Hour 1: A Star at MSG

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: A Star at MSG

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Host/Authors: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 1: A Star at MSG
• Release Date: February 4, 2025
• Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, long-time sportswriter and broadcaster Alan Hahn, and opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg delve into New York sports and beyond.

---

1. Introduction and Initial Banter ([00:31] - [02:20])

The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter among the hosts, setting an engaging and relaxed tone. Alan Hahn jokes about the type of music he listens to, invoking humor and camaraderie among the trio.

Notable Quote:

• Alan Hahn ([00:34]): “Han, the type of music I listen to would make you cry. And Rosenberg, I expect to be called ball coach.”

---

2. Jalen Brunson’s Impact on the New York Knicks ([08:53] - [17:48])

The primary focus of the episode centers on Jalen Brunson's transformative influence on the New York Knicks. Alan Hahn praises Brunson as a pivotal player who not only delivers impressive performances on the court but also embodies the humility and team spirit essential for the franchise.

Key Discussions:

• Brunson’s Performance: Highlighting Brunson's ability to score efficiently and lead crucial comebacks, such as his “17 points in five minutes” during a critical game ([12:38] - [16:12]).

• Comparison to Other Athletes: Alan compares Brunson’s demeanor and clutch performances to that of Aaron Judge, emphasizing Brunson’s intangible qualities that resonate with the New York sports ethos.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn ([16:44]): “He is the one guy you needed… Somebody that is not only an incredibly talented player, but also somebody that is easy to root for, who understands New York.”

• Michael Kay ([14:56]): “But Brunson has what Judge doesn't give Yankee fans. He has that outward heart, that aggressiveness, that passion…”

---

3. Comparisons to Other Sports Figures ([17:53] - [21:35])

The hosts draw parallels between Brunson and baseball icons like Aaron Judge, discussing how Brunson’s contract and performance create a “honeymoon period” for fans without the intense pressure associated with massive contracts.

Key Points:

• Contract Considerations: Brunson’s decision to take a discount allows fans and the organization to appreciate his contributions without the looming pressure of high expectations.

• Potential and Sustainability: While praising Brunson, the hosts discuss the sustainability of his performance and the importance of team dynamics in maintaining success.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg ([19:14]): “He took less money, so he's not being measured up to a massive contract… That helps.”

• Alan Hahn ([17:20]): “And it goes beyond the talent. He has a humility about him, that he doesn't make it about himself.”

---

4. Fan Reactions and Listener Engagement ([33:29] - [35:54])

The episode features real-time interactions with listeners who share their enthusiasm and concerns regarding Brunson and the Knicks' future. Callers express their support and hope for the team’s success, reinforcing Brunson's role as a beloved figure.

Key Highlights:

• Personal Stories: Listeners like Justin share personal anecdotes linking their family dynamics and hopes to Brunson’s success ([33:36] - [35:54]).

• Community Sentiment: The hosts acknowledge the collective optimism and the significance of Brunson’s leadership in fostering a renewed fanbase.

Notable Quotes:

• Caller Justin ([35:33]): “He needs to pass. We're going to be dynamic and everything has been falling into place.”

• Alan Hahn ([35:34]): “That's what many fans that I see all say the same thing. We've been waiting for a player like this.”

---

5. Media Influence and Public Perception ([37:04] - [41:32])

Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg address the often-negative or fearmongering narratives propagated by media and social platforms, especially when discussing a team in its ascent like the Knicks. They advocate for fans to focus on enjoying the present success rather than succumbing to speculative doubts.

Key Discussions:

• Social Media Impact: The hosts critique how social media amplifies concerns about player injuries and team sustainability, creating unnecessary panic among fans ([37:04] - [38:59]).

• Historical Context: References to past Knicks’ performances and fan patience highlight the unique position Brunson holds in revitalizing the franchise.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn ([39:06]): “The media outside of this show, or social media, or just the fans, is that here's something that should be universally praised... Is it sustainable or is this fool's gold?”

• Peter Rosenberg ([39:40]): “You are sounding like a lot of Knicks fans who are now worried… You are hungry for that side of it.”

---

6. Concluding Remarks and Final Thoughts ([41:32] - [47:17])

As the episode nears its end, the hosts recap Brunson’s exceptional role and speculate on the future of the Knicks. They express cautious optimism, acknowledging that sustained success will depend on both Brunson’s performance and the team’s collective effort.

Key Points:

• Future Outlook: While celebrating current successes, the hosts emphasize the need for continued teamwork and performance to achieve championships.

• Brunson’s Legacy: Final thoughts center on Brunson's potential to become a franchise cornerstone, akin to legendary Knicks players of the past.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn ([46:39]): “But he’s been off the court is as close to, if not equal to what Aaron Judge became for the Yankees.”

• Peter Rosenberg ([46:53]): “No one knew… Nobody knew what he could have been. Or I'll say this, I thought he was going to be pretty good. I didn't know he's going to be this.”

---

Conclusion

In "Hour 1: A Star at MSG," Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg offer a comprehensive and passionate analysis of Jalen Brunson's significant impact on the New York Knicks. Through engaging discussions, listener interactions, and thoughtful comparisons to other sports figures, the hosts underscore Brunson's role in revitalizing the franchise and fostering renewed hope among Knicks fans. The episode effectively balances celebration with cautious optimism, providing valuable insights for both avid listeners and those new to the Knicks' journey.

Final Notable Quote:

• Alan Hahn ([47:17]): “...he's been off the court is as close to, if not equal to what Aaron Judge became for the Yankees. And that's pretty good standard.”

Transcript

[Don La Greca]

If your football team had one option in their playbook, the results probably wouldn't be great. The same could be said for your investments. CBOE index options like SPX and XSP can help expand your investing strategies with cash settlement and potential tax advantages. If you're ready for a more dynamic game plan, head to betterwithoptions.com CBO Life is Better with options. Your investments could be, too. There are risks associated with CBOE Company products. Review the disclosures and [e-mail] USDISCLAIMERS Don.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'll be licking the television screen. Licking it like it's ice cream.

[Alan Hahn]

Han, the type of music I listen to would make you cry. And Rosenberg, I expect to be called ball coach.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This isn't North Dakota, this is New York.

[Alan Hahn]

This is Don, Han and Rosenberg on 8 80, ESPN and the ESPN New York app.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Ah, there you go.

[Michael Kay]

Washing down that delightful Michael K. Oreo.

[Alan Hahn]

By the way, how fast is he running out of the studio?

[Peter Rosenberg]

We were going to say, why don't you kid me? Have Michael on the first barely shut gone.

