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Don Hahn
This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. That sounds like heaven to me. Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.
Peter Rosenberg
Welcome to the program, everyone. How you doing, Donnie?
Don Hahn
Good. And you're a little under the weather, it sounds like.
Peter Rosenberg
Can you hear it?
Don Hahn
Like anybody would be above the weather. Unless you're flying. But, you know, I. My prediction is you're going to survive.
Peter Rosenberg
I think so. But I am struggling. I had. It was a sore throat. I told you when I saw you guys Friday, I was, you know, kind of a sore throat thing going on. Little stuffy, blah, blah, blah.
Don Hahn
Take the day. So it was.
Peter Rosenberg
It was the today. It became a cough. The cough went away. I feel good, and now my voice is gone.
Don Hahn
Well, that's because of all the coughing you did. Probably. I don't know. I'm not a doctor.
Peter Rosenberg
But you know what? You're making sense is what you're doing. But don't worry. Honestly, shouldn't we just lay out today what's going on? What's the talk about?
Don Hahn
Well, you don't say that to start a show. There's a lot going on.
Peter Rosenberg
Okay, go ahead.
Don Hahn
Nick's had a big win. Tracy Morgan's still with us.
Peter Rosenberg
That. Thank God Almighty.
Don Hahn
Right in front of poor Kenny. That was poor Kenny Albert just sitting there.
Peter Rosenberg
So if anyone missed it, you probably haven't. But yesterday, Tracy Morgan sitting celebrity row, just starts yakking his guts out.
Don Hahn
Not good.
Peter Rosenberg
And people reporting had a nosebleed as well. And now he has put up a post. Apparently was food poisoning. He is fine.
Don Hahn
But food poisoning shouldn't give you a nosebleed, right? Could it?
Peter Rosenberg
I don't know. Maybe.
Don Hahn
Depends on what you ate.
Peter Rosenberg
Or maybe like you're vomiting so hard you're kind of convulsing and you just knock something. I don't know. But he seems fine. Thank God. I love Tracy, my biological father. A lot of people don't know that. Tracy Morgan, really?
Don Hahn
But I think then, you know, you should have more information than you do.
Peter Rosenberg
About why we haven't spoken much recently.
Don Hahn
That's a shame.
Peter Rosenberg
Let's see. She said there's a big Knicks win.
Don Hahn
I mean, big adjace. I mean, it's a win. And then they disappointed the schedule makers of the league. They go out west, they come home for one game against Miami, beat them senseless and then have to go to San Antonio and Charlotte because, well, when I think San Antonio, I think, well, let's just go to Charlotte. It's right down the street. Oh yeah, you know, a couple of games on back to back days, no less. So three games and four nights in New York, San Antonio and Charlotte. But honestly, they're locked in, right? They're not going anywhere. They're the three seed. They're not going to fall to the four. They're not going to catch Boston for the two.
Peter Rosenberg
No.
Don Hahn
So really all you're looking at are. I don't know what you're looking at. Are you looking. Is there anything that's going to happen between now and the end of the season where you're going to feel better or worse about this team? Probably only worse. Right. There's nothing to make you feel better about the team. There's nothing going to make you say, oh, we can beat the Celtics and the Cavs because if you beat them in the last, those games aren't going to matter as much as they did earlier when you were blown out.
Peter Rosenberg
No, I think you could feel good if you get Brunson back in remotely short order and you finally get a real look at this team in a complete way and they look good.
Don Hahn
Why not feel good about that? Listen, Nick, fans are very optimistic. So I guess if you're rattled off, what do they got? 12 games left, 13 games left, you win them all. I guess that, you know, there is going to be a real sense that maybe they've turned a corner. But I think most practical people look at the Knicks and say they are where they should be, the third best team in the conference, fourth or fifth best team in the NBA. And unfortunately, because of the format, they will face the second best team in the NBA in the Celtics in the second round. And is there anything that can happen between now and that date to make you feel any better or worse? I like the fact they're winning without Brunson, but there's a whole. There's a whole bunch of people that think this is good for the Knicks. It allows other players to find themselves. Then Brunson comes back and we learn More about the other players and all that. So listen, we beat up on them pretty good yesterday, and I thought rightly so because of what happened on Saturday with dapping up Draymond and all that. But from a basketball standpoint, I think you got to just feel good about the team. I just don't know if he could feel much better.
Peter Rosenberg
And we didn't learn much more yesterday about the dapping of Draymond thing.
Don Hahn
That's disappointing. I just text down Allen, by the way, is in transit to San Antonio, so he's not with us today. And I'm assuming with him not getting back to my text, he's probably in the air is we felt like Tibbs was going to be asked about it. Was he not asked about it? Did he pooh, pooh it or did he deflect away from an answer to that? Because I don't think we're making a big deal out of nothing. I think it's a deal. I know the modern day NBA is we're all supposed to sing Kumbaya. We're not really rivals and we're all business partners at the end of the day who share agents. But if I'm Cat, I don't care how optimistic he is. I'm feeling in a way about. And there were people after I said it. The story goes that Mitchell Robinson left with Katie, but I heard from people on social media, I didn't see it. That that was after he had already dapped with Draymond and then left with Kat. So you're like, you tell did everybody what is he David Ortiz? Like, when did Draymond become David Ortiz? Doesn't this kind of reek of the whole Yankee Red Sox thing where every fan hated the Red Sox and they're the number one rival of the Yankees? And then after a heated nine inning affair, everybody just went to kiss the ring of David Ortiz like he was the godfather.
Peter Rosenberg
And it got worse and worse as and Draymond Green.
