunned many. The Utah Jazz, who had the highest odds, fell to the fifth pick—further fueling skepticism. But Wright reminded viewers that statistical anomalies don’t equal rigging.
“It’s not about what you think is ‘deserved.’ That’s why it’s called a lottery. Low odds are still odds.”
MJ, LeBron, and the Never-Ending Debate
Nick Wright has built a reputation as one of the most vocal supporters of LeBron James in the ever-raging GOAT debate, often using any opportunity to highlight Jordan’s perceived flaws—or at least poke fun at them. His comments on the NBC deal are just the latest chapter in that saga, adding fuel to an already fiery fanbase split between eras.
Whether NBC takes Wright’s “gambling expert” idea seriously (spoiler alert: they won’t), the mere presence of Jordan on-air next season is bound to generate buzz. And if Wright keeps up the jokes, don’t be surprised if MJ responds in his famously competitive fashion—silently, with results.