Hour 2: Kendrick Perkins joins the show

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary

Episode: Hour 2: Kendrick Perkins joins the show
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guest: Kendrick Perkins

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1. Introduction of Kendrick Perkins ([00:34] - [02:09])

The episode kicks off with Alan Hahn briefly promoting the podcast's live schedule and then introducing the main topic: the New York Knicks' performance and their upcoming playoff run. He emphasizes the significance of their 51-win season, the most since 2013, and introduces guest Kendrick Perkins to provide deeper insights.

2. Knicks' Season Overview ([02:09] - [08:28])

Kendrick Perkins' Assessment

Perkins offers a candid evaluation of the Knicks' season:

• Current Standing:
  “[02:25] Kendrick Perkins: Well, they're in trouble now. And the reason that I say they're in trouble is because, you know, you put this team together to be able to at least get to the conference finals. I don't believe that's going to happen...”
  Perkins expresses skepticism about the Knicks advancing past the second round, citing their inability to defeat tough teams like Boston and Cleveland during the regular season.

• Detroit Concerns:
  “[02:55] Perkins: I hear all this noise talking about, oh, Detroit's gonna give them problems. No, they're not... Cade Cunningham is getting my vote for first team all NBA. He's a superstar in the making...”
  While acknowledging Detroit's success and Cade Cunningham's potential, Perkins believes the Knicks are better positioned against them.

• Depth and Coaching Issues:
  “[04:40] Perkins: I think Karl Anthony Towns, he had, he had a pretty damn good season this year... Tibbs hasn't challenged him not one time this season defensively to switch picking roles. That's a problem...”
  He highlights the lack of bench depth and defensive strategies as key weaknesses, placing pressure on Coach Tom Thibodeau.

Don LaGreca's Inquiries

Don probes deeper into the team's late-game performance:

• Team Direction in High-Pressure Moments:
  “[05:57] Don LaGreca: Kendrick is there, is there something I'm noticing with this team late in games that it just seems like they've tightened up a little bit in the high pressure moments...”
  Perkins agrees, suggesting the need for effective two-man plays to navigate tight situations, drawing parallels with legendary postseason teams.

3. Playoff Potential and Coaching Pressure ([08:28] - [17:31])

Perkins on Playoff Expectations

Perkins delves into the psychological aspects affecting the Knicks:

• Confidence Issues:
  “[08:28] Perkins: ...they haven't beaten [Boston] one time. Even the overtime win, that's not a feel good when, when you supposed to get...”
  He believes the Knicks lack the confidence to challenge top-tier teams like the Celtics, especially after failing to secure victories against them in crucial games.

Coaching Challenges

Alan and Peter discuss the immense pressure on Coach Thibodeau:

• Potential Coaching Changes:
  “[15:43] Perkins: ...think about this... Taylor Jenkins has had an outstanding winning record with the Memphis Grizzlies...`:
  Perkins compares the Knicks' situation with other NBA teams that fired successful coaches late in the season, questioning whether Thibodeau will retain his position if the Knicks underperform in the playoffs.

• Ownership's Role:
  “[24:07] Alan Hahn: He says he. Remember, he has said many times he does not get involved...`:
  The conversation shifts to the likelihood of owner James Dolan intervening, with Perkins expressing uncertainty but suggesting that ownership might allow the organization to make decisions based on performance.

4. Discussion on Potential Coaching Changes and Team Strategy ([17:31] - [26:34])

Trade Speculations and Team Composition

Perkins touches upon potential trades and their impact:

• Kevin Durant Trade:
  “[17:31] Perkins: It do. It's just for the right pieces though, right?...]:”
  While open to the idea of acquiring star players like Kevin Durant, Perkins emphasizes the importance of not sacrificing key team members like OG Anunoby and Mikhail Bridges.

Team Dynamics and Future Prospects

The hosts debate the Knicks' future under Thibodeau:

• Loyalty vs. Performance:
  “[21:11] Perkins: All I'm saying is this...”:
  Perkins underscores the importance of performance over loyalty, suggesting that even with a strong regular season, playoff results will heavily influence coaching decisions.

