← Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
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- [00:01]
Alan Hahn
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- [00:23]
Don LaGreca
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- [00:26]
Alan Hahn
Visit mcafee.com/incancel anytime terms apply. Don, I was fighting with obesity.
- [00:33]
Don LaGreca
I wore. You're losing. Don.
- [00:35]
Peter Rosenberg
Don. Peter. Thank you, Alan. I hope you make the team.
- [00:38]
Don LaGreca
And Rosenberg.
- [00:39]
Alan Hahn
Richard, have you ever heard of brazzers?
- [00:42]
Peter Rosenberg
No.
- [00:43]
Alan Hahn
This isn't North Dakota. This is New York.
- [00:46]
Don LaGreca
This is Don Hahn and Rosenberg on 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app on a Friday in New York City with Don legreco. I'm Alan Hahn. Peter Rosen. Not with us today, but we have got a lot to get to with you and Don. I. I'm in LA one more day. We got the Clippers tonight. Knicks and the Clippers. I'll be on the broadcast but right now, I mean vibe check, right? Like right now, we, we have a lot to discuss. The NHL deadline has closed. It is after three now. And with Don here, you know, Donnie Parks, we're going to be definitely breaking down the moves that were made. Lou lamarillo shows us still got a little something on the fastball, but the Rangers have done and more. So lots to get to. But Don, I gotta tell you, one of the best Knick in over a quarter century suddenly feels like it's on the brink.
- [01:34]
Alan Hahn
Oh it. You know, when your heart was in your mouth, right? And our text thread blew up last night. When you see that happen, you're thinking oh my God, how can it be? All right, they're not good enough to win a championship of. My God, you can't lose this player. And now it's like a first round and done. How much are you going to plummet in the Eastern Conference? So let's just hope we get some good news that it's nothing that's that serious. I would assume he's out tonight even if the news is good. I would think you know better than me. But right now, after seeing what happened last night, getting him back after the trip or at some point next week would have to be celebrated, right?
- [02:14]
Don LaGreca
Oh my goodness. That soon. I'll tell you what. So I obviously I'm out here with the team. I'll be calling the game tonight with Kenny Albert. On msg, they're playing the Clippers. So I'm at the team hotel. I, I was waiting to find somebody or anybody that had good news, right. Like it's something to say. And all I know is everybody saw Chris Haynes had a report that said that I think they believe it's just a sprain. We don't know what level of sprain or what grade of sprain, but the feeling is, is that at first you look at it and you're thinking a lot of things. Dislocated, broken, right? That was the other thing. Was the ankle broken? It twisted so awkwardly, so badly he could barely walk. The toughness he showed to stay in the game, make free throw and he made them to tie the game with like it was like a minute 24 in overt. He stays in the game. But like you, you, you look at what he is to this team. Think about this too. Eight, all eight points in overtime. He had scored in clutch time which scored 14 points for them, did everything he could to help them win the fricking game in regulation. Josh Hart one beat too late. Otherwise that game's over and they just can't get it done in overtime. They can't hold a 10 point lead early in the fourth quarter and they lose again to a high level team in the NBA. And now I would tell you that my expectations and I again, as I said, I have not talked to anybody with the Knicks. I have seen some people last night it was just a grim mood. So there wasn't a lot to be said. But all I can say is that what you just said there. I don't expect him to play on this trip, the rest of this trip and there's still four games to go, including tonight Sacramento and more. But I don't know when they get him back. But this is now when you test why you make the moves that you make, right? And this is why he has. They've been like. The reason why they traded for Towns and Bridges was because they were over reliant on Brunson. Like you can't survive when it's one guy that carries you. You've got to have others who at different games in different moments can step up and it's their game and it's over the last couple of weeks they have been over reliant on Brunson. He's been saving them late in games. He has been there be all, end all again and so now it's okay. So were these the moves that were the right moves to make? So this team can survive this or are they still over relying on Brunson and when he's not in the lineup and if it's a significant amount of time, it's, you know, let's just say it's the next four. If it's, if it's even that, if it could be the next couple of weeks. Who? We don't know yet. We'll find out later tonight, hopefully. But, you know, then you got to rethink how you built the team once again. And I've said this before, because they really do rely a lot on him.
- [05:03]
Alan Hahn
No, they do. I mean, he's the leader of the team. He's your last shot guy. He's the engine. But there are going to be times where you're going to have to suck it up and there's enough talent on this team to be able to make it work. All right, you can beat the Clippers, you can beat the Kings. There's winnable games there. You shouldn't go into a nosedive. You're not good enough to even think about a championship if one player as significant he is can cripple you to that point. Now you take him out of the lineup for the rest of the season and the playoffs, yeah, it changes things. But if you tell me he's going to be out three to four weeks and that cripples you as a franchise, then you're not ready. So let's see if they could step it up. And how about this for being glass half full? Would it be the worst thing if they dropped to the four? Milwaukee's one four straight. Knicks have a three game lead in the loss column against the Bucks. If he's out for the next three, four weeks. You play.500 basketball, you don't sink. But the Bucs stay hot. Overtake third, you go into the playoffs as a four seed. Guess what? You might avoid the Celtics in the second round. You get Brunson back, right Then maybe I'm just trying to find a silver lining in this. Would it be the worst thing in the world if that were to happen?
- [06:23]
Don LaGreca
If that were to happen, probably not, right? Probably not. But I can't even think that far. You know, here's the funny thing. I know you're looking for the silver lining. I'm looking at this team right now and I'll know more about them over the next the rest of this trip because, you know, we'll find out at some point what the extent of the injury is. He's got to get imaging on the ankle, right? So they got to know what kind of like what? Great. If it's only a sprain, what's the grade? Because only a sprain. If it's grade three, forget it.
- [06:53]
Alan Hahn
Right there still a level of a spring three.
