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Peter Rosenberg
So good, so good, so good.
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Podcast Host
This is the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.
Don Hahn
That sounds like heaven to me.
Podcast Host
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.
Don Hahn
Game time is brought to you by Tullimore Dew Irish Whiskey. Because when it is game time, fellas, I like that. Take a good hard look. No locals in action tonight. Both the Yankees and the Mets are off. Knicks aren't playing again. But there is a game that you'll be interested in, especially if you're a Nick fan. Game 6 Thunder spurs from San Antonio.
J.R. Smith
I'm good.
Don Hahn
That game is going to be on our air after dan grassa on 880 at 8 o'. Clock. You say you're good.
Peter Rosenberg
I'm good either way.
J.R. Smith
All right.
Don Hahn
But you still want whatever happens, you're
Rick
not rooting for something to happen.
Peter Rosenberg
No, I mean two ways to look at it. I think San Antonio to I'm I'm truthfully just as a basketball fan I find San Antonio, New York to be more compelling. I think that's a more fun and the Wemby part of it makes it so fun.
Don Hahn
I'm sure that's what the league wants that we here at Disney are rooting for. I think the league would want to see that because I thought Alan made
Peter Rosenberg
a killer point was on our show yesterday on get up today Alan and I had a segment together on get
Rick
up like you dream about dominated it
Peter Rosenberg
too and I thought so and but I don't remember where it was but Alan made the point and I know we got to get to JR here I really do and we should ask him this. I do not see a world in which the public at large is rooting for Oklahoma City against the Knicks. They play okc. I think most of the country is rooting for the Knicks which would be kind of fun and unique.
Don Hahn
All interesting topic of conversation but I need to get to Tullamore Dew, the original triple distilled, 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 Do Responsibly he's former Nick JR Smith and he's nice enough to join us here on Don Han and Rosenberg. How are you, sir?
J.R. Smith
Oh, great. How are you?
Don Hahn
I'm happy you're still with us. That was a scary moment last week.
Rick
Yeah, with the cry. There's a lot to get to with njr, but first and foremost, not only a former Nick, two time NBA champion and recent college graduate.
Peter Rosenberg
That's right.
Rick
Really?
Don Hahn
Congratulations, man. That's cool.
Rick
North Carolina A&T. So we wanted to congratulate you on that. Like what? And I know you've, you've told this story recently, so I'd love for you to share it with our, with our listeners. Ojr, your, your ambition to go to school, to, to get your degree. And now that you have that, what's next?
J.R. Smith
Actually working and went back to. Well, summer session just started again and I went back, I'm going back for my masters and I got, I guess a year, year and a half finish my master's and then hopefully get my doctorate, depending on where I can attend. But yeah, just excited about learning, continuing to learn and just having fun.
Peter Rosenberg
What are you getting your master's in? Is there a specialty here?
J.R. Smith
Biological studies. African culture.
Peter Rosenberg
Awesome.
J.R. Smith
African American culture.
Peter Rosenberg
So then you'll do that, get a doctorate and just see where it, see where it brings you. But you're just actually sheerly enjoying the education of it. Is it different because none of us, none of the three of us yo yos have ever had the experience of like going to school when you sort of don't have to. Is it a different experience when you're not a kid, you know, being told you got to do this but you're a man, like going to choose education. Does it feel completely different?
J.R. Smith
Yeah, I feel like it's different being I was, I would say, you know, growing up, you know, having to do the work and not really wanting to and not really having a real connection to it at the time. I think for me it was really hard for me. I think that's one of the things that was really hard for me growing up now, being a grown man and understanding some bigger purpose behind what I'm doing. I think it just makes it that much easier for me again growing up and having to do it and not really understanding what I was going to do with it. It definitely was a struggle for me.
Rick
It just shows you there's just never, you know, there's different times for different people. It's not always on the same timeline. And the fact that you found that at this point of your life, it's, you know, it gives you a great. Why after a playing career that you had for 16 years? Because a lot of athletes do kind of struggle with that when they get to retirement. But clearly for you, this, this has become your, your next challenge. And I saw you had an ambition about being maybe even athletic director at North Carolina A and T. Is that still on the. On the wish list for you?
J.R. Smith
Yeah, yeah, that's definitely on my wish list. You know, I just want to help continue to lead to help the youth and help HBCU students. I think there's, you know, a huge need for it in today's world because I feel like there's a lot of people who are in those positions and don't necessarily have the, the youth's best interest at heart. I would say it's more of a stepping ladder and trying to get somewhere bigger or better. And for me, I mean, I really had a unbelievable experience with my being ambassador. So for me, I would love to do that AAT and see what it. I mean, see what all. It all entails, honestly.
Peter Rosenberg
Sure.
Don Hahn
We're talking to J.R. smith. He was a sixth man of the year as a New York Knick back in that 1213 season. He's joining here on Don Han and Rosenberg. So what has this run been like? Coming back into the Garden and seeing the team play this way?
J.R. Smith
It's been incredible. I mean, to watch these dudes play with the. Just a passion and the fire play together. I mean, I think everybody will say going into, I mean, coming into the playoffs, I don't think we all would have position the Knicks as in the situation they're in, you know, because of what we've seen in the regular season. And I feel like the way they've come together between Cat and Brunson and figuring out, you know, whose turn it is or whose time it is, and everybody else was falling, you know, kind of falling in line. I think that's been the most beautiful thing to watch because when you have great teams, there's always somebody or some type of friction or some reason you don't, you know, get over the hump. And for the Knicks, there's always been, you know, whatever, for whatever reason, whatever combination the players, the coaches or whatever the reason front office was in the last, you know, 20, 30 years. I guess it's amazing to see them come as far as they have the camaraderie that they have amongst the players. They really seem like they enjoy one another and Enjoy playing with one another. And, I mean, it's really made it that much easier and fun to watch, to be honest.