• Ownership's Trust in Management:
  “[25:47] Alan Hahn: Drew took over a team that was already built...”
  The discussion highlights the trust owner James Dolan places in General Manager Leon Rose and Coach Thibodeau, debating whether this trust will continue if playoff expectations aren't met.

5. Transition to WNBA Salary Discussion ([26:34] - [33:08])

Wage Disparities in Women's Sports

The conversation shifts to the topic of salaries in the WNBA compared to the NBA:

• Caitlin Clark and Paige Beckers' Salaries:
  “[29:19] Peter Rosenberg: $78,000 in her first season...]:”
  The hosts discuss the stark contrast between WNBA players' salaries and their NBA counterparts, questioning the revenue generation and league support behind women's basketball.

• Impact of Revenue on Salaries:
  “[30:05] Alan Hahn: It's 44 games for a regular season...]:”
  They attribute the pay disparity to the differences in league revenues, arguing that women's leagues like the WNBA and NHL don't generate the same income as the NBA and MLB, thus limiting salary potentials.

• Sexism and Media Influence:
  “[31:11] Don LaGreca: But understand the sexism you're talking about is not on the part of the league. It would be on the part of the fan base...]:”
  The hosts acknowledge that societal factors, including fan interest and media coverage, contribute to the ongoing pay gaps in women's sports.

6. Closing Remarks and Final Topics ([33:08] - [34:49])

Final Discussions and Light-hearted Banter

The episode wraps up with:

• Upcoming Sports Events:
  “[33:17] Don LaGreca: It's not. We're discussing the Mets series, Rangers vs. Panthers, and Yankees opening the series with the Royals...”
  Hosts briefly touch on upcoming games, expressing their opinions and predictions.

• Closing Promotions and Sign-offs:
  The hosts engage in some humorous exchanges about the day's topics, promoting upcoming shows and wrapping up the episode.

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Notable Quotes

• Kendrick Perkins on Knicks' Playoff Hopes:
  “[02:25] Perkins: Well, they're in trouble now... I don't believe that's going to happen because you have to see Boston in the second round.”

• Perkins on Coaching Pressure:
  “[04:51] Perkins: Tom Thibodeau is under the most pressure probably any coach in the NBA...”

• Don LaGreca on Team's Direction:
  “[05:57] Don LaGreca: ...this Knicks team has less direction than they've had at other times.”

• Perkins on Playoff Confidence:
  “[08:28] Perkins: Hell, yeah, it can. And guess what? The Celtics wanted to make sure every single time they face the New York Knicks that they beat them even in the overtime win.”

• Discussion on WNBA Salaries:
  “[29:19] Peter Rosenberg: $78,000 in her first season. But you know, they played...”

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Conclusion

In this engaging episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, Kendrick Perkins provides a thorough analysis of the New York Knicks' season, highlighting their strengths and vulnerabilities as they approach the playoffs. The discussion delves into coaching pressures, team dynamics, and the challenges the Knicks face against formidable opponents like the Boston Celtics. Additionally, the hosts explore the broader issue of salary disparities in women's sports, particularly focusing on the WNBA, and scrutinize the factors contributing to these gaps. Throughout the episode, notable insights and candid opinions offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of both the Knicks' current standing and the evolving landscape of professional sports.

Transcript

[Alan Hahn]

There are people out there all across the country pushing boundaries to grow the game of golf, like champion speed golfer Lauren Kupp, who plays faster than anyone else. And Will Lowrey, whose work in the golf community inspires more kids to get into the game as a champion partner of the Masters, bank of America supports everyone determined to find out what's possible in golf and in life. What would you like the power to do? Bank of America? Bank of America NA member FDIC. Copyright 2025 bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Alan Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers. We just love to let that ride every now and then. It's 4:00 hour with Don Lagraeca and Peter Rosenberg. I'm Alan Hahn. We get back to you calls at 800-919-3776. But we are now yesterday game 82 in the NBA. The season, regular season finally over. And I think as it has felt for the last month with this Knicks team, it's okay. The playoffs are finally here because this is how they're going to be judged. 51 wins on the season is the most wins. It's one more than last year, which technically means they had a better season. Right? Technically by numbers. And then you say, and 51 wins is the most wins they've had since 2013. So it's all supposed to be a success of taking a step further. But everybody that I have seen talk about the Knicks all say this is all irrelevant. And what happens from here forward is what's going to matter most. One of the biggest supporters of the Knicks and what they have done in building this team has been Kendrick Perkins. I love Perk. He always wears his heart on his sleeve. And he tells it, he gives it to you straight. And I said, this is the guy we've got to talk to now as the Knicks are about to start this, this playoff run to see exactly where they are in this development to a team that they're trying to one day finally in that championship drought. Perk joins us right now. Perk, thanks for giving us time, big fella. How you doing?

[Kendrick Perkins]

I appreciate y'all having me. What's going on? Happy Monday.

[Alan Hahn]

So where are the Knicks right now in your estimation? Because you were a guy, Perk, early in the season that talked a lot about how much you like the makeup of this team. You obviously are a big fan of Big Body Brunson. Where are they now in Your estimation?

[Kendrick Perkins]

Well, they're in trouble now. And the reason that I say they're in trouble is because, you know, you put this team together to be able to at least get to the conference finals. I don't believe that's going to happen because you have to see Boston in the second round. Now the Knicks were in the fourth, fourth or fifth spot and would have to see Cleveland in the second round. I would say the Knicks would probably be in good position, although they haven't beat either one of those teams this season. Here's the thing about the Knicks, right? I hear all this noise talking about, oh, Detroit's gonna give them problems. No, they're not. No, they're not. Detroit had a very successful season. Most surprising team in the NBA. Cade Cunningham is getting my vote for first team all NBA. He's a superstar in the making, but he hasn't been to the postseason yet. He hasn't seen what it feels like to have a game plan of, you know, that's going to force him to do things outside of his body. Meaning like getting trapped every single time down the floor and things to that nature. I have the Knicks winning that series in six games. But when you get to the Celtics, that's when the problem starts. And when I look at what they have, they're still missing some key pieces on the bench. You gotta have depth in order to compete with the top dogs around the league. I just think Karl Anthony Towns, he had, he had a pretty damn good season this year, I believe all NBA caliber season, just still finding ways to pick up dumbfouls and stand foul trouble. Tibbs hasn't challenged him not one time this season defensively to switch picking roles. That's a problem. That drop coverage is going to get them tore up against the Celtics. So I think Tom Thibodeau is under the most pressure probably any coach in the NBA. And the way that we're witnessing right now, coaches are losing their jobs. The back and forth that he had with Mikhail Bridges, too many menace things to that nature. And I love Tibbs, he's my Mbutu brother for life. Won a championship with him. But I gotta call it like I said, Tom Thibodeau at least half at bare minimum for a seven game series against the Boston Celtics in order to keep his job.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And do you think that that's possible?

[Kendrick Perkins]

I mean, I think it's possible for them to do that. I think it's possible for the Knicks to win all of their home games in that series. But again to chips is going to have to coach his behind off, right? He's going to have to put guys in position to be successful. Right, he's going to have to find a way to take the load off of Jalen Brunson where he's not pounding the ball or having to do everything offensively and get guys in that sit. I think OG Anunoby and Mikhail Bridges show Tom Thibodeau while Brunson was out that they're capable of doing other things and helping out offensively. And another thing Tom Thibodeau is going to have to do, he has to find a way to get Mikhail Bridges back to the Mikhail Bridges we used to love in Phoenix, not the scoring. Mikhail Bridges we loved and we saw it with the Brooklyn Nets. We need that lockdown defender Mikhail Bridges come postseason time. If the Knicks have any chance.

[Don LaGreca]

Kendrick is there, is there, is there something I'm noticing with this team late in games that it just seems like they've tightened up a little bit in the high pressure moments and. Or is this just like an issue of as time goes on and there's been a series of tough games, you sort of mentally start to overthink it. I just feel like every time I see them get down a couple of possessions late, this Knicks team has less direction than they've had at other times.