Don Hahn
There's no rivalry between the Knicks and the Warriors. But he had something negative to say about one of your star players. Draymond's a punk. Let's listen. Does he belong in the hall of Fame? Yes. When it comes to being a guy that's really irritating, he is definitely up there among those types of players. Like in the NHL, we call them pests. The guys that are just there, they get in your face. They're really just agitators. But I'm sorry, was that his last game? Was that like, forget Paris where like Kareem Abdul Jabbar gets thrown out of his last game. Remember Billy Crystal did this? Like, was that his last game? That everybody had to. When did all of a sudden he become a dignitary that everybody had to go and and get huggy and kissy with Draymond Green after a game in March? Did he announce his retirement?
Peter Rosenberg
Listen, I'm sure it's the same dap they gave to all the players, or at least the players they know, Steph, etc. And they just showed it. But it looked bad.
Don Hahn
A coach.
Peter Rosenberg
Coach probably walked the line and said something everyone know was it was this.
Don Hahn
The last game of a hard fought seven game series. It was a Saturday game in March. Dude, honestly, I don't get it.
Peter Rosenberg
No, I don't get it either.
Don Hahn
LeBron's last game at the Garden. I expect everybody to file in like it's a funeral, you know, and say a prayer to the man before you go off the court. Like, I get that. I get those days. I'm sorry, is Draymond retiring?
Peter Rosenberg
Not that I know of. No. And it was a random regular season.
Don Hahn
Game and he said something negative about one of your players, but I guess nobody asked Tibbs about it. So I guess it's a nothing burger that we have to now eat. I don't know. I didn't get the whole story. Anthony searched through all the post games. I listened for it, I checked it out. Nothing, nada, zero. Zilch.
Peter Rosenberg
Don, why don't you do me a favor?
Don Hahn
In what sense?
Peter Rosenberg
Read that top thing like you dream about.
Don Hahn
Game time is brought to you by Tullamore to do Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, it's Tully time.
Allstate Representative
Oh yeah.
Don Hahn
The Rangers host the Flames tonight. I'll be on the call. Looking Forward to that 6:33, 7:00 puck drop game. The Rangers have to win. Flames played last night in Toronto. Not well. Got blown out 6 to 2. So we'll see what happens there. Penguins visit the Islanders. So Sid the kids. Ubs.
Peter Rosenberg
I should be there.
Don Hahn
Come on, man. Maybe you can dap him up after the game. And at 7, the Nets will visit the Celtics at 7:30. I'm sorry, that's why you can't go. You got to watch the Celtics. Nets Tullamore do the original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore do or try the new Tullamore Dew honey, which Peter needs during today's action. Glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly.
Alan
It's.
Don Hahn
I didn't get a chance to. I told Alan, but I didn't tell you. We were at the Irish Exit on Friday. I got there early and they had one of those electronic, like billboards that kept flipping different dates, different things that were coming. And apparently yesterday, the band at the Irish Exit was called Tullamore. Don't.
Peter Rosenberg
No way.
Don Hahn
Yeah. So I don't know if I should read that so close to the Tullamore do sponsorship, but I'm sure they meant it in fun.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, and you mentioned the honey. I am having some delightful Bigelow tea with honey as we speak.
Don Hahn
Okay. Is that Michael Stache?
Peter Rosenberg
Apparently, it's our stash. Let's start things off with good old Speke in St. Pete.
Don Hahn
We're right to Coleslaw.
Peter Rosenberg
Why not?
Don Hahn
I love it.
Peter Rosenberg
Let's see what Spike has to say. Spike.
Spike
Hey, boys. Let me get the housekeeping out of the way. Don, the twins and Nancy are doing well.
Don Hahn
Yes, very well, thank you.
Spike
Okay. Peter, Maya and Natalie doing well?
Alan
Oh, yeah.
Spike
How is Bear doing?
Peter Rosenberg
He's good, man. He's good.
Spike
A little lost.
Peter Rosenberg
Not as lost as me and Natalie are, but he's. He's okay. You know, there's a little different.
Spike
No, no. Well, they spend about a week looking for the dog. I'm concerned about it because I read the social media and I'll leave it at that. You know, your heart will be healed shortly. I promise you that. So let me get to the Knicks last night. I looked for that, too. I get the old. Also a Draymond Green. He's a punk. He's really a punk, but he's a Hall of Fame punk.
Peter Rosenberg
He.
Spike
He got drafted at Michigan State. He fit into the system. He's always undersized, he's underrated, he's not a scorer, but he puts the team on his back often. And for that I have to respect them. I don't have to like him. I have to respect them. As far as what I saw last night, the experiment started last night. And by the way, that dust up between Hart and Tibbs, that's just two guys, you know, high energy guys. I saw what happened on the court because I watched the other side of the court. Hawk blew a couple of assignments on switches and Tibbs must have said something the first time. And they're high strung guys, Bridges. I can't figure this guy out at all. I think. I just think he always gives 20 to 30 pounds because he's guarding off of a switch. A guy that's about the same height, but 20, 30 pounds heavy. And he may not like the contact or the contact might have beaten him down. But I saw what I've been waiting for. It took seven or eight Mitchell Robinson games for him to put cat with Mitch. And now Miami was under understaffed. I forget the guy's name. Griffin or something. The number one draft pick was out last night. The first half and the second half was A Tale of Two Cities. To outscore them 41 to 15 in the third quarter is. You won't see another one like that the whole year. I think the Knicks are in a really bad place this year. And Cleveland, I can't see if. Here's what's going to happen. If Boston plays Cleveland, which is obviously the most likely scenario, Boston will be a very big favorite, meaning like 2 to 1 over Cleveland. Only because Boston's done it. What do you guys think?
Don Hahn
Well, that's the thing I'm curious about. There's always those teams that have great regular seasons. They bring in a new coach, they make some moves, they're the best team in the league. But you're like, all right, let's see it happen in the playoffs. It's happening in the NHL with Winnipeg and Washington. You know, two teams that are best teams in the league. But do I think they're automatically going to go to the Stanley cup final when they don't have a ton of experience in the playoffs? Same thing with Cleveland, Peter. There's going to be something that is a target on your back as a 1 seed. They're going to go in with the best record in the NBA, and they're going to go in unless they completely collapse here, Peter, with, you know, one of the better records we've seen in a long time in the NBA.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, yeah.