Rick
You've had a front row seat yourself to what it's like for a star player to carry the burden. You know, you were there with Carmelo back then. The pressure to play in New York is one thing. The pressure to win in New York is even something more. So when you watch Jalen Brunson and what he's done now, Mello came in with a lot of. A lot of attention and a lot of pomp and circumstance. Brunson came in kind of quiet, and then suddenly everybody's like, whoa, this. This guy can play. When you watch him and how he handles all the things that come with it, because, you know, all of that, what do you see and why does it. Why does he seem to handle it so well?
J.R. Smith
I mean, I think, you know, a lot of her credit has to go to his dad. Rick has been incredible mentor for him, I'm sure. And the way he's been handling, he just seems like he's never rattled and he's never flustered. I think that's one of the biggest keys to success. No matter if they're up or down. You really don't. You can't tell by his body language. And I think as a leader of organization, especially somewhere like New York, I think that's a major, major key to have, because, I mean, the way that the city can, you know, kind of get to anybody and to be able to take it with a grain of salt and still continuously truck forward and put your team in a better position is not easy. So I definitely take my hat off to Jaylah, man. He's done an amazing job, not only just. Not only playing, but just leading this team.
Peter Rosenberg
To me, obviously, a lot of people nationally have been surprised about what this team has done, but I mean, even experts and people close to it have been surprised at how they turn it on. Were you surprised at what they've become since Game 4 in that Atlanta series, or did you know that they had this gear?
J.R. Smith
No. I mean, I think everybody knew they had this gear. I just don't think we knew it was gonna. They were gonna put it together like this and blow the teams out. They had. I mean. I mean, there's no. You can't really take anything away. They beat the hell out of Philly. They destroyed the last series just like. I mean, they're just blowing teams out and it's not even close. And to me, even with the last series Having time off as much as they did and still be coming, be prepared. It shows you how poised there are and what a great job Mike has done as well.
Don Hahn
JR As a former player, if you're a Nick, you know, sitting, watching the game tonight, do you have a rooting interest? Do you just take on all comers at this point? If you're the Knicks,
J.R. Smith
I mean, at this point, take on all comers. I mean, if we continuously play the way we've been playing, I don't think it doesn't. I honestly don't think it matters who we play. The way we scrap our defense and, you know, playing with that New York energy, diving on the floor for loose balls, I think that that right there is enough and we're going to play as hard as we've been playing.
Rick
You understand? And this, this is not a. Like, when you use this term, sometimes it sounds negative, but it's not. You understand the importance of role players on championship teams. You understand it because that's what you were. There's a reason why LeBron said, Go get me those two guys. And you and Aman ended up in Cleveland. The rest of us hated it, but you guys ended up there. And there's a reason why you got there and you were told, we need you guys. And you certainly got a ring there. And then LeBron said, Get him back here again. And he got another ring because of it. When you look at this Knicks team and the role players on this team, you know, I, Steve Novak's on our network, we're doing stuff now and we tease Novi all the time. You two odd couple on that mob deep bench that you guys had back in the day, when you look at this Knicks bench is like a guy like Landry Shammit, somebody that just kind of makes you smile. Like, look at this. This guy's ready. He's locked and loaded. When he steps into a game. Is he somebody that you appreciate for that role player importance?
J.R. Smith
100%? For me, I mean, the minutes come sporadically, especially being a role player and to be ready and be prepared consistently night in, night out is extremely hard to do. So to me, what they've been able to accomplish on that bench squad has been incredible. I mean, I've been on record for saying they, they need to play better, and I feel like they really have over the last, I would say month or two, I mean, just really keeping them, I would say taking leads and extending it is one thing. You know, generally on your bench, you want to be able to withhold the lead. Until you get your starters back in. But then taking the lead and pushing it even further. I mean, that's. Any team would love, love, love to have the bench playing the way they've been playing.
Don Hahn
Yeah. Just incredible. Like anybody. We were just talking before you came on about the narrative that they hadn't played anybody. The path was easy. Well, what are you supposed to do with easy teams? Smack them around. And that's exactly what they've done, junior. Like, so I don't know how badly you can beat a team enough for people to stop saying the path is easy.
J.R. Smith
Yeah, I mean, that's just people saying what they're going to say. I mean, if it was the other, other way around, they'd be like, oh, it's just the same old Nick. Like, just look at us just getting beat up. Or teams are just rolling in here. We're just laying down the guard. These dudes are playing their butts off, and I don't think they get enough credit for how good they really are. I mean, I don't care who you're playing against. These are dudes who are getting paid, professional salaries, NBA players who are some of the best players in the world, and they're literally blowing teams out.
Peter Rosenberg
So you do have to tell us now, J.R. what. What did happen that night? First of all, how actually concerned were you when you stepped out with the fans? And were you, like, were you legitimately concerned or were you sort of like, yo, this is getting a little crazy.
Don Hahn
Whoa.
Peter Rosenberg
Or was there a moment of, oh, God, this is actually a problem?