[Kendrick Perkins]

I see that happening. But again, that's why, that's why again you want to have those go to moments where you clear out the side and you go on two man game with Carl Anthony Towns and Jalen Bronson and if this action, if they switch, then you got cat on the block or Jalen Brunson coming off for one dribble, pull up or if they go under, he could step like you want to have that chemistry. All the hall of Famers I played with in the fourth quarter of postseason games, we knew that they had a two man game that they were going to go to. From Paul and KG to KD and Russ to Kyrie and Braun. Like we know we were on the clear side and they were going to be able to figure things out. I think that's what the Knicks got to get to. But again, I wanted them to get a win against the Cavs or the Celtics just for their confidence going into the postseason. Like I don't think they believe that they could beat the Celtics in the seven game series because they haven't beat them one time. Even the overtime win, that's not a feel good when, when you supposed to get. This is. Okay, cool. We, we, we got Us a chance. I don't believe they believe they got a chance at beating the Celtics once they get to the second round.

[Alan Hahn]

Man, that's a damning statement, but I can't argue with you. I mean, I was there for that. That game that they were in control of and then suddenly got lost it late. They could. They should have fouled. They didn't. Tatum makes a big shot, they go to overtime. And you could almost see the body language is. As if they weren't. They. They really didn't think they could win that game. So are you saying perk that Because a lot of times, I mean, again, you've won a championship, you played into. Into, deep into the playoffs throughout your career. You're telling me that when people say, oh, regular season doesn't matter when the playoffs begin, it's a different animal. But. But an 0 and 8 can. Can be something that can affect a team in the playoffs when they do match up against those teams that they couldn't beat during the regular season. You're telling me that still can linger?

[Kendrick Perkins]

Hell, yeah, it can. And guess what? The Celtics wanted to make sure every single time they face the New York Knicks that they beat them even in the overtime win. Right. The Celtics, you can see it. Jason Tatum in the Celtics wanted to win that game because they don't. You don't want to give a team hope that you. That a team that you got a high possibility of facing. You want them to come into a series having doubt. And I'm gonna say another thing since, because I miss you guys. Now y'all know how I feel about Big Body Bronson. He's one of my favorite players in the entire NBA. Now, I see he kind of clapped back at me, him and Josh, hard a little bit on the podcast because I said I wasn't a strong believer and that I felt like they should put their podcast on hold until the season is over with. You know why I said that? Because when you're trying to go win a championship, you want to limit your distractions. You want to limit your distractions. Now, it may not be a distraction for them, but who's to say it's not a distraction towards the rest of the guys in the locker room? And my thing is, you want to be so razor focused that I'm talking about to the point where I used to. People knew not to bother me in the postseason. My phone was off. Don't call me about tickets. My wife didn't know whether or not she should speak to me on the day to Day basis. I did not want to be bothered because people don't have an opportunity. It's not often that you get on the team that have a legit chance of winning the NBA championship. You already living in the Mecca, okay? You already playing basketball in New York City. It's a lot of distractions in New York City, period. Meaning, you know, you could get caught up in your commercials, you could get caught up in anything that's going on. But when it's. It's time to lock in, it's time to lock in. And I think as the leaders of that squad, you set an example by saying, you know what? Hey, y'all, we shutting down everything we raise the focus at this point now sends a message to the rest of the team, hey, y'all shut down everything y'all got going. Let's go capture and go prove the world wrong and go get done what we need to get done.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But if they did fail against Boston, even if it wasn't as competitive as they'd like it to be, why can't that be okay? You're really in year one of the pivot. You made the big trade. Why can't there be more time to gel? Why does all the eggs have to be in the 2025 basket when they clearly made these moves to be good for years to come?

[Kendrick Perkins]

I thought they made, I thought they were on record saying they was making moves to actually match up with Boston. I thought when you give up five first round picks to get Mikal Bridges, that you're actually, you're preparing to actually have a legitimate chance, legitimate shot at going for a champion just in that one year? Why not? We didn't. When we traded for, for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, we didn't say, oh, we're gonna wait till next year. So you telling me it's okay? You're telling me that it's okay for the Celtics, I mean, for, for the Knicks to be eliminated in the second round when they actually got to the second round last year?

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[Don LaGreca]

And they have everybody in theory. Everyone should be healthy and ready to go.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Yeah. And would I be. Listen what I honestly, Would I be surprised if the Knicks pulled an upset in that, in that series against the Celtics? I wouldn't. I wouldn't be surprised. I feel like they have the pieces to compete. On paper it shows us that. But they haven't beaten them to prove us even in the regular season that they could actually do it. But would I be surprised if they beat the Celtics? I wouldn't be surprised. I wouldn't pick them to beat the Celtics, but I wouldn't be surprised either.

