Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Knicks Best Chance?
Podcast Information:
- Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
- Host/Authors: Don LaGreca (ESPN New York), Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
- Episode: Hour 1: Knicks Best Chance?
- Release Date: June 23, 2025
- Description: Join ESPN New York and New Jersey's Don LaGreca, sports broadcaster Alan Hahn, and Hip Hop enthusiast Peter Rosenberg as they delve into New York sports and beyond.
Introduction and WWE SummerSlam Kickoff
[01:00] Michael Kay shares his eventful weekend, highlighting his participation in the WWE SummerSlam Kickoff event at Fanatics Fest in Orlando. He recounts hosting the event, engaging with Triple H, and participating in Triple H's signature water-spitting act.
"And Triple H said, 'Do you guys want to do my thing?'... I nailed it." [02:58]
Peter Rosenberg praises Michael's performance, comparing Triple H's water spit to LeBron's signature moves.
"It's the water version of LeBron's." [01:51]
Interaction with Josh Harris and Jaden Daniels
Michael Kay narrates his encounter with Josh Harris, owner of the Washington Commanders, during the event. He describes introducing his newborn, Jaden Daniels, to Harris and the ensuing friendly conversation.
"Josh Harris was very friendly and normal... He didn't like, kind of just patronize the... He really gave you that sense that he cared." [07:33]
The hosts discuss the professionalism of sports executives like Harris and their interactions with fans and personalities.
NBA Finals Recap and Tyrese Halliburton's Injury
A significant portion of the episode centers on the recent NBA Finals, particularly focusing on Tyrese Halliburton's devastating calf injury during Game 7.
Michael Kay expresses disappointment over the injury's impact on the series outcome.
"The most interesting player in the series was hurt in the first quarter of Game 7." [45:26]
Don LaGreca and Peter Rosenberg delve into how Halliburton's injury not only altered the game's dynamics but also its implications for the Eastern Conference.
"During these playoffs we saw three stars blow out their Achilles. Dame Lillard, Jason Tatum, and now Tyrese Halliburton." [19:55]
Implications for the Eastern Conference and the New York Knicks
The injury of key players from top Eastern Conference teams has opened opportunities for the New York Knicks. The hosts analyze how the absence of stars like Damian Lillard, Jason Tatum, and Tyrese Halliburton could shift the balance of power.
Peter Rosenberg posits that with these injuries, the Knicks might ascend to become the premier team in the East.
"Now, the Knicks are pretty much the second-best team in the East, so that makes us the best team in the East now." [20:03]
The discussion touches upon the Knicks' coaching situation, debating whether the current coach, Tom Thibodeau, aligns with the team's future aspirations or if a change is imminent.
"I still think it's going to be Jason Kidd and that'll make it age a lot differently." [33:18]
Potential Acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo
The conversation explores the feasibility and implications of the Knicks acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo to bolster their championship prospects.
Don LaGreca questions the necessity and financial implications of such a move.
"Do I have to mortgage a lot to get it done?" [35:13]
Michael Kay emphasizes Giannis's impact on any team, suggesting that his presence alone makes a team a championship contender.
"He's a championship contender wherever he goes." [35:43]
Critique of NBA Finals Coverage and Celebrations
The hosts express dissatisfaction with the NBA Finals' post-game celebrations and media coverage, arguing that it lacks the genuine excitement seen in other sports like hockey and baseball.
Don LaGreca laments the rushed and commercialized nature of the celebrations.
"I wish there was a way that the NBA players can express the joy of a championship where they do in the NHL and Major League Baseball." [27:13]
Peter Rosenberg agrees, highlighting moments where genuine emotions were visible, contrasting them with staged celebrations.
"The celebration is everything because... I wanted to see them celebrate." [27:14]
Listener Calls and Host Interactions
The episode features interactive segments where listeners call in to share their thoughts on the NBA Finals and the Knicks' prospects.
Listener Joey defends the NBA Finals' quality, praising game dynamics and expressing skepticism over claims of the series being fixed.
"Anyone who thinks this wasn't a good NBA finals, they are out of their mind." [41:09]
Michael Kay and Don LaGreca engage in a spirited debate with Joey, balancing differing opinions on the series' memorability and competitiveness.
Conclusion: The Future of the Knicks and the Eastern Conference
In wrapping up, the hosts emphasize the newfound opportunities for the Knicks amidst the turbulence in the Eastern Conference. They discuss potential strategic moves, the urgency to capitalize on the current window of opportunity, and the broader implications for other teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets.
"There's no question. Giannis, no, Brunson and Giannis and whatever else." [35:26]
Notable Quotes:
- "If there's a God up above, it'll be soon." — Don LaGreca [00:00]
- "It's the water version of LeBron's." — Peter Rosenberg [01:51]
- "The most interesting player in the series was hurt in the first quarter of Game 7." — Michael Kay [45:26]
- "Now, the Knicks are pretty much the second-best team in the East, so that makes us the best team in the East now." — Peter Rosenberg [20:03]
- "He’s a championship contender wherever he goes." — Michael Kay [35:43]
- "I wish there was a way that the NBA players can express the joy of a championship where they do in the NHL and Major League Baseball." — Don LaGreca [27:13]
Conclusion: In this episode, Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg provide an in-depth analysis of the recent NBA Finals, emphasizing the critical injury to Tyrese Halliburton and its cascading effects on the Eastern Conference. The discussion extends to the New York Knicks' enhanced prospects, potential strategic acquisitions, and the broader landscape of NBA competition. Additionally, the hosts critique the commercialization of championship celebrations and engage with listener perspectives, offering a comprehensive overview for sports enthusiasts keen on understanding the shifting dynamics within basketball's premier league.