Don Hahn
And that comes with a certain amount of responsibility. Can they handle that?
Alan
Oh, yeah.
Don Hahn
When Boston's gonna be the defending champions. Been there, done that. And Cleveland's a team that it's routinely bounced out of the first round. I'd be interested to see if they can handle that kind of pressure.
Peter Rosenberg
And it's such a tough spot. You, you, you go into the playoffs and if you don't at least make the finals, it is considered a complete disappointment if your record is that good. You can't just go to the finals if you're Cleveland. I mean, I suppose their fans would forgive them if they lose 43 to Boston.
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
In the finals. Conference finals. But I mean, you're expected to go on a run. Let's go to Antonio in Brooklyn. Hey, Antonio.
Antonio
Hey, what's up Pete. And Don, Mazel tub. Simply your new child. God bless.
Peter Rosenberg
Thank you.
Antonio
And enjoy every moment with Don. I gotta say, I gotta agree with Don Juan. On the. The day when the Knicks played the Golden State Warriors. I would have walked off the court with Cat. Never give no doubt to anybody because we're a team and we got to show that, you know, I just don't think it was the way the Knicks were brought up and back in the days that would never had happened. I'm looking forward to this team. I like what I'm seeing. I don't see them going past Boston, unfortunately. That's good for you, Pete. But yeah, I just agree with Don and I appreciate you guys. Your guys show is rocking.
Don Hahn
Thank you.
Antonio
And yeah, man, I appreciate you guys. Seriously. Believe it or not, I told you this a while back when I. When you was with K. I'm an Islander fan, but I. I just love your energy. When I listen to the Ranger. Believe it or not, man.
Peter Rosenberg
Hear that tiny pucks. You hear that?
Antonio
You bring the energy and it's amazing. And I'm the guy who met Anthony at the bagel shop. You know what I'm saying?
Don Hahn
Oh, oh.
Peter Rosenberg
Antonio from the bagel shop. The man who recognized the pusick on the street.
Don Hahn
I'll be calling the game tonight, so.
Alan
Oh yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
How you feeling?
Don Hahn
Gotta bring that energy. Good. You look great prepared. Thank you.
Peter Rosenberg
This is your best suit.
Don Hahn
Well, this is.
Peter Rosenberg
This is from my guy.
Don Hahn
Yeah, it's your guy.
Peter Rosenberg
It fits you so well.
Don Hahn
Thank you.
Peter Rosenberg
Do you have anything done to it?
Don Hahn
No.
Peter Rosenberg
That you just put that on off the rack?
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
Wow. Model of Jace.
Don Hahn
That's.
Peter Rosenberg
You look tremendous.
Don Hahn
I do appreciate it.
Peter Rosenberg
It's one of the great fits. Let's go to column in the Bronx. Hey, column.
Column
What's going on? Pete, Don, great to see you guys on Friday. Coming to my place of business. I really appreciate it. Made it really easy for me.
Don Hahn
Thank you. But. Yeah, but I would say thank you. Yes. It was awesome. It was a great time. Thanks. Thanks man.
Column
My question, it was more. It was more to Alan. I mean, I know, I know you.
Peter Rosenberg
Guys have the ability to go again.
Column
I know you guys have the ability. I know you guys have the ability to answer. What do you guys think with now that Mitch got 24 minutes last night, it was his best game. 10, 9, 2, 2 rebound, 2 blocks, 2 steals. What do you guys think of the option to possibly starting him? Because I think a lot of the games they come off a little bit A little bit stagnant at the very beginning of games, especially now with Brunson out and defense is a priority and you can have Mitchell starting out there and Carl Anthony Towns is not going to have to work as hard at the beginning of a game and you know, when the lineup really matters based on when you need scoring, Carl's going to be out there at the end and he would be more rested. He's not going to have to bang and go as hard for rebounds and everything like that. And he could play more of a, more of an outside game with him starting.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't, I don't think they're going to rush to try that. Listen, it's, it's, it's great to see that he built his way up to his best performance yesterday, but that. I don't, I don't see that happening column. Not now.
Don Hahn
So you still like their starting lineup tipping off Game one? Say it's the Pistons and an Obi Hart, Towns, Bridges?
Column
I would, I would put, I would put Hart on the bench if the, if the situation was with Mitch was starting, because Hart's already done it off.
Don Hahn
The bench, so it doesn't have to come at the expense of Towns. So, so sit. Hart, have Towns and Mitch play together.
Column
Yeah, towns at the 4. Because you look at, you look at the best statistical defensive season Carl Anthony Towns has ever was when he had Rudy Gobert. They didn't really do anything before Rudy Gobert got there. And they. What the year. Last year. They were the, they were the 1.
Don Hahn
Seed last year and they were, they.
Column
Were a, top, they were a top defensive team.
Peter Rosenberg
But now you're bringing in one defender to take out one of your best defenders.
Column
I get that. But you still have, you still have, you know, Bridges and OG as your wing defenders. And personally, in my opinion, the reason why people are complaining about their, that their defense's ability is because they don't have an anchor down low when you're crashing. And Mitch and Carl Anthony Towns is playing that drop coverage and he's backing up. He doesn't have the lateral quickness as a very good defensive center to come in and out and guard the guard, the guards and switch. So constantly, Bridges, Hart and OG have to go down low to assist and defend, which causes the passes to come back out and creates more openings. If you have an anchor that you have no doubt and you believe is going to affect the shots, they can do more and they're going to look a lot better defensively.
Peter Rosenberg
Hey, column, thanks for the call, man.
Don Hahn
I like it.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah. It's listening. Obviously, as Mitch plays more, the minutes will go up. And if they're going to have a chance at winning a championship, he will have to contribute beyond 20 minutes a game.
