Hour 2: Bernard King, Monica McNutt, & The List

Summary

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)

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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.

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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:
  1. 2023-24 New York Jets (Aaron Rodgers Era) – All summer long, sensational hype, ultimately not living up to expectations.
  2. 1992 New York Mets – Big offseason moves (Saberhagen, Bonilla), remembered as “the worst team money can buy”.
  3. 1999 New York Jets – Hopes pinned on a healthy Vinny Testaverde and Bill Parcells.
  4. 2010 New York Jets – Post-championship game run, new star additions.
  5. 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)

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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)

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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.

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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).

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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)

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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.

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Transcript

[Don Hahn]

When did making plans get this complicated? It's time to streamline with WhatsApp, the secure messaging app that brings the whole group together. Use polls to settle dinner plans. Send event invites and pin messages so no one forgets. Mom 60th and never miss a meme or milestone. All protected with end to end encryption. It's time for WhatsApp message privately with everyone. Learn [e-mail] this is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Alan Hahn]

Against Don on and Rosenberg. Knicks season opener broadcast live from Stout and it's brought to you by Sun Cruiser, a proud partner of the New York Knicks. Ready to let the good times cruise. Oh, you're right. Then you need Sun Cruiser vodka iced tea made with real iced tea, real vodka and no bubbles. It's one wildly refreshing drink. Getting ready for the season opener against the Cavaliers. Coverage will begin at 6:30. So Bernard King is on his way, should be here momentarily. Monica McNutt also on her way. John Starks, Pat O'. Keefe, and we're really blowing this up because there's a lot of hype around this season and because we got the guests coming and it's Wednesday, it's time for the list, which is driven by Ramsey Mazda. So I was thinking we've been talking about the Knicks pretty much all summer. It's been hyped up. Especially when we found out that Tatum and Halliburton are done for the year, that everybody's been talking about the Knicks and really getting excited about it. So I started thinking what are some of the most hyped seasons in recent memory where you were pumped for the start of the season for a New York team? Through the roof, Pumped the five, the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Top five most teams.

[Don Hahn]

Well, like where? Like where like the coverage was over the top, the expectations, the anticipation, it was just. Look, there was one a couple of years ago, me as a Jets fan endured. Oh yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So obviously there's we got to get to the Aaron Rodgers year one.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. I mean there it's there it's. And I have it at number one just because it's all we talked about that entire summer. Peter, you remember Rogers this Rodgers that. Fans were going through the roof. It was incredible. That to me has to be number one. Obviously did not live up to the hype. But no question the hype for Jet fans going into that season was off the charts. Any other guesses?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, absolutely. The 93, 94 Knicks.

[Alan Hahn]

93. 94 Knicks I have at number five. Why? Because all anybody talked about was that Jordan was done and with Jordan out of the league. And of course the Knicks couldn't get by Jordan. Well, now Jordan's gone, so the Knicks should be able to get by him. Wide open. They got by. Couldn't get by Olajuwon, but did go to the final. That was a hype season. That is number five. So you've got one with the Jets. 23, Knicks 93. 94 at number five. So we've got two, three and four.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How about 96 Yankees?

[Alan Hahn]

96 Yankees I do not have on the list. It's a great honorable mention change over to Joe Torre. But the problem was it wasn't so much the hype of the Yankees, it was why hire Joe? Clueless Joe. That's. That was what was other headlines like there was a negative hype, but they.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But they were. But 95, they were good. They teased. You thought they could get there.

[Alan Hahn]

They were disappointed at Joe Torre and they were disappointed that Mattingly retired and they didn't love Tino Martinez. So there was more of a negative vibe around the Yankees than a positive one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

95 Rangers. I don't know. I'm throwing things out.

[Don Hahn]

Well, it's actually not bad.

[Alan Hahn]

No. You know, they won the Stanley cup, but no other hype teams that I have since we've got five. I'll give you four. Is the 2010 Jets. 2010 jets come off the championship the year before and then they bring in Ladanian Tomlinson, one of the best running backs in football. Right. And they go out and get Santonio Holmes after what he was able to do in the Super Bowl. Maybe one of the greatest catches in super bowl history. So now it's on and people thought that they were going to take the next step. And listen, they won two more regular season games but lost in the championship game. So I've got that at 4. Number 3. How about the 99 jets coming off the championship game hoping healthy Vinny Testaverde. Bill Parcell's in his third year. I saw what happened with Vinnie's Achilles. But a very, very.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who's the last team?

[Alan Hahn]

And number two.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no, like what, What. What actual team? Before you give me the year, which.

[Alan Hahn]

Sport is it in baseball?

[Peter Rosenberg]

88 Mets.

[Alan Hahn]

Not the 88 Mets, the 92 Mets. The 92 Mets brought in Jeff Torborg, who had two winning seasons in Chicago. They were hype around that they go out and get Brett Saberhagen. They Go on and get Bobby Bonilla.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, it's a big one.

[Alan Hahn]

And it ended up being the worst team money can buy. Vince Coleman was picked up the year before and it was a complete dud. But the hype going into that season, I remember as a Met fan having all those great plays. I remember they still had David Cohen, they still had Sid Fernandez, they still had. They still had remnants from those late 80 teams. So the feeling was we finally got a manager. We finally got stars in Bonilla and Saber Hagen to go along with Doc Gooden to go along with a great pitcher like Sid Fernandez and a completely.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And in the end, hot garbage.

[Alan Hahn]

There's so many. There's so that. So that's the 5, 5, the 94 Knicks for the 10 Jets, 3 the 99 Jets, 2 the 92 Mets. And also you had the 23 Jets. Also another team that was hyped up Yankees when they got Stanton in 2018. 2018, changed the managers in Aaron Boone. That's an honorable mention. The 86 Giants coming off the loss to the Bears the year before, it looked like championship or bust for them. The 92 Rangers went out, got Mark Messier during the off season and there was a lot of hype around them. So there's a lot of different teams. It's why the list was so difficult. But good job not being from New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I thought I threw out some awesome.