[Michael Kay]

Let me tell you, he'd like to. He wishes he could stay on with us right now.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I don't think so. I'm telling you, I think he's looking at the time of day and he's going, oh, can't wait to get home.

[Michael Kay]

He misses, he misses the camaraderie. He told me so the other day. Those solo.

[Alan Hahn]

You know about. You buy that?

[Michael Kay]

Yeah. You know better than anybody about the solo show. It's tough, man.

[Alan Hahn]

I, I loved solo.

[Michael Kay]

Did you?

[Alan Hahn]

I had. And Anthony, I'll tell you, I had a fantastic rotation of producers. Young, energetic, like creative. It was so much fun doing that.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah, but, yeah, but Kay just has Dinahan, so. No, but in all seriousness, Dino's not trying to get on the air. It's a different kind of situation. You were solo at Jace. Michael's really in there.

[Alan Hahn]

Just.

[Michael Kay]

It's just him in the microphone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's it.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, you were you.

[Michael Kay]

I listen to your show. You always had a different young up and comer. You're chatting back and forth. Yeah, it's tough. And Michael K, you know, he's a underrated. What's it, what's it called when you do two things at one time?

[Alan Hahn]

Multitasker.

[Michael Kay]

Multitasker. You can't multitask on the solo show. You got to just stare into that microphone and do the program. I feel lucky as can be to work with you two gents right now.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that's fair.

[Michael Kay]

On a day like today, Lucky. Oh, wait, hold on.

[Alan Hahn]

He can't resist the minute he heard you start talking about how much he misses you guys. Here we go. Let's get the truth. I want to call him out on one thing.

[Michael Kay]

Go ahead.

[Alan Hahn]

I can text Alan. Yeah, you or Don with a fly ball in the air, center field. Confirmed. So I can still confirm? I can still multitask? Actually, I texted Michael in the first segment about something and he responded. Well, while talking.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It is pretty amazing.

[Alan Hahn]

Really?

[Michael Kay]

Even still?

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, yeah.

[Michael Kay]

Now hold on. Tell me the truth.

[Alan Hahn]

Why? Cuz I'm 64. I can't do it.

[Michael Kay]

What? What is. Honestly, what is more difficult to do? Calling a Yankee game or doing the solo radio show?

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, solo radio show like you.

[Michael Kay]

Cuz you can do Yankee game is.

[Alan Hahn]

Happening in front of you.

[Michael Kay]

Just describe what's happening and it's, you know, that's your. It's built into you. Now, a solo show. Every day is an undertaking.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm enjoying it. But it's more work than doing the 13 of us.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah, like you dream about. Do you dream about us?

[Alan Hahn]

I do dream about what I want to talk about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's plenty to talk about.

[Alan Hahn]

This.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Hang on. Peter, by the way.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

I might be being a little sensitive right now.

[Michael Kay]

What?

[Alan Hahn]

Are you flirting?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What do you mean?

[Alan Hahn]

I'm right here.

[Michael Kay]

Wait, what you talking about?

[Alan Hahn]

Do you miss us?

[Peter Rosenberg]

This does have a little bit of the ex showed up sitting right here.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I feel that. And the way this studio is lit now, I feel like I'm in Plato's retreat. So, yeah. The way Peter just started to look at you. And then Peter misses me. Let's be honest.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you. So if this was a. If this was a party, at some point we'd be like, where did Peter and Michael live?

[Alan Hahn]

All right, then you see, we're in the corner, just mauling each other.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, Peter and Michael, they were going upstairs.

[Alan Hahn]

And that's when I say, if you see him, tell him I went home. Yeah, tell him I went home.

[Michael Kay]

I'm out. All right, take care. Say, Paul, man, I'll text you right now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He was kind of. He was. It seemed like a little. Little flirtation.

[Alan Hahn]

Are you kidding me with that?

[Michael Kay]

What do you mean?

[Alan Hahn]

Do you miss us? Don't you? Turned his whole chair back of the chair. I'd never seen the back of that chair before.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, really was a nice one on one conversation. Listen, if we were at a party.

[Alan Hahn]

Mm. It would be.

[Michael Kay]

It'll be one of those things where the exes who Broke up and now they're, like, hanging out together. What's going on with them? I thought they broke up.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, no, apparently not.

[Michael Kay]

Well, I'm sorry.

[Alan Hahn]

And then they're all talking like, did you know the new host was here? Oh, my God. They did that in front of the new host?

[Michael Kay]

Yeah. That's embarrassing.

[Alan Hahn]

He just left.

[Michael Kay]

He just. That is so sad.

[Alan Hahn]

Gonna want to listen to that show.

[Michael Kay]

Tomorrow, by the way. What the hell are you drinking over there?

[Alan Hahn]

What do I got?

[Michael Kay]

I don't know which one.

[Alan Hahn]

This is the matcha you got for me. Delightful. Of course, this is called Barcode. Little Malibu Punch.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Malibu.

[Michael Kay]

Is it, like, healthy punch or something?

[Alan Hahn]

Extremely. Okay, put it on the Yuca app. Highly rated.

[Michael Kay]

The Yuca app is the one that ranks your what's healthy and what's not.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, it gives a 10 to 100.

[Michael Kay]

That's. My wife has about every food, everything.

[Alan Hahn]

It'll make you crazy. But it does help you choose when you're like, which one should I get? Yucca will tell you which one to get.

[Michael Kay]

Now, if there's a salesperson listening, they're getting us a deal with Yuka as we speak.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, that's how it's supposed to go down, right? Because it's a brilliant app. Especially when you go shopping if you have kids. Well, like, things like decisions.

[Michael Kay]

So things like choosing with your bread, for example.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Michael Kay]

You might go to the same bread company every time, and the score on there is, like, 40, and there's another bread right next to it. The score is 90, and you don't even realize it. Yeah, you don't even care.

[Alan Hahn]

Rare to get a 90. What the key is, it'll tell you what the problem is because it'll have a low score, but maybe high sodium. But there's ones that have, like, a lot of, like, preservatives or additives. And that's the stuff you want to stay away from now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, speaking of score, did you guys catch the end of the Nick game last night?

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, wow, look at you. Look at you grabbing the wheel.

[Michael Kay]

What a seamless transition.

[Alan Hahn]

No, actually, I didn't. What happened in the Nick game?

[Michael Kay]

No, I want to ask you something about the Nick game. Actually, I want to ask you something about the Nick game. Go ahead, ask me the walk off interview with Brunson.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, what.

[Michael Kay]

What happened there at the beginning that you guys locked in?

[Alan Hahn]

Do we have it?

[Michael Kay]

Did someone flatulate? What happened? There was a weird. Did you see it, Alan? I mean, Don, there was a couple.

