Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary

Episode: Hour 2: Knicks & Talk About It Tuesday
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

1. Introduction and NBA Draft Lottery Conspiracy Theories (00:30 - 05:42)

Alan Rosenberg opens the episode by setting the stage for the day's discussions. The primary topic centers around the recent NBA draft lottery, specifically focusing on the Dallas Mavericks securing the first overall pick to draft Cooper Flag.

Peter Rosenberg expresses skepticism about the Mavericks' trade to the Lakers, questioning the rationale behind giving up a promising player:

"Maybe the league made it happen. They wanted the Lakers back." ([00:43])

The conversation quickly shifts to conspiracy theories surrounding the draft lottery. Evan Cohen shares his doubts about the fairness of the process, especially after witnessing the Mavericks' unexpected win:

"I'll believe the conspiracy when the Mavericks land the first overall pick in the draft and they get Cooper Flag." ([01:17])

Chris Canty adds to the speculation by highlighting various theories, including possible intentions by Mavericks' ownership to move to Las Vegas:

"There are a lot of things at play here. It does an unexplainable trade." ([01:42])

The hosts debate the NBA's efforts to deter tanking by adjusting the lottery odds, noting that despite these measures, the worst teams have consistently failed to secure the top pick for seven consecutive years:

"The worst record did not win. And it just continues to deter tanking." ([02:09])

Evan Cohen recalls a past conversation with former NBA Commissioner David Stern, emphasizing the transparency and integrity of the lottery process, despite the public's mistrust:

"The NBA has not only this system in place with Ernst and Young... But you are there. They have witnesses in the media watching the process." ([04:00])

2. Playoff Insights and Knicks vs. Celtics Showdown (05:42 - 16:12)

The discussion transitions to the ongoing NBA playoffs, with a particular focus on the Knicks' performance against the Celtics. Evan Cohen anticipates a tough battle, citing Jaylen Brown's potential to dominate the series:

"Jaylen Brown was really their best player in their playoff run." ([12:07])

Chris Canty predicts a gritty and passionate game, expecting physicality and intense competition:

"I think there's a chance. Jaylen Brown has a chip on his shoulder... I cannot imagine they coast through the Celtics on Wednesday night." ([14:08])

The hosts emphasize the Knicks' need to stay focused and avoid complacency, highlighting Jalen Brunson's leadership in keeping the team's spirits high:

"Jalen Brunson... Get off the court. There's nothing to celebrate." ([14:21])

Peter Rosenberg underscores the importance of maintaining intensity, noting that both teams have a strong fan base that fuels the competitive spirit:

"The Celtics base is nothing to mess around with either. And they're a team that believes they were going to win a championship." ([16:00])

3. Audience Interaction and Controversial Narratives (16:12 - 22:20)

The podcast opens up to a caller, Jose from Brooklyn, who shares his excitement about the Knicks' win but expresses frustration over perceived biased reporting:

"There was some contact... for the Knicks to make these false narratives is just very unchampionship." ([09:44])

Chris Canty responds by urging calm and addressing the negative sentiments directed at the Celtics, emphasizing fairness and sportsmanship:

"The Celtics are not a dirty team. They’re not. I get that they've been down, like, slightly arrogant." ([18:00])

The hosts discuss the polarization between Knicks and Celtics fans, agreeing that fans often view plays through a biased lens:

"You got the colored glasses of your favorite team and you look at it." ([20:21])

Peter Rosenberg and Chris Canty highlight the challenges in maintaining objectivity, especially during high-stakes playoff moments:

"I try to look at it without being a fan... If you don’t have a talk show and you’re only around Knicks fans or you’re only around Celtic fans, you’re going to rally around the consensus." ([21:21])

4. Talk About It Tuesday: NBA Draft Lottery Experience (25:00 - 31:50)

Chris Canty introduces the segment "Talk About It Tuesday," where the hosts delve deeper into the NBA draft lottery experience. They critique the televised event's lack of excitement and authenticity:

"It was like this weird in between of like, Don. It kind of felt like the energy of the Heisman Trophy room." ([26:11])

Evan Cohen shares a personal anecdote about covering draft lotteries, describing them as "a convention of losers":

"Donnie Walsh once called it a convention of losers." ([28:16])

Peter Rosenberg recalls his experience during the draft lottery for LeBron James, highlighting the awkwardness and unexpected challenges:

"I got to go to Secaucus, and I hosted on ESPN radio the draft lottery for LeBron James... He’s. Please." ([30:02])

The hosts collectively reflect on the surreal and often underwhelming nature of draft lotteries, questioning their relevance and execution:

"It's a very weird show. The saddest picture of all was when Clyde was there..." ([28:47])

5. Reinstatement of Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose (32:20 - 45:14)

A significant portion of the episode discusses Major League Baseball's decision to reinstate Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose. Peter Rosenberg voices confusion and disappointment over the announcement:

"I don't know what exactly this does. It just feels bad after these guys are long gone." ([40:22])

Evan Cohen questions the timing and purpose of the reinstatement, suggesting it might be a move to preempt future scandals:

"What is the significance and the timing... What exactly happened today... I just want to know." ([43:34])

Chris Canty debates the implications for other players with controversial histories, like Barry Bonds, arguing that the message might extend beyond Jackson and Rose:

"It’s also a message to them, don't you think?" ([44:50])

Peter Rosenberg speculates on the long-term effects of this decision, pondering whether it signifies a shift in how the MLB handles historical infractions:

"They’re trying to get out in front of it because... time is going to come where people aren't going to care about steroids." ([45:14])

6. Light-Hearted Banter and Closing Remarks (31:50 - 38:58)

The hosts transition to lighter topics, sharing humorous stories and engaging in playful banter about mascots and personal experiences. Evan Cohen recounts a frustrating train delay interrupted by a trumpet performance, illustrating how unexpected moments can lift spirits:

"I started to laugh. I started to giggle. It just made me laugh." ([35:22])

Peter Rosenberg and Chris Canty discuss their disdain for certain sports mascots, sharing anecdotes that highlight their differing tastes:

"I’m not a fan of Mr. Matt." ([38:34])

Alan Rosenberg wraps up the main content, promoting the next segment and thanking listeners:

"Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast." ([37:18])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Peter Rosenberg on the Mavericks' trade:

  "Maybe the league made it happen. They wanted the Lakers back." ([00:43])

• Evan Cohen on believing conspiracy theories:

  "I'll believe the conspiracy when the Mavericks land the first overall pick in the draft and they get Cooper Flag." ([01:17])

• Evan Cohen recounting his talk with David Stern:

  "The NBA has not only this system in place with Ernst and Young... But you are there. They have witnesses in the media watching the process." ([04:00])

• Chris Canty urging calm regarding Celtics narratives:

  "The Celtics are not a dirty team. They’re not. I get that they've been down, like, slightly arrogant." ([18:00])

• Evan Cohen describing draft lotteries as a "convention of losers":

  "Donnie Walsh once called it a convention of losers." ([28:16])

• Peter Rosenberg on the reinstatement of historical MLB figures:

  "I don't know what exactly this does. It just feels bad after these guys are long gone." ([40:22])

Conclusion

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers an engaging blend of serious sports analysis and lighthearted banter. The hosts delve deep into the controversies of the NBA draft lottery, explore intense playoff matchups, and critique major decisions in Major League Baseball, all while maintaining their characteristic humor and camaraderie. Notable interactions with callers add a personal touch, making the discussion relatable and dynamic for listeners.

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