- [06:56]
Don LaGreca
Yes, exactly. So that's the part that you still got to figure out. But then after that it's how does an offense, which by the way, since the all star break, is 24th in the league, they were before the All Star break, top five in the league offense, since the All Star break, their bottom five. How like what happened? What's going on with this team that now, as we know, the defense has always been an issue, but their offense has been so good, they still won a ton of games despite it. But now without your engine, and he's the engine, without him, how do they survive? Who steps up? What is. What is the answer? That's going to tell me a lot. Because if something happens on a positive note over these games, maybe Mikhail Bridges shakes out of it. They know they need him. He knows they need him. He emerges well, you know, or town starts to carry him. Something has to happen for me to then start talking about second round matchups. Because right now the first round is what you're still concerned with. Because if they're compromised in any way with Jalen Brunson, I don't know how they get out of the first round like it's just a real thing because they are not playing well right now. And then they just lost their best player.
- [08:05]
Alan Hahn
Make no mistake. My silver lining is you get him back. But is it possible while he's out, you sink to the four. Now, you don't want to sink to the four because you're playing poorly with Brunson, but if you've got a built an excuse on why you finished fourth and Brunson comes back and he's healthy and he's strong and he's rested because then he wouldn't be compiling all those minutes down the stretch. I'm just trying to look for something, but he's not coming back. Devastating. And to your point, let's see what these guys are made out of. Championship teams can lose guys, you know, we've seen it. Injuries, Injuries are something that I think tests the will and desire of the rest of the team. This is a very, very talented lineup. It's not exceptionally deep. We get it. They're not great defensively. We get their flaws. But as good as Brunson is, it shouldn't cripple you. Unless you weren't good Enough to begin with. So it could be a very interesting test, but one you wish you didn't have to go through.
- [09:00]
Don LaGreca
No, not at all. Of all things to happen, that's the one. Remember Josh Hart? Already dealing with a bulky knee that has been bothering him, but yet last night, guy played his ass off, right? Like I said, he was one beat away from winning the game on a layup. Like they. They doubled Brunson at the end of regulation. They double Brunson. Brunson's got to split it. And as he does, Hart is cutting into the paint and he feeds Hart and Hart goes to the basket. And all LeBron had to do, and it was just brilliant. LeBron just stepped in just enough to not foul, but to make Hart, instead of Hart trying to take a runner there, he's got to take one more step to get around LeBron. That step cost him. And then they went to overtime. Now, think about it. If not for that, Brunson doesn't get hurt, right? What'd you guys used to call that? The fallacy, the predetermined outcome, right?
- [09:45]
Alan Hahn
Yes, yes.
- [09:46]
Don LaGreca
But the point is, is that if. That. If that little beat doesn't happen because it was literally like, I think a tenth of a second when he releases the ball, that, that he. That it was too late. It was already still in his hand. But if that layup counts, no overtime, no injury, and no worse for the wear, instead, they got to go to overtime. The injury does happen, and I know we're going to hear. And, And I'm. I'm almost like I'm expecting it, but you know what's coming, and that is the breaking down of a team that has three starters playing the most minutes in the NBA. Whether it's Bridges who coincidentally isn't hurt, but just isn't playing well. Brunson, who just got hurt on. He stepped on a defender's foot. This was not a non contact, your body broke down injury. Right? This is not a soft tissue injury. This is literally. He stepped on someone's foot driving to the basket in crunch time. I don't know if like, Don, has anybody ever done that? And it's like, well, you know, I'm so rested, my ankle was fine.
- [10:44]
Alan Hahn
I know, I know this.
- [10:45]
Don LaGreca
You know what I mean? Like that. I don't know how you. But people will do this, and I know it's coming.
- [10:49]
Alan Hahn
They will.
- [10:50]
Don LaGreca
Attributing this injury to minutes played will be insane, but it's coming. And I don't think there's any doubt like it's coming that Tom Thibodeau is going to be put on the grill. He's going to be on the grill and the rest. So any of these players that love playing for him need to understand your coach is now going to be on the grill. And how you guys play and perform without Brunson will decide whether or not the torches and pitchforks are out at the end of this season. For a head coach that just got.
- [11:16]
Alan Hahn
An extension, well, I think they're itching. A lot of fans are itching to do that. Come on. Last night's injury had anything to do with wear and tear. Come on. Like, I do sometimes think the minutes are a bit of an issue, but you can't use this as an example. I agree if he's out long term.
- [11:31]
Don LaGreca
But no, the town's one. I'll give you. I think Towns wearing down might have to do with the amount of effort he's had to put forth. And he had no all star break. None. He told me all about his all star break. He had no time off. He never got to catch his breath. And he's going through again, the personal stuff. So. Like that one, I'll give you Bridges. He's leading the league in minutes. Bridges doesn't look tired. He looks disengaged.
- [11:58]
Alan Hahn
No. And that was going to be something. I think that if they look tired in the postseason, they get thrown back in. But there. There have been pitchforks and there have been that whole, you know, chasing down the Frankenstein monster with Thibodeau because all. He's never won with anybody anyway. They'll forget what happened in Chicago with the injury situation that they had here when the Bulls might have been able to win. But. But he's not a guy that's won. So. And the feeling has always been, well, you can't win with him because he wears his players down, focuses in two intense in the regular season at all that garbage. So they're out for him anyway. So I'm sure they're going to come out of the woodwork today if Brunson's out, any kind of significant time. And it would be interesting if they got bounced in the second round again. Would there be, and rightly so, a conversation about is he the right guy to take him to the promised land? I believe he is. I think you do, too. But that's going to start to build up when you don't get there. And.
- [12:54]
Don LaGreca
And again, the go ahead. No. The more evidence that builds up, the harder it is to fight it.
- [12:59]
Alan Hahn
And now you now he's turning 70 and he got that going against you, too. I mean, there's a lot of things that not winning this year and not getting to the conference final would probably reflect poorly on him. But, you know, the, the more the years go on, that that contingent of fans is going to grow.
