Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Bernard King, Monica McNutt, & The List
Date: October 22, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guests: Bernard King (NBA Hall of Famer), Monica McNutt (Knicks broadcaster/analyst)
Overview
This lively episode dives into New York sports hype, the Knicks’ much-anticipated season opener, and features in-depth conversations with NBA legend Bernard King and renowned broadcaster Monica McNutt. The show balances nostalgia with fresh analysis, exploring Knicks expectations, franchise history, and changes under new head coach Mike Brown. Bernard King shares rich stories from his career, delivers an original poem, and examines what this Knicks team means to their fans and alumni. Monica McNutt joins to discuss the impact of 'load management,' expectations for key players, and adapting to big changes, all while keeping the fast-paced, passionate tone that defines New York sports talk.
Key Segments & Discussion Points
1. "The List" – Most Hyped NY Sports Seasons (00:45 – 06:13)
- Premise: Alan Hahn presents his “Top Five Most Hyped NY Team Seasons,” sparking debate about the moments when anticipation for local teams hit fever pitch.
- The List:
- 2023-24 New York Jets (Aaron Rodgers Era) – All summer long, sensational hype, ultimately not living up to expectations.
- 1992 New York Mets – Big offseason moves (Saberhagen, Bonilla), remembered as “the worst team money can buy”.
- 1999 New York Jets – Hopes pinned on a healthy Vinny Testaverde and Bill Parcells.
- 2010 New York Jets – Post-championship game run, new star additions.
- 1993-94 New York Knicks – Anticipation sky-high after Michael Jordan’s retirement.
- Honorable Mentions: 2018 Yankees (after Stanton acquisition), 1986 Giants, 1992 Rangers (Messier arrival).
- Quote:
"The hype for Jet fans going into that season was off the charts."
— Alan Hahn (02:17)
2. Interview: Bernard King – Knicks, Legacy & Storytelling (06:14 – 24:35)
Bernard’s Outlook on the Knicks’ Upcoming Season (06:46 – 09:36)
- Anticipation: Excited for the season, trusts the current roster and bench depth.
- Philosophy: New coach Mike Brown wants to play faster; Bernard embraces the shift but notes it will take time for defense and chemistry.
- On Star Chasing:
"Every team in the league would love to have Giannis… but I think with the current roster, they have what’s necessary to have a terrific year."
— Bernard King (08:59)
Reflections on Knicks History and What-Ifs (09:36 – 11:06)
- The Ewing-King Duo That Never Was:
"Had we been coupled together, we would have won a championship."
— Bernard King (10:33)
Story Time: The Wizards Run and Battling MJ (11:12 – 14:18)
- Challenging Jordan for the Scoring Title:
"Jordan decided to defend me… I said, 'Jordan, that’s not your game. Please don’t do that again.' And I went out and got 23 points in the fourth quarter."
— Bernard King (12:48) - Memorable Night at MSG:
"I called my mother before the game… I got 49 points and we won the game. The Knick fans gave me a standing ovation."
— Bernard King (13:44)
The Carmelo Connection & Footwork (14:18 – 16:34)
- On Carmelo Anthony:
"Melo is one of the greatest players to have played this game… he adopted one move that I utilized every night—catch over the shoulder, drive baseline, but he added a step-back."
— Bernard King (15:11) - On Jalen Brunson:
"He’s mastered the art of scoring… just an incredible player. Should have been MVP last year in my opinion."
— Bernard King (16:58)
Legends, Knick Camaraderie, and Poetry (19:16 – 24:35)
- On Knicks Alumni:
"No other organization brings back that size of group of players… 40 players last year."
— Bernard King (20:37) - Bernard King reads his original poem "B Ball":
"My game is like hip hop, soothing and jarring, like abstract art in its rarest form. You have to study it for a while… Moving to the rhythm of my own beat."
— Bernard King (23:48)
3. Monica McNutt: The New Knicks Era, Load Management, and Expectations (27:50 – 39:55)
Early Reactions to Opening Night and Mike Brown’s ‘Statement’ (27:51 – 30:55)
- Monica tempers fans’ over-expectations:
"We’re not gonna hoist the Larry O’Brien tonight… it’s a marathon." (28:05)
- On Mitchell Robinson’s cautious management:
"I’d rather someone that’s convicted as opposed to wavering. But if you tell me Mitchell’s healthy for the playoffs, sign me up." (29:46)
Fan Frustrations & Media Pressure (30:55 – 33:34)
- Alan and Monica discuss balancing regular season vs. postseason priorities and the pressure cooker of NYC sports:
"If you get off to a slow start, the fans are gonna get restless."
— Alan Hahn (30:59)
"The pressure is there internally… but there’s enough want from this group, enough chemistry, to do whatever they can to bring the promise."
— Monica McNutt (31:16)
Changing Styles Under Coach Mike Brown (33:55 – 37:41)
- Transitioning Jalen Brunson:
"As soon as we get to playoffs, we’re going back to the basketball we saw last year. Who are we kidding?"
— Monica McNutt (35:42) - On changes in pace and the team’s body type:
"Pace is not just running—it’s rhythm, reading, reacting in the half court… there’s a nuance."
— Monica McNutt (37:22)
Monica's Broadcast Role & Humor (39:06 – 39:55)
- Monica talks about her focus on radio this season and playfully jokes with the crew about her whereabouts during Knicks games.
4. The Changing Value of the Regular Season (41:59 – 48:51)
- Don and Alan reflect on shifting values in pro sports.
- Key Debate: Does regular-season success still matter in a 'championship-or-bust' era? Is the “rings era” good for fans?
- Quotes & Points:
- "The appreciation of regular season success has dwindled in the last 20 years... It’s all about the rings era now."
— Don Hahn (45:29) - "I just don’t want modern day sports to be just about the postseason… that’s where you cultivate fans."
— Alan Hahn (45:04) - "Adding more playoff teams has devalued the regular season… It’s not worthless, but it’s certainly devalued."
— Alan Hahn (47:02) - Ironically, expanded playoffs, intended to keep late-season games meaningful, might actually make some games less important for top teams (48:41).
- "The appreciation of regular season success has dwindled in the last 20 years... It’s all about the rings era now."
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
- On Knicks Preseason Hype:
"Did not live up to the hype. But no question the hype… was off the charts."
— Alan Hahn (02:17) - Bernard King on MJ:
"Jordan, that's not your game. Please don't do that again."
— Bernard King (12:48) - Bernard King’s poem:
"My game is like hip hop, soothing and jarring, like abstract art in its rarest form."
— Bernard King (23:48) - Monica McNutt on patience:
"We’re not gonna hoist the Larry O’Brien tonight. It’s a marathon."
— Monica McNutt (28:05) - On Fan Expectations:
"In New York, not living up to expectations—that’s the worst case scenario for a sports franchise."
— Don Hahn (30:55) - On Regular Season Value:
"Regular season hits different."
— Peter Rosenberg (45:03)
Conclusion
This episode is a vibrant window into the anxious excitement of Knicks opening night and broader New York sporting culture, blending insider stories, sharp analysis, and personality. It balances nostalgia for past greats with anticipation for the season ahead—anchored by memorable guest contributions from Bernard King and Monica McNutt. The passionate debate about team-building, expectations, and the evolving value of the regular season leaves listeners with numerous perspectives to reflect on as this new Knicks chapter begins.