[Alan Hahn]

You played with Tom Thibodeau, was an assistant coach with that Celtics team that won the championship that you are that you referenced there when they made the move to Ray Allen and kg. Tom Thibodeau, as you said. And yeah I. You said it so perfectly. Is it with all the different moves that have been made with coaches this season already that he might have the most pressure on him of any coach that's in the playoffs right now? Do you see a scenario, do you think, or I shouldn't say see the scenario, but maybe like, would you think that if, whether it's they don't get out of the first round or they lose, you know, bow out to the Celtics, that perhaps a change should be made in New York? Because the biggest complaint that everybody has about Thibodeau is of course the minutes and the reliance on starters and all that stuff. Is this run its course here. If they don't make, they don't show us something in the postseason.

[Kendrick Perkins]

All I'm saying, all I'm saying is this. Think about this for a second. Taylor Jenkins has had an outstanding winning record with the Memphis Grizzlies, helped develop that new culture with John morant. Jaren Jackson Jr. And made Memphis relevant again. He was fired with less than eight games to go in the season. Michael Malone, Michael Malone won the NBA championship with that organization. This team was fifth at the time in the Western Conference. This team, three time mvp. He was fired. He was fired with less than five games to go. So what I'm saying is, is this, it's like you're looking at it. Do you. Let me ask you a question. If they do lose in the second round to the defending champs, do you think the city of New York is going to be happy about that?

[Alan Hahn]

No. No. They're already. Everybody's already on edge.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Yeah, they're already on edge. Right. So. So then, so what you gonna do next? You go. You go trade OG and the Novi, you go trade Jalen Brunson. You go trade Corey Anthony Thompson. No, you're not going to trade Dickens. The world feel like y'all did. The Knicks actually have the pieces, so who's going to be the scapegoat?

[Don LaGreca]

Perk? Let me ask you one more. There's a lot of noise today specifically about the conversations that could happen with Kevin Durant this off season. Who do you see as the most likely? And is this something you think that Knicks fans should have their hopes up for? And is that even something that interests you for this Knicks basketball team?

[Kendrick Perkins]

It do. It's just for the right pieces though, right? And I'm not. If, if it, if that trade involves. If getting Kevin Durant involves giving up OG Anunoby, I'm not doing it now. That trade involves possibly giving up. You know, a package deal of Mikhail Bridges and probably a Josh Hart. Well, I might have to do that, but if it includes OG and the Nobe, I'm not doing it. So that's, that's my thing. But who knows? I think, I think Kevin Durant is going to end up at Dallas. I don't know opinion. That's my personal belief. I think he's going to end up in Dallas playing alongside Kyrie and Anthony Davis. That's what I believe.

[Alan Hahn]

That'd be a way for. That'd be a way for Nico Harrison to get the crowd back, to get the fans back on his side.

[Kendrick Perkins]

I know, right?

[Alan Hahn]

What a story. Last but not least for me, Perk is there's some interesting matchups already in this first round. What do you see from that Lakers Timberwolves matchup? Because you talk about for Anthony Edwards, you know, and versus Luca. That, that story alone, what Luca did last year against them in the playoffs. But just the star power in that series, is that the one that's got you the most charged up it do.

[Kendrick Perkins]

And let me, let me explain why I think this series. Last night I was on sports and I said the Lakers are winning six. The Lakers, after I slept on it, the Lakers to win that in seven games, Anthony Elvis is going to win two to three games by himself. I, I strongly believe that. I think the, the. The Lakers are going to have to dig deep, really, really deep to get this series. That Minnesota team, when they lock in defensively, they could really be a problem starting with Anthony Edwards. And Anthony El was going into a series as an underdog and a guy who doesn't give a damn about nothing is scary as hell. So LeBron and JJ Redick know what they're facing when it comes down to Anthony Ellis led team. Julius Randle seem like he has found his niche with them. You know, they, they got a lot of guys over there that could put the ball in the bucket and defend at a high level. So it's going to be an interesting matchup. Man. I think the Lakers pull it off in seven, not six. But that's, that's definitely going to be a brawl for it all.

