Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 2 - Knicks OT Win
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: 880 ESPN
1. Opening Discussion: Mets and Pete Alonso
Timestamp: 00:30 - 02:25
The episode kicks off with Alan Rosenberg discussing the Mets' internal dynamics, particularly focusing on Pete Alonso's potential departure. Alan emphasizes the emotional toll of losing a long-standing player, highlighting the difference between baseball's lengthy 162-game season and the more transient nature of other sports.
Notable Quote:
Alan Rosenberg [00:30]:
“Sterns is a Mets fan. He grew up a Mets fan. He knows all about it. The pain that Don is feeling right now, the emotion he's feeling.”
Don Hahn shares his disappointment over Alonso potentially leaving but expresses trust in the Mets' management decisions, understanding that business isn't solely about throwing money around.
2. Knicks' Overtime Victory Against the Sixers
Timestamp: 02:25 - 08:18
The hosts delve into the New York Knicks' recent overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers. They discuss Carl Anthony Towns' injury—a sprained thumb sustained during the game—and its implications for his performance and the team's success.
Notable Quotes:
Alan Rosenberg [03:08]:
“When he went up for a layup, he hit his finger. So he had that. They found a chip in the bone. He's going to try to play through it.”
Don Hahn [04:19]:
“[The Knicks] never could pull away in this game, but they were up by as many as 13 at one point.”
Despite Joel Embiid's absence, the Knicks managed to secure a win by dominating overtime, showcasing their resilience and strategic gameplay. The discussion highlights the importance of key players like Paul George and Tyrese Maxey in maintaining the team's performance.
3. Bench Depth and Player Management
Timestamp: 08:18 - 13:32
Alan and Don engage in a debate about the Knicks' approach to managing their bench players. Alan criticizes the lack of depth, arguing that without a strong bench, the team's chances in the playoffs are jeopardized. He references historical missteps, such as the 2013 trade disaster involving Andrea Bargnani, to underscore the risks of poor team-building strategies.
Notable Quotes:
Alan Rosenberg [09:04]:
“This team is in a championship window. It is not in a championship season. They are not right now built.”
Don Hahn [10:55]:
“You could talk all you want as a Knick fan and Mike Breen can come on and talk about, 'well, the players want to play.' Yes, I am sorry. It is still an issue.”
They debate the balance between striving for wins and developing younger talent, with Alan advocating for strategic bench rotations to build a more robust team for future success.
4. Trading Strategies and Historical Context
Timestamp: 13:32 - 18:08
The conversation shifts to trading strategies, with Alan cautioning against desperate moves to acquire star players. He reflects on past Knicks seasons, emphasizing the importance of patience and thoughtful team development over impulsive trades.
Notable Quotes:
Alan Rosenberg [14:00]:
“They had nothing wrong with that team. They just made a bad trade that didn't work. And then they had a bad year. They overreacted. Don't do it again.”
Don Hahn [16:05]:
“But you said it best last week before you were off. Address the bench. You don't have to make anything.”
The hosts agree that sustainable success requires a balanced approach, focusing on strengthening the bench and avoiding trades that could destabilize team chemistry.
5. Nets' Historic Blowout Game
Timestamp: 18:08 - 24:37
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the New York Nets' recent historic blowout loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, with a final score of 126-67. Don and Alan dissect the game, critiquing the Nets' coaching decisions, particularly the extensive bench rotation that led to a massive deficit.
Notable Quotes:
Don Hahn [22:27]:
“The Clippers did not have a player.”
Alan Rosenberg [23:15]:
“This was the fourth worst loss, I think he said, in league history. And for the Nets, the last time they lost by a worst deficit, it was John Williamson and Bernard King were starters and Phil Jackson was a reserve.”
They lament the lack of competitive spirit and strategic depth, drawing parallels to past failures and emphasizing the need for better player utilization and coaching strategies to prevent such lopsided losses.
6. Listener Call-In: Spike's Insights
Timestamp: 25:03 - 30:45
Listener Spike joins the conversation, providing personal insights and reflections on the Knicks' performance and team management. He discusses player-specific issues, such as Patrick’s hypothetical performance in modern basketball and criticizes certain coaching decisions that leave players struggling defensively.
Notable Quotes:
Spike [27:38]:
“All I could say to you is what I read about your sister Debbie was so... life’s book, and Don knows it better than anybody...”
Alan Rosenberg [29:51]:
“I think it's fair. I also think if Patrick played in today's game, he'd shoot threes like this.”
Spike underscores the importance of player development and strategic coaching to enhance team performance.
7. Closing Remarks
Timestamp: 26:15 - 30:45
As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on the discussions, reiterating the challenges faced by the Knicks and the broader implications for team management in professional sports. They highlight the need for strategic planning, player development, and balanced decision-making to foster sustained success.
Notable Quotes:
Alan Rosenberg [30:00]:
“He'd be nuts. And he was a better shot blocker than Cat. The last thing.”
Don Hahn [30:05]:
“Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.”
The episode concludes with a nod to upcoming topics, including the Jets' head coach search and more, promising engaging discussions in future episodes.
Key Takeaways:
- Team Management: Emphasis on the importance of a strong bench and strategic player development over impulsive trades.
- Historical Lessons: Reflecting on past Knicks seasons to inform current strategies and avoid repeating mistakes.
- Game Analysis: Detailed critique of recent games, particularly focusing on coaching decisions and player performances.
- Listener Engagement: Incorporating listener insights to provide diverse perspectives on team dynamics and performance.
Notable Quotes Summary:
- “Sterns is a Mets fan... the pain that Don is feeling...” — Alan Rosenberg [00:30]
- “[The Knicks] never could pull away in this game...” — Don Hahn [04:19]
- “This team is in a championship window. It is not in a championship season...” — Alan Rosenberg [09:04]
- “The Clippers did not have a player.” — Don Hahn [22:27]
- “He'd be nuts. And he was a better shot blocker than Cat.” — Alan Rosenberg [29:51]
This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Knicks' current season, blending historical insights with contemporary game analysis and listener perspectives. Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg offer a nuanced discussion on the complexities of team management, player development, and strategic decision-making in professional basketball.