Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode Summary: Hour 2: Knicks, The List, Rangers Trade

Release Date: June 11, 2025

In this engaging episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a myriad of topics spanning the New York sports scene, notable trades, and a nostalgic look back at classic American music. The conversation is lively, insightful, and peppered with memorable quotes and moments that capture the essence of New York's vibrant sports and cultural landscape.

I. Recent Sports Highlights

Mets’ Dramatic Comeback Victory

The hosts kick off the episode by celebrating the Mets’ impressive comeback win against the Nationals. Peter Rosenberg highlights the Mets overcoming a three-run deficit, emphasizing the significance of the victory in the standings.

• Peter Rosenberg [00:05]: “Looked like a game that, you know, they spot the Nationals a three run lead. It's a great comeback win.”

Yankees vs. Royals Recap

Transitioning to the Yankees, Jake reflects on the Yankees' dominant performance in their game, underscoring the team’s control and the impact of pivotal plays.

• Jake [00:30]: “I actually flipped it over because the Yankee game was just so dominant.”

II. Knicks and Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis’ Social Media Controversy

A substantial portion of the discussion revolves around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent social media activity and its implications for the Knicks. The conversation begins with Giannis’ tweet about missing WNBA star Wesley "Woj" Wojcikowski, leading to speculations about his loyalty and future with the Milwaukee Bucks.

• Peter Rosenberg [01:08]: “But Philadelphia's taken a half game back as they won their game against the Cubs this afternoon. But with the Knicks are still a major topic of conversation until it's not.”

• Jake [01:45]: “He got sent out because they put out a report that the Lakers were allegedly interested in Giannis.”

Trade Speculations and Team Dynamics

The hosts dissect the possible ramifications of Giannis’ statements, discussing the Bucks’ reluctance to trade him, the Knicks’ interest, and the broader NBA trade dynamics. Jake elaborates on the contractual challenges and why a trade to teams like the Knicks or Lakers presents financial hurdles.

• Jake [03:58]: “The Bucks do not want to trade him. He has not asked for anything yet. There's really no true path for him to get to a team he'd want to go to, to a market he wants to go to.”

Impact on the Knicks

Earl and Jake analyze the Knicks' strategy in potentially acquiring Giannis, debating whether it’s a feasible move given the Knicks’ current roster and financial constraints.

• Earl [05:27]: “Whatever he is. He's an interesting one because I've said I think one thing the Knicks could really use is a knockdown shooter.”

III. Kevin Durant Trade Speculations

Durant’s Potential Move

The conversation shifts to Kevin Durant’s trade rumors, with hosts discussing his desirability as a player and the complexities surrounding his potential movement to teams like the Knicks.

• Jake [04:56]: “But because of that, it spins into the Kevin Durant stuff. Like Wendy's telling everybody who'll listen, this guy's getting traded in the next couple, like next week or two, draft night probably.”

• Earl [06:01]: “KD could be the greatest shooter who ever lived. Also, he's in the conversation for great shooter of all time.”

Contract and Team Fit

Detailed insights are provided on Durant’s proven performance metrics and the challenges teams face in accommodating his gigantic contract.

• Jake [06:14]: “He's averaging over 25 a game. Think about that for a minute.”

IV. Coaching Prospects for the Knicks

Potential Hires: Van Gundy and Jackson

A significant segment is dedicated to potential coaching candidates for the Knicks, including Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. The hosts debate the merits and current standings of these seasoned coaches, considering their past affiliations and compatibility with the Knicks' future vision.

• Jose [07:15]: “Here in New York, stars get blamed all the time. Julius Randle, who gave his all here, got shipped out because he didn't show up in the playoffs.”

• Jake [08:19]: “I personally believe, is another person that I would say, I wanna bring him in. The only problem with doing that is, is it a token interview and all you're doing is out of respect and you really have no intention of.”

Mark Jackson’s Blackball Theory

Dave’s interjection introduces a debate on whether Mark Jackson is being unfairly blackballed from coaching opportunities, sparking a discussion on the league’s perceptions and the relevance of past coaching experiences.

• Dave [16:08]: “I'd like to understand why he can't coach anywhere in the league. What is the reason?”