[Alan Hahn]

Of things that happened in that.

[Michael Kay]

Okay. Because you guys started talking, then something broke it up and you guys kind of laughed for a second and you had a little exchange and he dropped.

[Alan Hahn]

A bomb that I had to pull the mic away quick because I didn't want him to get in trouble.

[Michael Kay]

So what was it related to?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, they have this thing in the post game interviews. Whoever's getting interviewed, players sneak over and smack them in the ass.

[Michael Kay]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

And they try to catch you, like, startled, so that you're on camera talking. And you do like the, you know, the goose face. And they've done it. You know, Brunson's gotten got a few times and he's had it.

[Michael Kay]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

Because he yelled at Deuce McBride one time because he was like, he's had enough of it. Sneaking around. Yeah. And he's like. He finally was like, go. Like he didn't want to get it, but Josh Hart's really good at doing it. When. So I interviewed Josh Hart last week after the Denver game, and Josh Hart did. Or the Grizzlies game, and Hart did like a full 360 while I'm interviewing him to avoid it. And everybody's going, what is he doing? And he's avoiding. He's just making sure no one is.

[Michael Kay]

He's avoiding. He's avoiding the grab.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes. So Brunson comes over to me and I ask a question, and I see Hart lurking, and I kind of like go, like, look out. But I say it under my breath, look out. And all of a sudden, Josh just. Bam. Like, gets him. And Jalen runs back and he's yelling at him and he drops a curse and then he just starts laughing because it was funny.

[Michael Kay]

But I could not tell what it was. Just watching it. Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

If you look on Twitter, I went back and forth with Hart because there was a question that I asked next that had something to do with being hit in the rear that I thought was well timed given. Yeah. And that made Jalen giggle.

[Michael Kay]

What is it about athletes?

[Alan Hahn]

We're children, by the way.

[Michael Kay]

What is it about athletes and a good game of grab ass?

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know.

[Michael Kay]

Either way, though. Another nice dub for the New York Knickerbockers.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes. And I'm curious about something as we're all talking about the Luka Doncic trade and how could Dallas give up such a great player? If you think about it, was that really the worst since they got Anthony Davis back, was that the worst transaction or lack thereof that they have made in the last four years? They had Jalen Brunson they let him walk. You could argue he's right now in this year a top 10 player in the league.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Could you make that?

[Alan Hahn]

Could you make that? He's averaging. He's averaging 26 a game. He's top 10 in scoring. He's top. He almost top 10 in assists. He's one of the most efficient scorers in the game. He's a voted starter on the All Star team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, there you go. Now, would that have all happened in Dallas? Because there are examples of players needing to leave some place that's fair or maturing. Like we were just talking with Michael about the J.T. miller deal. Yeah, I don't. Listen, the Rangers thought they were getting a great player when they drafted him 15th overall. He didn't show any indications of this in New York or Tampa goes to Vancouver, he becomes a star. So would this have happened in Dallas or did he need to go with his boys, the Villanova boys get to be under Tibbs, get the spotlight in New York. Maybe there was just some kind of magic elixir that New York had that it wouldn't have happened in Dallas. So I'm just trying to give the Mavericks a break because I don't think we saw that. New York certainly didn't think they were getting that. There were a lot of Nick fans who were upset about the deal to begin with. Like bringing him here.

[Alan Hahn]

$100 million. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, and so obviously it wasn't there for everybody to see.

[Alan Hahn]

Nope.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I guess the question is, did Dallas miss out on this or did this have to happen in order for Brunson to be this player?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, let's flip it. If a player who was a good reserve player, who at times showed flashes of being a guy that could. Because remember Luka was injured that playoff when they went to the Western Conference finals. And I covered a lot of that for espn. So I was on the west side a lot. And I watched Dallas and Utah play in the first round. And it was Jalen Brunson against Donovan Mitchell. And Jalen Brunson had a couple of 30, 40 point games. He went crazy in that series. Luka was hurt, he wasn't playing. Now, once Luka got back, Brunson then was sort of okay, you know, you're the secondary guy and all that stuff. And you didn't see, you saw some 20 plus, but you didn't see what he was doing in that first round. So there was evidence that something was there. All I'm saying is this. If let's say, and I'm not going to say. He just give me a player who played in New York on a team and everybody's like, you know, he's kind of good, but he'd never really emerged. Then he went somewhere else and became a stud. How would we would. Well, he needed to be tripped. Nolan Ryan is a great example.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, I was not. I was one when they dealt him away. So this is all just reading and talking to my dad or whatever. They knew he had potential, right? But he was getting blisters on his fingers. He was wild. They had him coming out of the bullpen. The Mets were stacked in their rotation to begin with and they needed a third basement. Right now, obviously it did not age well. Guy goes on the pitch, seven no hitters, he goes to the hall of Fame. You know, Jim Fergosi was gone and almost immediately, right. But at the moment was, hey, we need a third basement. We've got this extra picture that seems to have talent but can't seem to put it together. He's landlocked because we have so many good guys in the rotation. Let's. Let's move this guy. There's that. That's the first example that pops into my head of a guy that just needed to go someplace else and blossom. I mean, another guy that kind of happened here was, you know, Jeff Hostetler was a backup to Phil Sims forever. Then he gets the opportunity to win the Super Bowl. Then he gets benched again for Phil, and he signed with the Raiders and had a really nice career with the Raider. So there are times guys need to leave, whether it's because they're landlocked or some people thought that maybe Nolan Ryan would never excel in New York because he was a. He was a country guy from Texas and didn't feel comfortable in the spotlight in New York. Maybe had something to do with that. But those are some of the things that kind of pop into my head of players that when given a better opportunity in a different venue, that wouldn't have necessarily happened had they stayed where they were.

[Alan Hahn]

I also think. And all that stuff is true, and that's why it's hard to find those examples. But what you said, and I think this too, he is the right, not just player, but personality. Like I was Peter. I was watching him in that fourth quarter last night because they're down 11 going into the fourth and they have not won a game yet this season. When they trailed going into the fourth quarter at home, they were 0 and 8. So you. And the way the game was going, physical, nasty. Game, they couldn't make a three to save their lives. Down 11. I'm like, towns couldn't do anything. And I just thought, okay, well this, there'll be no walk off. You know, I'm preparing my brain for post game and all that stuff. And I'm, I'm thinking to myself, I cannot see them coming back. Then they did and once it was a six point game with under five, I'm like, they might be able to win this game. Then Brunson went in God Mode. He scored 17 points in five minutes. He didn't miss a shot. Free throw, field goal. I didn't miss. And I watched and I the more like I was watching him just bulldog his way against defenders, taking a hit, falling down, getting up right away, roaring to the crowd, the whole thing. And I said, this is, this must be how Peter feels watching Jaden Daniels. Because for my life as a Knicks fan, I have been begging for a point guard. Somebody that is not only an incredibly talented player, but also somebody that is easy to root for, who understands New York. Like give me the star at that position which you hadn't seen since Clyde. And I felt that watching him going for another 40 point game in a 17 point quarter and a comeback win against a physical, nasty defense like that. And I'm saying to myself, this must be how Peter feels.