J.R. Smith
Well, I was only concerned because the thing I was. Well, obviously I've seen. I wasn't the only person who fell. And there was a couple of women who fell in front of me, and dudes weren't helping them up. And I got really. Got me upset because, like, you guys are really just sitting here on your phones instead of helping people up, you know, and it kind of. That to me, that was the most annoying part about it. But I was never in danger or anything like that.
Don Hahn
Got it.
Peter Rosenberg
Okay.
Rick
So it made me change the way I crossed the street, though, after the game.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, yeah, it was enough to scare Alan.
Rick
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
You should know that.
Rick
I'm like. I'm like, where's Larry Johnson? We're going out the side door in 31st. And LJ, you're going to escort me across the street with that in mind. Like you. I. I love when I talk to a lot of you guys, because as expensive as those seats are, and we know how expensive they can be sitting around the court. There's so many of you now that it's no longer alumni row. It's like alumni section. Like, it's the whole wrapped around the court. You can't look in a direction if you're on the floor and not see a former Knick. And the way you guys really get into the game, what does it mean for you? Because you're somebody that, as I mentioned before, you were traded away, and a lot of us were like, why are they trading these guys? And yet you did have success. You got to win and all that stuff. And people in New York were happy to see you shirtless for four days celebrating a championship. But you're back here and you're being celebrated again as a Knick. What does that mean for you?
J.R. Smith
I mean, it means everything. I mean, I'm from Jersey. My dad grew up a Knicks fan. So for me, it means. It means the world being able to come home and get the love and support that I do, and then having an opportunity to watch these dudes sit on the floor and like, to me, I would have loved to have that as a player, see so many former players from that team inspired and cheering me on. To me, that would be amazing. So I really hope those dudes like and appreciate what the guys are saying and bringing to them, because I think it's a lot of great positive energy and a lot of just basketball knowledge in general that they can learn from over there on that sideline. But for me, I mean, I really enjoy it. I love going to the games, love getting the love and respect from the fans, and just seeing so many old faces that literally watch me and my kids grow up.
Rick
And I imagine, again, we all remember the celebration with the Cavs championship. Can you even imagine what one would be in this city?
J.R. Smith
I don't. I cannot imagine. But I promise you one thing, I will be there to see it.
Rick
We know you will.
Don Hahn
JR Such a pleasure to talk to you. Good luck. And hopefully we'll get to see you a little bit later on when they're lifting a trophy.
J.R. Smith
Definitely. I appreciate it. I'll see you, boy, soon. All right.
Don Hahn
That's J.R. smith, Jersey guy. I had forgotten about that when he brought it up from Freehold, New Jersey. And, you know, it's just crazy, like, how he spent more time in Denver and Cleveland. You said won a title in Cleveland, but.
Rick
And the Lakers.
Don Hahn
And just because of the fact that, you know, he's from Jersey and his dad was a Knick fan. And just coming back to the Garden is special.
Rick
It was personal for him. But I wanted to make sure everybody heard his story about going back to school because he went from high school to the NBA. He didn't go to college. He was going to go to unc, but then had the opportunity to be drafted. So he said, forget it. I'm going right into the league. And he had told a story about how he really. And he kind of said it to us here, like education for him was not something that he really embraced when he was younger and he struggled with it. And so to find it later in life is such a great story for a lot of adults who might have felt the same way. I don't want to go to college. I don't want to do. I'm sick of school. And then you get older and you start to realize things and education suddenly becomes something that you're curious about and interested in and what he's turned it into. He has a degree. He's already going back for his master's. He plans on getting a doctorate. This says a lot about his growth and what he's become. And after his career, he's found something that is an ambition which is great and we support it.
Don Hahn
So the Knicks, who are going to take on either the spurs or the Thunder, could find out tonight. And if you wanted to bet the game tonight, Peter, I know you're good either way.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, no, but the thing is I'm not.
Don Hahn
We're going to bet the game.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, the thing is, if I were going to, it'd be FanDuel now, obviously I can't. I have to wait and keep this, this money because, you know, I'm going with the Knicks game one in the finals one way or the other. And FanDuel is giving you better payouts on same game parlays all NBA playoffs long with more ways to build and and more value every time you play. You can stack your picks your way for every game, every matchup and every moment. From spreads to player points to threes and more. Build it all into one same game parlay and go for bigger payouts. So if you're betting same game parlays this NBA postseason, bet them on FanDuel. More options, better payouts all NBA playoffs long. Head to FanDuel.com local to get started. FanDuel official partner of the NBA. Play your game 21 plus physically present New York for help with the gambling problem, call 877-8- OPEN Y or text openy at 467-369.
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Podcast Host
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Podcast Host
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. We all have that one friend.
Don Hahn
I'm talking about the yo yos who set themselves on fire and bathe in pork and beans.
Podcast Host
Or know that one person I'm here with my family who can't help but
Peter Rosenberg
be he's not cool. His voice is weird. He's kind of a dork. His brother's a tool. His girlfriend's annoying.
Podcast Host
That guy.
Don Hahn
I didn't know it was banner night.
J.R. Smith
We won't be out for that.
Podcast Host
It's time for that Guy Thursday.
Rick
Hey guys, Anyone want to play some ball?
Podcast Host
Whip done Hot and roll Rosenberg.
Don Hahn
He's just being that guy. Now we have fun amongst the shows. I think one of the beautiful things about this radio station and coming up in September, we'll be celebrating our 25th anniversary. And I've been here for all of it.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, you've seen the good, the bad and the ugly.