- [13:16]
Don LaGreca
Yeah. Yep. Yeah. And that's. And that's, again, it gets louder whenever there's injuries. The Josh Hart injury is also one that he's managing the knee and he's such an important piece because he does a little bit of everything. He had an 18 and 10 game. He had four steals. You know, very impactful last night in LA, but, you know, we know he's dealing with that. They're in a back to back tonight against a tough, physical Clipper team that, you know is not going to. They're not going to have any sympathy for you. Right. So there's. There's a lot right now that's setting up for more noise and negativity around a team that's had. Like I mentioned, this is one of the best seasons they've had or in the last 25 years or more. And yet it's going to be loud and it's going to be negative unless some people step up. And a lot of the people need to step up are the starters that have played a lot. And it also. All the play, all the fans who call in, they want this guy off the bench should play more and that guy should play more. They're going to now. They're going to and you'll see whether or not Tibbs was right to say, I can't play him big minutes because our bench isn't good enough. We all knew going into the off season that the bench was an area that they were going to have to focus on to get better, to get a player. Like, they don't have a Ty Jerome, a Peyton Pritchard. They don't have a guy coming off the bench that is like a. Like just can carry scoring. They don't. People love Deuce McBride and he's a really good player, but he hasn't taken his game yet to that level. He's still somebody that is good, but not great, inconsistent. It does happen. The fans love him everywhere. Every arena he goes in, they chant his name. It's the most amazing thing ever. But it doesn't make him one of the best six men in the game. He's not. He's not there yet. And anybody else campaign and Landry Shamut and there's just no one there. That comes in and this guy can get 30 on a given night or 25 on a given night. They don't have that guy. And clearly they got to find one because all the great teams have it. 800 now, 193776. As I expected. And again, it's. Last night was a frustrating loss. And then, and then also one that, you know, if you ever threw a remote, it would be when you saw Jalen Brunson limp off the court. I know I, I would have. But we got to talk to some people now. 800 hour 93776. We start with Hector in Queens. Go ahead, Hector.
- [15:37]
Peter Rosenberg
Hey, guys. Sorry for the contestants. The contentious words we had last, last time I was, I was only trying to mess with you. Anyways, you're good.
- [15:46]
Don LaGreca
No, we're good, Hector. We're good. We're good.
- [15:49]
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, I know, Alan. I just want to know with the Mikhail bridges situation, like, I hope he plays well in the playoffs and I hope some of the kids step up, but next year, I want to talk about next year. The kids we drafted this year don't step up next year. Like that's a black mark against the front office. In the front office. I have nothing but good things to say about them. But also about Mikel Bridges, if he plays well during the playoffs. And you, I want to ask you, do you give him that extension or you just play it out the year? That's really what I wanted to know. Also, I'm in a group chat with Nick fans, 11 of us, four of them, four of us already rumbling about sibs. I like tips, but if by next year, nothing, they don't really go far. I think you're gonna have to start searching. Not this year, but next year. Anyways, thank you, guys.
- [16:35]
Don LaGreca
Well, thank you, Alan. You got it, Hector. Thank. Thank you, Hector. Yeah. Well, first and foremost, the bridges extension, which he's right about, is definitely going to be done. It's, it's a significant amount of money. Like we're not talking about, you know, a couple of bucks here. You know, they, they, they've got to give them a three year deal. It's gonna be like 100, 220, $140 million. And that puts on top of already the money they're paying Brunson. They're paying, you know, Townes and Anunobi and when, you know, you need more pieces and Bridges doesn't look comfortable in the role that you, you're asking him to play, which is essentially what Dante divincenza was quite happy to play. Right. And you thought you were making an upgrade from DiVincenzo to bridges, but if, if Bridges isn't comfortable in that role that you're asking him to play, are you really giving him that extension? Right. Like you're, you're, you're not doing it.
- [17:35]
Alan Hahn
No. Force it.
- [17:36]
Don LaGreca
So if you're not going to give him an extension, then I imagine this summer and he's not comfortable with it. Like, if we finish the season and nothing's changed and he still looks a little disillusioned on offense and he's inconsistent and you can just see the disconnect. Don't you think it's just leading to a place where Bridges becomes a guy that you just have to put on the market and see what you can get for him and try to find a way to, you know, turn him into two players or you would have. Preferably a starter.
- [18:03]
Alan Hahn
You would have. I mean, now what was the logic with the trade? Were they thinking that he would be comfortable?
- [18:10]
Don LaGreca
Yes, the logic was he was a bigger, better version of Dante DiVincenzo, that he was like, he could defend, he could score. We saw he was a, he could definitely carry a team. He scored 20 points a game in, in Brooklyn. He played on successful teams. As far as the, the Suns getting to the finals, like, he was, you know, the guy's been on, so he's had that. And then he also was another Villanova guy, so it was more of the, the same chemistry. It seemed like an obvious fit, but as the season has gone along. Yeah, it's a four year, 156. So I was, I was under. Underplaying it at 120. So his, the extension he can get is up to 156 million over four years. I just, I don't know if you can commit that knowing that we're up against the, the, the apron and we really need more pieces off the bench. So if that's not a. And look, if he was fitting famously, you do it, you don't care. But if he's uncomfortable, it's almost like you gotta really, you gotta think about it. Are you really, are you really paying him or are you saying, you know what, you're not happy here? We don't really think it's a great idea to extend you. We probably should trade you. And then they do that. That's going to be a story in the off season, I think.
- [19:26]
Alan Hahn
Right. But like, but unlike other deals, you are now having to get compensation for what you had given up to get him in the first place. Now, I understand you're not getting five protected picks, so it's not as devastating as it feels like, but you're going to want to get something because that, that has to be factored into the ultimate deal. Right? You brought him here figuring, I'll sacrifice these picks and these players because I think he's going to fit and I think we're going to extend them. All right? We're not going to extend them, all right? We're going to deal him away. Whatever you get in return, when you look at it in its totality, what you gave up for him to the Nets is going to be included in the overall deal from a PR standpoint.
