Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 2: Knicks & The List | Released April 30, 2025

Hosts:

• Don Hahn – ESPN New York and New Jersey legend
• Al Hahn – Long-time sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster
• Peter Rosenberg – Highly opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality

1. Knicks' Current Performance and Trade Decisions

Discussion Highlights: The hosts delve into the New York Knicks' recent performance, particularly focusing on the impact of last year's trade involving center Isaiah Hartenstein. Al Hahn expresses the prevailing sentiment among Knicks fans, highlighting disappointment post-trade.

Notable Quotes:

• Al Hahn (01:03): "The feeling is going to be among this fan base, they had a better chance before the trade than they have after the trade that last year."
• Peter Rosenberg (01:13): "You can't kill the Knicks for that because they had to do something with Hartenstein being gone, right?"

Analysis: They discuss the necessity of the trade due to Hartenstein's departure and the resultant challenges in rebuilding the team's core. Al emphasizes the dilemma where fans feel the team's potential has diminished post-trade, even though the decision was unavoidable.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future with Milwaukee

Discussion Highlights: The conversation shifts to Giannis Antetokounmpo's status with the Milwaukee Bucks, contemplating his potential departure and its implications for the NBA landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg (02:20): "This will not take long before we find out what's going to happen with Giannis in Milwaukee."
• Al Hahn (02:16): "Would that have been enough to move the needle with Milwaukee?"

Analysis: The hosts speculate on Giannis's possible moves, discussing fan sentiments and the emotional aspects surrounding his tenure with the Bucks. They note Giannis's observable mood swings during games, which may indicate his readiness to move on.

3. Coaching Decisions and Player Accountability

Discussion Highlights: A critical analysis of recent coaching decisions, particularly focusing on timeout usage in high-stakes games. The conversation highlights Josh Hart's performance and the broader implications of coaching strategies.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg (04:14): "He just wore it."
• Al Hahn (04:16): "But I think he was, because he knew that was coming and he was disappointed in himself."

Analysis: They debate the appropriateness of the coach's decision to use a timeout under pressure, considering the team's performance and the necessity to support key players. The hosts reflect on emotional accountability and strategic choices in critical game moments.

4. Analysis of General Manager Strategies

Discussion Highlights: The hosts examine the role of general managers in assessing and managing team rosters. Emphasis is placed on making unbiased decisions to build a championship-contending team.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg (14:23): "The best ones will always honestly assess their roster without emotion and not worry like, well, I just traded for that guy or I just signed that guy."
• Al Hahn (15:10): "Don't be shocked."

Analysis: Al and Peter discuss the importance of transparent and unemotional decision-making in the front office. They critique past decisions, such as retaining Evan Fournier, and stress the need for adaptability and willingness to correct mistakes promptly to enhance team performance.

5. "The List" Segment: Top New York Sports Brawls

Discussion Highlights: In a lively segment, the hosts compile and debate a list of the most memorable and intense brawls in New York sports history. This includes incidents from baseball, basketball, hockey, and football.

Notable Moments:

• Yankees vs. Orioles (May 19, 1998): Highlighted as a significant altercation featuring Darryl Strawberry chasing Roberto Benítez.
  • Al Hahn (27:31): "That was when fight was fighting, man."
• Knicks vs. Heat Fight Anniversary (April 30, 1998): Recalling the infamous brawl involving Rick Brunson and Alonzo Mourning.
  • Al Hahn (27:03): "The 98 Knicks Heat fight the 20th anniversary today."
• Mets vs. Reds (July 22, 1986): Noted for the altercation between Ray Knight and Eric Davis.
  • Al Hahn (31:34): "Vince Coleman slides hard into third base... Ray Knight just punches him."

Analysis: The segment provides nostalgic insights into some of the most heated moments in New York sports, emphasizing the intense rivalries and high emotions that define these events. The hosts share personal anecdotes and opinions on the impact these brawls had on the teams and their fan bases.

6. Callers' Perspectives on the Knicks-Celtics Series

Discussion Highlights: Listeners' calls introduce varying perspectives on the New York Knicks' playoff series against the Boston Celtics. A prominent caller, Joey, expresses deep frustration with the team's lack of ambition and consistency.

Notable Quotes:

• Caller Joey (10:18): "This team doesn't care... I hope they woke up this morning and they realized that, damn, we could have done something nice last night for the damn city."
• Al Hahn (16:24): "Just win, just win the damn game. And then we can assess everything after the fact."

Analysis: Joey's passionate plea underscores a broader sentiment of disenchantment among fans regarding the Knicks' playoff strategies and commitment. The hosts acknowledge these frustrations, advocating for a focus on immediate game outcomes while recognizing the underlying desire for the team to perform with greater purpose and determination.

7. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Discussion Highlights: As the episode concludes, the hosts reiterate the importance of strategic decision-making and team focus. They emphasize the need for the Knicks to secure victories to build momentum and regain fan trust.

Notable Quotes:

• Al Hahn (43:18): "I have not enjoyed any of this. The only thing I enjoyed was getting the opportunity to call a game..."
• Peter Rosenberg (45:05): "Today's fan says if he's not getting it done, he's never getting it done."

Analysis: The hosts wrap up by highlighting key takeaways from their discussions, urging the Knicks to prioritize winning and making decisive moves that align with long-term success. They reflect on fan expectations and the evolving nature of sports fandom, stressing the necessity for the team to meet these demands through performance and effective management.

Conclusion: In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the New York Knicks' current standing, strategic decisions, and the broader implications for the team's future. Through engaging discussions, personal anecdotes, and listener interactions, they offer a comprehensive look into the challenges and expectations facing one of New York's most storied basketball franchises. Additionally, the "List" segment adds a nostalgic touch, celebrating iconic moments in New York sports history.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• Degree Deodorant Commercial (00:00 - 00:30):
  • Don Hahn (00:00): "Degree heard us, admitted they messed up and brought the original Cool Rush scent back..."
• Knicks' Trade Impact (01:03):
  • Al Hahn (01:03): "They had a better chance before the trade..."
• Giannis' Mood (02:09):
  • Al Hahn (02:09): "This will not take long before we find out what's going to happen with Giannis in Milwaukee."
• Timeout Debate (04:14):
  • Al Hahn (04:14): "The missed opportunity for that exact reason."
• Best General Managers (14:23):
  • Peter Rosenberg (14:23): "...the best ones will always honestly assess their roster without emotion..."
• Top Brawls List (27:31):
  • Al Hahn (27:31): "Strawberry chasing Benitez was a classic."
• Callers' Frustration (10:18):
  • Caller Joey (10:18): "I'm just so disenfranchised with this team."

For listeners who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by Don Hahn, Al Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, providing a comprehensive overview of the Knicks' challenges and memorable moments in New York sports.