Don Hahn
And listen, I've worked a lot of different places, a lot of different jobs in the business and out. And I could tell you there's never been a closeness like we have here at this radio station where I think everybody, like, genuinely gets along with each other. And we've had a few exceptions over the 25 years, but for the most part, especially now, I think everybody gets along with each other. And a lot of that has to do with the fact that Alan had worked with Bart and I've worked with Carlin and of course with Michael and, you know, Rick worked with Al. Like, there's been a lot we've intertwined over the years for sure. And the one thing that I feel really strongly about is that we'd never go at one another unless it was just playful, fun, performative, even.
Peter Rosenberg
Yes.
Don Hahn
But what I heard this, even Michael
Peter Rosenberg
and I recently, as you recall, that it's all fun.
Don Hahn
That was taken.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Don Hahn
The too far by the media.
Peter Rosenberg
They got there.
Don Hahn
By the evil media.
Peter Rosenberg
They have interest to fill, you know, the fake news media.
Rick
What to fill.
Peter Rosenberg
But you get the idea.
Don Hahn
But something happened this morning that I think crossed the line.
Peter Rosenberg
Now, by the way, I want to be clear.
Rick
Cross the line.
Peter Rosenberg
I haven't heard this yet. Have you, Alan?
Rick
Yes, you did. I did. I was listening.
Don Hahn
You were listening and it was. It was explained to me.
Peter Rosenberg
You couldn't have been listening. You were with me.
Rick
I drove in.
Peter Rosenberg
No, this was. This was on. This was. Correct me if I'm wrong. You know what he's talking about.
Rick
Wait, wait. Which. All right, finish and I'll tell you if.
Peter Rosenberg
Okay.
Rick
Sorry, I'm thinking of something else.
Don Hahn
I heard this was somewhere. I was told around 8:30.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Rick
Oh, there's no chance I heard this.
Peter Rosenberg
No, you were with me. You were literally with me.
Rick
So there was two things that were happening this morning about this show.
Don Hahn
Oh, wow. Although something else. We joined that guy Thursday early. It's not even 4:30 yet.
Rick
Yeah.
Don Hahn
So I think we could jam a lot into this segment.
Peter Rosenberg
So let's do it right. I'm always for jamming.
Don Hahn
But this. Well, you know, on a good day. We've got DNR earlier this morning and they reacted to our Peter Rosenberg. Oh, this on Get Up Today. Nobody if you're in. Not if you're not watching on YouTube or. You showed up late. Peter and Allen both were on Get Up Now. Alan's on Get Up. A lot. Peter has been on get up, but Peter did a lot more than just talk wrestling. And he looks.
Peter Rosenberg
Just a little segment about the Knicks and then the wrestling.
Rick
We were at the desk together. Shouted out the show.
Peter Rosenberg
A lot of shout outs for the show.
Don Hahn
It was beautiful. Hopefully my name came up. It did.
Rick
It did.
Don Hahn
Yeah. When you said Don Hunter Rosa, correct? Pretty much. Right. All right, so here's the reaction to Peter on Get Up.
Peter Rosenberg
I'm nervous.
Don Hahn
Peter Rosenberg on Get Up. Peter Rosenberg talking about the Knicks. That is Peter Rosenberg.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't know if this is going
Don Hahn
to somehow tie into wrestling, but. Yeah, he's with Alan. Interesting. You think Alan brought him as like a Bring your kid to school? Yeah. No. Wow. What could Peter possibly be adding him at the Knicks?
Podcast Host
He's a sports talk.
Don Hahn
I mean, that's so insulting. He looks really good. He's a nice suit.
Rick
He looks great.
Peter Rosenberg
Thanks, Rick.
Don Hahn
I mean, he's. He's definitely supporting J. Will's point right now. I mean, what do you. I think NBA. I think Will Bon and Peter Rosenberg. Wilbon Han, J. Will. Yeah.
J.R. Smith
Rosenberg.
Don Hahn
Rosenberg. Y. So Mike Vrabel. They've completely cut him out of the shot.
Rick
You don't even know he's there now.
Don Hahn
Like, all right, now you've said some nonsensical thing. You think they got him off? They. They like hook him off with the thing.
Peter Rosenberg
Thought it was over.
Don Hahn
They just wheel the chair out.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Don Hahn
All right. But someone just pulls the chair. Done. Your show starts at 3. Get ready. Well, all right, listen, first of all,
Rick
on the record, I was very proud of him today.
Peter Rosenberg
Thank you. Thank you.
Don Hahn
Why?
Peter Rosenberg
What did I do?
Rick
You just. You just performed.
Don Hahn
You didn't vomit on yourself.
Peter Rosenberg
I didn't show up and go.
Don Hahn
The sports
Peter Rosenberg
we talked about what we talk about every day.
Don Hahn
Peter, you did so yourself. Good job.
Rick
But. But no, no, you. You were good. Made salient points.
Peter Rosenberg
Thank you. But I try to do it.
Rick
And it was a good, healthy back and forth debate. Nothing wrong with that.
Don Hahn
The very beginning of it, I was on board. I kind of make fun of the suit.
J.R. Smith
Sure.