[Alan Hahn]

Then you took a knee on the 95 Rangers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But that's all right.

[Bernard King]

We'll put.

[Don Hahn]

We'll put the list on social media and you can argue with each other.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, you're definitely going to argue about that. The list is driven by Ramsey Mazda. It's the experience of driving into Mazda and buying a new Mazda for Ramsey Mazda. Choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda. One of the great players of all time. For the New York Knicks, he's Bernard King. He's a pleasure that he was able to come here on what's a special day here on opening day of the season. Don on and Rosenberg. Welcome to Stout. Welcome to the 2526 season for the New York Knicks. How are you, man?

[Bernard King]

I'm doing fantastic. I'm looking forward to an exciting season. It should be fantastic. Let's go. Knicks all the way. That's the way I look at the season. So I'm excited about it and glad to be here with you guys first and foremost. And hold on a second. I got to mention, I'm a Hall of Fame, baby. Well, yes, I'm a Hall of Famer.

[Don Hahn]

Hall of Famer Bernard King, there's no question about that. It's, it's, it always precedes you when you walk into room from now on when, when you consider, like last year's team and the success they had, especially offensively, that was one of the best offensive teams in the league. And then Mike Brown now is the new coach and he wants to see them play a different way. He wants to see them play more uptempo, a little faster. How do you feel about the change in philosophy?

[Bernard King]

You know, obviously it's going to take some time for the players to adjust to a different style, a new coach and a new system, but you're looking at veteran players in terms of Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns and Hard and Bridges. These guys have been around, so the starting five is basically intact from last year. And then you've improved the bench. So the bench is going to be very significant moving forward. So, you know, having those guys deliver when necessary is going to be very, very helpful. But I'm excited about it. Obviously, you know, the defense is going to take time for that to come together as well and for that team to mesh.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Did you think there was any chance that they'd go out and pursue anyone bigger, or do you sort of expect it would be just about improving depth.

[Alan Hahn]

This off, off season?

[Bernard King]

Well, well, at this point, at the beginning of the season, I don't look for the Knicks to make any significant changes. Obviously, with the addition of Clarkson, he's going to be very important to be able to deliver points for the, for the club off the bench. Hopefully he's back at that point in this, in this season. This guy was a six man of the year at one point during it, during his career. So, you know, hopefully we get that type of offensive production from him. But I think it's going to be an exciting season and certainly the fans of New York deserve that and they're looking forward to it.

[Alan Hahn]

When you heard the humors, the rumors about Giannis, was that something that interested you? Did you want them to pursue that?

[Bernard King]

Well, it's not a question of, you know, whether they should have pursued it. I think Karl Anthony Towns in the position that he, he's in at, you know, forward center along with Brunson, and now they're having the depth coming in off the bench. These guys are positioned to do something really terrific during the playoffs. But the season is 82 games long and, you know, every team in the league would love to have Giannis. Okay, let's be realistic. He's, he's a Transcendent player. But I think with the current roster, they have what's necessary really, to have a terrific year.

[Don Hahn]

You know, it's funny, and Bernard knows this better than anybody because from his experience here in New York, having great success, then he has a devastating injury and does something that nobody ever did, which comes back from that injury when he did. And there were. You talk about anticipation. I remember it as a kid. Wait, the Knicks just drafted Patrick Ewing and we got the best scorer in the NBA and he's coming back. And all I'm thinking of is these two guys are going to be killers together. Like, this is going to be something. But of course, the best laid plans. There's. There's this change in philosophy. There's this thought that, well, I don't think Bernard's gonna be able to play this way. And then they don't. We never get to see it. Sometimes you just don't want to mess with something that could be a good thing. I've asked Patrick about this. I know I've asked you about this, but for those who haven't heard this story before, like, you guys never actually were on the court together. You were on stationary bikes together at one time. But like, how much does that bother you even to this day, to think what you two could have been in the Eastern Conference?

[Bernard King]

Well, it's something that Patrick and I share amongst ourselves every time we see one another. And I believe, and certainly during that era of Patrick being such a dominant force that he was, and when he entered the league, no one expected him to have the offensive skill sets that he did. He was such a dominant player on both ends of the floor. And I think had we been coupled together. Well, no, I know had we been coupled together, we would have won a championship. Is that. That's how I look about. Look at it. And Patrick feels the same way as well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you know, Bernard, I grew up. I'm from the Washington, D.C. area and I'm 46.

[Bernard King]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you probably know where I'm going.

[Bernard King]

I was. I do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I was. I was about 10 or 11 years old when this man showed up and. And woke up basketball in our city. And that year was so special. You and Jordan battling for the scoring title. Can you just give me a little bit, Any, any stories from that season? Because, I mean, it was special. You were going off every single night now. And we had some other good players on that Bullets team. You had Jeff Malone and John Williams. There were some good players there.

[Bernard King]

Absolutely.

[Peter Rosenberg]

At Purvis, Ellison, but you were a different you were a different sort of.

[Alan Hahn]

Animal at that time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What, what can you tell me about that great run you had in Washington?

[Bernard King]

Well, I had a lot to prove to myself when I, When I joined the Washington Bullets. I had to prove that I could get back to that all star all pro level that I had been at with the Knicks here in New York. And so I worked awfully hard during the offseason to make that happen. Each year there are always memorable games and highlight games that you distinctly remember from. From a season. And I think that we. I set the tone and we set the tone as a team. That set second game of the season when we faced the Chicago Bulls. They had just come off of the championship year and at one point, I remember Scottie Pippen was defending me throughout that game. And then all of a sudden, Jordan decided to defend me or at least tried to defend me. You know, as great as Jordan is, we all have certain, obviously respect for him. And, you know, the greatest player I ever played played against. But, you know, he decided to take the assignment. And I remember he gave me a shot to my ribs as I was coming across the lane to try to slow me down. And I said to him, and I typically don't speak on the court. 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 with Jordan defending me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm telling you, it was a special time.

[Bernard King]

Finished the game with 44 and wound up the year being the third league scoring the NBA. The other, the other point story, I'll tell you about that year. I made the all star team. I remember after building for five years to make the team and I made the team. And where are we playing at the very next day after I make the team and that's announced. We're playing here at the Garden now. I love you, Nick fans. Right? No, love you, Nick fans.

[Don Hahn]

I remember this night now.

[Bernard King]

I called my mother before the game, guys, and I said, mom, don't be late. I'm getting 40 tonight. And we went out washing the bullets. We beat the Knicks here in New York City. I got 49 points and we won the game. And I was on the foul line for points, 48 and 49. And the Knick fans stood up and gave me a standing ovation. Oh, man, I scored 23 points in the fourth quarter. So that's a highlight of that season.

[Don Hahn]

I always go back one of the great mistakes because they chased replacing you for Patrick for the next decade and Never really, you know, could do that. And that's something that I always. I always think about when I think about that era. But a player that always recognized you, that came later. I think it's very important when, you know, the next generations always look back and they have their idols and they talk about them. They appreciate the past and what players from the past did to set them up. As Walt Frazier always says. Right.

[Bernard King]

Like.

[Don Hahn]

Like I'm standing on the shoulders of others who helped me get here. Is Carmelo Anthony. And speaking of hall of Fame, also a Hall of Famer now?

[Bernard King]

Absolutely.

[Don Hahn]

He always.

[Bernard King]

Deservedly so.

[Don Hahn]

He always gave you credit. He always talked about you as one of his first basketball idols. To see him get into the hall of Fame and join you and several other, obviously, Knicks, but especially because of that connection you two had from the day he got here. What did that mean for you?

[Bernard King]

Well, I am delighted that he. He's been inducted into the hall of Fame. I saw his hall of Fame speech. He's so deserving. And I've had opportunity over many, many years to spend time with him. He's flown me and my family to Puerto Rico to see him dedicate basketball courts. He used to fly me into New York every time he had a new edition of the Nike sneakers. And, you know, he's. He's a great guy. And we did a commercial together with. With Bohem from Syracuse. And so we have a longstanding relationship. Melo is one of the greatest players that I've played this game. And he's always been kind enough publicly say I'm his basketball idol, which is very kind of him. But he adopted one move that I utilize every single night when I played, and he perfected it and he improved upon it. But it's the move when we catch the ball, and I would catch the ball and put it over my shoulder. And if you watch Melo, you see that move, and he adopted that move. I would take the move and swing it down and then drive baseline. He added to that. He would bring it here and then swing it down low and then dribble left and then step back for that quick release on that jump shot. And so I used to see it every night when he played, and it was such a joy watching him during the course of his career.

[Don Hahn]

When you, when you, You. Because you. I've talked. Told people this too, the first time I met you, and you started telling me about footwork, and I'm like, where were you when I was in high school?

[Bernard King]

But you.

[Don Hahn]

You obviously have somebody that Mastered footwork. When you watch Jalen Brunson, despite the fact that he's a guard, how he plays off two feet and how he uses strength much like you always did, you were a powerful player at his guard position. Do you have great appreciation for his ability to score at his size?

[Bernard King]

He's my favorite player. And what I love about Brunson is he's, he understands the floor. He's what he's done what I considered mastering the art of scoring and that's what I did during my career. I mastered art of scoring. He's mastered the art of scoring. He's going to get to the spot that he wants and then he's going to give you that little bump creating spacing. Because all you need to do is create a little spacing to get the shot that he wants and then on his spin dribble moves. He's just one incredible players. He should have been MVP last year, I think, in my opinion. But he's one of the most incredible players in today's game and, and I expect that he's going to have a tremendous year. Although it's a somewhat of a transitional period of a new role for him. He's not going to have the ball in his hands as much as he did last year, which will not wear him down. So he'll be full strength and for the playoffs. And so, you know, I'm looking forward to seeing how he's utilized and he's just a great, great talent. I've had the chance to talk, talked to him in the past and just a great guy.

[Alan Hahn]

With the load management, with the adjustments to a new coach, do you think that'll come at the expense of some games in the regular season? It might cost them a chance to be a top seed.

[Bernard King]

I don't know anything about load management.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, I know. You know, play with broken fingers.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Bernard King]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

You would not enjoy playing, I think now.

[Bernard King]

No, I would. I certainly would enjoy playing now.

[Don Hahn]

I would be.

[Bernard King]

I wouldn't be sent to the floor as frequently. When I drove, when I drove to the lane. I'm going to get elbows as much coming across the lane. But I think you have to manage players according to how they're playing within the system. You have to manage them based on injuries and when you have knickknack injuries, that can lead to something greater. And so sometimes you have to recognize why a player is being held back. And I can appreciate that. But the style of play today, with the floor being open and the spacing that exists utilizing the three point line as often as teams like to do with the high pick and roll. It's a very exciting game. It's very interesting game. And, and the fans worldwide love it. Certainly here in New York, I love it and we love it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who, who you're. You're a fixture at the games. You're there pretty regularly. Yes, as so many of the. The legends are. It's one of my favorite things about Knick games. Who is the best legend to sit next to during a game? Who is the worst legend?

[Don Hahn]

I think we know the worst.