- [20:05]
Don LaGreca
Yeah, yeah, it's true. It's. It's all going to be relative and those picks will always be connected to that move. But you could, like I said, if, if he's, if, if the, if he looks comfortable, if he finds it, whatever it is, it's a no brainer. But because of the last half of the season, he has really looked disillusioned offensively, disconnected offensively. And he, you know his numbers. He took six shots last night, Don. Six. He only took six. He's a starter who played 40 minutes. He took six shots. So there's something going on. And if that's not. If it doesn't fit, it's no one's fault. You don't, you don't blame the guy. You know, Bridges, you're. This year that it's not a negative thing. It's like if it, if it ain't working, you just acknowledge it ain't working and you move on. So that's something to really. This off season, you got to consider going forward and then you find it. But this is the other thing I do. I find a way to get Dante Divincenzo back here in Minnesota. You ask Minnesota, what do you want? Like, we need this guy back here. Because you can't deny they look different. When he got into the starting lineup, his little bulldog mentality next to Brunson, the chemistry those two had together, there was something there. You got to get him back. My opinion. Love it, too. Yeah. Oh, I think so. Danny and Yonkers. Danny, you're up next.
- [21:26]
Peter Rosenberg
Hey, guys. Al, you just kind of hit exactly what I was about to say. I'm really regretting the Karl Anthony Town Street, I think last night or just.
- [21:35]
Don LaGreca
A lot of games this season.
- [21:36]
Peter Rosenberg
If we have Randle still, we run.
- [21:38]
Don LaGreca
The offense through him.
- [21:40]
Peter Rosenberg
We did it for years. Like, I'm just a Fan. But I was comfortable with Randle running the offense. And then there's not many other players in the league after last year.
- [21:51]
Alan Hahn
I'd like to take the big shot.
- [21:52]
Peter Rosenberg
At Crumpton Camp and Divincenzo.
- [21:54]
Don LaGreca
I mean, I just missed those guys.
- [21:56]
Peter Rosenberg
I think this is a championship team.
- [21:57]
Don LaGreca
With them on it. I don't know about Randall. I'll push back on you. I still think Cat's the better player. I think not enough people understand, like the guy's playing with a sword knee. It's not great, but he wants to play. He doesn't want to sit out. So you got to understand that. He's never going to say it, but I'll say it for him because I've talked to him privately. The knee is not good, but he's fighting through it.
- [22:19]
Peter Rosenberg
Okay.
- [22:19]
Don LaGreca
All right. He also has the finger, the thumb. There's a lot going on with him. But his numbers are showing you. The numbers are showing you the shooting's not there in the second half. He did not get a break during All Star that he needed to kind of recharge. That didn't happen. You know, again, I'm not making excuses. I'm telling you what I've talked to him about privately. But the Randall thing, I'll push back the Divincenzo. I will not. I will not. That. That hurt. Losing him hurt. And I, I would this. If I was the gm, I would find a way to get him back. I would be calling Minnesota and saying, well, what is it going to take? I need this guy back, not Randall. I'm telling you. Don't, don't discount what Cat can do when he's right. And they're gonna need him now. Danny, thanks for the call. They're gonna need him and they got to get him. Right. See, because he's there now. All Star, they have two. He's the other one. You still have one. You still gotta be able to rely on him. So, you know, like tonight. I don't know. Because that's a hard fought game last night. I don't know what to expect tonight, Donnie. I really don't.
- [23:18]
Alan Hahn
Well, second to back to backs are always a beast.
- [23:20]
Don LaGreca
Tough. Yeah.
- [23:22]
Alan Hahn
And likely playing it without Brunson. It's a. That's a tough spot.
- [23:25]
Don LaGreca
But with no chance to kind of. Yeah. After that. Like, at least you gotta, you know, the. Some of the other opponents. The rest of this trip aren't. Aren't incredibly overwhelming. But you know, would you have seen this is.
- [23:38]
Alan Hahn
I mean, would you have signed for two and three, when you left, when you got going in, when you got, when you got. Before I knew anything.
- [23:46]
Don LaGreca
Before I knew anything. No. Hell no. No. 3 and 2, that's the worst. 3 and 2.
- [23:52]
Alan Hahn
All right. Worst three, worst.
- [23:54]
Don LaGreca
I was thinking, I looked at this trip down and I said 4 and 1. If they get right, 4 and 1 is possible. I do think Golden State's beatable. I think they had them. They couldn't, you know, they had a terrible second half. Curry got going. They should have beaten Golden State. Tibbs said after that game, we should have found a way to win this game. He was annoyed at that loss. He didn't like that second half. So I looked at this, I looked at the schedule and I thought, all right, Lala, back to backs, rough. You're going to lose one of them, I'll give you that. The rest of these though, Sacramento, they're a different looking team. They've got a lot of issues there. They've made some trades. You can beat them. Portland is playing harder. They're a young team, but you can beat them. And then Golden State felt like a payback at the end of the trip kind of game. With two days off before you have to play them, I'm like, no, I want four and one, I'll take three and two.
- [24:42]
Alan Hahn
But nationally televised game on Saturday, so that kind of changes things just a little bit. And if you got to play four of the five without Brunson, that I think you take two and three.
- [24:51]
Don LaGreca
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- [26:01]
Peter Rosenberg
My favorite barbecue sauce, American cheese, crispy.
- [26:04]
Don LaGreca
Bacon, pickles, onions, and a sesame seed bun, of course. And don't forget the fries and the drinks. Sound good? I participate in restaurants for a limited time.
- [26:16]
Alan Hahn
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- [26:45]
Don LaGreca
Listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.
- [26:48]
Alan Hahn
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
- [26:50]
Don LaGreca
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
- [26:57]
Alan Hahn
Well, you guys remember Ridgewood High School basketball star Johnny Jackson? Remember we had him on.
- [27:03]
Don LaGreca
Oh, yeah.
- [27:04]
Alan Hahn
For the holiday party and how he was playing basketball while he was getting treated for cancer. Well, SportsCenter has picked up the story and they're going to do a feature on him this Sunday on SportsCenter called Johnny Buckets. Be sure to check it out. This remarkable story that we were so happy to have him on. Got to meet his coach, got to meet his dad. And just a tremendous, tremendous story. I'm glad this is getting some national attention. So Johnny Jackson, the story called Johnny Buckets is going to be coming up on SportsCenter. So definitely check that out. It's gonna be a pretty cool feature that they're gonna do, so I wanted to give that some love.
- [27:39]
Don LaGreca
Absolutely. That's tremendous story. It's tremendous story. I told Rod Strickland about him. Liu. I did. I was like, yeah, absolutely. I did keep an eye on him. Right. Like, you know, you got to see a story like this, but you got to see some talent, too. Right? So always, always good to, to see these kind of stories and definitely something for everybody to keep an eye out for. Dom, before we get back to Nick's calls and the Knick story of things with the NHL trade deadline. We'll get into deeper in the 4:00 hour. But there was right before the deadline, there is a report that you and I both in the midst of talking basketball.
- [28:14]
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
- [28:15]
Don LaGreca
Probably just had to catch a breath. Pierre LeBrun reporting. Still pending the league call. And the league call, everybody. That's just you submit your trade now. A lot of times you got to get it in by259.59. But then it's not made official because you have to have a conference call. Both sides talk to the League rep and the league rep, then here. Okay, so we both agree. These are the terms. Okay, Done. So it does. They still have to get through the call. But the Florida Panthers acquired Brad Marchand. Yeah, I mean, it's like the Bruins rarely do this kind of thing that they just kind of are going to blow it up. And what he's done, playoff wise, yes, he's a pest. You hate playing against him, but boy, you love having him on your team. For the Bruins to move a beloved player like that shows you that they're already ready to blow it up. But what the. I mean, Florida Panthers getting him, Me. Come on, man.
- [29:15]
Alan Hahn
There's two sides to the story. First, listen, Boston wasn't going to make the playoffs. You saw the writing on the wall. Even going back to last year where they were able to piece it together and go, but they weren't going to make the playoffs. But. And they were starting to sell off pieces and. But Brad Marchand, it's the heart and soul of the team. He's the captain of the team. He had been there since 2008, part of the cup championship in 2011. So he's gone. Bruin fans are apoplectic here because they've really blown this up. Braden Carl also went to Toronto, so they're trading pieces to rivals, right? Carlo goes to Toronto, the Marchand goes to Florida. These are division rivals that the Bruins have faced, but they realize that they've got a long term rebuild. You know, this goes back to the loss of Bergeron and Kreche last year at center. So this has been happening for the last couple of years, but this was a consistent playoff team. Won the cup in 2011, went to the Stanley Cup Final in 2013 and 18, and essentially that entire team has been blown up. Really, all that's left now from a really talented standpoint is Long beach owns Charlie McAvoy and there's some younger talent there too. You know, Coyle got dealt earlier today. So, hey, they went for it and they realized that they got to strip it down. And they've got the fan base that is going to be upset, but they won't leave them. And they, they had to do this. They're in a division with Florida now, now, now look at the Florida end of things, all right, they're going to get Matt Chuck back.
- [30:40]
Don LaGreca
And Marshan, you had him to Tachuk and Ben. Oh, my God.
- [30:45]
Alan Hahn
Barkov, Reinhardt, Hagey, Bennett, Bobrovski. They went out sneaky on the side because so much was going on. Acquired Seth Jones from Chicago. He's a beast. Popeye Jones, son.
- [30:56]
Don LaGreca
Yes. You know, so he's a big dude.
- [30:58]
Alan Hahn
And this is a team that's gone to back to back Stanley Cup Final and won it last year. Florida's an absolute beast. Tampa's a beast. They, they just recently have won nine of their last 10. So Boston's looking at and going we got none shot here, so we got to start getting there. I don't know what they got back from Florida, but Florida is an absolute beast. And I, I saw that while you were talking about the Knicks and I figured we're going to probably come back with that. But that's a pretty significant thing to move right at the deadline. Reports are it looks like the Rangers are done. They extended vodka nine and we'll get into what the Rangers and Islanders have done. But the sting still can happen. As you said, the calls got to get to the league before three, but things over the next hour or so still can trickle down. So. But it does seem like the Rangers and Islanders are done. So we'll see what the if the devil try to squeeze something in here before the deadline is officially over.
- [31:48]
Don LaGreca
Right? So for all the hockey fans, we'll get into it in the 4 o'clock hour. But we do have the Knicks and the NBA stuff to get to right now. And the Knick fans all have a lot to say. And we got your calls. 800 now at 93776. Let's see. Otessa and Wes Caldwell. Tessa, big Laker fan, I'm sure, wants to just add salt to the wound test. Just go ahead.
- [32:09]
Peter Rosenberg
Hey guys, thanks so much for taking my call. Listen, no, I just have a comment and I do have a question. And you know, I'm not going to be like that because, y'all know, it feels like for what it feels like about 40 years I've been living in a dump fire, dumpster fire, because of the Giants. But yesterday, last night and just basically my Lakers, you know, they put the fire out for a minute. I was able to stand up out of the trash, but I'm still in there. But I just wanted to make this comment about my Lakers and ask you a question about the Knicks.
- [32:34]
Alan Hahn
Allen.
- [32:35]
Peter Rosenberg
So I feel like the Late show was in full effect. But the difference in the game, to me as a fan watching it, is that down the stretch, fourth quarter in overtime, the Lakers starters and their bench made critical baskets when it counted and then their defense clamped down when they needed the most. They had a lot of holes in defense. I'm looking like, what are y'all doing? But when they counted the most in overtime and fourth quarter, that Lakers defense clamped down on them. I mean, clamped down on them. And to me, that was a difference because the Knicks did not do that when they needed it most. Their defense didn't count. Their defense didn't do anything when they needed the most. When they needed them buckets. It was only bunting because Katt with 12 points, like, where was he at in the fourth quarter? I mean, was that a Tibbs thing? That's my question. Like, was that a Tibs thing? Allen? Like, where was Cat in the fourth quarter and where was he in overtime? They're not going to get that far with cat only doing 12 and not putting the points up like he's supposed to. And unfortunately with Jalen Brunson, he's a.
- [33:33]
Don LaGreca
One man wrestling group test, test. Just take a breath. Take a breath. He asked me five questions. I got to answer them one at a time.
- [33:39]
Alan Hahn
Did you write these down?