Don Hahn
No, we should always poke fun. But if anybody's listened to this station and Peter any length of time knows that the haters always go after his sports knowledge. Like what? You're not a sports guy. What are you doing on the sports radio station? You know anything about sports? Although he likes the case. He likes sports more than Alan and I do. He's in everything. I'm not watching ufc. I'm not watching golf. I'm not watching tennis. I don't care what goes on in Italy this weekend with the wrestling. So he's pretty well rounded, all right. And he's had to fight off the haters. And for a member of our radio station to go after you. What are you there talking about? Basketball. That's condescending. That's not the way people treat people when they consider themselves to be friends. I'm gonna go as far as to say I think this is proof he doesn't like you.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, you said that. He said that to me off the
Don Hahn
air, so that means I'm not. I mean it.
Peter Rosenberg
Don said he thinks. In all seriousness, Dave Rothenberg cannot care for me. It's one thing to take a shot of your friend Rick calling me portly. Who cares, right?
Don Hahn
That's been on that's. He's been doing that forever.
Peter Rosenberg
It makes no, it doesn't make a difference. How's it working out? All good. But here's the question. When your enemies. When the people who hate me most have this cheap Rosenberg doesn't know sports, why is he their thing for Dave to verbalize what the mouth breathers say to potentially if I didn't feel that I had the trust and love of the people who employ me here to know that he could maybe be influencing. It's practically as if Dave Rothenberg today saw a bottle in Maya's hands and said, you don't need that and just poured the milk down the drain. He's practically taking food out of my kid's mouth. He's putting my livelihood on the line. Wow, this is strong to support a narrative. And also I'll say this right now. Listen, I know Dave. We get it. We're all very impressed. He can name every college that every players went to and it's awe inspiring in like a Rain man way. And we all think it's great. You want to talk. You want to watch a game and have a basketball conversation? I will Basketball convo it up with Rick and Dave every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Now if you were to say, Peter, do you want to go head to head with Alan? I go Al. I'll cede that to Alan. Matter of fact, I'll go a step further. There's not a person here at the radio station not named Alan Hahn. Save maybe this is a great sign of respect. Save maybe Ty Butler that I would say I'll probably cede the basketball convo to everyone else here were in the same league with some people who are in a lower league. But for Dave and Rick to act as if, particularly Dave, because, let's be honest, Rick was caught off guard by this, by this filth. For Dave to act as if. If it had been a baseball. If they brought me in and go, Peter, break down the brewers and the
Rick
Cardinals, we'd all laugh at that.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't like how quickly you responded, but fair. But it's fine. But like the basketball, like, you don't listen to the show every day. Am I not making salient points on. On the Knicks of it all?
Rick
I didn't like that he put oxygen into something. That's right.
Don Hahn
See, that's the thing.
Peter Rosenberg
All the other stuff, the soup, what,
Don Hahn
the mouth breathers you're talking about now have gotten fuel. They've got breath.
Rick
Even. Even his colleagues feel that way.
Don Hahn
Even Dave Rothenberg agrees with us. And he knows them. He's in the same radio station as him. So there must be some truth to it. They're making fun of him.
Peter Rosenberg
You know what?
Don Hahn
I hear certain things. There's certain things, you know, you don't go there.
Peter Rosenberg
That's right.
Don Hahn
Certain people.
Peter Rosenberg
That's right.
Don Hahn
Like if I were to go on the air and forward the narrative that Michael K. Was Yankee boy, I think I'd overstep the line because that's something he's really fought. He's again. And I don't believe he's Yankee boy. But if I wanted to go after him, there's certain places you can go where we can all have some fun. But that's like, oh, hey, you know, like with Eddie Murphy, when you're play fighting with your girlfriend, all of a sudden she hits you down there. Wait a minute. You crossed the line.
Peter Rosenberg
That's exactly right.
Don Hahn
There's certain times you're like, all right, you crossed the line. Dave crossed the line. Now it's up for you to forgive him because you're the one. You're the victim. But I don't like that. I know you're trying to kill a segment. I know you're trying to have fun. You're trying to get your listeners to laugh and all that. And I'm sure they had a good chuckle. But to damage the reputation or forward a narrative, a negative narrative, a false narrative.
Peter Rosenberg
Thank you, Don.
Don Hahn
About a teammate. Dave crossed the line.
Peter Rosenberg
And you know what I don't like about it? And I'm going to say, here's the dirty truth. The dirty, dirty down under, deep down truth. It comes from jealousy. And Dave is one of the finest talk show hosts I've ever Known. And perhaps if the guy maybe got a little just for men, put it in his beard, maybe did a little bit of work on the hair, maybe an extra five minutes on the treadmill. Maybe he, too, could be sitting at the desk with the very handsome Alan Hahn talking about basketball on a national platform, like, get up.
Don Hahn
Five minutes. You might know something. That might be all the reasons why I don't get asked on get up. I need to dye the hair. I need to hit the treadmill.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, no, no, you're not dying. The hair is different because you're this. You're a grapey.
Rick
You need to get closer to PK Subhan is what you need to do.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, you need. That's right.
Rick
He's a sidekick, and he's got to be calling on you.
Peter Rosenberg
And then you got to get. You got to get. You got to start wearing the big pants. You got to do the whole thing.
Rick
No, no, you don't need that. It's just, you got to get closer to PK that's all.
Peter Rosenberg
So you're saying the way I. The way I clung on to you to get on get up today, you got to have it in, like, you
Rick
got to do whatever it takes.
Don Hahn
No, but you did. I did not get a chance to see. But I've seen you before, and I know you know basketball. You're great at it.