[Michael Kay]

There is something about having a player on your team that when the chips are down and the moment is there, you know that you want the ball. When you don't have that, it's like you don't have anything. And I, I hate to say this, but this is the problem with the Knicks pre Brunson. We, we love Randall, but he just wasn't who we wanted with the ball late. I know, I'm sorry. He was a great Nick Allen. But how many possessions were there late in the game where he was forcing it? The Randle handle would get him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Michael Kay]

You know, you saw it and now you have a guy who is calm, cool and collected in the final seconds of the game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What other player? Because there have been plenty. There's plenty of players in the league that dominated the end of the game. That's what great players do. But how many of them take a charge to create a turnover late in the game that turned it around? And he's laying there because it wasn't nothing that he took there. No. That's what makes him so special.

[Alan Hahn]

That happened right at my feet. I heard the air coming. Like Bart always talks about when he hits quarterbacks, his favorite thing about hitting quarterbacks. Bart Scott was telling me this one time was not, not the hit is hearing the quarterback's breath go right. Like how you just, you knew you got him when you heard his breath just leave his body. And when he got hit with that shoulder, you heard it like he went down hard and you heard the breath come out. I'm like, damn.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's not a lot of star players that are willing to take that kind of a hit. And if I'm not mistaken, it was a two point game. They get a bucket there, they tie it, take the crowd out of it. Instead it's an, it's a charge turnover. You get points the other way and then it becomes a two possession game. And then that's when I knew that the game was over. So how many players can do that, take over point wise, but then do something like that? That turns out to be the turning point of the game.

[Alan Hahn]

It's what we call God mode in the NBA. Just, you just, you just take over. You get the glow, you know, the last dragon, right? You just get the glow and you start believing that you're invincible. And I've seen him do it many times before already. So this wasn't some rare out of the box situation. This was, oh yeah, I've seen that Jalen before and. But on this particular night is why I was thinking of Peter is because I just thought this must be what he like how he feels. Because I've always wanted that and the Knicks have that.

[Michael Kay]

And now it's do Knicks and be curious to have that conversation at the Garden last night.

[Alan Hahn]

So they chant MVP 800-9193776.

[Michael Kay]

Do you guys feel like, are you taking the moment to appreciate not only that you have a top contending team in the east, but do you have the guy?

[Alan Hahn]

Oh yeah.

[Michael Kay]

You kept saying we have to find a superstar. And you stumbled in to the superstar. You didn't know when you signed him. Everyone thought he would be at best a second player. Guys, you can argue Brunson is the one guy you needed. You can build around this guy. And they have.

[Alan Hahn]

And it goes beyond the talent. I'm telling you, it goes beyond the talent.

[Michael Kay]

It is, it's the way he is.

[Alan Hahn]

His makeup in New York City, in this market, it's important that he has a humility about him, that he doesn't make it about himself. He doesn't get caught up in all the attention that he's now getting and the star attention that he's getting. All that stuff. I'm Telling you, I see it right in front of me. He is, I don't want to say the perfect superstar, but if you look at Aaron Judge, very similar.

[Michael Kay]

Oh, no, no, no.

[Alan Hahn]

When it comes to how they carry themselves, but better. But clutch ability. I know.

[Michael Kay]

Not just the clutch ability. Sorry, Donders. In addition to the clutch part, which maybe Judge will still show us one day. And he's had his moments, but not in the most pivotal moments. But Brunson has what Judge doesn't give Yankee fans. He has that outward heart, that aggressiveness, that passion that when it's the lion, we all wait to see it from Judge and we don't get it because he's so buttoned up. That's what I love about Brunson when.

[Alan Hahn]

It comes to Judge. Like, when you want to see it, because baseball's so hard to do that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like, yeah, it is a tough comp, man.

[Alan Hahn]

Like what. What would you want to see Judge do? Cause when he hits a home run, I think the most intimidating thing is when he smacks it 400ft and then he just kind of goes, yeah, whatever.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah, but hold on.

[Alan Hahn]

And he also gives you the look every now and then. Have you seen him look into the opposing dugout? Sometimes he gives you a look Judge does. It's an ice cold stare. It's a different type of.

[Michael Kay]

But Don, you don't think there's something to be said for, in baseball, even though it's a different kind of game, the guy who hits the home run, I'm not talking about bat flipping, but. But the turning to your teammates, slamming your chest and screaming, let's go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But that's not. I get it, I get it. That makes him.

[Michael Kay]

But I love when people do have.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think it makes him less of a leader. Here's the difference between Judge and Brunson is that Judge signed a massive contract and Brunson took a discount. So doesn't that take a lot of pressure off you? Right. Look at, look at Francisco Lindor. Look how big he. In the postseason for the Mets.

[Michael Kay]

Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

But after signing that 10 year contract, he was getting hammered for not being that guy. He finally was that guy. And believe me, he'll get hammered again if he's not the guy. Brunson kind of took that off the table by taking the discount. So he's not being measured up to a massive contract. That helps. But also, here's what Brunson and Judge both have in common is that we haven't seen Brunson on the big stage because the first two rounds are kind of not the big stage in the NBA. It's conference finals and then the finals. That's what.

[Alan Hahn]

It's the lcs. It's the same thing as the lcs.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So he can kill in the first round, second round, fine. Just like Judge. Yeah. It's nice that you had all run in the wild card game or this, but, you know, what are you doing on the biggest stage? And we'll see how New York will look at Brunson if he were to come up short later on in the playoffs. But right now, he's not held to the same standard because he's not making that massive contract to Lindor and Judge. And now Soto are making. Where they're gonna be held to a different standard.

[Alan Hahn]

Interesting. So you're saying it's like he's still in the honeymoon stage.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, because I think the fans are. The fans don't sit there with their arms full. Now show me something. We gave you the big contract. Now show me something. Now, Yankee fans are different than Knick fans because the show me something is win a chip.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Where I don't think Knick fans are at that stage yet. You haven't won since 1973. So you're not held to the same standard the Judge is held to because he's supposed to be the next Jeter. And Jeter had five rings, jingle and jangling, and Judge doesn't have one. So it's app and oranges in the comparison. But I do think what really helps Brunson. And the reason why, to answer your question, Peter, I think Nick fans appreciate him is because he took less money. He wanted to be in Nick, and he did that because he wanted to make this team better. So they are. They're not sitting there with their arms folded saying, show me. They're on board with him. They love him. How long will that last, though? If we fast forward five, six years from now and there's no championship, there's no run past the second round that might wear off. But right now he's the golden child. Where as much as Yankee fans appreciate Judge got, The guy hit 62 home runs, for God's sake, since like, all.

[Alan Hahn]

Right, where's the ring?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think Brunson's anywhere close to that yet.

[Alan Hahn]

He's not. He's not.

[Michael Kay]

And does. And probably it'll never happen with the Knicks. It's just a different kind of team. But he's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he's. He's every bit as important.

[Alan Hahn]

Absolutely.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If not more Important.

[Michael Kay]

The bases operate differently.

[Alan Hahn]

The way. The way Nick fans were with Patrick Ewing in the beginning was okay. This is our star. We love him. He's great. Look at him. He's ferocious. They better build a good team around him. The pressure was on the organization to do right around him. Then they got to 93 and Pat Riley showed up, or 92 when Pat Riley showed up and it became, all right, it's time to win a championship. Patrick's got to deliver. He's got to come through. And then it became, okay, he's not doing it. And that started to wear on fans. So.

[Michael Kay]

Which is tough.

[Alan Hahn]

I think what Don's saying, well, that didn't help either.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That didn't help either.

[Alan Hahn]

I loved it because he was speaking with confidence, but it didn't help.

[Michael Kay]

John Starks in Game seven didn't help either. A lot of things didn't. Weren't necessarily always on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don't guarantee you're being the Pacers and it's your finger roll that doesn't go in.

[Alan Hahn]

That one hurt, too, in 95. Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So that. That certainly hurts for sure. But, you know, and again, the whole thing with Ewing is that he gets drafted. The busher's not jumping up and down. Yes, we've got a Hall of Fame player, and we're just going to miss winning a championship For a decade and a half. It was, oh, my God, They. Peter, you weren't around, or you were around, but you were. You were what, six? When Ewing came out of Georgetown, it was like, dear God, how great. The Knicks have the best player on the board.

[Alan Hahn]

This was Kareem coming out of ucla. I mean, it was that big of a deal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And to not win was like, oh, my God, Think about this.

[Alan Hahn]

The Knicks had only been 12 years removed from winning a championship, which felt like forever.

[Peter Rosenberg]

At the time.

[Alan Hahn]

At the time, it felt like forever. But think about that for a minute, right? Like, it was only 12 years.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So. So. So 12 years from 95 is 97. So throw in another 12 years after.

[Alan Hahn]

That, and 97 happened, and then they had. That was probably the best team they've had with Patrick, and he steps off the bench and some reason David Stern makes an example of it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't. I don't think it was strategic, but I do think by taking less money, he did pave, as you said, like, a honeymoon period that I can extend.

[Alan Hahn]

3, 7. 7, 6 is the number. We'll get calls on this because, like I said, I just. Watching Brunson last night and the ferocity plays with him, what he did and the level he can get to and all that stuff. It is that sense of is this the player they've been waiting for and where are you when it comes to the appreciation of what he can be and what he's become for this franchise here in New York City. So we got calls to get to. We got lots to get to. Bob was shoes in it 4. Greeny's going to join us later on in the show as well. We got some football to talk about. It is super bowl week and more. But right now, pet, speaking of Which.

[Michael Kay]

Super Bowl 59 week is here and there's no better way to make every play more exciting than with FanDuel Sportsbook FanDuel makes it easy to place your bets and feel the thrill of every moment. Here's some of the fun bets in the app right now. You got saquon to record 25 plus rushing yards in each quarter. Either quarterback to catch a pass. You got Jalen hurts to score an octopus, maybe a big man touchdown, an offensive lineman to score a td. So many different choices to mess with. I got to see what options we have with the National Anthem and maybe the Kendrick Lamar performance. There's so many different ways to bet with FanDuel Sportsbook. So many fun props. And if you win, you'll get 200 and download the app or head to FanDuel.com Peter and bet with FanDuel, official partner of Super Bowl 59, 21 and over in fiscally present New York for his online real Money wager only $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued is non withdrawable bonus bets which expire seven days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See [e-mail] for help with the gambling problem, call 877-8-OpenY or text OPENY at.

[Alan Hahn]

467-369-Taxact knows filing your taxes can be complicated, and that's why we have live experts to help you with any questions. They can hold your hand through the process, beginning to end, metaphorically, of course. I mean, they can't actually hold your hand in person. I suppose you could hold your computer mouse while you chat with the expert about capital gains or whatever, which is sort of like holding hands. Sorry. Point is, our tax experts can make filing easier. Tax Act. Let's get them over with.

[Don La Greca]

When you think about businesses that are selling through the roof, like Aloe or Allbirds or Skims, sure, you think about a great product, a cool brand and brilliant marketing. But an often overlooked secret is actually the businesses behind the business making selling and for shoppers buying simple for millions of businesses. That business is Shopify. Nobody does selling better than Shopify, home of the number one checkout on the planet and the not so secret secret with Shop Pay that boosts conversions up to 50%, meaning way less carts going abandoned and way more sales going. So if you're into growing your business, your commerce platform better be ready to sell wherever your customers are scrolling or strolling on the web, in your store, in their feed, and everywhere in between. The secret's out. Businesses that want to grow grow with Shopify. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout untuck it uses. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.comnetwork all lowercase go to shopify.comnetwork to upgrade your selling today. Shopify.comnetwork.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In the mood for something crunchy, saucy and boneless?

[Michael Kay]

Try Jack's new Crispy Boneless Wings from Jack in the Box. Get em with Honey Garlic Sriracha or Smoke Show Smoky Barbecue Sauce.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Enjoy so much more.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Michael Kay]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Alan Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Well, you guys know it's my favorite time of year, right?

[Michael Kay]

It's favorite time of year.

[Alan Hahn]

But you know, it's getting. It's sad because it's almost the end the final week of Superbox Bonanza 6.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah, super box good.

[Alan Hahn]

And your last chance to get your box for the big game. Listen daily from 6am to 7pm because what else are you listening to anyway? Through February 6th. Isn't that Thursday? This year's big game payouts are $250 in the first and third quarters, 500 at halftime, and a final score payout of $1,000. And it's all brought to you by Tully Mordew Irish Whiskey Sloman Security Security Dodge Shop 24 [e-mail] during their President's Day sales event. For full contest details go to superbox bonanza.com youm know I didn't think about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It entered my mind during the finals last year, but it's really hitting home now. Watching the LUCA press conference in LA today. God, he looks like Pete Alonso.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah, I see it.