[Bernard King]

Well, there's. There can't be a best because all they all phenomenal guys, they're all phenomenal players. But when you sit next to Earl Monroe and you sit next to Walt Frazier, you know, when you sit next to those guys, that brings me back to my youth. That brings me back to being on the playgrounds. That brings me back to my dreaming of one day being a Nick. So those are the guys that I love being next to. And then obviously the others is Patrick and Mellow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But who's just the most annoying to sit next to? They're jumping out on the court, they're getting involved. They're screaming in your ear, don't you love it? Well, listen, I don't get to sit close, so I'm sure I'd be happy to sit next to any of them. I'm just trying to get. Because we've heard some. We've heard LJ had some thoughts. Yes, I know, I know he had some thoughts about Starks. How involved Starks likes to get.

[Bernard King]

In fact, three weeks ago I was at John Stocks golf to him for his foundation. But no, none of those guys are annoying and they're enjoying the game. And you know, that's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a pretty cool camaraderie that you like. That's not across every team in the league that you have that many players who come hang out.

[Bernard King]

I don't think. I don't know of any other team in the NBA that brings back that size of group of players. 40 players last year they brought back at one time, including myself, over a period of three days. We had dinner together. We attended to two games at four. Yeah, two games. And so that was fantastic. I remember doing Cedric Maxwell's podcast with the Boston Celtics the day after we beat them in the playoffs. And one of the things he remarked to me was that what he hopes the Celtics would do is emulate what the Knicks does and bringing back all the legends and former players and bring all, all of the players back together, and he would love to see that. No other organization in the league does that. And you have to take my hat off to Dolan and the whole front office and organization for doing just that.

[Don Hahn]

It was an awesome sight to see when everybody got together.

[Bernard King]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Other teams try to emulate it, but there's something that just is special about everybody that comes together from the different generations. It's really a lot of fun to see, and we get to see it again starting tonight.

[Bernard King]

Yeah, I even read a poem at that event. Really? I've been writing poetry. I wrote poetry as a young kid and I continue to write in my adulthood. You know, I was an introvert growing up, and it was a way to express myself, and I still do that today. So I read a poem.

[Alan Hahn]

What was the. What was the poem about?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I won't ask you to read it here if you're not comfortable.

[Alan Hahn]

But what was the point?

[Bernard King]

Why wouldn't I be comfortable?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, you know what?

[Alan Hahn]

If you did feel comfortable, I got.

[Bernard King]

Three Emmys for broadcasting, man.

[Alan Hahn]

Let's hear it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, then let's hear it. I want to hear it right now.

[Bernard King]

Hey, do you want to hear it? That's the question. Come on. That's lukewarm. Do you want to hear it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a poem from the North King, for God's sake. Here we go.

[Bernard King]

All right, let me pull this up. Just give me a moment, man.

[Don Hahn]

Yes. While you do that, I will remind everybody that MSG Networks is all over opening night. We got a special one hour pregame show from 6 to 7pm that's right. I gotta run over to the garden before 6. Tip off on MSG is at 7pm then full post game show reaction interviews right after the game. Like I said, you know, I'll be there. And of course, we'll have Monica Manutt coming up. She's going to be part of that coverage as well. We will carry all the action as well right here on ESPN New York.

[Bernard King]

There you go.

[Don Hahn]

I buy you enough time.

[Bernard King]

Sir, It's. It's on the way. It's on the way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I see. I'm seeing them.

[Bernard King]

Patience is a virtue.

[Alan Hahn]

You just take your time, okay? We wouldn't do this for anybody. No, this is Bernard.

[Bernard King]

Kid.

[Don Hahn]

This is only hall of Fame treatment.

[Alan Hahn]

Exactly.

[Don Hahn]

This does not happen for every.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, how many hall of Famers have the option of pulling out a poem that they've recently written?

[Don Hahn]

The crowd perform. The crowd is captivated. We need to hear this. And it's. But it's great. But But I'm trying to think how many alumni will be at the game tonight, but it sounds like quite a few. And it's become a thing that other teams do try to copy around. And I do have to give it's not the same.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So the point Bernard made too, I have to give credit to Dolan because we give Dolan a lot of heat.

[Alan Hahn]

When he deserves it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I certainly do. You got to give them credit. The, the alumni presence at Knicks games is a very cool thing.

[Bernard King]

Isn't it wonderful? Are you ready?

[Alan Hahn]

Let's go.

[Bernard King]

All right. I I call this b ball. Life has been like the sounds of jazz. My game is like hip hop, soothing and jarring, like abstract art in its rarest form. You have to study it for a while. Sounds, sounds only I can hear you come back for you're unsure of what you saw. Moving to the rhythm of my own beat. You see it when I run, run, jump, jump and dare to almost fly.

[Alan Hahn]

The voice makes it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Bernard King, ladies and gentlemen.

[Don Hahn]

The voice also makes it.

[Alan Hahn]

Wow.

[Don Hahn]

Thank you so much. Thanks for being here.

[Bernard King]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Don Hahn]

Hall of Famous Bernard King, everybody.

[Bernard King]

Thank you guys.

[Don Hahn]

Appreciate you.

[Bernard King]

Thank you. Hey, good luck this year. I look forward to watching. I'll be there to support go next.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Monica McNutt]

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Listening to this podcast Smart move Being.

[Alan Hahn]

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[Monica McNutt]

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[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Everybody. Alan Hodde here to tell you about my friends at Bath Fitter. As you know, we updated a bath at our house. We converted a old tub into a gorgeous shower. It made a big difference. My sister liked it so much she had a bath update as well. And it is a great company that I need to tell you about because Bath Fitter, they. They have a consultant that take you through a process. They have a free in home consultation. You can pick out style, color, all the specifics, accessories. You update the bath, customize the way you want it. They offer all types of custom bath renovations. They have that unique permafit solution that my sister did. The watertight fit. No bubbles, no nothing. Money, no money down by the way. No payments, no interest. 18 months, no interest till April of 2027. As I told you, bad fitter. This is a permanent fit solution. It's done in one day. Durable, easy to clean, no demolition, lower cost than a replacement. And the most important part here, everybody, lifetime guarantee. That's how much they believe in it. And you will too. You can trust the Bath Fitter team like we did. So start designing your bath [e-mail] there's only one Batfitter.

[Alan Hahn]

We're here at Stout, hanging out till 6:30 when our coverage begins for Knicks and the Cavs. And our radio coverage is the best in the league. Tyler Murray's amazing. And you also get a chance to hear and sometimes even see on MSG and ESPN. The great Monica McNutt joins us.

[Don Hahn]

How are you, dear?

[Monica McNutt]

I'm good, I'm good. Excited start of a new season. Let's do it. You feeling good?

[Peter Rosenberg]

You feeling we. I haven't been feeling the. The Knicks audio I've been getting the last few days. It has, it's. It's been sort. It's been a little wet blanket.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, Yeah. I. I think we gotta bear in mind that we're not gonna host Hoist the Larry o' Brien tonight.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Monica McNutt]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

Why not?

[Monica McNutt]

It's a little bit of a, you.

[Don Hahn]

Know, you gotta play it long enough.

[Monica McNutt]

Gotta play 81 more. You know what I mean? It's a little bit of a marathon.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I get it.

[Monica McNutt]

But I think too like as much as you appreciate or I Do the equity and the chemistry that the core of this group has a new coach is a big deal. And so you got to give it some time for everybody, really, to get on the same page in jail.

[Don Hahn]

Well, I think let's start with Mitchell Robinson, because that's what everybody's talking about. We know enough from last year. He missed a majority of the season. In fact, we thought he was going back December. Nope. Maybe January. Nope. Like, it kept being pushed on. So this is a history with him going into this season. Are you shocked that they're handling him the way they're handling him, which is. No. There's no injury, but we're managing the issues that he's had in the past with the foot, and they're being overly cautious with him. Like, knowing him, I'm not shocked. But the fact that it's overnight is. I'm saying opening night is the part that has me, like, tonight, though.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, I understand that. I. I think, listen, you had something that worked. You decided you were moving on. You went to the antithesis. Right. And so I think, again, we, as fans, as folks that cover the team, are learning. Mike Brown, I don't love it on opening night. I think that's why we've already seen some shuffling in the injury report since noon earlier today. But if you tell me that this is what has allowed me to have success or has protected my players in the past, and that's truly what he believes, like, I'd rather someone that's convicted as opposed to wavering.

[Don Hahn]

So if I gave you 50. Mitchell plays 50 games and he's healthy for the playoffs, but only 50 games.

[Monica McNutt]

Sign me up.

[Don Hahn]

What if I told you 40 games?

[Monica McNutt]

Now I'm getting like, okay, what's going.

[Don Hahn]

Half a season, but he's healthy for the playoffs.

[Monica McNutt]

I think what we have seen in the postseason is that when Mitchell Robinson is at his best, he makes that much of a difference.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Monica McNutt]

I don't love it. Right. And you'd have to, obviously, keep everybody at bay in terms of him still being on the roster by the time you get to the postseason in that scenario. But if you told me that now, I'd be like, all right, cool. Like, the ends justify the me, and.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm fine with all that. It's just, why opening night. And the only thing I can think of is, is Mike Brown's trying to tell the world.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, hey, relax.

[Alan Hahn]

We're not going to win 65 games, all right? We're not going to break the record for most wins in a season. But we're going to be there at the end and that has to be the most. What would be the big deal? Rest them against Boston. Rest them over the weekend. But by doing an opening night, it almost just sends the message that, hey, guys, relax. It's just the regular.

[Monica McNutt]

It's 100% a statement.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I agree with that.

[Monica McNutt]

And I think too, as fun as the last couple of years have been, getting back to the playoffs and getting to the Eastern Conference finals, like everybody, including new head coach, knows what's up this year. So let's go like, this is how we're going to do it and we're not going to wait.

[Alan Hahn]

Maybe he doesn't care, but the one thing I would tell Mike Brown is the fans care.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

So if you get off to a slow start, you know, the media, the fans are gonna get restless. Now, maybe you don't care because you're not gonna pay attention to the noise. But you know, Monica, how it is in New York when you don't live up to expectations, that's. That that's the worst case scenario for a sports franchise in New York. I'm not living up to expectations and.

[Monica McNutt]

I'm glad you mentioned that, Don. But I think my observation so far, and I believe it when these guys say it, call me a little bit naive, the pressure there is there internally for them. Right? Of course, everybody knows New York is going to be impatient. The, the headlines, the conversation, all of that comes with it. But think about the guy that's leading this team on the court. He's at no point was he projected to be where he is now. This is literally a second round pick. And so I think internally there's enough pressure and again, that equity and that chemistry, there's enough want from this group to be successful. That, yeah, the noise is occupational hazard is what comes with it. But I have, I have no doubt that this group is going to put. Do whatever they can to bring the promise.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let me ask Alan and Monica this question. What do you guys think would play worse tomorrow if everyone played and they lost opening night or they're not at full strength and they lose opening night? Because there's an argument, if you want to hate on it, you could hate.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm with you.

[Monica McNutt]

I, I think this is because they.

[Don Hahn]

Haven'T beaten the Cat last year.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So it's worse if everyone plays and they lose. Yeah.

[Monica McNutt]

So, I mean, and listen, honestly, this is obviously a Knicks program, but the Cavs on the same position. Who cares about your 65 wins? Like you, you choke when it matters.

[Don Hahn]

Second round, right? Yep.

[Monica McNutt]

So I think again, I'm with Don. We're making a statement. We're going about this with a very clear goal of the postseason and getting to the finals is what matters. And so you take with it what comes with it.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I just, it, it just bothers me as a fan because you want, you want to have a regular season. I mean, the regular season should matter. I understand you got bigger fish to fry. But for you, covers the team every single game. And you're going to traveling. You want the games to have some sort of meaning.

[Monica McNutt]

But we're going from one extreme to another.

[Alan Hahn]

Are we?

[Monica McNutt]

It has to matter because you don't want to trash seed. The regular season is going to matter the first two weeks. Right. But the regular season is going to matter. Christmas Day game here in the Garden. Y' all know what that feels like. It's going to matter. January, MLK Day. It's going to matter. And you can only get but so far back.

[Don Hahn]

I think this summer I would have.

[Alan Hahn]

Said opening day would have mattered.

[Don Hahn]

I think a Wednesday, Wednesday night against the Hornets in February, it doesn't matter.

[Monica McNutt]

And we all but listen. Okay, so if he's available on Friday and you get a great win and it looks good, are you okay? Is it a wash?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, I get, I just, it's opening night.

[Don Hahn]

Not if he doesn't play on, you.

[Alan Hahn]

Know, we're here at Stout on opening night.

[Monica McNutt]

I get it.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, I'm not saying it selfishly. I'm just that people are all packed, they're hyped. The whole summer of watching the Yankees, the Mets disappoint. Football sucks. We want basketball, man.

[Monica McNutt]

My comments have literally been like, how are you not healthy opening night? I get, I get it. But here we are.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, and you asked the question, so is it all good if you win Friday?

[Don Hahn]

I've been, it's all good if you win tonight. And they can and they can. No, they're acting like they have no chance.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you're right. And they do have a chance. Are short also, so you never know. They quit tonight. But it's funny because I've been saying all, you know, for the last few weeks. I'm like, hey, you never know. The, the, the, the, the Celtics, you never know they have a head coach who's going to go for it. I, I looked at their depth chart yesterday. The Knicks are expecting to win Friday night. They, they are thinking they're winning Friday night. I mean, Jalen Brown's day to day, they Might trot out. It may look like something we never see.

[Don Hahn]

Jalen Brown's playing Friday night.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, no, he's definitely playing Friday on one leg.

[Don Hahn]

He's. But you saw his, his comments about losing to the Knicks and listening to the fans and all that stuff. But Monica, I wanted to, though, go back to something that you were just mentioning about the, the leader of the team, and it's Jalen Brunson. So Mike Brown wants to change the way he's playing. And there's a lot of things. That's why there's a lot going on with this team. And it feels like last year, Kathy Towns trade blows up the training camp. They have really not had a consistent year to year thing in the last three years, but yet they've found a way by the end of the season to be a winning team that's going. Making a playoff run. So now this change with Jalen Brunson, is this going to help him like Mike Brown thinks, or do you think this, this might be one where at some point in the scene you have scrap and say, let the guy do what he does?

[Monica McNutt]

See both. Initially, I do think it's going to be helpful because again, we talk about. I use that word, equity, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Everything.

[Monica McNutt]

While Jalen was fantastic, everything he's earned, he deserves it. At no point was it easy, right? Like, if we can get, if you. Jalen can get eight. Easy, right. Just. Just to mix it up, give the defenses a different look, give him a different look. I think that's a good thing.

[Alan Hahn]

Y'.

[Monica McNutt]

All, as soon as we get to maybe not April, assuming seating is straight, but by the time you get to playoffs, we're going back to the basketball we saw last year.

[Alan Hahn]

Like, who are we kidding?

[Don Hahn]

That's what I'm saying.

[Monica McNutt]

Like, what are we talking about?

[Don Hahn]

You.

[Monica McNutt]

You don't have that guy.

[Don Hahn]

I think we're doing it. I, I think every night, if it's a close game, five minutes to go, let's go.

[Monica McNutt]

Mr. Clutch for a reason, right?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. It's a Tibeto playbook.

[Monica McNutt]

This is. Like, we don't. It's not A to Z, right? Like, it's going to be A. We get the L, we can go back to D. Like it. That's the nature of sport. Like, what does this matchup provide? Who's the hot hand? I do think, though, from what we've heard from Mike Brown, the opportunity to empower everybody, to have an impact is there in a way that we had not seen previously. And that to me is the difference.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, who benefits the most from Mike Brown being here?

[Monica McNutt]

I think potentially it's going to be your wing stop guys personally.

[Don Hahn]

Yep.

[Monica McNutt]

Flying up and down the court and I, I know we're the same on this cuz we've on some other spaces together. I want to see what Arrowhawk Port got like I want to see it.

[Don Hahn]

I, the, the, the, the big man thing with this team is going to be interesting to watch and let's just have some fun with it. Yell showing up almost 20 pounds over. Over the weight he was last year. 282, 283.

[Monica McNutt]

He's solid. I, I've known Hoopers like that.

[Don Hahn]

I have.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Solid.

[Don Hahn]

Solid. It's really now become a thick like little thick. Come on. How does this play out? Come on. How, how does this play out? Is all I'm saying. Because you, you sign with a team where the coach wants to play up tempo and you're 18 pounds heavier than you were the year before. That normally doesn't work.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

I am so curious about what everybody's excited about his addition to this team and you should. On paper you should. But he's one guy that I'm going like how's that going?

[Monica McNutt]

The math is questionable but I also han like and this is what I've been saying too. Pace is not oh, we're gonna mimic the Indiana patients and run up and down the floor. Like that's not the only thing we're talking about with pace. Right.

[Bernard King]

Right.

[Monica McNutt]

We're talking about a rhythm in the half court. We're talking about an understanding of com systems. We're talking about being able to read and react and not come down. Pound the rock. Set to pick and roll screens and look up over at 10 seconds like here we go.

[Don Hahn]

Yep.

[Monica McNutt]

Like there's I think don't hold the ball and wait nuance to pace right now does do I still expect to see some maybe shorter sub rotations while guys get in shape?

[Bernard King]

Sure.

[Monica McNutt]

But like there's a nuance of pace here that I, I don't think means this team is going to score 120 every night.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I want to tell all of you something in case you didn't know.