Peter Rosenberg
Having a conversation about the Knicks, if you do. You guys realize that, in all seriousness, if I were unable to have at least five compelling things to talk about with the New York Knicks making my living, I should be immediately fired.
Rick
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
Like this. If they had said, we brought Peter on because we want him to break down the Stanley cup finals, then I would understand Dave going, really?
Rick
What is he doing there?
Peter Rosenberg
Maybe that should be Rick.
Rick
But in that segment, you needed to be there because between Michael Wilbon, who I have the utmost respect for.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Rick
And Jay Will, who's as close a friend that I have in espn, Right. I mean, I'm King Kong on the top of the Empire State Building. I'm fighting off all the planes because they're trying to peel off any type of credibility of the Knicks run. And I'm by myself now, fighting this thing off. I needed somebody else.
Peter Rosenberg
Boom. Tag team. I'm in.
Don Hahn
You know, what's it. You know, what's good television, though? Like, let's say I was on. I kind of would expect. If I did a segment with hockey, and there was like, 30 seconds, hey, I do an afternoon talk show in New York where the flagship station of the New York Knicks. Would it be that crazy, even though I'm not a big basketball guy, for Greenie to say, hey, so what's New York saying about the Knicks here? What's your vibe about the Knicks?
Rick
When they talk jets or Giants, they ask me, of course. Do you want to sit in? I'm there. Do you want to sit in? You know what's going on. You have a show. So it is a common thing that people.
Don Hahn
If you have a talk show host in New York.
Rick
Yeah.
Don Hahn
And you're doing a national show, it would be, dare I say, Professional malfeasance. Professional malfeasance. If you don't at least throw a Nick.
Peter Rosenberg
I called. I called into Alan's favorite radio show this afternoon.
Don Hahn
Yes.
Peter Rosenberg
The show that he prefers to our own. In fact, he sometimes texts with them during our show.
Rick
Only once.
Peter Rosenberg
You remember.
Rick
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
A couple of weeks back, his good friend Harry Douglas. I called him today. They booked me. They said I was there. Yeah. They said, do you want to. We're going to have you today. If you have time. Can you call in to talk? I didn't. Can you call in to talk Knicks basketball in WWE this weekend?
Rick
Isn't that great?
Peter Rosenberg
Absolutely. No problem. Happy to do it. It's unfortunate, and I will say this. In every world that I am in, hip hop, pro wrestling and sports, every one of them, they're just people who sit on the sidelines and go, it's unbelievable that they have you. You know nothing about each and every thing that I'm interested in. And don't get me wrong, I am talented. Do you realize how talented I would have to be to know literally nothing about any of this? And just every day, just get up and just go. No pun intended.
Rick
It's Don. And I marvel at it.
Peter Rosenberg
Every day I just show up here.
Don Hahn
It's like a magic trick. Every day.
Rick
Really is.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Don Hahn
When David Blaine walked on water, that's what. Every time I look to my left, it's like that. Yeah. Peter. I can't believe he's doing this.
Peter Rosenberg
You would think. Made it another four hours. You would think that. Every time they look at me in a conversation, it's just silence. And they look back at each other and keep going, well, Peter's here, so I just, you know, it's disappointing from Dave. I'm saddened.
Rick
But then you missed the other part.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah. So what else?
Don Hahn
And so Dave is that guy. But is there another that guy?
Peter Rosenberg
Who else went at us?
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Rick
I don't know if it's that guy.
Don Hahn
Okay.
Rick
Because in this instance, Dave was defending another one on this show, which was Don legreco. I think Rick was the one that didn't like your rant yesterday about the Mets and the hard hat and the vest and you're down six nothing. And what are we doing with this goofy celebration, right? And Rick, Rick was against it, thinking as a player, you need things to just bring joy and bring enthusiasm because it's a season's long, it's a slog. You have to stop.
Don Hahn
Why does baseball defended you?
Rick
Dave agreed with you and he felt like, no, that's, that's like the old man thing, don't let the guys have fun thing. And Rick, Rick was making his case as a former player how important that stuff is. And so I thought you were gonna. I thought that was what you were gonna go with.
Don Hahn
No. Well, we were.
Rick
We were in the. We were in their minds all show.
Don Hahn
Hey, listen, going after me on my opinion is way different than basically saying,
Rick
well, that's why I said Peter has
Peter Rosenberg
no business having a job.
Rick
I don't think Rick was doing a. That guy. No, but, but, but he was definitely. He was against your rape.
Don Hahn
I don't understand why every time an older person like myself has an opinion, it's easier for the younger person to go, well, that. Don't get off my lawn. That's not to get off my lawn. You're down six nothing. You hit a two run home run. Read the room, man. You're celebrating putting all the garbage on, dude, you're 10 under.500. You're four runs down in the sixth inning. Act accordingly, man. I'm not saying you can't have fun, but you know what? Read the room, man. Is that a time? And then how would you feel as a teammate? This is what surprised me because Rick was on losing teams. But like, what about the guy that didn't hit a home run or the guy that struck out before that he's got to look at and look at them celebrating their individual moment when as a team, we're embarrassing ourselves.
Rick
How big do you celebrate a goal when you're down six nothing?
Peter Rosenberg
Not at all. Score a goal.
Don Hahn
Don't you literally.
Rick
Are you seeing them? Like, you know, are we doing pumpernickels?
Don Hahn
Are we throwing the glove up?