[Alan Hahn]

You see it a little bit. Like like I don't think he said. I think they were like brothers brother.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Better looking brother. He's like the Peyton to Alonzo being Eli. There's that slight difference that I think benefits Peyton. They look alike, but Peyton's better looking.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think Luka's better looking than Pete.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And also, Luke has got a little bit more hair.

[Alan Hahn]

I could see it. I could definitely see it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And Palenque, we've been saying it for years, is basically Rob Lowe.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't see that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my God. Wait a minute. No, dude, Peter, punch it up on your phone. Do something. Save him.

[Michael Kay]

Oh, he knows.

[Alan Hahn]

I know where you're going with it. I get it. But I wouldn't go that far.

[Michael Kay]

Really?

[Alan Hahn]

Like, that looks like him.

[Michael Kay]

Oh, I. Oh, I think similar. Way more than then Doncic and Peter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Way more.

[Michael Kay]

A different level altogether.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I didn't see.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's doppelganger and there's almost a twin. A twin? Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now Rob's better looking.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. All right.

[Michael Kay]

Of course it's Rob Low to you and me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, I didn't know you were. That you would like that with him.

[Michael Kay]

Come on. Rob Lowe. Who's not?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, you do. You do. You do one hockey movie and now we're first name bases.

[Michael Kay]

What do you mean?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, you said Rob.

[Michael Kay]

I called him Rob.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Did I?

[Michael Kay]

Yeah, he loves Rob.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Maybe subconscious. I did read two of his books. Yay. And Youngblood. Yeah, two of his books. I like two books.

[Michael Kay]

That's. I can't read two books about anything.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Come on. You know, he was great in Tommy Boy.

[Michael Kay]

Oh, you know he's great. No one. No one's pushing back. It's just. It's just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So say the most. Fire is a movie that I walked out on because I saw it when I was in high school, and now it's like I can't get enough of it because it didn't relate to me when I was younger.

[Alan Hahn]

Now it's dripping in nostalgia.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You love that.

[Michael Kay]

I don't think I've ever seen sand almost fire.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, wow. No, it's better than the song on.

[Michael Kay]

The plane two weeks ago as I sat down and turned on the DirecTV or whatever it was, the TV system they had Goodfellas on TV was just starting.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, that's a home run.

[Michael Kay]

It's your whole flight. And it's got commercials, so it's like taking forever and you can't get out of it. No matter how many times I've seen it. It's just. But I will say this about Goodfellas, as much as I adore the film, but when you're rewatching it for the thousandth time, the last 30 minutes, it starts to get so kind of depressing and hard that you start to be like, I missed the part when it was fun. I think the end gets, like, a little depressing and bad.

[Alan Hahn]

I think you're not bad like a bad film. It does get dark fast. It gets dark and the characters you start to. You really started to, like, now start crashing.

[Michael Kay]

Exactly.

[Alan Hahn]

And it ends up, like, tragic now.

[Michael Kay]

Now like Lyota and De Niro don't even like each other anymore.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The turning point is one of the best scenes when. When they play Layla and you start to find all the bodies.

[Michael Kay]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's like, no, these were people that I liked. They were character. We all got along. He's killing them all. Yeah, that's. No, I. You know what? That's a really good point.

[Alan Hahn]

It's all the characters you ended up liking throughout the whole.

[Michael Kay]

It's basically around when Pesci gets whacked and the bodies start getting found.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And then this is playing the background, which is phenomenal Pesci, by the way.

[Alan Hahn]

Phenomenal. I mean, that. That's. Come on.

[Michael Kay]

Oh, of course. I mean, what do you.

[Alan Hahn]

And the funny thing is that I've never met him, but everybody that has all say he's like the sweetest, nicest human being. Impossible. And I'm thinking to be able to play that character.

[Michael Kay]

No, no. But I'll tell you, I can explain that right now because that feels very. I've learned this from my years in the hip hop biz.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh.

[Michael Kay]

The killers are always the nicest guy. So like the artists who like the guy. The artist who you meet and they have their guy with them who you know is the guy you do not mess with.

[Alan Hahn]

Mm.

[Michael Kay]

Always the nice, affable guy. The ones who look like. It's like. It's exactly.

[Alan Hahn]

It's a really good point.

[Michael Kay]

So.

[Alan Hahn]

So they have a switch. I don't want to flip it.

[Michael Kay]

I'm sure Pat, she's really nice. But even going back. All the way back to his days growing up in Jersey with Frankie Valli, he was always the muscle, which is.

[Alan Hahn]

By the way, an incredible. Just a ridiculous story.

[Michael Kay]

No, it's ridiculous, but Pesci was the guy who was protecting Frankie Valli. You don't want any problems with Pesci. Wild story anyways. But it's a great film.

[Alan Hahn]

I love it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The big question is, who's more evil? Tommy and Goodfellas or Nikki and Casino?

[Michael Kay]

They're both so.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And they both go out bad. Although I think Tommy went out the better way.

[Michael Kay]

Oh, wait.

[Peter Rosenberg]

John had rather than beaten with a Baseball bat after you just watched your.

[Michael Kay]

Brother die, if not Nikki's death?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think in the history of cinema.

[Michael Kay]

No, Nikki's death is so bad.

[Peter Rosenberg]

At Casino, who's a worse guy, Tommy or Nikki? They're both really bad guys.

[Michael Kay]

Well, hold on. The worst thing that Tommy does in Goodfellas probably is the killing of Spider.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that was.

[Michael Kay]

That's the worst. Most innocent. I mean, there's an innocent person who.

[Alan Hahn]

Unnecessary kill. Completely unnecessary. I am all right. You ain't all right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he walked into that, like, senator's house and shot her in the head and then, like, patted her on the head and just, like, gently laid her down on the kitchen table.

[Michael Kay]

Like, who does that? These are bad characters especially.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You ran up a poll. I bet you it finishes 50. 50.

[Alan Hahn]

Run her up the poll. Let's do it.

[Michael Kay]

Who's scarier, Nikki or Tom?

[Alan Hahn]

I like that. 800-919-3776. And Jalen Brunson appreciation Day. I love this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We do this every once in a while.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. So let's see how we feel about him. 800 now, 193776. But we, we had a caller on here I was curious to get to, but he decided to drop, which is.

[Michael Kay]

Good because what was he going to say?

[Alan Hahn]

Would have shredded him. Let's. Justin in Texas will start us off. Hey, Justin.

