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

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.

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...”

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.