Peter Rosenberg
Someone, Someone might over and tap your stomach. That's it.
Don Hahn
Timusilani in his rookie year when he would throw the glove up and pretend
Rick
to shoot at love that.
Don Hahn
You think these Winnipeg teammates would appreciate it if he made the game 61 after being down 6 nothing and he did that, he'd get booed off the ice, and his teammates would think he was a jerk. But they can't say Soto's a jerk because he's Soto.
Rick
Well, you know what Soto did now, which could be the next Grimace Hawk to a moment.
Peter Rosenberg
What?
Rick
Did the Brunson.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, he did the Brunson.
J.R. Smith
Yeah.
Rick
And then afterwards. Do we have it? Paid homage to what the Knicks are doing.
Don Hahn
I heard. I read this.
Peter Rosenberg
Here we go. Gotta mention, it looked like that home run celebration was a little bit of an ode to another team in town. Tell us about it.
Podcast Host
You know, we just gotta keep cheering for the Knicks, and let's go, Knicks.
Don Hahn
Yeah, that's fun. I mean, I get.
Peter Rosenberg
That's fine. Everybody, by the way, they won.
Rick
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
Do what you want, you want.
Rick
And now what if they keep.
Peter Rosenberg
Stop. You know what, Alan? You know what?
Don Hahn
You don't need to. Don't be a loser. He's doing all right. No, don't be the. You know, the loser Mets like us trying to cling to stuff. You're. You're a wagon right now. Everybody wants to be you.
Vinnie
All right?
Don Hahn
The Grimace to try to sell more McDonald's hamburgers. Because the Knicks are the wagon. Everybody should be hitching themselves to this wagon. You don't need to hit yourself to anything. Don't even be that. You're the gold standard now in New
Peter Rosenberg
York sports, I will say this. You know, there are times when I've been a part of our shows and one of us or all of us will have a take that I could argue maybe generationally different. Oh. Because in our day, when we watched the sport, it was more like this. You hear that particularly about. With style of the game, things like that. That particular argument. And I'm shocked that Rick would endorse this in any way that it's okay to have fun. Like, oh, why not have a good time. It's a long season. If you look right now in all of the major sports, the great young players would look at people who did that and go, what are you doing? I'm sorry. There are kids out there. You think. You think the best. I'm trying to think of, like, who is the absolute stud? Like, let's throw out a C.J. stroud.
Don Hahn
Who.
Peter Rosenberg
He's a winner, right? He's what, 23 years old? He's a winner. You think that If Houston's down 27, three and someone goes in through a touchdown and does a whole dance. You think C.J. stroud's like, dude, that was. Dope bro. Now we're only down 27.
Don Hahn
It's a long season.
Peter Rosenberg
Winners don't do that.
Don Hahn
You're getting paid. I'm sorry. You're not getting paid to have fun. You're getting paid to go out there and play ball. All right? Not to have fun. I don't care if you're having fun or not. You know it's fun. Winning games. That's what's fun. I'm worried about your entertainment. You're not entertaining me, clown.
Peter Rosenberg
It wasn't. It's not a glorious night for I don't love it.
Don Hahn
Just like the New Jersey Devils bring intensity to the ice.
Peter Rosenberg
See, those are winners.
Don Hahn
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Podcast Host
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Rick
go study and play.
Don Hahn
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Podcast Host
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Podcast Host
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Don Hahn
Subscribe to ESPN New York on YouTube. Stream the full weekday lineup live. Watch complete replays, or catch up fast with can't miss highlights. Jump into the live chat, react in real time, and make your voice part of the Show. Subscribe to ESPN New York on YouTube now and stay locked in so you never miss a moment. 1-800-919-3776 let's talk to Vinnie and Queens, you're on ESPN. What's up, man?
Peter Rosenberg
Hey, big Vin.
Vinnie
Hey, what's going on, guys?
Lorenzo
Hey.
Vinnie
At risk of sounding like that guy never. I just want to stick up for Rick a little bit about his point about Juan Soto. I was listening to some morning, so I wanted to give a little context about wasn't that he was defending celebrating individual success because the season's a slog or whatever. It was more so because it's a team building thing. It's a thing that the whole team does together. So to not do it, you would almost be, you know, individualizing yourself. You know, it's not like a guy celebrating the first down when he's down, you know, 30, but that's the way it comes across.
Don Hahn
Vinnie, you're down six to two. It's stupid, Vinnie, that somebody's got to step up and go, you know what, guys? We're not doing this. When we start winning, when we get above 500, let's do it. We're 10 games under.500. The building's half empty. We're in absolute embarrassment. Everybody's underachieving. You hit a home run, great. Good for you. High five. Smack fannies. Do whatever you normally do. But to put the stupid construction hat and the vest on looks completely tone deaf. It does. You look like asses.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, Vinny, how can you see anything else to it? I don't understand.
Vinnie
No, you know what? I kind of lean your way with that Don, too, but I just wanted to give some context to what Rick was saying. But let me. Let me counteract with something. Play devil's advocate. If everybody on the team is doing that, wearing the hard hat and the safety vest, and Juan Soto was the one guy who said this is stupid. I'm not. Don't you think we'd be getting on
J.R. Smith
him a little bit for.
Vinnie
Oh, see, he's not happy.