[E]

Hey, Alan. Hey, guys. Listen, we had a conversation. I don't know if you remember when you were with Bart about that. I would say I would have my vasectomy reversed to have a baby.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes. And what did I say?

[E]

You said that you were about to get one done and then you chick it down.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I didn't chicken out. My wife called it off. I was. I was heading to the office. She called me and said I had a change. Don't do it. I don't feel right. Don't do it. So I've told her since then, since I didn't, I didn't have it done. I said, if, if the Knicks win a championship with Jalen Brunson, we are having another child, no matter how old we are. And if it's a boy or a girl, it's going to be named Jalen. And she said, can we just get a dog?

[Michael Kay]

Which I respect.

[Alan Hahn]

Which is. Yeah.

[E]

Anyway, well, if you get a dog, I had said that I would name it Randall, but.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, wow. Wow.

[Michael Kay]

You still can if you want.

[Alan Hahn]

Go for it.

[E]

No, no. So at first I was a little nervous with that trade, but now I feel a lot better with the trade. The only Thing is, I didn't know how that would translate. I think it's, it's good. I still believe that we need a, like a Steve Novak, like in the corner. Somebody that's just automatic.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that's what Anunobi is. An anobi is actually Bridges is the number one corner, three shooter in the NBA.

[E]

Yeah, I, I like, I mean, like off the bench, like another.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, off the bench. Well, yeah, I mean, Landry, you're saying you want an upgrade from Landry Shambit and I understand that that's going to take. That's probably going to take an off season. I find it hard to believe they'll be able to pull something like that off with all the restrictions before Thursday's deadline.

[E]

I feel like we got hurt with Divincenza leaving, but I, I love Brunson. That Brunson is like, I've been telling my best friend since I was a freshman in high school, like, watch when we get a point guard, when the Knicks get a true point guard, someone who could facilitate. Facilitate someone who could break down a defense, who can score when he needs to score.

[Alan Hahn]

Changes everything.

[E]

He needs to pass. We're going to be dynamic and everything has been falling into place. And then when he took less money, it just. A stud.

[Michael Kay]

What?

[E]

A stud?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. No, it's. Good call, Justin. It's again, it's what many fans that I see all say the same thing. We've been waiting for a player like this. Lang and Stanford Lang. Yeah.

[F]

Good afternoon, gentlemen. One day is not doing it justice. We need a entire year at least to bounce into our friend Jill and Brunson, our leader. With all that being said, I look at this, you know, listen, I relish. I love jailing. I love the post game interviews. It seems so genuine. It's so natural. You feel like, you know, it's an old friend you're speaking to, so humble. And I marvel at his, at what he's doing. But I also look at it from another standpoint and I'm wondering when these other players are going to step up. Now, we can't rely on Jalen Brunson to have 40 point games in February and March and the months prior for the sustainability of the season. It's not going to work. He's going to break down Cat.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, my God.

[F]

To step it up. He looks Nick. He looks Nick.

[Alan Hahn]

No pun, Lang.

[Michael Kay]

What's going on here?

[Alan Hahn]

Lang, take a breath for a second and tell me what the Knicks record is right now.

[F]

32 and 17, I believe.

[Alan Hahn]

33 and 17. What place are they in in the east? Third. Third? Are they closer to second or fourth?

[F]

Yeah, seconds behind.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, how are things going with 30 something games to go? Like you Lang, here's the thing with. You are sounding like a lot of Knicks fans who are now worried. Like you are so scared that something is going to happen to take that's going to rip the rug right out from under you. Like you're worried. Why not? It's the highest scoring starting five in the NBA. Like this is a group of guys that first of all, three of them grown up together. They've been playing together for years. The chemistry is as good as you'll see on any team. Towns, as he hurt, he hurt his thumb. It's messing up his shooting lately. That's a problem. And I'm agreeing with you there, it's a problem. But if I told you you have a three to four year window with an opportunity to win a championship and you're gonna start worrying in year one. Like this is going, this is, this is a block of years that you have a chance to do something here.

[F]

I hope you're right. I think worry about condition for things.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Like Lang, I think what's happening and I hate this. And thank you Lang for the call. What I hate is happening right now, guys. And this isn't all sports cuz as a Yankees fan I saw it all last summer. What happens is social media is loaded with people who become pretend media people and they want clicks, right? They, they, they want to get as much engagement as they can. How do you do that? Fear mongering? What's happened in sports now is that anytime a team gets off to a good start, the first thing that said is well, hope they don't get hurt. Wow, this, this is happening. I don't like this. I don't like that. And then fans feed into it and they start panicking and they start thinking, oh my God, this is this the best. It's gonna be like last January was so good and then everybody got hurt and that's the biggest, the worst thing that can happen. And now you think every year it's gonna happen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know, but it's not New York. New York is like this brutal where something is very obvious.

[Alan Hahn]

What should we do? Put it on bubble wrap and not play them until the finals.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, but it, it's so typical of what happens in this business with us, with the media outside of this show, or social media, or just the fans, is that here's something that should be universally praised The Knicks are having a great season. Brunson's a superstar, so there's got to be that guy who's going to say, okay, well, is it sustainable or is this fool's gold? Remember, we are talking about a team that hasn't won in 50 years.

[Alan Hahn]

That's fine.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So that's why it's become a cottage industry now to be the other side. We'll pump the brakes. It's only February.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, I told you so.

[Peter Rosenberg]

These guys are going to wear down.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. The percentages of you being right when you say I told you so are higher than, of course, the other way. But every team that wins a championship goes through a gauntlet, that goes through the ups and downs they have to endure. I know health is on their side. All the things that go right, like the Chiefs, what's gone right for them to have a chance to win three straight is they have a great player who has stayed remarkably healthy. They have a great coach, and they have figured it out along the way. They've had ups and downs, but when it matters most, they get it done. You go through this. But a championship season, everything does have to go right.

[Michael Kay]

When do we ever.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You've been doing New York radio long enough, 40 years to know at least that. When have we ever done a show where something great happens and the whole show is just all positive or there's some spin, like, but is it sustainable? Or, you know, a team, a team wins a championship immediately, it's like, well, can they win another champion?

[Alan Hahn]

That's the headline.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is it a dynasty?

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So there's always going to be the other side, the other talking points. So I give those fans a bit of a break, especially Nick fans, because they haven't seen it. Peter and I will get on Yankee fans during the summer and you'll see because they have seen success. They have seen a championship in recent vintage. But when a Nick fan, most of the people calling have never seen a championship. I can't kill them. If they were looking like, I'm not killing the fans.