[Alan Hahn]

8:30 on Saturday night tells you also the networks also agree. That's the one everybody wants to watch. Perk always good man. Thanks so much for giving us a few minutes here. Great stuff as always.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Thank you, man. Appreciate. Y'all keep up the great work.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks, man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Kendrick Perkins, he's not wrong. It just. It would seem a shame to me that if they don't put up enough of a fight against Boston that they're. They're going to let Tibs go.

[Alan Hahn]

And remember, again, Perk is a Tibbs guy. Like, he played for him. They won a championship together. He loves them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So we can forget.

[Alan Hahn]

But he's looking at the landscape of the NBA, suggesting that there's. Now all of a sudden, there's this thought of if it ain't working, got to get a new voice. Got to get a new voice. That doesn't necessarily mean it gets better. That's what I just want to warn people. You got to have a plan. But because Michael Malone is out there, who is a similar coach from the same tree, you could always try to do better. But, like, But.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But the way he talked about it was you were. You were built to beat Boston. You made those moves to beat Boston, so you get one crack at it, and that's it.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So. And he talked about how getting eliminated same round as they did last year, which has been a talking point, but you're telling me if they fell to fourth and they didn't match up with Boston in the second round, then it ended up being the conference final and they got swept, then he'd keep his job because he technically went farther than he did the year before. Come on, that's semantics, man. I didn't know it had to be immediate. And we talk about gelling while Brunson was out. Mitch was out for most of the season. I just. You get one kick at the can and that's it. I just think that that would be unfair. But. But I do be shocked if it were to happen, Peter.

[Don LaGreca]

But I do agree with the expectation that he has for what this team is capable of doing. And in spite of how they've played recently, the fact is they're all healthy. This is what they wanted. It has been a bad last week, and it is. It has aged terribly. Saying the don't worry has aged terribly, especially after Friday. Well, worry.

[Alan Hahn]

You went from don't worry to we got to fix it, and we got to fix it now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We all.

[Alan Hahn]

We got to fix it and we got to fix it now. Those words were said and everybody went.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Don LaGreca]

That's tough.

[Alan Hahn]

But, like, fix what?

[Don LaGreca]

But they. But they still are a team that should compete. There's no reason they shouldn't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But two weeks ago, I don't even know if it was two weeks ago, when Dave Rotherberg and Rick D. Pietro talked about if they get bounced in the first round. Tibbs is Gone to where we took exception to it to now it just seems like a fait accompli. Right. Just the way that they played down the stretch, expectations that. But now it's more of a talking point, isn't it?

[Alan Hahn]

Like, oh, it's become more of a talking point.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here's the Malone's now available. I've seen coaches getting fired.

[Alan Hahn]

Malone changed the narrative because it's a guy that has roots here who's from the same tree. You know, he came up under Van Gundy. His father, Brendan Malone was a coach in this league a long time, well respected. And it's. If you were gonna do. I always say, who you gonna hire? Like, you can't just bring in some guy who's never coached before because it's not a market that you can do that. You have to have somebody that gets the market that understands the media, that knows that is overwhelming. The amount of scheduling you have to do. It's a lot. So, like that's all I said. But then he becomes available and now it's like, I can't push back on. There's nobody good available. No, that guy's good. But I don't think Leon Rose is ready to do that because I think he thinks like you do. They made a lot of changes. They know like Perk said at the beginning of the conversation, they've got to. They've got to figure out the bench. Do they have to upgrade it? It's going to get exposed in the playoffs if they don't have enough depth and then, you know, get another shot at it. I think they think this way. But in this league, as we're learning these last couple of weeks, you never know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And will Dolan get involved like you said? Rose?

[Alan Hahn]

He says he. Remember, he has said many times he does not get involved. It's a bit. It's the one thing he loves about Leon Rose is he hasn't had to do anything.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, then. Then you feel better about it. If your tibs. Right. Because I don't know that it'll be overly.