Don Hahn
All right. He almost played 24 minutes last night. Right. And that's coming off a West coast swing. Although they did play early. Saturday was a 5:30 tip local. I think the true test will come Thursday. 70 minutes he plays Wednesday in San Antonio and then the second of back to backs. What does he give you?
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Don Hahn
Then you'll see if you got him because. But I think he's built up. He looks like he's back. And that's the. When we were talking about what do you want to see in these last however many games there are left that you want to see that everybody's healthy? That's why I think it's important to get Brunson back where he plays at least a few games before the playoffs begin. Mitchell Robinson building up his numbers, because what do they got left here? They got. They've played 67 games, 15 left. So, yeah, that's. There's still plenty of time to be able to build that up. That. That's what I want to see out of these last 15.
Peter Rosenberg
Let's see. Let's go to David Elizabeth, who wants to change things up a bit. What do you got, David?
David
Hey, what's going on, fellas? I just wanted to speak about Shador Sanders. Everybody's like building this negative narrative around him saying he's a bad quarterback. But this is what I do want to say. When the Giants make the mistake of not drafting him and he's dynamite for another team, just make sure you play the drop Clown Show. Clown show.
Don Hahn
Well, yeah, we'll definitely do that. I don't know that it's a mistake. I don't know. I mean, you hear from people. Clown show.
Peter Rosenberg
Clown show.
Don Hahn
He had no offensive line in Colorado, still through for a ton of touchdowns, almost no interceptions. So everything looks like he should be a top pick. But then you have some people saying that if JJ McCarthy was in this draft, he would go before Ward and Sanders. So I don't know what I think is a joke, honestly, is the idea. Oh, you don't want to draft him because he's got an ego. Oh, you don't want to draft him because of the Dion element. If that's the case, then you're a weak franchise that can't handle garbage. All right, stop it. Judge him as a football player. All right. If you like your Coach, if you like the structure of your team, you don't worry about Deion Sanders. You don't not draft somebody because of their dad. You draft somebody because of their abilities on the field. And if you're a strong enough team, you should be able to handle the ego. All these guys have ego. Okay? He's got a lot of confidence. He hadn't done anything in the NFL yet. So I know how it bothers and rubs people the wrong way. Peter, I get it. But his father's Deion Sanders and Deion Sanders, say what you want. I wasn't a fan because he was a Niner and a Cowboy and I couldn't stand him. But the one thing is, he backed up all his talk.
Peter Rosenberg
He was the man.
Don Hahn
And if Shedeur does it, fine. If he doesn't, then have Adam. But right now, if that's the reason you're not drafting him, then you gotta look at yourself in the mirror and say, do I have the right franchise to be able to handle the ego, be able to handle a star father? Those aren't reasons not to draft somebody, Peter. If that scares you, then you know what? You got problems.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah. That cannot be the reason. If you believe in this kid's talent, you have to go out and get it.
Don Hahn
But I think there are questions about exactly how talented he is. Right.
Peter Rosenberg
You remember Allen came in that one day and was like, I've seen it. He's got it.
Don Hahn
And fun. I've got it. I've heard that and I've heard other.
Peter Rosenberg
People say, I haven't seen it yet.
Don Hahn
I like the stats. I like the fact that he was able to play without an offensive line, but I don't. I don't know if that's going to translate. I don't know. I am not a college football expert. I'm not somebody that scouts quarterbacks, But I have not heard a consensus on this guy. And if there's been any consensus or majority, it's been maybe not worth the third pick, but we'll see. And you're right. If the Giants don't draft him and he goes on to become, you know, the quarterback version of his dad. Yeah. We'll do more than call the Giants a clown show.
Peter Rosenberg
Don, talk to me about Mazda.
Don Hahn
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Don Hahn
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Peter Rosenberg
So a lot of people seem to be interested in the in the Giants situation of it all. Don, I know you're a big mock draft guy.
Don Hahn
I can't. I. I can't take it. What changed? I think we're being played as suckers. But enjoy it if you like it. I. I don't.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, Mel's mock came out and we love Mel.
Don Hahn
I got nothing against Mel. He's doing his job. But I don't like it.
Peter Rosenberg
But he has the Giants taking Shador Sanders, so now that ups the anticipation. As a result, it makes people believe.
Don Hahn
I at risk of repeating myself. You like Sanders? Draft him. Great. Love the guy. He's there at 3. You select him. Maybe you like Ward a little more, but hey, you can't trade up to 1. And unfortunately Cleveland takes Ward at 2. But you like Sanders enough to take him at 3? By all means, do it. But five minutes ago you were kicking the tires to give $50 million a year to Stafford, so you can't tell me you were in full bloom because you were about to go and pay $50 million for a 37 year old quarterback. All right, now you pivoted and maybe Aaron Rodgers is just to mentor the young quarterback. And if you don't get the quarterback, you're more than happy to start. So I get the Rogers interest and still drafting a quarterback at 3. Somebody needs to explain to me why they were interested in Sanders. It was not a bogus story. They were in. We heard it from Banks, we heard it from everybody that they were legitimately in on Stafford at $50 million a year at most two to three years of having him for quarterback. Why if you're so you. Do you believe this roster can win right now? Because that, that's what they're I guess telling you, that we love Sanders but we're not going to draft him because we think we can take Stafford and we can win a Super bowl or we can make the playoffs and make a run. And I keep circling back to that game. They beat Indianapolis and Dable. After the game, see what happens. You get quarterback play. So do they believe in this roster? They did spend some money during the off season. They did make a better offensive line. They improved the secondary. Were they going to draft Hunter at three and add another weapon with neighbors or are they really not interested in these young quarterbacks? I lean more towards that. You're going to pay $50 million for a quarterback to win seven games. Does that make sense? I'm all for winning games, I've told you that.
Peter Rosenberg
Sure.