[Michael Kay]

Let's see.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm not killing them, but even the media, I hate the fact that they are caught. They're caught up in the fear that is put out by so many of these content people just want clicks because they're.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They. They know that there's fans out there that are hungry for that side of it.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Well, what they want, it's almost like they don't want to believe, like, you know, no, you have a really good team. This is one of the best teams in the league.

[Michael Kay]

Holyokage said it, guys, I went through this all season.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes, you did. The emotions.

[Michael Kay]

No, no, no. And people saying it to me, I don't want to play. Jaden's playing so great. But I. And I would say, guys, it's okay.

[Alan Hahn]

Just enjoy it.

[Michael Kay]

They're gonna be good. You don't have to live in the past.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Michael Kay]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Alan Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, everybody. It is Superbox Bonanza 6. Each qualifier will take home an ESPN prize pack and have a chance to win a 10 Superbox prizes. Pick a number, fellas.

[Michael Kay]

Let's go. 5.

[Alan Hahn]

5. Just a solid number.

[Michael Kay]

That is a very solid number of the rookie of the year, Jayden Daniel.

[Alan Hahn]

There you go. Call number five right now at 8. At 8, 9, 8 7, ESPN 8. At 8, 9,8, 7, ESPN select the box for the big game. With a chance to win $250 in the first and third quarters, 500 for halftime and a final score payout of $1,000. It is all brought to you by Tullamore Dhu Irish Whiskey Slowman Security and Security Dodge Shop 24 [e-mail] during their President's Day sales event. Bob was shoes and joining us momentarily. I got a lot of football to get into with him, but we got called to get into with you. Talking Knicks and Jalen. Brunson. Nas and Pine Brook, you're up next.

[G]

Hi, guys.

[Alan Hahn]

Hi, Nas.

[G]

So I'm so excited. It's hard to stay on topic because you guys are hitting a lot of stuff that I want to talk about, but we'll focus on Jalen. I finally received my signed ball that I won at the ESPN party.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay. Was it everything you wanted and more? I'm sorry, Is it everything that you wanted and more?

[G]

Let's just say I was like the dad in A Christmas story. I was telling my husband, put it up to the window. I want to see what it looks like for months.

[Alan Hahn]

It's a major award.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's Italian.

[Alan Hahn]

Do you know by the way, real quick, Nas, near my house, I was driving the other day and I just turned down a street near my house and just something caught my eye. Looked, they had a big, you know, picture window. In that window was that lamp.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Really?

[Alan Hahn]

I swear to God, I was like, these people. This is great. I need to meet these people.

[Michael Kay]

Your kind of people.

[Alan Hahn]

Those are my kind. Of people anyway.

[G]

Those are my kind of people, too. Yeah. So for Jalen, I just want to say I've always loved the Knicks as a collection. Right. My cats are named Oakley and Mason.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[G]

I like that. Yeah. I love them always as a squad. But this is a guy that I can trust. You know, my husband's like, I'm going to bed. They're down by 11. I'm like, you don't understand. This guy can go off at any minute. And as a team, they trust each other. It's a different feeling with this guy. I don't have a Knick alone on my wall of fame. I have my favorite basketball player ever against the Knick, But I know. I think I'm going to get a signed Brunson picture, which would be a big deal because I don't have just a single Knick on my wall.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. If there's ever one, like every time. And thank you, Nas. Always good to hear from you. Every time people say, like, you know, can I buy a jersey? If I'm going to buy a jersey, who should I get? And there were years with the Knicks, I was just like, I'd probably go with Ewing, but he doesn't play anymore. Yeah, this is, this is now, this.

[Michael Kay]

Is the safest Nick jersey purchase since Ewing.

[Alan Hahn]

Wow, that's really good.

[Michael Kay]

I mean, Carmelo was pretty safe.

[Alan Hahn]

Pretty safe.

[Michael Kay]

You know, Pretty safe.

[Alan Hahn]

But, like, I think you're right, though.

[Michael Kay]

This is the safest. This guy is the team.

[Alan Hahn]

Rashad in the Bronx. Rashad. Hey, good afternoon. Good afternoon. Alan with the auntie Peter.

[Michael Kay]

What's up, man?

[Alan Hahn]

All right. Yes. So, yeah, yeah. So, Brunson, I was telling my friend from the beginning that he was, he was trying to say Brussels got overpaid. And 2022, when I was trying to tell him that 1 to 25 is not. Is nothing in 2022, he's looking from the lens of, of an NBA fan from 2005. Well, yeah, 2025. Yeah. When you hear 100 million, it sounds, of course, like for the rest of us, a lot of money. But at that point in the NBA, there really wasn't a lot. It was the four year commitment they were making. But for what they wanted to be, which is a starting player, you know, that that was the kind of the going. Going rate. But now nobody looks at it and says anything because they didn't know. It's all it was. Don said it like, you didn't, you didn't know what you were getting when you got him. The Knicks did Because they'd known him all his life, literally. But no one knew what that was going to turn into. No one had a clue what he could have been. Or I'll say this, I thought he was going to be pretty good. I didn't know he's going to be this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I don't think. And the Knicks have to be pleasantly surprised, too. I think they knew they were getting a really good player. Did they know they were going to get all of this?

[Alan Hahn]

Not this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No. I can't imagine.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, this kind of guy, like, no one. Killer like this.

[Michael Kay]

No one did. There's not a. There's not a. How about this? There's not a fan, a Knick executive, or even a pundit who talks about the game who knew they would get this. Not Alan Hahn, not Stephen A. Smith. Nobody knew.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, there were people that liked the deal.

[Michael Kay]

Oh, yeah, absolutely. And there's lots of. But no one knew.

[Alan Hahn]

I think Stephen A. Actually, if I remember right, kind of like mocked it a little bit.

[Michael Kay]

Well, there was a little bit. I remember that. There was a little bit of. That's it.

[Alan Hahn]

But we.

[Michael Kay]

Jaylen Brunson, like, this is the best.

[Alan Hahn]

You can do that.

[Michael Kay]

This is the best we could do.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. And a lot of people felt that way.

[Michael Kay]

And by the way, I get it, they were thinking, okay, well, he was great when Doncic was out, but is he really that good? Yeah, I remember. But, hey, it turned out to be magic.

[Alan Hahn]

Like I said, I saw him front row in the playoffs, and I said, wow, he's really good. But, you know, you've seen guys in a league that could occasionally. Terry Rozier can occasionally give you a 30.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

But you're never going to, like, look at him and think, this guy's going to carry my franchise. But he's become that on the court. But I'm telling you what, he's been off the court is as close to, if not equal to what Aaron Judge became for the Yankees. And that's pretty good standard. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.