[Alan Hahn]

Jim Dolan said it on the Roommates podcast. No, coincidentally, he was a guest on the Roommates podcast, which is Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson. And he said that. He said there were times in the past where he got involved, realized he shouldn't have. Then there were times he got involved because people told me you have to because this is going so poorly. Like the Phil Jackson thing. This now is somebody that he trusts, has done a good job building this thing. And I think he Will probably lay out and say what you guys think is the best thing to do is what we'll do. I don't think you'll see ownership involvement in this one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Gonna be a lot of changes at the Garden possible.

[Alan Hahn]

I know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I wonder how much that factors in too, because as you said, Dolan wants to be hands off. So does he let Drury figure it out or does he blow that whole thing up?

[Alan Hahn]

What do you think? Because the lobby lobbylet feels like lobbylette's done.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, I don't know any. I agree because I'm a lobby. Like, I feel like he's done just by the body language. He's only got a year left on his contract. You can let him go in as a lame duck. You're not going to extend him. After missing the playoffs, becoming the fourth team in NHL history to win a president's trophy and miss the playoffs the next year. By the way, this will be the second time they've done that.

[Don LaGreca]

Not what you want, but the good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

News is the Rangers won the cup the next year in 94. But I think he's back Drury this whole time. I think he'll let him find a new coach and kind of correct everything that's going on. But, you know, Leon Rose is a. Can you say he's accomplished more because Drury went to a conference final last year. But if he has faith in Rose, I think he has faith in Drury and he'll let them make their decisions.

[Alan Hahn]

Drew took over a team that was already built.

[Peter Rosenberg]

True.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, Gordon. Gordon built a lot of that. After the letter. Leon had to take this thing from literally from the studs. It was down to the studs when he took over.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They both play at the Garden, but they're completely different animals, but the same owner. And, you know, we'll see if he. If he's not going to get involved. I think that works well for both organizations for sure. Because you'd rather just see that the hockey people in the basketball people take care of business. But we'll see. It could be very interesting, but I just found it fascinating that like 10 days ago it seemed like a joke that Tibbs could be in trouble. And now forget first round. Forget it. He could be done. And now if you don't put up a fight against Boston, have to go like seven games against Boston. Does anything feel like that's going to happen?

[Alan Hahn]

Not yet. Not. Not the way moment.

[Don LaGreca]

But you could. You could feel much better after one.

[Alan Hahn]

Series, though, that week, the way this past week went.

[Don LaGreca]

And it couldn't have ended worse.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, it's just the way that week went.

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[Alan Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don LaGreca]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Alan Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. All right, Don, so you had something that you wanted to say? I'm really curious to hear this about what Peter was saying on enn. Paige Beckers will make more money with unrivaled, which is a separate kind of. It's two on two, right? Or something like that. Like four on four, three on three. Separate league of for women than wnba. And she'll make way more in just a handful of games than she will in her first season. 78 grand.

[Peter Rosenberg]

$78,000 in her first season. But you know, they played.

[Alan Hahn]

What do they play? 20 something games? Something like that, right? They don't play a lot of games.

[Peter Rosenberg]

30 games maybe this went around with Caitlin Clark and how ridiculous her salary was considering how great she is compared to the salaries in the NBA. And I remember, I forget who the press secretary was under Biden, but they asked her about it and she's like, you know, the administration believes it's wrong. Okay, fine, it is wrong. But it's all based on how much your league makes. League doesn't make enough.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Where do you think the money comes from? It falls from the trees. What? The generosity of the owners. They pay the requisite amount of money in which they take in.

[Alan Hahn]

It's 44 games for a regular season, just to be clear.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, but there could be 200. You're not going to get paid as much as LeBron James because LeBron James and the Lakers in the NBA make a lot more money.

[Alan Hahn]

700. Exactly. What is it? Billion dollar deals, right. That you have almost a billion dollar in TV deals for the NBA. The WNBA deal with ESPN is nowhere near that.

[Don LaGreca]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

And so you're not getting. The league itself doesn't have the revenue to turn it into pool.

[Don LaGreca]

But they did just get a much bigger deal.

[Alan Hahn]

A much bigger deal. But they still the players to the union to get a percentage of that deal. It is collectively bargained. But that's it. That's all it is in the pot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don't use this as an example of. Well, they're not the imbalance between men and women's sports. You know what if I went by just sheer talent. Connor McDavid should be paid right there with LeBron James. But the NHL is not as big as the NBA. That's the way it is. It's unfortunate.