Don Hahn
But I can go win games with Aaron Rodgers for half that money. I could assign Justin Fields and won seven games. If I believe in my roster that much, why AM I paying $50 million for Stafford unless I think I'm making a run? Do you see a run on this roster? I'm not paid to see it. You're not paid to see it?
Peter Rosenberg
I don't see it now, but I.
Don Hahn
Don'T hear anybody else saying that. But is that what they're telling us? So the Giants have confused me from the get go. So when I get confused, I usually blame myself for being stupid.
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Don Hahn
Because the other answer is the person that's explaining it to me is stupid. And I think with the way the Giants have played the last couple of years, that's still on the table.
Peter Rosenberg
Let. Let's go to. Oh my God, it's getting worse, isn't it?
Don Hahn
Just do. Do yourself a favor.
Peter Rosenberg
I know I'm close to calling it, guys. I don't normally do it. What do you think, Anthony?
Griftster
I think you're struggling.
Peter Rosenberg
It's not good. I've never sounded like this.
Don Hahn
I don't see. I don't finish the segment and go home. I'm not rooting for it. I'm just saying. We got you the rest of the week, brother. You said you feel fine, but nothing's coming out of your mouth. Marcel, co hosting with Marcel Marceau here. Mean, you can mime a message better than you're speaking. I don't want you to suffer. It's not worth it. This isn't Vietnam. It's radio. I would want nobody more. What if I just whispered, we're in a foxhole with you? Listen, I'd say, you know what? I think you should stay. Now, is it completely beyond the path?
Peter Rosenberg
You can't do this.
Don Hahn
I heard from Ryan Rook. Okay, go ahead. Who was an authority on all things health.
David
Okay.
Don Hahn
Guy ate kale, for God's sakes. He says in those situations, the situation that you're in, the worst thing you can do is whisper.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, really?
Don Hahn
It does more damage to your voice than just speaking the way you're speaking.
Peter Rosenberg
That's crazy, because whispering feels more comfortable.
Don Hahn
I'm just telling you.
Peter Rosenberg
All right, we're gonna. We're gonna reassess. Let's hear from Andrew.
Don Hahn
Andy.
Peter Rosenberg
Andy.
Don Hahn
I guess he's gone.
Peter Rosenberg
Andrew something. All right, now here's how I can rest for a minute. Richard of Manhattan.
Don Hahn
Hi, Richard.
Alan
Hi, Peter. Hi, Don.
Don Hahn
What was that?
Peter Rosenberg
What just happened?
Alan
Can you hear me?
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, sure.
Alan
Oh, good. Good. Hi, Peter. Hi, Don. Fellas, two hottest topics in New York sports right now. Shador Sanders, St. John's Am I correct?
Don Hahn
Yes.
Alan
Okay, I'm gonna tie them both in. Last time, New York, we were wondering whether we should take this guy from St. John's Ron, our test. We didn't take him, and look what happened. So that's my words of cautions to the New York Giant.
Don Hahn
What year was that again?
Alan
92,000. 2001.
Don Hahn
Was that. That wasn't the Frederick Vice draft, was it?
Alan
Yeah, right. Got the guy from France. That's right.
Don Hahn
They took Weiss instead of Ron Art.
Alan
Found all these reasons not to take our day. Just like people are doing now about Jador Sanders. But we know that the guy can play. He's got good genes. Give him a shot. Giants have never drafted a black quarterback. It's time. Do it, please. All right, let's go on for today. Today, fellas, a momentous day in sports. Baseball is being. Being played in the winter. That means baseball is a four. A seasoned sport. Winter, spring, summer, and then fall. Unbelievable. First time ever. Now, I was listening to Monica and Tyler last night. And toward the end of the game, Monica, you know, she's good. She's very good. I love them both together, by the way. They're fantastic. And she says, wow, the Knicks fans are really sophisticated. They're chanting for BJ Tucker to come in. You know, they want him to get his feet wet. He's a veteran. And Tyler was saying, what a great thing. New York sports fans, they're right on wanted. And he's. They're both 100. Correct. But it brought back memories in my mind. Now I'm going to ask you guys the first chant ever, buy a sports team for a player on the bench. Do you know who it was?
Don Hahn
Wow.
Alan
I'll give you a hint. It wasn't nick. It was 55 years ago. The guy was a cartoonish figure, became a prominent member of the Knicks and they. And further prominence after that. I don't want to give it away. Do you know what I'm talking about?
Peter Rosenberg
Bill Bradley.
Alan
No, no. Phil Jackson, he was on the 6970 team, but he never played. He was hurt. So the following year, he got a lot of time as a substitute and he was very good. He was funny looking. Long arms. He had those long shoulders and he looked like. And he was very effective. And he was a prominent member of the 73 championship team. And fans, in the beginning, he didn't play. And at the end of games that Knicks were winning in that year, after the championship, they'd be yelling his name out. Jackson, Jackson, O. Okay, my last point, fellas. Last point. Listen, this is just logic now. This is nothing to do with sports, but the Yankees lost. Cole, Cortez, Holmes, heel, Soto, Stanton, Rizzo, Torres, Trevino, Lemayu, Verdugo, all those guys from a World Series team. I don't see how you replace it. Just logically, yeah, you could say they got some players better. Da, da, da, da, da, da. But when you lose that amount of ammunition that got you to a World Series, I don't. I mean, I hope I'm wrong. Fellas, always a pleasure. Thank you.