Don Hahn
No. Maybe he'd Be showing some leadership. Vinny going, guys, we can't be. Somebody would have to ask him, well, why aren't you wearing. Cuz I think it's stupid. And you know what? These things can get done behind closed doors. Vinny, this is why I, with Mendoza, like Mendoza should take it away. Guys, we're not. This is stupid. We shouldn't be doing this. Because at the end of the day, Vinny, a lot of these guys are young players. They're going to kind of do what they have to do. A true leader would step up and go, you know, guys, this is dumb. This is really dumb what we're doing here. I understand it's camaraderie and team building, but you know what? That ship sailed. You're 10 games under.500, man.
Peter Rosenberg
Let's win five or six games and then we start celebrating. When things happening. When things happen. They could have celebrated five games ago, Don. When you're playing like complete garbage and you're not competitive, and then you have a moment in a game in which you're not competitive, it's not even like, Don, if they'd celebrated last night in a win, you probably give them the pass they're losing the game also, right?
Don Hahn
If it's a game winning home run, sure. But I just feel like just not reading the room. You know what it comes across as, hey, I'm getting mine, I'm getting my bag. I hit a home run. You know, and to Vinnie's point, if Soto didn't do it, I think people look at is, hey, he's finally showing some leadership here. Because you'd ask him, why aren't you doing it?
Rick
You'd ask after the game, hey, noticed after your home run, you guys didn't do the normal celebration.
Don Hahn
Why?
Rick
You know that? He don't. And I've. I've experienced this with players where they'll actually come up to you before the scrum begins to go, hey, ask me about this. They want to say something. And so you ask them. And then they. Because they want to tell you. And then you make that point. We decided, or I decided as a leader on this team, that until we get ourselves to a place where we're winning regularly, we need to just stay serious about what we're doing.
Don Hahn
Yeah, it comes across like you care more about the home run than you do the score. Lorenzo, in the car. You're on espn, New York.
Lorenzo
Hey, what's up, man? So I've been a Mets fan for a very long time, probably seven years old. It's so bad to watch. I can't even take myself to watch all nine innings. And then you hit up, you hit this home run and you hit this celebration. There's different ways about celebrating. You don't need the props, especially when you're 10 games down. Like you said, Don, you're tone deaf. It doesn't have the hard working vibe of the city where David Wright was here, a couple other players. It's just, it's complete embarrassment. It's. I, I'm very frustrated. You know, do a high five do, do some different type of cheer chant with the props away until your 10 games over. It's very, I don't know if you guys can feel my pain.
Don Hahn
No, listen, I feel it. That, that's why I bring it up, Lorenzo. I totally feel it. And listen, I'm sure I'll get proven wrong, somebody will send me a highlight. But the Mets and Yankees started it. The Mets picked up on it on 86. They come off with a curtain call, right? And Reggie Jackson did it. Gary Carter did it. I can't imagine Gary Carter coming off with a curtain call after hitting a two run home run, down six nothing in a sixth inning. They might call for him. You know what? He's not going to come out.
Rick
But again, that's, as I remind you, that is the biggest problem with the Mets when anybody now, again, family full of Mets fans, what's wrong with the team and all that stuff. The easy answer is, it really is a simple answer. They have no leadership. They have no true leaders. They have guys who think they're leaders, but they're clearly not. Boba Shet doesn't do what he does and David Peterson doesn't do what he does. There's a standard that has to be upheld in that clubhouse and on the field. It's not being upheld that screams lack of leadership.
Podcast Host
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't want to know how the
Rick
sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good.
Podcast Host
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. This is what everyone's talking about.
J.R. Smith
Everything's on the table.
Podcast Host
This is what champions come to take. This is what everyone came to see. No do overs, no second chances, no more Mr. Nice guy. This is winner take all. And it's all happening now on the home of the NBA Finals. Don't miss it. June 3rd on ABC and the ESPN applied.
This episode blends sharp Knicks playoff insights, J.R. Smith’s remarkable post-NBA journey, and lively debates about sports culture. The first half features an in-depth interview with J.R. Smith discussing his academic pursuits, reflections on the Knicks’ rise, and New York fandom. The second half dives into intra-station rivalries, “That Guy Thursday” banter, and a spirited conversation on celebrations and leadership in New York baseball. Throughout, the camaraderie and humor of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg shines.
(Starts ~02:06)
Fresh off his college graduation from North Carolina A&T, J.R. shares his motivation for continuing education.
Working toward a Master’s in Biological Studies and African American Culture, then potentially a Doctorate:
On pursuing school as an adult:
Desire to help youth and become Athletic Director at his alma mater:
J.R. on the 2026 Knicks’ run:
Comparing Jalen Brunson & Carmelo Era:
On role players on a championship team:
Defense of “easy path” criticism:
On the “scary moment” with fans at the Garden:
On being embraced by Knicks fans and alumni:
(Starts ~21:29)
Peter was mocked by Dave Rothenberg for being included on a basketball segment:
Rosenberg claps back at the narrative that he lacks sports knowledge:
Peter defends knowledge of basketball:
On the value of NY sports talk personalities:
(Starts ~35:47)
The crew debates whether the Mets' elaborate home run celebrations are appropriate while struggling.
Don’s stance:
Rick and Vinnie’s counterpoint:
Don and Peter on sports etiquette:
Rick on Mets’ culture/lack of leadership:
For Knicks and New York sports fans, this episode is a potent blend of wisdom, nostalgia, and robust personality—offering new insight on the culture of winning, what it means to belong, and why the city’s sports debates never settle.