- [33:41]
Don LaGreca
No, no. I know. I hear you. No, I hear you. I hear you. When you go Giants rant, I, I tend to, I tend to let you go on the Giants ran stuff. But you're asking me like, you've asked me a million quotes. I got to answer because I want to forget them. I'm old. Where was Cat? Like, he had the. He got the ball. He got the ball. He didn't do anything with it. Let me just go. Let me go. Let me go here. Let me go.
- [34:05]
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, okay.
- [34:07]
Don LaGreca
Let me go here. All right. So the. He was getting the ball. He did nothing with it. They tried to post him up. He kept push getting pushed off the post. When, when Brunson got hurt, they had to go to him. If you notice, he couldn't get the ball. So like, it wasn't that they weren't going. Now defensively, Robinson went out there for, for some defensive matchups. And the Knick defense was phenomenal late in the game. Their issue, they couldn't get a loose ball to save their lives. They couldn't get a loose ball. Three possessions, one time. Three possessions, one time for the Lakers. Now they didn't score. They missed a three, then LeBron took a three, and then they finally got the rebound. But like, the Lakers had a chance to put the game away several times and couldn't. You're right about. Luka made two ridiculous shots. LeBron made some shots, but Gabe Vincent, I mean, really, the guy can't shoot himself out of a paper bag. But he drills two threes like, stop it. So he played well. Your Lakers did not play well in this game. They were, that was not a good game for them. They turned the ball over a ton. They were sloppy. It was a couple of hero ball shots by LeBron. The Knicks should have won that game. They didn't because they're going through something. But it was a hard fought game and it took free throws at the end for the Lakers to finally put away, put away the Knicks who didn't play well. But it was. Both teams played good hard defensive games. I always thought the Knicks were winning that game. No, I'm telling you, I'm telling you, I'm being dead honest. I was watching that game and I was watching body language. And all I was saying was I think they were up 10, if you forget, they were up 10 with about six minutes in my head. I'm saying all they've got to do is not turn the ball over. And then all of a sudden they had two turnovers and two missed shots and it was 10, one run. And all of a sudden that lead was one. And it was like, like that's the one thing that couldn't happen happened in a small, like in a three minute span. And now all of a sudden you have a game and then it became anybody's game. But with Brunson had the ball late, I'm like, this guy is not losing this game. And it was one point, Don. They were down three. After a big three by LeBron, I called it. I'm like, I saw them coming down, I saw the spacing and right away I said out loud, LeBron for three. Sure enough, Ball finds him, he walks into a three, drills it, and I'm like, all right, well, there's your dagger, that's your go ahead. Unless they can answer. And Brunson comes down and sure enough, he's getting double teamed. Still draws the foul and one free throw, bang. Now we're tied. And I'm like, this guy's not letting them lose. So I really did believe they were going to win. Even with the score tied, two possessions, Lakers couldn't score, Knicks had the ball. One more possession, he finds Hart, and all Hart has to do is make a runner. But he takes one more step and the buzzer sounds before he lets go and we go to overtime. But I did. I know I'm not sounding like a homer when I tell you I thought they were winning that game, but there.
- [36:58]
Alan Hahn
Have been, it's been happening a little bit too much where I've heard you say that after games that they let that one slip away. It's been happening quite a bit. You're right to where it's probably when you look back, you're not going to win them all. There's always going to be games where you should have won and didn't. But there's been about five or six occasions since we come together on this show since January 6th where you've said that you win half those games, you have three more wins than you have and maybe you're contesting Boston for second place. Maybe you're feeling better about this team. Happens a little too much. Then you lose Brunson, but that's not why you lost the game, because you could have won it in regulation with a healthy Brunson. So that too many times, man, it's happened. And another game on national television against another team. I wouldn't say an elite team like they're now top. Cleveland, Oklahoma City, but they're there. They're. They're in. The Lakers are there now.
- [37:48]
Don LaGreca
The Knicks are fifth best record in the league. So those are four teams above them. They're now 09 versus those four teams. You add now the Laker losses and.
- [37:55]
Alan Hahn
Some and sometimes losing the games you should win hurt more than getting blown out.
- [38:01]
Don LaGreca
I totally agree with you because you feel like you're so close and yet so far. Right? That's the problem. It just feels like you're the best of the rest. But that's never good enough. And how do you get better than that? How do you take it over the top? Unfortunately, going through this. Going through where? Okay, we got to tweak the roster. Like tough decisions that can either get you over the hump or it can set you back. This is a very delicate place to be right now. Ryan Reynolds here from IT Mobile. I don't know if you knew this but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to do@mintmobile.com.
- [38:49]
Alan Hahn
Switch upfront payment of $45 for three.
- [38:52]
Don LaGreca
Month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first three months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full terms@mintmobile.com I can say to.
- [39:02]
Alan Hahn
My new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, hey, find a keto friendly restaurant nearby and.
- [39:07]
Don LaGreca
Text it to Beth and Steve and.
- [39:08]
Alan Hahn
It does without me lifting a finger so I can get in more squats anywhere I can.
- [39:13]
Peter Rosenberg
1, 2, 3.
- [39:16]
Don LaGreca
Will that be cash or credit?
- [39:18]
Alan Hahn
Credit.
- [39:18]
Don LaGreca
4 Galaxy S25 Ultra the AI companion that does the heavy lifting so you can do. You get yours@samsung.com compatible with select apps. Requires Google Gemini account. Results may vary based on input.
- [39:30]
Alan Hahn
Check responses for accuracy.
- [39:31]
Don LaGreca
Does it ever feel like you're a marketing professional just speaking into the void? Well, with LinkedIn ads you can know you're reaching the right decision makers. You can even target buyers by job title, industry, company seniority, skills. Wait, did I say job title yet? Get started today and see how you can avoid the void and reach the right buyers with LinkedIn ads. We'll even give you a $100 credit on your next campaign. Get started at LinkedIn.com results terms and conditions apply. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
- [40:06]
Alan Hahn
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
- [40:07]
Don LaGreca
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. That's so Game Time brought to you by Tulla Mardu Irish Whiskey because when it's game time, Donnie, it's Holly time. Knicks back in action out in la, that's where I am right now against the Clippers. We have coverage on 880 starting at 10 following Ty Butler Devils and the jets are at 7. Just a little side note, I'm on the call on MSG Network with Ken Kenny Albert tonight.