Don Hahn
Well, you're not. You're not wrong about what they've lost. But why they still could make it to the World Series is because of the state of the American League. Now, I think Boston is a good team. They definitely improved. I think they're a better offensive team than the Yankees. Can their pitching hold up? We'll see. Orioles won 91 games last year, and they went to the playoffs the year before, winning 100. So Baltimore is really good but they're going to make the playoffs and they've got experience in the postseason. After what they did last year, Vegas still has them the favorite to come out of the American League. That's why they're still part of the conversation. If the Yankees were in the National League, I think they'd be in a lot of trouble. If you flip flop, if the Mets were in the American League, I think the Mets would go to the World Series and the Yankees would be in all kinds of trouble. Because I think that there are teams that are clearly better than the Yankees in the National League. But in the American League, I mean, who's coming out of the Central? Is the Texas Rangers going to bounce back after a subpar year? They're healthy. I get that. Seattle. Let's see. So I still think the Yankees are in good shape just because the American League is that wide open for them. But he's right, they'd lose a lot and they will get heel back at some point. But it doesn't sound good for Stanton. Cole's already out for the year. And there's other things that you got concerned yourself with too. Goldschmidt's back. Schmidt now with the shoulder. Lots to be concerned about.
Peter Rosenberg
Let's go to the Griftster.
Don Hahn
What's up, baby?
Griftster
Hey, guys. How are you guys doing today?
Don Hahn
I think one and a half percent overall, I'm 100. I think Peter's at 50. We're fighting.
Griftster
He does sound like he's at 50, the way it's going early on. You know, yesterday you had a caller that talked about how the woman's game. He's excited for the tournament and the growth that the woman's game has had. I was talking to Anthony about this. Maybe this would be a good time. Maybe if you could try to. He's busy right now for everything going on with the NBA and the college. Get Ryan Ruko and talk about what he thinks about where the growth has been because they had ratings that were as high as it's ever been. So I think this is bigger than it's ever been before. I think the fans are more attendants, more in games and I think there's a lot of star power than I think before. So I'm wondering if you guys think the same way.
Don Hahn
Well, there's the Caitlin Clark effect, right? Like a lot of people watched because of her last year and maybe they got hooked to some really cool stories, the quality of basketball and they stuck around. Now, will they stick around to the numbers where we saw last Year's Final four outrate the men's? Probably not, but the ratings seem to continue for the college game after she left. And I would think that the ratings would be still very good. There are still some stars there. Nothing to the level of Caitlin Clark, but that's what you do. You bring in an audience that falls in love with the product. And they stuck with it. They seem to have stuck with it. And if you get some interesting stories in competitive games, Griff, I don't see any reason why the ratings can't be at least somewhat similar to what they were last year.
Griftster
Yeah. Having another chance in the elite eight to have another UConn and USC matchup. Juju and Paige, that. That will definitely bring in ratings because we know what those two stars are.
Don Hahn
Yeah. And it looks like South Carolina is going to come back so they could defend their title, and that's always interesting. Hey, listen, there's a lot to get excited about, and I'm happy for you, man. So what's your. Your Huskies going to do?
Griftster
I really feel like this is our. Been our best chance in a while to win it all, and. And I feel like it's because we're fully healthy. The last couple of years have been injuries for us. Paige missing a whole year. Easy. Been in and out of the lineup. This is the first time where we've had a lot of people. Last year, we had a. We had only six people, really. Our starters had to play a ton of minutes. So a lot of injuries have been playing us the last couple years. So this is the first time that we're fully healthy. And I believe with our health, that we really have a good chance. And I hope we can do it. Just because Paige has gone through a lot, especially of COVID and her injuries. If she can get that title for.
Don Hahn
Her final year, well, we'll be rooting for you, man. I don't have a dog in the fight, but I like you. UConn's a nice story. That could be my team. Fairly Dickinson from a local standpoint, but they're a 15. I don't think they're gonna make a run. I'll go for UConn. Why not?
Peter Rosenberg
I mean, it's a safe way to go. This is not working. This isn't good.
Don Hahn
Well, you know what? We'll assess. We got a break coming up. Stranger things are coming. You enjoy throwing up every five minutes? Claude Clark.
Peter Rosenberg
All right, I'm gonna figure this out, but Dutch in Manhattan.
Don Hahn
Hi, Richard.
Peter Rosenberg
What was that?
Don Hahn
I don't know.
Peter Rosenberg
One more Time. One more time. Richard in Manhattan.
Don Hahn
Hi, Richard. See was.
Peter Rosenberg
It's not good.
Don Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I didn't listen to anything you just said. Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. It's time now for the tournament update brought to you by Amazon Pickup. The tournament kicks off with the first four tonight in Dayton. St. Francis, Pennsylvania faces Alabama State for the 16 seed in the south region in the early game, followed by UNC and San Diego State for the 11th seed in the South. That was the tournament update brought to you by Amazon Pickup. Amazon Pickup is a convenient and secure way to collect your Amazon packages from locations near you.
Peter Rosenberg
I need more drops of me. That could help, right?
Don Hahn
Yeah, that could definitely help.
Peter Rosenberg
That didn't do anything, did it?
Don Hahn
That wasn't. I think you went. I think you wanted more than that.
Peter Rosenberg
It's not. Michael wants you to make an appearance on the show. There you go. How about that?
Don Hahn
I love it.
Peter Rosenberg
All right. You want to talk to the people, do it. All right. Andrew's back.
Don Hahn
What's up, man? What happened to you?
David
Oh, sorry. I don't know. I got another call and I tried to delete it and disconnected the call, but anyway, how you guys doing today?
Don Hahn
Ah, terrific.
David
Good. Good to hear. It's a beautiful day outside. I want to talk about the Giants and I know it's been a lot going on with Sanders. I was listening to you guys before about it, everything I know. Don, you're obviously a Giant fan.
Don Hahn
Yeah, Peter.
David
And the fan of course, too. And you guys are doing an excellent job over there. But I did a lot of simulated drafts, of course. I knew talking about that. And I did one without picking Sanders, of course. Actually, I got Carter and Ward going one and two, which obviously made it easy for the Giants. You got to go with a Travis Hunter there, you know. And then I went, 34th pick, I went with Kenneth Grant, defensive tackle, Michigan. And then at 65, I took Jackson Dart, quarterback, of course, from Ole Miss, and see how that goes. And then the 99th pick, I went with offensive tackle Anthony belden. And then 105 Ricky White, wide receiver, UNLV. And 154 Kyle Mogani, running back, Rutgers. And then I went with Luke Lachey at the 219 pick, a tight end. And then Jalen Lane, I went with another wide receiver,246. Pretty good deep depth with some players.