• Peter Rosenberg [19:25]: “But the window for the Knicks might be a little bit more down, the little bit more open.”

V. Rangers Trade: Chris Kreider to Anaheim

Trade Details and Fan Reactions

The discussion moves to the New York Rangers’ potential trade of Chris Kreider to Anaheim. The hosts analyze the financial implications, the player’s contributions, and the mixed reactions from fans.

• Jake [39:40]: “It's kind of what's happening now with these long term deals is once you get towards the end of them when you know the player really doesn't, everything left and he becomes an albatross.”

Kreider’s Legacy and Future

Peter Rosenberg and Jake reflect on Kreider’s legacy with the Rangers, his clutch performances, and the difficult business decision to move on despite his significant contributions.

• Peter Rosenberg [40:56]: “Kreider's time has come as well. Dave said it when they got J.T. Miller. The sooner this becomes J.T. Miller's team, the better.”

• Jake [40:45]: “Well, he's been informed of it. Is good with it. Now it's just a matter of the Rangers announcing it.”

Potential Impact on Team Morale and Roster

The potential trade’s impact on the Rangers' roster dynamics, team morale, and future strategy is explored, highlighting Kreider’s role and what Anaheim gains from the deal.

• Peter Rosenberg [41:33]: “He's a great Ranger and does like I said, have a lot of significant moments. And, and, and boy, the Rangers retire.”

VI. The List: Top 5 Beach Boys Songs

Celebrating Classic American Music

Transitioning from sports, the hosts engage in a nostalgic discussion about the greatest American bands, focusing specifically on the Beach Boys. They curate a list of the top five Beach Boys songs, sharing personal anecdotes and reflecting on the band's legacy.

• Peter Rosenberg [24:34]: “Number five we got. Wouldn't it Be nice? From Pet Sound.”

• Jake [28:03]: “One of the greatest songs ever, not just Beach Boys for me is God Only Knows.”

Debating the Rankings

Earl and Jake bring in their perspectives on the songs, debating the merits of each track and reflecting on the cultural impact of iconic hits like "Good Vibrations" and "Surfer Girl."

• Earl [25:46]: “From Pet Sounds. Pet Sounds was amazing, by the way.”

• Jake [26:27]: “This could be easily number one, but I put it number two, and that is Good Vibrations.”

Honorable Mentions and Reflections

The conversation extends to honorable mentions, with discussions about lesser-known tracks and the enduring influence of the Beach Boys in American music history.

• Peter Rosenberg [28:17]: “Item brought to you by bet365. Whatever. At the moment, it's never ordinary at bet365.”

• Earl [30:08]: “You're talking about an instant Rookie of the Year. I will bet my life on.”

VII. Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

Upcoming Sports Events

Before concluding, the hosts briefly touch upon upcoming sports events, including the NBA Finals between Oklahoma City and Indiana, and baseball games featuring the Yankees and Royals.

• Peter Rosenberg [36:34]: “But no, it's. My wedding was a happy time.”

Farewell and Promotions

The episode wraps up with standard farewells and promotions for the podcast and sponsors, ensuring listeners stay tuned for future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Peter Rosenberg [01:08]: “Did you see Giannis today with… Giannis said anybody else Ms. Woj?”

• Jake [03:58]: “The Bucks do not want to trade him. He has not asked for anything yet. There's really no true path for him to get to a team he'd want to go to, to a market he wants to go to.”

• Earl [05:27]: “Whether he makes the Knicks better. He'd make the Knicks better. Could the Knicks afford to do this right now? I don't think so.”

• Peter Rosenberg [16:08]: “How do you know that he didn't take any blame?”

• Jake [28:03]: “One of the greatest songs ever, not just Beach Boys for me is God Only Knows.”

• Peter Rosenberg [41:33]: “He was a great Ranger and does like I said, have a lot of significant moments.”

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg masterfully balances in-depth sports analysis with lighter cultural discussions, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current happenings in New York sports and a delightful trip down memory lane with classic American music. Whether you're a die-hard Knicks fan, a hockey enthusiast, or a Beach Boys aficionado, this episode offers something for everyone in an engaging and informative format.