[Monica McNutt]

Tell us.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's NBA tip off week.

[Don Hahn]

Okay.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And Fanduel is your home for live betting. So even if you missed the start of the game or you want to ride the hot hand, FanDuel has live bets on everything from who will score the next bucket to fourth quarter comebacks. Plus you can even combine your live bets into a Sam game parlay for a shot of bigger payout. However you want to play. It is the perfect time to join because FanDuel is giving you customers $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. So just visit FanDuel.com Peter to sign up today. Play your game with FanDuel, official sports betting partner of the NBA, 21 and over and physically present New York first online real money wager only. Five dollar first deposit required. Bonus issues now. Withdrawable bonus bets that expire seven days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See [e-mail] for the gambling problem. Call 877-8-HOPE and wire. Text open Y467 369. Monica, you know our last guest, Bernard King did poetry.

[Bernard King]

Yeah, he does.

[Monica McNutt]

He did, yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He ended the. So I don't know if at some point here you wanna the variety show.

[Don Hahn]

Is everybody got anything?

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what I'm saying?

[Don Hahn]

Do you have an act?

[Bernard King]

Right?

[Don Hahn]

Is this year three, by the way.

[Alan Hahn]

And.

[Monica McNutt]

And the radio. Yes.

[Don Hahn]

This is your three.

[Monica McNutt]

Very exciting with the crew, though.

[Don Hahn]

Look at you, a vet.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's your six with the crew.

[Don Hahn]

Yes.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, because I was like doing studio and other things.

[Alan Hahn]

So let's say my, let's say my passion for basketball is wanting to follow where Monica McNutt is on a given night.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So what you mean you're, you mean like you're a.

[Alan Hahn]

Like a stalker?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm going to say a pervert who's sitting around going, I want to watch the game. Is Monica.

[Alan Hahn]

Monica's not on.

[Don Hahn]

The good news is that doesn't exist.

[Alan Hahn]

Kind of like when Batgirl was on, you know, Batman.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. I'm only watching the episodes with Batgirl.

[Alan Hahn]

Like though, what's the breakdown? Radio, tv, all that for you?

[Monica McNutt]

I have a handful of TV games schedule for us, but mostly I'll be rocking with us on radio, which I love. El. I mean, always part of the pre and post game shows on television.

[Don Hahn]

Have we worked with Tyler on his look this year? Are we going to see a different looking Tyler Murray?

[Monica McNutt]

We're not, but I got some great. He got a great pair of dunks. Very classic. I was very proud of him. Didn't do too much.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wow.

[Monica McNutt]

He is on television tonight. Pat o' Keefe is with us. We've got a great radio crew, so I'm excited.

[Alan Hahn]

Have fun.

[Monica McNutt]

Thanks, guys. All right.

[Alan Hahn]

It's always good to see. Congratulations on year six.

[Don Hahn]

That's pretty cool.

[Bernard King]

Cool.

[Monica McNutt]

That's awesome.

[Don Hahn]

We just need to be in studio more so we can fight. We never get to fight.

[Bernard King]

I know.

[Monica McNutt]

We don't. We don't.

[Don Hahn]

You look like you're really disappointed. MSG Networks by the way, everybody is all over. Opening night special. One hour pregame show from 6 to 7. Tip off on MSG at 7pm of course, full postgame show and reaction interviews right after the game. You know I'll be there. Of course Monica McNut will be there as well. She'll be on the pre and post game shows. We'll call the action right here on ESPN New York.

[Alan Hahn]

The holidays have arrived at the Home Depot and we're here to help bring the excitement with decor for every part of your home. Check out our wide assortment of easy.

[Don Hahn]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Talk about stepping up.

[Alan Hahn]

It's time to level up your game.

[Monica McNutt]

Introducing the all new ESPN app. All of ESPN all in one place.

[Alan Hahn]

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[Monica McNutt]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Monica McNutt]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Monica McNutt]

For More on the ESPN app or at stream.espn.com Sign up now.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

Game time is brought to you by TU Irish Whiskey because when it's game time fellas.

[Bernard King]

Like when he holds it.

[Alan Hahn]

Knicks open the season against the Cavaliers coverage right here. Following us on 880 at 6:30. Nets visit the Hornets at 7 and I'll be in Jersey for the Devils in the Wild at seven. So I'll be leaving here a little early. Hopping on the train to get to Newark Penn Station for what we hope will be a Devil six game winning streak. They're fun.

[Don Hahn]

I said it yesterday. They, they are fun to watch. Obviously the addition of your electric calls helps but they, they make it. They give you a lot of material dog.

[Alan Hahn]

No, they really the Hughes brothers are tremendous and it's just a, it's a pleasure. We'll see what they can do tonight. Second to back to back. Never easy to come back from Canada so hopefully they're not as worn out as I am. Telemar Dew. The original triple distill, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. Also thanks to everybody here at Sun Cruiser Shout out. Sun Cruiser, major sponsor for us as well. Always great, always at all the remotes. So, so drink up, my friends, because it's opening night. Yes, I really want to hear from you. 1-800-919-3776. Try to squeeze in some phone calls. John Starks will be on his way in the five o' clock hour. Pato keeps going on a call on the radio side. I just hate to harp on it about just the disappointment in not having there being some sense of urgency for it to be opening night. And I do think Mike Brown is making a statement, kind of let the fans know, hey, it's cool, man. Don't worry about, we got this, all right? Don't live and die with every game in the regular season because we're going to be there and the decisions that we make in October are going to help us in April, May, and hopefully June down the road. But I just know New York. I know how the media works. I know how the fans work and they live and die with every game. Maybe they shouldn't, but they do. And you know what? That's a good thing, guys. That's why there's sports radio.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what you, that's why you have.

[Alan Hahn]

People covering the team because we live and die with every game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I don't know if, you know.