- [40:39]
Alan Hahn
There you go.
- [40:40]
Don LaGreca
So in case you're watching on the TV vehicle, I'll be there with you. Game Time brought you by Telemardu, the original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemardu or try the new Telemardu honey during tonight's action. Glasses up to enjoying. Tell them or do responsibly on the Knicks. Let's continue with the call Spike and St. Pete. Hey Spike.
- [41:01]
Alan Hahn
Hey Spike.
- [41:03]
Peter Rosenberg
Hey boys. I got a little different take than you do, Alan and Don. Here's what I see with Bridges. Now I I'm trained by UB Brown, so I watch the other side of the floor. You follow me, Alan? I'm always looking away from the ball. Bridges is 666 7, but he gives anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds to anyone he's defending and he takes a circuitous route. Now I'm not comparing the player. When I watch Precious come in, Precious takes a more direct route. I don't know if that's inner city training or whatever it is, but Bridges, who's Bridges has a mid range game. I'm going to give you a comp almost identical to DeMar DeRozan. He's deadly on the baseline, he's deadly from inside the free throw line, but his defense is up. I think he's got beaten up. I don't know what he weighs, but he looks like a string bean to me. He's. He wise.
- [41:57]
Don LaGreca
They got him chasing the other teams. They got him despite. They have him chasing the other team's best guards almost every night. Right. And it's not easy because you're running through screens and all that stuff.
- [42:06]
Peter Rosenberg
But, but when he's, when he's chasing guys that are smaller power Forwards that have 20, 30 pounds on him, you play ball. He's getting beaten up.
- [42:16]
Don LaGreca
He, I can't, I don't see him guarding power forwards. He's.
- [42:19]
Peter Rosenberg
He's guarding guards, but he's guarding small forwards too that have weight on him. He just seems to okay if they.
- [42:28]
Don LaGreca
Switch and that happens. It does. I don't know. I'm not quite sure.
- [42:34]
Peter Rosenberg
Let me rephrase it a little more. Technically, when Towns is in there. Towns from the waist down, but he's the best offensive center we've had since Ewing and maybe one of the best ever to score scoring points. His la, his movement, sliding, his feet is very poor. They're going right at him and he's getting stuck. Am I right? He gets stuck on a switch. So I mean, one more thing. When they're finishing the game, I notice he's finishing with Brunson and Deuce and with Mitchell. If he's, if they're not behind where they can foul him and, and he's finishing with, with JB and Fish finishing with Heart. He's kept, he's kept Bridges on the bench three of the last four games. There's a reason behind that. Bridges is taking the lowest amount of free throws per minute played than anyone in the league. It's not even close. You can look it up.
- [43:27]
Don LaGreca
Yeah, it's strange. It's true. There's something going on, Spike, and thanks for the call. There's something going on with his, with his game offensively and maybe it is attributed to defense and the fact that they have tried to use him as somebody that's got to fight through screen screens and battle through screen. Is he, is it something that is just starting to get to him? I, I, you'd have to ask him. And when you do, which is, I mean, when I've been interviewing him, he doesn't really tell you much. He doesn't reveal much. So it is. It is a secret to the rest of us. But you know, what. What is her? Medbridge always said you like. Like, what is it? What is that line that Hermitage always says, with your eyes? No, no, with your eyes. You. You something with your eye. Not see with your eyes, but you something with your. Like. That's. That's the thing. You. You don't have to tell me. I could see it. And what Spike is explaining is. Is certainly that. Jose in la. Jose, what's up?
- [44:26]
Peter Rosenberg
Hey, what's up, guys? Just taking my call. Yeah, I'm in LA this weekend. I went to the game last night first. Crazy how many Knicks fans. It seemed like it was like 70, 30. Right.
- [44:34]
Don LaGreca
So it was good for a while, you see. Did you. How about the part when. When Brunson's at the line and the MVP chance started, and then all of a sudden, all Laker fans started booing loudly? Yeah, but, yeah, you're gonna get Nick fans. Every year I'm here, every year I'm here, the building has a ton of Knick fans in it. It's the same thing when the Lakers come to New York. Ton of Laker fans.
- [44:54]
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, it's my first time going there. I didn't realize there were so many Knicks fans here. But last night, you know, talking to a lot of Knicks fans is the first time I heard some grumbling about. And I love Brooks, but it seemed like he was playing a lot of hero ball and. And even in person is more noticeable how? Like, we're talking about Bridges, and I'm a British fan, and they just relegate him to sitting in the corner, man. And that's why, I mean, you can see even Brunson doesn't look for him. So I don't know if it's. I'm not saying I'm Brunson, but it could be the scheme or just not getting him involved. And, you know, if you don't get a guy like him involved, like, you can't expect him in the fourth quarter to all of a sudden pick it up out of nowhere, man. So I just feel like he disengaged, okay. Because he's not getting any. They're not running or doing anything for him. So he gotta step up, man. Like, I would even put him off the bench. He could be the main scorer. So that's kind of what I was thinking. Like, why would you put a heart off the bench? If you need scoring off the bench, put him off the bench for a while, man. Once Mitch comes in, right to start eventually.
- [45:48]
Don LaGreca
That's one thought. Jose. Yeah, thanks for the call. I mean it's. You got to figure something out. They. They have to. And, and if they haven't called plays for him, if Brunson not in the lineup, you better start calling place for him now. And he's got to show you that he can create and score. He did it in Brooklyn. He's got to show you he can do it. Nick and Emerson. Nick, you're up next.
- [46:09]
Peter Rosenberg
Hey guys. How you doing today?
- [46:11]
Don LaGreca
Good. What's up, Donna?
- [46:14]
Peter Rosenberg
I just. Real quick, I want to shout out Hawthorne, my best friend Larry. He is a. He's a regular at church Short ways.
- [46:21]
Alan Hahn
Okay, cool.