Don Hahn
Well, well, you obviously went with need, right? And I think they filled in a Lot of holes there. But you had Tennessee and Cleveland both passing on a quarterback. And then the Giants would as well.
David
Well, yeah, because Travis Hunter, come on, he's like the best in the draft. You got to go with the best pick at the time. I mean, still went with Jackson Dart, you know, so. And he was good in the combine.
Don Hahn
Well, I got. Listen, I have no problem with your mock. If they don't like Ward now, there's a, there's. There's a theory out there and thank you for the phone call call that it's not that they're not interested in Ward, it's just they don't think Ward's going to be there at three. But if Ward's there at three, Peter, I feel like they will take Ward at three, but I don't know that for a fact. I mean, it sounds to me since the Stafford thing, what they're looking at, whether it's Winston, whether it's Rogers, whether it's Flacco, that you're bringing in a veteran to tutor a young quarterback. Now, we'll see if either of the quarterbacks are there at three, but if Ward's there at three, I would think they would take him. Sanders is the interesting one. Now, let me throw this at you, Peter, just for blanks and giggles. Richard mentioned it in passing and we've had this conversation before. Will the Giants have some pressure on them to select Sanders if he's there? Because they've never really had a quarterback of color. The only one they've had is Geno Smith, right? Like that. They chose to have Geno Smith for one minute. For one minute. They've had backup quarterbacks, but they've never drafted or intentionally had at the start of the season a black quarterback. I don't think it's anything. They've had a black gm, but you fought me on this. They never had a black head coach. They never had a black quarterback except Geno Smith. It would definitely fuel the narrative of something up if they passed on Sanders. Now, I think you have every right to pass on Sanders if you don't like them. But do they feel any undue pressure to where, hey, if we pass on them for Ward, it's one thing, but needing a quarterback? Ward's taken. We pass on Sanders. Does that fuel the fire and do the Giants care?
Peter Rosenberg
It's a tough spot, right? It's not the reason to pick someone.
Don Hahn
Of course, but if you're weighing the pros and cons, let's say you're on the fence, right? See if you're on the fence. I don't take him at three, but you know what I'm saying, You check all the boxes. Yay. And nay on any pick. Right. These guys all do their due diligence. That would be a check in the positive. Right. Doing something that an organization's never done before. Now, I don't think it's anything because I don't think it's racist that they haven't had one. I just think it's circumstance they've had. Was it. Jim Skipper was a African American offensive coordinator. They've had black backup quarterbacks. They had a black general manager, which is even rarer than quarterbacks and head coaches. So I don't think there's anything there. But you tell me there is something there. People feel that way.
Peter Rosenberg
Sure.
Don Hahn
So I don't want to tell people they're wrong. I don't agree with it. But if people do feel. Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
Let's go to Rich in Rockville Center. Hey, Rich.
Rich
Rich. Over Rockles dinner.
Don Hahn
Oh, yay. Hey.
Griftster
All right.
Rich
Yeah. First, it's 2025. Your quarterback could be purple as long as they can play quarterback. You're gonna draft?
Don Hahn
One would think, yes.
Rich
And, Don, to your point, if Cam Ward is there at 3, they're taking Cam Ward.
Don Hahn
I would think, yes, but.
Rich
But here is a point I want to make. So I think if it's a toss between Shador and Hunter at three, you got to take the person who comes out to Champ Bailey as opposed to the person who comes out to the 2.0 Geno Smith, and then you sign Jameis Winston. Jameis Winston's already shown that he. If you give him two good wide receivers, they'll throw for 40 touchdowns. And if you worried about the interceptions, I'll leave it at this. Just look up the quote that he had about getting Lasik and about how he viewed Bruce Arians, and I'll just leave you guys to discuss.
Don Hahn
So I guess you're talking about Hunter being the Champ Bailey comparison. And also Champ.
Rich
He's also the. He's also the number one wide receiver.
Don Hahn
No, I was gonna say. And then you think throw on the fact that he can actually be a wide receiver for you as well. Although.
Rich
You give Winston both neighbors and you give him Travis Hunter to throw it, even if you want to have him play, like, maybe like only 20, 25% of snaps at wide receiver and have him focus at cornerback in his rookie year.
Don Hahn
Yeah, they're probably going to have him focus at corner, but I don't know if he'll do any wide receiver play in his rookie year. I think you want to kind of clamp down on on what got you there and then you experiment. I don't want to mess up his rookie year. Listen, it'd be a nice problem to have, right? The guy's a world talent. Sounds like he's going to be a corner that can become a wide receiver, not vice versa. And the Giants have addressed their secondary but they could definitely use somebody that can pan out to be Champ Bailey. Now do I know that Shador Sanders is going to comp out to Geno Smith? Now what would Geno Smith had been if he wasn't drafted by the by the jets and then played for the Giants and let's say he was drafted by Seattle, would he have been good right away? Like is Geno Smith a product of a late bloomer or is Geno Smith just wasn't in the right place to mature as a quarterback until he got to Seattle. So if you're telling me comps out to be Geno Smith, maybe I want that. I don't look at that as a negative. Well, Geno Smith didn't get to Seattle to what he was 30, 31. It's pretty crazy stuff. Now listen up Nick fans. Here's your once in a lifetime opportunity to win a meet and greet with Knicks legend John starks in the ESPN New York Suite on Sunday, March 30th when the Knicks take on Portland. Enter for your chance to win on ESPN's New York app brought to you by John Starks, Kia Starks Ford of Queens and your home for Knicks basketball, ESPN New York. We got a big 4:00 apple. I want to rip baseball. I want to talk more football. I want to get into the Knicks. I want to touch on the Rangers. I'm going to put another must win on them tonight. Yeah, I'm going to do it. Here we go. So let's get it going. 1-800-919-3776 Don Han Peter. All happening here on 880 ESPN. Ray Ro Now, Don, if I needed a bag, I was going to do it. I'm sorry, there's no faith. There's a lack of faith. Don legreck is here to tell you my friends. You're interrupting me now. Don legreck here to tell you about my friends at Bath Fitter. They remodeled my mom's bath. Did an awesome job. The process was easy. One expert installer. Even with the customization she needed for a cast iron tub, it's done in one day with no demo or mess. It's a beautiful, high quality permanent solution. Bath Fitter provides a lifetime guarantee. 3 million happy customers like my mom save up to 10% or get 0% interest financing. So start designing your bath today at bathfitterdesign.com there's only one bath better.
