Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Malone Fired & Reviewing Reviews

Release Date: April 8, 2025

In the inaugural episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into significant developments in the NBA, particularly focusing on coaching changes and their implications for the New York Knicks. The discussion is rich with insights, debates, and listener interactions, providing a comprehensive analysis for fans and newcomers alike.

1. Michael Malone Fired from Denver Nuggets

The episode opens with the surprising news of Michael Malone's dismissal as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, despite a decade of success, including a championship win.

• Alan Hahn [11:42]: "Denver Nuggets fired Michael. Ten years they've done nothing but win. They won a championship with him. And a week to go in the regular season, he's gone."

• Don La Greca [11:53]: "He could have Nikola Jokic win MVP again. You got to be careful because if you, you know, make sure with Nikola Jokic you're okay."

2. Implications and Comparisons to Other Coaching Changes

The hosts compare Malone's firing to other instances of mid-season coaching changes, questioning the rationale behind such decisions.

• Peter Rosenberg [16:32]: "That's crazy. This is why we have to circle back now to the Knick conversation yesterday because did you see that in the offing guy won a championship there, there are four seed as you said, they might have the MVP fire their coach."

• Don La Greca [17:01]: "I don't know why fans don't want to see it. They'd rather see it fail just so they could be right about the coach."

3. The Knicks' Situation and Tom Thibodeau's Position

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the New York Knicks and their head coach, Tom Thibodeau. The hosts debate whether Thibodeau should be on the hot seat and the potential consequences of an early-season coaching change.

• Alan Hahn [13:31]: "And I knew this was coming because there are people that are just lining up almost hoping the Knicks do poorly so they can be right about Tom Thibodeau."

• Don La Greca [16:48]: "I think the best is still yet to come."

4. Fan Reactions and Expectations

Exploring the mindset of Knicks fans, the hosts discuss the pressure of high expectations and the desire for immediate success, which fuels the demand for coaching changes.

• Peter Rosenberg [17:01]: "Nick fans will feel that because they're going to feel hurt if this team doesn't live up to the expectations and get embarrassed in the playoffs. They're going to want somebody to pay."

• Alan Hahn [22:00]: "This season can't hold most players' attentions the entire time... the minute that news came out, already piggybacking off of the Memphis Grizzlies, moving on from Jenkins."

5. Listener Calls and Community Views

Listeners contribute to the conversation by sharing their fears and opinions regarding the Knicks' coaching stability, reflecting a mix of loyalty and anxiety about potential failures.

• Caller [32:35]: "I'm a Tibbs fan and percentages. They're going to win the first round. Everybody knows that. And everybody knows 99% they're losing in the second round."

• Peter Rosenberg [29:30]: "This is a conversation you'd have if they were facing elimination today or if they were in..."

6. Michael K's Social Media Activities

Shifting gears, the hosts highlight Michael K's new venture into food reviewing through his social media account, K_Underscore_Eats, which has quickly garnered significant attention.

• Don La Greca [43:17]: "The name of the account is K. Underscore Eats. Underscore. Tendies, right. Yeah."

• Alan Hahn [44:30]: "Michael K, a great man, a man I love dearly, who has some of the worst taste in food on planet Earth, now has a food review channel and it's on fire. 30,000 followers that fast."

7. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Content

As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease upcoming discussions, including insights from Adam Schefter on football and local sports happenings, maintaining an engaging outlook for future episodes.

• Don La Greca [42:10]: "Adam Schefter is going to join us at four and we'll get into some football as we get closer and closer to the draft."

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [13:31]: "And I knew this was coming because there are people that are just lining up almost hoping the Knicks do poorly so they can be right about Tom Thibodeau."

• Don La Greca [17:01]: "I don't know why fans don't want to see it. They'd rather see it fail just so they could be right about the coach."

• Peter Rosenberg [17:01]: "Nick fans will feel that because they're going to feel hurt if this team doesn't live up to the expectations and get embarrassed in the playoffs. They're going to want somebody to pay."

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg effectively sets the stage for an engaging series, blending sports analysis with personal anecdotes and audience interaction. Whether you're a die-hard Knicks fan or a casual sports enthusiast, the trio offers valuable perspectives on the ever-evolving landscape of New York sports.