[Alan Hahn]

They don't want to be told. Ease up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because I don't know if you're aware of this. By the way, Donna, Knicks Twitter is a fairly active place. I mean, this is as, I don't know if there's another fan base in, in basketball that has so much chatter around everything they do, like the Knicks. And then, and then, even as you compare it to New York State sports, I mean, I really think it's the Knicks and the Yankees that generate the most conversation every night.

[Alan Hahn]

Because, because it's, it's, there's the history, right? This is handed down. Your grandfather was a Knick fan, your father was a Knick fan, you're a Nick fan, you're handing it down to your kids. And let's be honest, guys, and this is why I, I, I hold the regular season still dearly, is because when you really think about it, that's how we all became fans. Because not all, all of us rooted for teams that were consistently in the playoffs. When I Fell in love with my teams growing up. The Mets, the Giants, they didn't go to the playoffs all the time. I fell in love watching regular season games. They were never meaningless to me. And everybody played. And you, you, you, you celebrated the wins. Oh, and you're disappointed with the losses.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Regular season hits different.

[Alan Hahn]

I just don't want modern day sports to be just about the postdoc. Wake me up in April or wake me up in October or wake me up in January. And that's not because we make a living in the regular season. Alan and I do, you know, I'm calling a game tonight. It's a regular season game, but I just think it's important. That's where you cultivate fans. That's where the ups and downs are because the playoffs aren't guaranteed to you.

[Don Hahn]

I think we have, we've, we're well into the rings era. We're well into what does it matter if you don't win a championship era. That's what it really has become now more than anything, the appreciation of regular season success has dwindled in the last 20 years. Yeah, I think it, I do think the LeBron era and everybody trying to use that against him when it comes to comparing him to Michael Jordan has trickled into other sports. I think the Yankees, though, that's always kind of been a thing. And it came back when the Yankees had their, their late 90s dynasty, when they were running, when they went from 96 to 2003 and they were making a World Series almost every year that, that run it. As fun as it was, it almost was a detriment to the future generations of Yankee players who now have to live up to that standard. Much like, I guess the ones from the late 60s and 70s had to live up to what, you know, Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle and you know, Joe DiMaggio and Babe Ruth were doing and they have to live up to that standard. I think that's more of that just has created a feeling of it doesn't matter if you have 100 win season, if you don't win the World Series, six months of your work mean nothing if you don't do it for one month.

[Alan Hahn]

And we lived in a world, especially baseball, where, hey, only four teams made the playoffs.

[Don Hahn]

Yep.

[Alan Hahn]

If you're old enough, only two teams made the playoffs. So the regular season, not even a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Playoff, is it a playoff.

[Alan Hahn]

But, but the point is, is that because you keep adding rounds, you keep adding playoff teams and now we see in the NBA, you don't Necessarily have to be a top three seed to make a run that devalues the regular season. You know, back in the day, if you, if you were a seven, eight, six, five, you know, weren't winning any NBA championship, you weren't going to be able to do it exclusively on the road. That was more of a hockey thing where teams made runs, but there's still that level of importance. I want home ice advantage. I want to finish as high as I can. Football, you want that home field advantage. Now you got three wild card teams. We see wild card teams win Super Bowls. We've seen low seeds go and win championships. So what they've seen is, hey, I don't have to be a 1 seed. Maybe I'll be a 4 seed, but if I'm healthy, I'd rather be a healthy four seed than a banged up one. And we saw that with the Cavaliers last year, right? They put a lot of investment in that 65 win season and it hurt him so. And it didn't hurt the Knicks that they were a lower seed. So that's really what it's about, guys, as we grew up, is that if you slipped, if you had a bad month, if you had a bad week, might cost you a playoff spot now it might cost you a seed. But even that doesn't matter anymore. So by adding all of these playoff teams, I'm sorry, you have devalued the regular season. It's not worthless, but it's certainly devalued.

[Bernard King]

From what it was.

[Don Hahn]

It's funny because ironically, the idea of adding playoff seeds and adding play ins.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Supposed to make it more compelling.

[Don Hahn]

It was, it was to take away from how an end of a seeding season, the last quarter of the season would be irrelevant for a majority of the league because, well, we're so far out of it, we're never catching anybody. So let's start tanking. So the idea of expanding playoffs was to keep more teams engaged so the regular season games would matter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it's funny, it almost works for in reverse because it ends up rewarding the worst teams, whereas the better teams have less incentive.

[Don Hahn]

It's a great point.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you're really thinking about like, oh, well, now the Wizards can stay interested until, well in their case, a 21.

[Don Hahn]

Start and you're like, that's 21 games out of 82. We still have 61. Like, like this means nothing. Like now you got to just, all right, we got this huge start. Can we just stay healthy now?

[Alan Hahn]

I get that. And for certain teams, I guess that's the case. But that 20 and one start still meant something to the fans in Cleveland. Right. They enjoyed that. It was a big deal. Like, I don't want to lose that.

[Don Hahn]

But what does it mean when you lose in the second round because your team falters, gets hurt, and can't win a home game in the playoffs?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, but, but how about just kind of limping through the regular season and still getting beat in the first round? Then what? Then what does that mean?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, and my guess, everybody can't win.

[Alan Hahn]

That's what I say about the analytics of baseball. If everybody does it, there's still only one of 30 teams that go in an NBA title. So for the other 29 and fans didn't work.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And also, and also I would say in the case of Cleveland specifically, you know, that's not a spot a spoiled fan base on anything outside LeBron. So they have one LeBron championship. My guess is they're going to be revved up for this team. They're not thinking, oh, you blew it in the playoffs, didn't even matter. They're hyped that this team can go, has a chance and has a chance. Whoever you're repping this season, carry the team like a pro with ultra durable.

[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Alan Hahn]

Or a Yeti store near you.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know it's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.