Column
Thanks.
Don Hahn
For listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't want to know how the.
Don Hahn
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.
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Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 1: Giants Draft Plans Release Date: March 18, 2025
In this episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn, Alan, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the New York Giants' draft strategies, focusing on quarterback selections and the implications for the team's future. Alongside, they touch upon the New York Knicks' performance, listener interactions, and broader sports topics, providing a comprehensive analysis for fans and followers.
The conversation begins with a discussion about the New York Knicks' recent performance. Don and Peter analyze the team's standing, noting their position as the third seed in their conference and the challenges they face moving forward.
Peter emphasizes the consistency of the Knicks, suggesting that despite recent wins, there isn't much to change the current sentiment among fans.
The hosts also touch upon internal team dynamics, including player performances and recent game incidents, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the team's trajectory.
The core of the episode revolves around the New York Giants' draft plans, particularly their quarterback selection. The discussion centers on the potential picks of Shador Sanders, Cam Ward, and the implications of selecting a quarterback of color.
Don and Peter debate the merits and drawbacks of selecting Shador Sanders, especially considering his lineage as the son of Deion Sanders. They weigh the potential benefits against concerns about ego and team dynamics.
The conversation further explores the Giants' historical context, noting the absence of a black quarterback in their starting lineup and the pressures that may influence their draft decisions.
Don Hahn [43:48]: “One would think, yes.”
Rich [43:45]: “And, Don, to your point, if Cam Ward is there at 3, they're taking Cam Ward.”
Don articulates his confusion and skepticism regarding the Giants' drafting strategies, especially in light of recent moves and public statements.
Peter adds to the debate by highlighting the importance of building a team around a capable quarterback, irrespective of external narratives.
Several listeners contribute their views on the Giants' draft decisions, offering diverse perspectives that enrich the discussion.
Column in the Bronx [15:22]: Suggests starting Mitchell Robinson and balancing the lineup to optimize performance.
David [20:04]: Advocates for drafting Shador Sanders despite criticisms, emphasizing his potential and the importance of evaluating players based on ability rather than external factors.
These interactions highlight the community's engagement with the Giants' strategies and the multifaceted considerations involved in draft planning.
Beyond the Giants' draft, the hosts and listeners touch upon various other sports topics, including the Knicks' game strategies, the growth of women's sports, and reflections on historical sports moments.
Griftster [34:19]: Discusses the surge in women's sports viewership and the potential impact of star players like Juju and Paige.
Don and Peter analyze the sustainability of this growth, contemplating whether the momentum will continue post the departure of key figures like Caitlin Clark.
Additionally, reflections on the Yankees' performance and the integration of new baseball players provide a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on team dynamics and legacy.
While the episode is rich in analysis, moments of levity and humor are interspersed, particularly during interactions with recurring characters like Spike and Antonio. These segments provide a balance to the intense sports discussions.
Spike [10:27]: “He got drafted at Michigan State. He fit into the system. He’s always undersized, he’s underrated, he’s not a scorer, but he puts the team on his back often.”
Antonio [13:21]: “I just think he always gives 20 to 30 pounds because he's guarding off of a switch.”
Such interactions offer listeners a glimpse into the hosts' camaraderie and unfiltered reactions to ongoing sports narratives.
As the episode winds down, Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg recap their insights on the Giants' draft plans, expressing a mix of skepticism and hope for the team's future. They reiterate the importance of strategic drafting and the potential long-term impacts of their decisions.
Don Hahn [27:59]: “If they don't draft him and he goes on to become, you know, the quarterback version of his dad. Yeah. We’ll do more than call the Giants a clown show.”
Peter Rosenberg [38:38]: “He didn't do anything yet though.”
The hosts emphasize the evolving nature of sports franchises and the need for adaptability and informed decision-making to navigate the competitive landscape.
Don Hahn [02:00]: “They’re locked in, right? They’re not going anywhere. They’re the three seed. They’re not going to fall to the four. They’re not going to catch Boston for the two.”
Peter Rosenberg [03:21]: “No, I think you could feel good if you get Brunson back in remotely short order and you finally get a real look at this team in a complete way and they look good.”
Don Hahn [22:02]: “Judge him as a football player. All right. If you like your Coach, if you like the structure of your team, you don't worry about Deion Sanders. You don't not draft somebody because of their dad. You draft somebody because of their abilities on the field.”
Don Hahn [27:15]: “But I don't know what I think is a joke, honestly, is the idea. Oh, you don't want to draft him because he's got an ego. Oh, you don't want to draft him because of the Deion element. If that's the case, then you're a weak franchise that can't handle garbage.”
Peter Rosenberg [22:45]: “Yeah. That cannot be the reason. If you believe in this kid's talent, you have to go out and get it.”
This episode provides a thorough examination of the New York Giants' draft strategies, enriched by listener insights and broader sports discussions. Don Hahn, Alan, and Peter Rosenberg offer a blend of analytical depth and engaging dialogue, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts keen on understanding the intricacies of team-building and draft planning.