You're right, but that's apparently a general problem in the jurisdiction in question, not something specific to this case. The information at the top of the thread seems to indicate that the defense wanted this case pushed to the front of the court schedule this summer.
The defense said nothing about pushing ahead of anyone. The judge said something about that.
Durham county can not say our cops are too busy to give Miranda warnings and besides we do not Marandize anyone else. Similarly Durham County can not say, speedy trial, we don't give anyone no stinkin speedy trial.
That Durham routinely denies accused speedy trials does not trump the right of any particular person to a speedy trial. That other defendents routinely waive their speedy trial rights does not mean these guys lose their right to a speedy trial.
So the judge can say any hauty thing he wants about not pushing this trial ahead of others. These guys still have a right to a speedy trial.