[Don LaGreca]

No, no. If people are upset about the pay disparity in this case and blame it on sexism, they have every right to. But understand the sexism you're talking about is not on the part of the league. It would be on the part of the fan base who's not interested in.

[Alan Hahn]

Watching women play and the broadcast outlet.

[Don LaGreca]

Or the broadcast party that doesn't want to pay.

[Alan Hahn]

It's the ratings. Right? It's the eyeballs that you bring in now, now, now. And you can't renegotiate because Caitlin Clark stepped into the league and now you have more eyeballs on eyeballs on the sport. No, this is our deal. When the deal's up, we can get a new deal and I believe they got a bigger deal.

[Don LaGreca]

But here's the thing. If you were. College players are just going to love being in college. Now if you can like imagine now what the next Caitlin Clark could get, what the next Flaujer could get, what the next Paige Beckers could get. And for four years in college, you could make a ton of money.

[Alan Hahn]

Isn't Floje saying, didn't she stay?

[Don LaGreca]

I think she did.

[Alan Hahn]

Because her money, like, was.

[Don LaGreca]

Was that her junior this past year? This was her junior year.

[Alan Hahn]

I think she. I'm trying to remember. I thought she did announce that she was staying. And I mean, it's. Again, the money's really good there. But look this. By the way, there's college football players that will take a pay cut. They will take a pay cut if they go to the NFL.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, exactly. Oh, yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

So they don't. She's going into her senior year, so I believe after her junior year she would be eligible. Right? Wouldn't she?

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I just think it's lazy when you just throw out. Well, they should be paid as much as the NBA. No, no. And it's not because of sex. It's because the WNBA doesn't generate that kind of revenue. Maybe they will. Like I said, there's plenty of NHL players that I think deserve to be paid more than baseball players. But the NHL doesn't generate the kind of income that MLB does. And obviously it's gotten better. And it will get better because it's not just the fact that you say that people aren't interested in watching the women. You're also talking about a league that started in 1997, going up against the sport that's been around, you know, for.

[Alan Hahn]

Over 75 and not too long ago was really struggling, like, really struggling. Now it has. It's had a great rap spot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If you tell me 10 years now that the base salary is still at that same level, then. Then you got something going on there. But clearly that's not the case. But it does seem ridiculous when you.

[Don LaGreca]

Hear it when you read it. Yeah, it sounds nuts.

[Alan Hahn]

Game time. Brought to you by Tulla Mardu Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, he made me so happy.

[Don LaGreca]

It's not.

[Alan Hahn]

The Mets start a series.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't care what you say, golf boy.

[Don LaGreca]

Let's play it back. By the way we play it back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He'Ll say he's never gonna do it again.

[Alan Hahn]

The Mets start a series with the Twins coverage immediately following us on 80. 80 at 7. You got a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Tell them what you showed me before.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes, we will. The Rangers face the Panthers in Florida.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Big game.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, Big Rangers. Panthers. Tilt. Coverage starts at 6:30. Don Legreco leaves us a little early for pregame on 10:50am Yankees open a series with the Royals. That's at 7:05. First pitch. Tell them or do the original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemurdu or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey, during tonight's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was 80 degrees and beautifully gorgeous. Sacramento. I don't know if you ever been.

[Alan Hahn]

But Sacramento this time of year. Not bad.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's not too bad. So the Mets won their game there. And then they go to Minnesota where it's 48. 48.

[Alan Hahn]

Feels like 32.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Feel like 32.

[Alan Hahn]

No roof.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're going to catch cold. Minnesota. What a bunch of idiots. They build a stadium in Minnesota and it's not a dome?

[Alan Hahn]

Nope.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dopes. I can't even think. I don't even think Dopes tells the story. Well, what are you thinking? It's a gorgeous stadium. What were you thinking?

[Alan Hahn]

You're thinking that by the time we get to May, the weather's great and.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We'Re never gonna go to the World Series. Cause we couldn't beat the Yankees on the. We couldn't beat the Yankees with a machete, so what does it matter?

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want 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.