- [46:22]
Peter Rosenberg
I told him I would. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Great place. Been there a couple times. He. He's there all the time. But to my point, to my next point, Alan, you kind of. A bunch of people have kind of taken my thunder here. But Bridges, I just, I don't think. Listen, I can't. I can't get in the mind of him. I don't think he could play in New York. He played in Brooklyn where there's no pressure. Nobody cares in Brooklyn. We all know that. A real team like the Knicks with expectations, and this is the bill of goods that we got. If he was. If he was on defense, playing to his capability, I don't think I would be as angry with the lack of offense that he's given us. But defensively, he's not really a difference maker. He did make a nice play on the baseline last night, but to me, he's got to go. I think Leon Rose has to bite the bullet. Five first round picks, I get it. I'm not even really concerned about that. Half those kids are in eighth grade right now. I don't care too much about that. But he. I don't think he can play here. Alan, real quick. I hope. I don't know if you have any intel. Do you think Tibbs kind of gives Tyler Colex some minutes with Brunson out? And I appreciate you guys shout out to Chris Nyr and Cop say, have a great day, boys.
- [47:32]
Don LaGreca
Thanks, Nick. I appreciate it. I mean, we're gonna. We're gonna see. I mean Colix has got. Everybody's got to step up. So we got to see who gets in this rotation. Who shows you that they can perform and what they decide to do. Will they play small? Will they play bigger? There's a lot of options to watch and I'm curious to see Tonight against a physical, hard playing clipper team. Let's go to Jonathan in Queens. Jonathan. Jonathan.
- [48:08]
Peter Rosenberg
All right.
- [48:08]
Alan Hahn
Great.
- [48:08]
Don LaGreca
All right, Jonathan's out. Last but not least, Giovanni. Giovanni in the car. Giovanni.
- [48:15]
Peter Rosenberg
Hey, guys, thanks for taking my call.
- [48:17]
Alan Hahn
What's up?
- [48:19]
Peter Rosenberg
Hey. So I have a Rangers point, but if I can, Don, I'd like to prove irrefutably why Dottie didn't drop the ball at the on purpose at the end of the league of their own. If I have a minute ahead quickly. So right before the at bat, she says to Ellen sue, high fastballs, can't hit them, can't lay off them. So she's trying to get her out. At the beginning of the movie when they're walking home from their game at the dairy, Kit says, you can't let me walk faster than you. And Doy physically can't do it, she lets her. She can't let her walk faster than her. And at the very beginning of the movie, when old Doy is leaving for the airport, she sends to her grandchildren, give him a chance to shoot. But she doesn't say, let him win. So she learned to give your younger sibling the chance to shoot, but not to let them win. So I know it's a movie, it's open to interpretation, but I'd like.
- [49:11]
Alan Hahn
I'll let you get your Ranger point. I'd like to believe all that, but I do think all of what you said was the build up to the culmination of the moment where she says, you know what, let her finally get hers. She's earned it. Let's let her have it.
- [49:26]
Don LaGreca
I agree with Don.
- [49:27]
Alan Hahn
So listen, we could talk all day. You see it your way, I see mine. But I do believe that all of what you said built up to that final moment.
- [49:36]
Don LaGreca
But go ahead quickly on the Rangers.
- [49:39]
Peter Rosenberg
So I know what Drew is trying to do with getting rid of some pieces that aren't coming back, but also staying healthy this year. I just don't think he's doing it well. So Susie's going to be around next year. But he was a fifth round pick and you got a third round pick which is coming from the Sharks originally. So that's going to be a late second round pick practically because they're so bad. So you took a, you got a fifth rounder for a third rounder. That's really like a second rounder. So I get trying to stay competitive, but I think they would have been better off just taking the third round pick in that instance. Thanks for letting me talk, guys.
- [50:09]
Alan Hahn
I appreciate It. But where a guy is drafted doesn't matter. What has he been? And outside of this year, which has been a tough one in Vancouver for him, he's been a plus player his entire career. You never have enough. You know, big defensemen, you see how they get hurt all the time. Dahan is a free agent, so he's walking. You know, they want to be able to open some doors for some of the younger guys, but they wanted to reconstruct this defense. And you get a really good, physical, solid defenseman. Who cares that he was drafted fifth by Seattle? He's played better than that. I don't know what they're going to get in the third round, but this is a team that wants older guys. This is a team that's going to want to hit the ground running next year and be competitive. This is not a rebuild the Rangers are doing. This is kind of a reimagining, like what they did with the Garden. That's what they're looking at.
- [50:54]
Don LaGreca
You know, it's the same building.
- [50:56]
Alan Hahn
We're changing the core of this team, but we still want to be competitive. We still think we can win. So that's what they. And they had to start by getting younger, stronger and better defensively. Gone is lingering, gone is Truba bringing younger players. And they're going to reside. They're going to keep Miller here for a long time. They've reimagined center, they've reimagined defense. They're set a goal. You build up the middle of the NHL with centers, blue line and goaltender wings I can find. So you get rid of Heidel, you bring. You bring in J.T. miller. It's going to become his team. They. They believe that that USO parson in is going to become a really good center. He's only 24 years old. So they reimagined the center position and the blue line. That's what they've done. So a third round pick? Yeah, a third round pick someday might help. He wants help now. So he's kind of doing two things. He's reconstructing the team, but also trying to keep it highly competitive. And I think it's working.
- [51:56]
Don LaGreca
Thanks for listening to Madon Hahn and Rosie Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. 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. In case you didn't know, these young men are driven. They are prodigies, the savants, the ones we've been waiting for, like Damian Lillard, for instance. He doesn't seek guidance or mentorship. He's a leader. He isn't waiting for the baton to be passed to him. He's taking it for himself. He's relentless in a pursuit of greatness, always pushing to one up himself. He is accomplished, but far from satisfied. He embodies what it means to have an unstoppable drive and are shaking up the status quo in their community and beyond. And Damian Lillard drives a Toyota. A new generation of Toyota drivers are here and they want you to know one thing.
- [52:44]
Peter Rosenberg
You can't stop my drive.