Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Kendrick Perkins & The NFL Binge
ESPN New York | February 23, 2026
Hosts: Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, Don La Greca (Don Hahn)
Main Guest: Kendrick Perkins
Overview
This engaging hour features NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins breaking down the state of the New York Knicks post-All-Star break, coaching shifts, and what it would take for Jalen Brunson to become a Knicks legend. The episode then pivots to a rapid-fire NFL news binge, covering franchise tag dramas, a tragic player death, and QB market speculation. The latter part of the show takes a turn into sports, patriotism, and the complicated intersection of politics and athletic achievement, sparked by listener calls and recent hockey controversy.
Key Segments & Discussion Points
1. Kendrick Perkins on Knicks Culture, Coaching, and Contention
[00:47 – 19:31]
a. Knicks’ Recent Performance & Playoff Prospects
- The Knicks bounced back after a “tough loss in Detroit” with wins over Houston and Chicago.
- Perkins emphasizes confidence in the Knicks’ formula but underlines the importance of Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT) as the squad’s “most important player.”
- Notable Quote:
"Jalen Brunson, yes, we all know is special. He's the best player on the team. Karl-Anthony Towns is the most important player on that basketball squad. The Knicks go as far as he takes them." – Kendrick Perkins [02:01]
b. Responsibility for Engaging Key Players
- The hosts ask whose duty it is to keep KAT involved—Coach Mike Brown or Brunson? Perkins calls it 50/50:
“…it's on him [Mike Brown] to let people know it's a pecking order… and it's also on Jalen Brunson as the point guard…it's 50/50.” – Kendrick Perkins [03:32]
- Perkins draws comparisons to his time with Doc Rivers and the importance of involving role players psychologically.
c. Celtics’ Threat and Uniqueness
- Perkins calls the Celtics “the most dangerous team in the NBA,” highlighting their low-pressure, high-results journey this season.
- Notable Quote:
“The Boston Celtics have no pressure whatsoever … if they get bounced in the first round, nobody's gonna say nothing. They had a successful season because everybody thought they were going to be in the play-in tournament or out the playoffs.” – Kendrick Perkins [05:28]
d. Coaching Changes: Thibodeau vs. Mike Brown
- Mike Brown has brought “hell of a coaching," but “max effort” is key. Perkins underscores that a Thibodeau team never lacked competitiveness.
- Acquisition of Jose (off the trade deadline) gets strong praise:
“He brings a certain type of edge… Without him, they don't come back on the Rockets.” – Kendrick Perkins [07:56]
e. Jalen Brunson’s All-Time Knicks Legacy
- Perkins stands by the take: Brunson could become the greatest Knick of all time if he delivers a title, despite historic names like Frazier.
“If the Knicks win a championship with him … he'd be the greatest Knick of all time.” – Kendrick Perkins [10:17]
- Focuses on the "story matters," referencing adversity, underdog status, and New York’s pressure.
f. New York Pressure, Fan Expectations, and Postseason Bar
- The hosts debate the always-on pressure for NYC teams.
- Perkins says it's “Finals or bust”:
“If they don't, it's a failed season … in that city, that fan base, anything short of reaching the promised land is a failed season.” – Kendrick Perkins [17:38]
- He suggests depth is why this year could be different ("widest gap between their best and their worst").
2. The NFL Binge: Franchise Tags, Player Movements, and Tragic News
[27:00 – 39:31]
a. No ‘Tush Push’ Ban
- NFL’s signature QB sneak play isn’t being banned; the panel jokes, “maybe it just looked unstoppable because it was Philly.”
b. Franchise & Transition Tags: Breece Hall, Kyle Pitts, George Pickens
- The Jets may tag Breece Hall, frustrating given his position, injury history, and the expected lack of team competitiveness.
"It just feels like he got denied his parole... another year of being on a team that's not going to be very good." – Alan Hahn [29:28]
- The Falcons and Cowboys also weighing tags on star skill players, raising classic contract drama debates.
c. Rondale Moore's Tragic Death
- The sudden passing of the young NFL wideout is addressed with empathy and concern regarding athlete mental health.
