Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – "Knicks Lack Depth" | Hour 1

Hosts:

• Don La Greca – ESPN New York and New Jersey legend
• Alan Hahn – Long-time sportswriter and New York Knick broadcaster
• Peter Rosenberg – Highly opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality

Release Date: January 7, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," the hosts dive deep into the current state of the New York Knicks, focusing on the team's lack of depth and its implications for the season. The discussion is rich with insights, debates, and listener interactions, providing a comprehensive analysis for Knicks fans and sports enthusiasts alike.

2. Knicks' Recent Performance and Concerns

The conversation opens with a critique of the Knicks' recent games. Peter Rosenberg expresses his worries about the team's trajectory:

Peter Rosenberg [06:11]: "It's a good team. This is a good team. We saw them go toe to toe with the Thunder and the Celtics, but they ran out of gas."

Don La Greca echoes these sentiments, emphasizing that while the Knicks showed potential, their performance against strong teams like Oklahoma City raised red flags about their depth:

Don La Greca [06:31]: "Not so much losing three in a row because one of those losses was to Oklahoma City, the hottest team in the NBA. Last night bothered me."

3. The Depth Dilemma

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the Knicks' lack of bench depth. Peter Rosenberg breaks down the issues stemming from the Carl Anthony Towns trade:

Peter Rosenberg [06:54]: "The lack of depth. They just don't have it. The Carl Anthony Towns deal took away from the depth of the team, which is going to rear its ugly head during these tough times."

Don La Greca concurs, noting that the trade has long-term implications:

Don La Greca [09:24]: "They are not a championship team yet. The depth issue is real, and it's something that will affect their playoff run."

4. Coaching Strategy and Player Management

Tom Thibodeau's coaching style is scrutinized, particularly his tendency to play starters heavy minutes without utilizing depth effectively. Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg discuss whether this approach is sustainable:

Alan Hahn [16:26]: "You're realizing it's a mental thing though. They are getting into a mental slippage situation."

Don La Greca [16:48]: "Your team is now held to a different standard than previous Knick teams. We're nitpicking because we're holding them to a higher standard."

Peter Rosenberg highlights historical data on Thibodeau's coaching performance:

Peter Rosenberg [15:42]: "Tom Thibodeau has an insane winning record in the last 20 games of a season. His teams always have a strong finish."

5. Comparisons to Other Teams and Broader NBA Context

The hosts compare the Knicks to other NBA teams facing similar depth challenges. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder are mentioned as benchmarks for depth and performance under pressure.

Peter Rosenberg [06:54]: "The Thunder did what you're supposed to do – make that push, get the momentum behind them."

6. Listener Interactions and Perspectives

Throughout the episode, listeners call in to share their views, reinforcing the main discussion points. Key themes from the calls include:

• Trusting the Bench: Listeners question whether Thibodeau should trust and utilize the bench more effectively.

  Listener [17:21]: "Why not hook Porty over Sims? Sims looks lost. And the other thing is the lack of creativity coming out of timeouts."

• Player Health and Social Media: Concerns are raised about player injuries and their impact on team performance.

  Listener [42:58]: "Mitchell Robinson tweets about his ankle. Fans are impatient with him."

These interactions add depth to the analysis, highlighting the community's concerns and suggestions.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a consensus that while the Knicks have shown potential, the lack of depth poses significant challenges for a championship run this season. The hosts remain cautiously optimistic, suggesting that with strategic adjustments and potential trades, the Knicks could overcome these hurdles.

Peter Rosenberg [17:43]: "If we are holding them to a higher standard, we need to address what’s lacking. Depth is essential."

Don La Greca [09:24]: "I am confident they will bounce back, but how deep into the spring is the question."

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg [06:11]: "It's a good team. This is a good team. We saw them go toe to toe with the Thunder and the Celtics, but they ran out of gas."

• Don La Greca [09:24]: "They are not a championship team yet. The depth issue is real, and it's something that will affect their playoff run."

• Peter Rosenberg [17:43]: "If we are holding them to a higher standard, we need to address what’s lacking. Depth is essential."

• Don La Greca [16:48]: "Your team is now held to a different standard than previous Knick teams. We're nitpicking because we're holding them to a higher standard."

Final Takeaway

The Knicks are at a critical juncture where their ambition for a championship is being tested by the real challenges posed by insufficient depth. The insights from Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg underscore the need for strategic management, effective use of the bench, and perhaps roster adjustments to navigate the demanding NBA season ahead.

For more in-depth analysis and updates, tune into future episodes of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" on 880 ESPN New York, the ESPN New York app, or your preferred podcast platform.