Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Knicks HC Vacancy

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 2: Knicks HC Vacancy
• Release Date: June 26, 2025
• Description: Hosted by ESPN New York’s Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, the podcast delves into New York sports, with a focus on the Knicks' recent coaching changes.

Introduction

The episode kicks off with a humorous and energetic introduction, quickly transitioning into the main topic: the vacant head coach (HC) position of the New York Knicks following the recent departure of Tom Thibodeau.

Main Discussion: The Knicks' Coaching Vacancy

Firing of Tom Thibodeau

• Don LaGreca opens the discussion by addressing the recent firing of Tom Thibodeau, highlighting the abruptness and timing of the decision ([00:38]).

  Don LaGreca [00:38]: "Further cementing the fact, Peter, that Jason Kidd is not going to be the Knicks head coach."

Jason Kidd Rumors and Reality

• Peter Rosenberg expresses skepticism about the persistent rumors linking Jason Kidd to the Knicks' coach position, emphasizing that Kidd is unlikely to leave the Dallas Mavericks ([01:25]-[02:14]).

  Peter Rosenberg [02:01]: "It's over."

• Don counters by questioning whether Kidd was ever genuinely considered as part of a strategic plan, suggesting that such rumors might have been unfounded.

  Don LaGreca [02:02]: "Was Jason Kidd the plan and now the plan fell through?"

Impact on Knicks' Free Agency and Team Building

• Don shifts focus to the implications of the coaching vacancy on the Knicks' upcoming free agency period, stressing the urgency to secure a new coach before key players become available ([02:51]-[04:52]).

  Don LaGreca [03:35]: "They are probably going to keep the coach as is, and that's why there's no sense of urgency."

• Peter adds that free agency dynamics might delay the hiring process, indicating that the Knicks may not prioritize aggressive moves due to limited financial flexibility ([05:54]-[06:36]).

  Peter Rosenberg [06:29]: "With a different coach that they don't hire until August."

Ownership and Management Critique

• Don and Peter delve into criticism of the Knicks' ownership, particularly James Dolan, suggesting that overzealous or poorly thought-out decisions are harming the team's prospects ([11:20]-[13:09]).

  Peter Rosenberg [12:35]: "This reeks of loose ownership."

• Don speculates on Leon Rose's role, questioning his complicity or powerlessness in the decision to fire Thibodeau without a clear replacement ([20:53]-[22:29]).

  Don LaGreca [20:53]: "You can't tell me that he went rogue."

Potential Coaching Candidates

• The hosts discuss various potential candidates for the Knicks' head coach position, including Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins, and Michael Malone, questioning why prominent names like Malone haven't been approached yet ([37:03]-[38:05]).

  Don LaGreca [37:03]: "And I asked the caller and he's like, I don't know."

Player Relations and Team Morale

• Alan Hahn, a recurring guest, provides a counterpoint by defending Thibodeau, arguing that player dissatisfaction was a significant factor leading to his dismissal ([33:17]-[35:33]).

  Alan Hahn [33:17]: "All right. The team regressed during the year."

• He emphasizes that player happiness is crucial for team success, suggesting that Thibodeau's coaching style may have hindered the team's performance ([35:03]).

  Alan Hahn [34:03]: "When the players start to disrespect or not respect the coach, you're not going to get the best out of them."

Fan and Caller Perspectives

• Listeners and callers contribute their frustrations and opinions, drawing analogies that portray the Knicks' coaching search as awkward and poorly managed ([13:48]-[21:06], [33:13]-[37:33]).

  Caller [14:21]: "That's where the Knicks are right now."

• Criticisms include the perception of arrogance from the Knicks' front office and ineffective communication strategies ([14:26]-[16:44]).

Speculative Scenarios: “What If” Analysis

If Thibodeau Had Stayed

• In a segment titled “The Thursday Rewrite,” the hosts explore a hypothetical scenario where Thibodeau remains the Knicks' coach ([26:59]-[31:28]).

  Don LaGreca [27:03]: "I think that question truly emphasizes how bad a move this was."

• Don and Peter agree that retaining Thibodeau could have maintained team morale and momentum, potentially leading to greater excitement among fans and continued success on the court.

  Peter Rosenberg [27:52]: "It should be a time for Knick fans to luxuriate and be excited about the upcoming season."

Conclusion: Current State and Future Outlook

• The episode concludes with a consensus that the Knicks' current lack of a head coach is detrimental to team spirit and future prospects. The uncertainty surrounding the hiring process and ownership's decision-making is portrayed as a significant setback ([28:26]-[38:05]).

  Don LaGreca [28:26]: "The coaching situation is vacant."

• The hosts express concern that without decisive and strategic leadership, the Knicks may struggle to capitalize on their recent playoff success and navigate the upcoming free agency effectively.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don LaGreca [02:02]: "Was Jason Kidd the plan and now the plan fell through? Or was the plan all along anybody but Tibbs?"
• Peter Rosenberg [06:29]: "With a different coach that they don't hire until August."
• Alan Hahn [33:17]: "All right. The team regressed during the year."
• Don LaGreca [27:03]: "I think that question truly emphasizes how bad a move this was."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" provides an in-depth analysis of the New York Knicks’ recent coaching turmoil, dissecting the implications of Tom Thibodeau’s dismissal, the skepticism around Jason Kidd’s potential involvement, and the broader impact of ownership decisions on team dynamics and future prospects. The hosts, enriched by caller inputs and their expertise, present a critical view of the Knicks' management strategies, highlighting the urgency and challenges ahead for the franchise.