"You don't know what people go through." – Don Hahn [32:59] "Sometimes professional athletes... they don't seek help on mental issues the way they do when other physical things are happening to them." – Alan Hahn [33:33]
d. QB Carousel: Jets Dilemma
- Geno Smith as a stopgap solution for the Jets is debated, with Malik Willis considered a more intriguing prospect if available.
- The segment ends with pragmatic takes:
"If we're just playing the role of disposable quarterback...Geno Smith is as good as any of the other options." – Alan Hahn [38:59]
3. Sports, Patriotism, and the Line Between Escape & Engagement
[42:10 – 53:23]
a. Caller ‘Dove’ on Sports & Social Responsibility
- Raises the point that it's a privilege to “just enjoy the hockey” and not everyone gets to turn off reality (re: recent political controversy in hockey).
b. Hosts Respond: Can Sports Be Apolitical?
- Alan Hahn and Don challenge the premise, arguing there’s value in shared moments of national pride without politics.
"I'm proud to be an American should not be a political statement." – Don Hahn [47:50]
- Peter Rosenberg acknowledges both sides:
"Both can be true, that you can be proud of the Olympians who gave criticism at the start, and also of Jack Hughes for just being proud to be American." – Peter Rosenberg [48:27]
c. On Athletes as Political Symbols
- The crew agrees athletes sometimes choose to be political; sometimes they're assigned meaning by media/fans.
- They push back on unnecessary hijacking of feel-good moments, calling it “whataboutism.”
- Memorable moment:
“For five minutes, can I have fun?” – Don Hahn [46:33]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Karl-Anthony Towns’ role for the Knicks:
“The Knicks go as far as he takes them.” – Kendrick Perkins [02:01]
-
On Jalen Brunson’s possible legacy:
“He'd be the greatest Knick of all time.” – Kendrick Perkins [10:17]
-
On depth as a championship differentiator:
“Now … you're not relying heavy on the starters anymore.” – Kendrick Perkins [16:54]
-
On New York sports pressure:
"I don't think there's ever a situation where we give our teams a pass." – Alan Hahn [21:20]
-
Regarding Breece Hall’s tag situation:
“It just feels like he got denied his parole... another year of being on a team that's not going to be very good.” – Alan Hahn [29:28]
-
Mental health and athlete tragedy:
“You don't know what people go through.” – Don Hahn [32:59]
-
Sports & political meaning:
“I'm proud to be an American should not be a political statement.” – Don Hahn [47:50]
“For five minutes, can I have fun?” – Don Hahn [46:33]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Kendrick Perkins on Knicks & NBA: 00:47 – 19:31
- Jalen Brunson greatness debate: 10:00 – 12:25, 20:53 – 22:53
- Knicks’ finals expectations & playoff outlook: 17:20 – 19:28
- NFL news & tag drama: 27:00 – 39:31
- On Rondale Moore’s death & athlete mental health: 32:59 – 34:10
- Jets QB dilemma – Geno Smith/Malik Willis: 36:05 – 39:26
- Patriotism, sports & politics debate: 42:10 – 53:23
Tone & Style Notes
The episode carries a blend of classic ESPN banter—humorous, opinionated, and passionate—with moments of real seriousness (particularly on mental health and societal responsibility in sports). Perkins’ Southern cadence and direct style colored the NBA portion with both warmth and conviction; Rosenberg adds humor and perspective, while Don and Alan toggle between measured insight and emboldened New York fandom.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This hour is a robust example of modern sports radio at its peak: sharp, culturally aware, and unafraid to examine both the micro (player rotations, contract implications) and macro (narrative, legacy, and societal connection) of sports. Whether you want Knicks optimism, NFL headlines, or a deeper look at how we process sporting success in a divided society, this episode delivers—without ever letting the entertainment flag drop.