Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 1: Tweak vs Tear Down
Release Date: June 2, 2025

Introduction to the Season's End

Don LaGreca [00:52]:
The hosts kick off the episode by addressing the disappointing end to the Knicks' playoff run. After harboring hopes for a game seven at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks were eliminated in six games by the Pacers. Don highlights the team's consistent pattern of a strong start followed by a mid-game collapse, particularly noting the Pacers' dominance in the third quarter.

Analyzing the Knicks’ Performance

Alan Hahn [03:24]:
Alan delves into the Knicks' performance issues, emphasizing the importance of the third quarter as the "coach's quarter." He explains how halftime adjustments should set the tone for the second half, but the Knicks failed to capitalize on this, leading to their downfall.

Notable Quote:
"The third quarter is considered the coach's quarter because you make your halftime adjustments and then you set the tone."
– Alan Hahn [03:24]

Coaching Responsibilities and Front Office Decisions

Don LaGreca [04:31]:
Don questions whether the coaching staff should be held accountable for the Knicks' inconsistent performances. He discusses the possibility of changing coaches but ultimately leans towards trusting the current coach, Tibbs, suggesting that minor tweaks rather than a complete overhaul are necessary.

Alan Hahn [05:20]:
Alan concurs, noting that while the season ended on a bitter note, the overall performance included significant achievements like beating the defending champions. He stresses that the team's shortcomings are more about how the season concluded rather than the entire journey.

Fan Sentiment and Management Trust

Guest [05:20]:
A caller discusses the mixed feelings among Knicks fans, debating whether to retool the team or pursue large-scale changes. This sparks a broader discussion on fan frustration and the desire for both immediate success and future potential.

Don LaGreca [07:57]:
Don expresses his belief in Leon Rose and the front office, advocating for patience and strategic adjustments. He emphasizes that the team needs to focus on minor roster tweaks rather than drastic changes.

Notable Quote:
"If I'm a Knick fan, I say, you know what? I believe in Leon Rose. Whatever he thinks is the thing to do, I'm with it."
– Don LaGreca [17:08]

Player Focus: Jalen Brunson

Peter Rosenberg [19:16]:
Peter champions Jalen Brunson, asserting that Brunson is an elite performer capable of leading the Knicks to a championship with the right supporting pieces. He argues against the notion that Brunson’s size limits his potential, highlighting his impressive playoff performances.

Alan Hahn [23:28]:
Alan addresses the skepticism around Brunson's ability to be a "1A" player, comparing him to legends like Steph Curry and Isaiah Thomas. He acknowledges Brunson's scoring prowess but emphasizes the need for complementary players to maximize his impact.

Notable Quote:
"He (Jalen Brunson) is the guy that you can build around to win a championship. He's a winner at heart."
– Alan Hahn [23:28]

Historical Comparisons and Player Size Debate

Don LaGreca [32:00]:
Don shares his philosophy that having a smaller lead player typically hinders a team's championship prospects, citing historical figures like John Stockton, Allen Iverson, and Steve Nash. He acknowledges exceptions like Steph Curry but maintains that size often plays a crucial role in winning titles.

Alan Hahn [33:05]:
Alan counters by pointing out that the current NBA landscape is more conducive to smaller stars excelling, attributing recent championships to versatility and shooting prowess rather than just size.

Notable Quote:
"If your best player is small, you're not winning."
– Don LaGreca [32:01]

Roster and Trade Considerations

Don LaGreca [36:10]:
Don advocates for using losses as learning opportunities, comparing the Knicks to a race car that needs adjustments to perform optimally. He suggests that the Knicks should focus on strategic tweaks to improve rather than making sweeping changes.

Alan Hahn [38:25]:
Alan emphasizes the need for reliable bench players who can support the starters effectively. He discusses the importance of having versatile and dependable players to maintain the team’s competitiveness throughout the season.

Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Don LaGreca [35:19]:
Don concludes by reinforcing the idea that the Knicks have a solid foundation but require specific adjustments to reach their full potential. He stresses the importance of learning from this season's shortcomings to build a stronger team for the future.

Alan Hahn [36:37]:
Alan echoes Don’s sentiments, highlighting the necessity of adding depth and reliability to the roster. He compares the team's situation to NASCAR, where continuous adjustments are key to winning races.

Notable Quote:
"You have to learn how to avoid that stuff. You have to make adjustments."
– Alan Hahn [35:19]

Conclusion

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the trio provides a comprehensive analysis of the Knicks' playoff exit, focusing on coaching strategies, player performance, and roster management. They advocate for strategic tweaks over drastic changes, emphasize the importance of building around key players like Jalen Brunson, and discuss historical perspectives on player size and team success. The discussion underscores the need for patience and thoughtful adjustments to propel the Knicks toward future championships.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "The third quarter is considered the coach's quarter because you make your halftime adjustments and then you set the tone."
  – Alan Hahn [03:24]

• "If I'm a Knick fan, I say, you know what? I believe in Leon Rose. Whatever he thinks is the thing to do, I'm with it."
  – Don LaGreca [17:08]

• "He is the guy that you can build around to win a championship. He's a winner at heart."
  – Alan Hahn [23:28]

• "If your best player is small, you're not winning."
  – Don LaGreca [32:01]

• "You have to learn how to avoid that stuff. You have to make adjustments."
  – Alan Hahn [35:19]

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the meaningful discussions and analyses provided by Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg.