Hour 2: LeBron & The NFL Binge

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – "Hour 2: LeBron & The NFL Binge"

Release Date: June 30, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York and New Jersey

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Introduction to Hour 2: LeBron & The NFL Binge

As the second hour commences, hosts Don Hahn and Alan Rosenberg dive into the heart of the episode, focusing primarily on the intriguing possibility of LeBron James joining the New York Knicks and the broader implications within the NFL landscape.

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LeBron James and the New York Knicks Discussion

[01:35] Don Hahn:
Don opens the conversation discussing the perennial Knicks' aspirations and the speculation surrounding LeBron James potentially joining the team. He posits a hypothetical scenario:

“LeBron James, and you're starting to hear, oh, how about the Knicks? You know, he's title hunting... 41 years old.” ([01:35])

[02:42] Alan Rosenberg:
Alan expands on the sustainability and emotional impact of such a move, drawing parallels with past championships:

“Neither would feel sustainable. Does that make sense?” ([02:42])

[04:07] Don Hahn:
Don counters by emphasizing the necessity of following up a championship under various circumstances to legitimize it:

“When you do have a championship under different kind of circumstances, you do want to follow it up to justify it. Like, look at the Dodgers.” ([04:07])

[05:08] Don Hahn:
He further elaborates on the cultural and emotional significance for fans:

“If the Knicks won a championship with a super team... how would that feel?” ([05:08])

[06:03] Don Hahn:
Don challenges the notion that a championship solely powered by LeBron would hold the same value for Knicks fans:

“A championship with LeBron, it would take a lot away from that title.” ([06:03])

[07:04] Don Hahn:
He posits that LeBron's dominance would overshadow the team's own achievements:

“LeBron slays the dragon. LeBron's the first guy interviewed... It's all about LeBron.” ([07:04])

[10:35] Alan Rosenberg:
Alan introduces recent developments regarding LeBron's decision to exercise his player option, providing context on his career trajectory and relationship with the Lakers:

“Shams reported this last night... LeBron James was exercising his $52.6 million player option for next season.” ([10:35])

[13:07] Alan Rosenberg:
He interprets Rich Paul's statement, suggesting it serves as leverage for the Lakers to remain competitive:

“He’s using this stuff as leverage. He wants the Lakers to understand that... We’re not going to have a championship caliber team.” ([13:07])

[15:16] Don Hahn:
Don agrees, highlighting the strategic nature of the move:

“Exactly.” ([15:16])

[17:08] Alan Rosenberg:
Alan discusses the implications of LeBron potentially trading to other teams, particularly the Knicks, and the financial and team-building challenges involved:

“If LeBron says to James Dolan, I'm coming. I'm bringing my boys... How much are you giving up?” ([17:08])

[19:46] Alan Rosenberg:
Alan reflects on LeBron's legacy and the risk associated with overshadowing team achievements:

“He hasn't had a major injury. Do you want me to believe... he’s not going to... That's a whole other story.” ([19:46])

[20:04] Alan Rosenberg:
He wraps up the LeBron discussion by emphasizing the complexity of the decision and its impact on both his legacy and the Knicks' identity:

“It would be so much. Would be great theater... But also knowing what I know, I don't see him taking that kind of a risk.” ([20:04])

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The NFL Binge Segment

Transitioning from basketball, the hosts introduce Anthony Busick to delve into the latest happenings in the NFL.

[28:00] Don Hahn:
Don introduces the NFL segment, highlighting significant trades and team strategies:

“A lot of stuff going on... Including a big trade between the Miami Dolphins and Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers.” ([28:00])

[29:01] Don Hahn & Alan Rosenberg:
They discuss the Miami Dolphins trading Jalen Ramsey and John Smith to the Steelers for Minka Fitzpatrick and a draft pick:

“Aaron Rodgers is still the third best current quarterback in the AFC behind Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson...” ([29:01])

[31:45] Alan Rosenberg:
Alan theorizes on Pittsburgh's strategy, comparing it to the Lakers' possible acquisition of LeBron:

“This is showing you though that they're trying to be all in... To win a championship.” ([31:45])

[33:03] Alan Rosenberg:
The conversation shifts to the potential trade of T.J. Watt, examining his contract dissatisfaction and market value:

“If T.J. Watt has a right reason to feel this way... He's not showing up for all the camps... He’s getting louder.” ([33:03])

[35:02] Don Hahn & Alan Rosenberg:
The hosts compare defensive players Miles Garrett and T.J. Watt, debating their impacts and longevity:

“I wouldn't look at the past 31 Pro Bowlers. 31, 29. You said he's gonna be 30 when the season's on.” ([35:02])

[38:25] Alan Rosenberg:
Alan concludes the NFL segment by weighing Rodgers and Mahomes, discussing their primes and impact on their teams:

“Aaron Rodgers played with Andy Reid his whole career. It's not going to get worse... I would take Rodgers over Mahomes in their prime.” ([38:25])

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Listener Interactions and Final Thoughts

Towards the episode's end, hosts engage with listener comments, touching upon emotional moments in sports, such as player tributes and memorable games.

[46:08] Alan Rosenberg:
Alan highlights a touching moment involving a player honoring his mother through a jersey:

“He lost his mother. And so that moment for that family was an emotional moment.” ([46:08])

[47:45] Don Hahn:
Don praises the growth of the NHL under Commissioner Gary Bettman, despite personal opinions on lockouts:

“Gary deserves a lot of credit for that. But he's feeling it now.” ([47:45])

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Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a blend of sports analysis and heartfelt listener interactions, encapsulating the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast. The hosts provide deep insights into both basketball and football, enriched by personal anecdotes and expert observations, ensuring listeners are well-informed and engaged throughout.

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Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn ([01:35]):
  “LeBron James, and you're starting to hear, oh, how about the Knicks? You know, he's title hunting... 41 years old.”

• Alan Rosenberg ([04:07]):
  “Neither would feel sustainable. Does that make sense?”

• Don Hahn ([06:03]):
  “A championship with LeBron, it would take a lot away from that title.”

• Alan Rosenberg ([10:35]):
  “LeBron James was exercising his $52.6 million player option for next season.”

• Don Hahn ([13:07]):
  “When you do have a championship under different kind of circumstances, you do want to follow it up to justify it. Like, look at the Dodgers.”

• Alan Rosenberg ([17:08]):
  “How much are you giving up?”

• Alan Rosenberg ([38:25]):
  “I would take Rodgers over Mahomes in their prime.”

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the rich discussions and key insights from the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the podcast's content even if they haven't tuned in.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

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[Alan Rosenberg]

This is the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers. Now, I think Sexual Chocolate did a better cover of this.

[Don Hahn]

He stole my thunder. I was gonna, I was gonna break. I was gonna bring that up, but.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Jake said this was his graduation. Kindergarten, I believe I had. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. I thought you. Kindergarten, graduation, you could have.

[Don Hahn]

How do you even remember that?

[Alan Rosenberg]

You could have kept that to yourself. Listen, it was between this and I believe I could fly. We had angel wings and a halo. It was, it was the whole setup.

[Don Hahn]

But this, this version of the Randy Watson one. Cuz the Randy Watson one was classic. No, so there's so many. Where do broken hearts go?

[Alan Rosenberg]

Oh, you nailed it.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, she's amazing.

[Alan Rosenberg]

That's coming up.

[Don Hahn]

She's amazing. Jersey.

[Alan Rosenberg]

That's right, Jersey. That's right, Bricktown.

[Don Hahn]

All right, 401 is the time as we get the hour number two going in here and. All right, so LeBron James, and you're starting to hear, oh, how about the Knicks? You know, he's title hunting. You know the Knicks. Bring him in, 41 years old. All right, whether it's going to happen or not going to happen, we'll keep that aside for now. But Allen had asked me, oh, how would you feel in the Knicks one, they get LeBron James, and then Chris Paul says, you know, I want to go play on the league minimum because I just want to chase a championship. How would you feel about the championship? And listen, you're. If you're a Nick fan, you'll take it. You haven't won since 1973, but you can't tell me that it hit a lot different than if they had won this year. Doing it the right way, no load management, no tanking for picks. You'd feel like, you know what? This, this championship is special. Yeah, I'll take the championship with the super team. You're not spitting that out. You're not kicking it out of bed. No, but I'm sorry, there's different degrees and it would hit a lot different than if they had won the championship this year with this team. Come on, man. You can't tell me that that would feel different. Don't tell me. Would feel the same.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Neither would feel sustainable. Does that make sense? Does it? Do you.

[Don Hahn]

Forget about sustainable.

[Alan Rosenberg]

It just doesn't matter. See, again, the Oklahoma City championship is one of those that only a fan base could love. Anybody outside the fan base can just look at and be like, oh, that's cool. But when you're. That. When you're a fan, that's. You fall in love with that one because you feel like this is the first of many.

[Don Hahn]

Okay, yeah.

[Alan Rosenberg]

And I'll. I'm gonna make you throw up. That's how I felt. 96 Yankees won that World Series. I'm like, oh, this. This team's gonna win for a while. Like, I felt like this is the first of many. It wasn't. This is the first in a long time, because it was for me. It's like, this team's so good. Like, you just felt great about what they were doing. So that's. There's a different feeling about that completely. If. If something happened this year and then, like. Like I said, if the Hartenstein thing doesn't happen and he stays and they don't trade for Katten, it's the same team, and they go on a run like you would think they could have, and they win a championship. Let's say Hardenstein's a difference between them beating Oklahoma City, right? Like, whatever it is, they win the championship. That's a feeling of. This is special because of how it was built. If it's the mercenary one that we're talking about, which all the bloggers are having fun with right now, and it's like, hey, LeBron wants to come to New York and win a championship before he calls it a career, it's the one less. It's the last dragon for him to slay, and this could put him over the top in the Michael Jordan debate and all that stuff. That would feel like it's still fun. It's still a championship. You'll still never forget it, but, you know, it's just kind of like a moment in time. It's fleeting.

[Don Hahn]

Well, I'm going to. I'm going to reverse it on you.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Which doesn't take anything. That doesn't take any shine off it, but it does not feel the same.

[Don Hahn]

I'm going to reverse it on you, because when you do have a championship under different kind of circumstances, you do want to Follow it up to justify it. Like, look at the Dodgers.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Or at least stay good.

[Don Hahn]

Well, but like when the Dodgers won in 2020. I'm sorry, it's the COVID championship. They won a 60 game schedule. Now they did go through the playoffs. I'll give them credit for that. Yeah, but I'm sorry, you're going to look at that 2020 championship a little because it was during a 60 season.

[Alan Rosenberg]

You didn't play in front of your home crowd. Like the whole thing.

[Don Hahn]

So when the Dodgers won last year, I'm sure a lot of Dodger fans may not admit it. Go. You know what, the 24 team now kind of justifies 2020. And that feels special.

[Alan Rosenberg]

What did Alex Caruso say? He won a championship with the Lakers in the Bucks.

[Don Hahn]

Yes.

[Alan Rosenberg]

He just won with the Thunder. He's like, this makes up for that. It almost legitimizes it. He now he feels like he really won a championship and all Laker people got upset, but he's just telling you how he really felt. It's a, it's human emotion.

[Don Hahn]

No, absolutely. And growing up a Devil fan, when they won in 95, there were people to go, oh, 48 game schedule lockout. So when they won in 2000, 2003, it was like, all right, that justified that. Solidify the 95. Same thing with the Giants. Oh, you won on a fluke in oh, seven. You caught Tom Brady on a bad day. When you beat him again in 2011, it's like, now it's not a fluke anymore, is it? Beat him twice in the Super Bowl. Eli man, like, so you followed up. So if the Knicks won a championship with a super team and then let's say two, three years later won the way you're describing, with a team that was built, that one would be a lot. Probably feel special because this is. I brought this up with K. K wanted to kill me because He's a big LeBron guy.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Don Hahn]

And I know there's a lot of Knick fans out there fantasizing about LeBron James coming to the Knicks. You'll take it because you haven't won in 52 years.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yeah, of course.

[Don Hahn]

But a championship with LeBron, it would take a lot away from that title. Because if LeBron came to the Knicks on a one year deal and they won a championship, it's all about LeBron. LeBron slays the dragon. LeBron's the first guy interviewed after it becomes LeBron's on his way to the hall of Fame title. And the Knicks become passengers in the moment that really is supposed to be about the Knicks and what they've built and who they are as a team. That all would be set aside by. Let's celebrate the greatness of LeBron James. That wouldn't bother you as a Nick guy?

[Alan Rosenberg]

Is it still a championship?

[Don Hahn]

It is, but it wouldn't bother you?

[Alan Rosenberg]

No. 7th Avenue would still be closed.

[Don Hahn]

Don't say no. See?

[Alan Rosenberg]

No, no. It's a champ, Don. It's a championship. It's a championship. You guys understand that?

[Don Hahn]

I understand it's a championship, and you'll be celebrating on 7th Avenue, but you're telling me it wouldn't take a little bit, some of the shine away to know that the guy that you've hated.

[Alan Rosenberg]

I get what you're saying.

[Don Hahn]

Comes here, and then it's all about him winning the title and he's on the COVID of all of the dvd, and he's the first person.

[Alan Rosenberg]

I know what you're paying.

[Don Hahn]

Brunson could score 75 points in a game seven. The first person they can interview is LeBron's 12 and try to spin how his 12 was the reason they won.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Do you mean game seven, 1970, Willis Reed game. Clyde Frazier had one of the great game Sevens ever. Nobody ever says that. Does Clyde Frazier not wear that?

[Don Hahn]

No, but because the guy that overshadowed him was a lifelong Nick, saying, jake, you're a Knick fan. Wouldn't it bother you at least a little bit that LeBron James would take all the shine away from the championship?

[Alan Rosenberg]

It definitely would. Not only that, that he would choose to come to the Knicks now after all these years. I wasn't LeBron in 2010, 2015. I thought we had a chance at him. You come at the end of your career just to ride on the coattails of the Knicks, and we've been terrible. I understand, but who are we to be selective about how a team that hasn't won in over a half century? Well, I don't want to win that way. No, you want to win. A win's a win. It doesn't matter how you get there. You just get there. I agree. But me also being a kid, you can't be like, nah, I'm not taking that. Allen, if I said to you, we're both jets fans, If I said to you, if you, well, Aaron Rodgers came, were we all like, oh, I don't want to win that way? No. Hell no. We're like, this. This guy can slay the dragon. Let's do it. We were pumped until. Until when? Until when? Until he blew out his Achilles.

[Don Hahn]

But that's different. You. But Aaron Rodgers is different.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Shooting in and winning a Super bowl doesn't take away from the fact that they won a Super Bowl. LeBron has done something in his career for 22 years, and he hasn't had a major injury. Do you want me to believe, as a Knicks fan, also, that he's not going to. This is. He's not going to. Well, that's a whole other story.

[Don Hahn]

Listen, I don't want to branch this out.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Because I think we got something good.

[Alan Rosenberg]

This is. This is more about. But I don't care how. Unless, of course, it's the Astros, then. I do care. But I don't care how I get there. I don't care if. If all of a sudden they're like. If LeBron says to James Dolan, I'm coming. I'm bringing my boys, clear the decks, trade everybody. We're coming in. We're going to win you a title. You think, James. No. No, we're not going to do that.

[Don Hahn]

No, I'm not saying. Nobody is not taking it. Nobody is not taking it. You've been thirsty for a championship. Most, if not all of our listeners don't remember 1970. All right?

[Alan Rosenberg]

I don't.

[Don Hahn]

You don't. I was five, but I don't remember.

[Alan Rosenberg]

I wasn't alive.

[Don Hahn]

But it's him. Even Aaron Rodgers isn't him. Right. He wasn't a rival to the Jets. It's LeBron. What do you mean, it's LeBron? He snubbed you. That. That SOB could have held the press conference on Mars. He decides to do it a stone's throw away from their practice facility.

[Alan Rosenberg]

I was.

[Don Hahn]

He has basically made fun of you. And now he's gonna try to get you a championship. He's gonna take all your shine away. That's not gonna bother you at least a little bit? Alan, give me something. You're gonna be celebrating. You're gonna be running naked on 7th Avenue. It's still gonna bother you a little bit.

[Alan Rosenberg]

What's the banner gonna say?

[Don Hahn]

Oh, all right, good. You're better than me.

[Alan Rosenberg]

What's the better. You're better than me.

[Don Hahn]

I'm just asking. No, you're better than me. Better looking than me. You're taller than me. You're more talented than me.

[Alan Rosenberg]

You're better than me. Is it gonna say LeBron, or is it gonna say, you know what?

[Don Hahn]

I wouldn't put it past the NBA, that in the background you'll see, like, a shadow in the shape of LeBron.

[Alan Rosenberg]

But you know what will happen? This is where it'll be crossing the line, is he'll retire and like, two years later, they'll retire his number. The number he wore for one season, Right? They'll retire his number.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, absolutely.

[Alan Rosenberg]

You know what I mean? Like, that's the one where you're like, all right, let's take it easy. That's too far. But I. To me, I'm not pushing back. Now, this. This conversation that we have had for the last 10 minutes, can I tell you, and everybody listening, this is all fantasy.

[Don Hahn]

Okay?

[Alan Rosenberg]

Like, why is that now? This is because. So. So, as everybody might know by now, Shams reported this last night, or no, it was yesterday morning, actually, that LeBron James was exercising his $52.6 million player option for next season. So then the statement. Now that. That. That's not news. We all expected it, right? Like, there's no surprise that he's going to pick up a player option for $52 million. Of course he's going to. He's going to play at least one more season. The surprise might be that instead of the Lakers giving him an extension, maybe two, three. No, he's going to do one. Now, a conversation hit the aggregate. It was something that was recorded during a dinner. He was here in New York last week, okay. And he went out to dinner with his wife, Kevin Love, and Kevin Love's wife and some other people. And someone must have found a way to record it, which I always. It's amazing that LeBron stuff that wants to be leaked gets leaked. You know, like, how did this conversation get recorded? But it did. And somehow it reached social media of LeBron saying in a private conversation with some of the men at the table, savannah, his wife wants me to blank and retire sooner rather than later. Like, she's kind of done. He's been playing for all these years. And so he kind of like, suggests that this is the end for him, that if he plays, it's like one more year at best. So they pick up his. He picks up his player option. Not a shock. Here's where it starts to get interesting. Rich Paul, clutch sports. His agent puts out a statement. The Lakers do not. Now, normally, player picks the option. Lakers will have a joint statement, like, oh, glad to have LeBron back for another year, blah, blah, blah, whatever. But Rich and the Lakers have not put out a statement yet, as far as I know. But Rich Paul says to Shums in a statement, lebron wants to compete for a championship. I think that's Been his whole career, right? Yes. Okay, feel free to jump in on some of these, too, because, Don, I know you've been around this long enough to know how this works. He knows the Lakers are building for the future.

[Don Hahn]

Really interesting.

[Alan Rosenberg]

He understands that. But he values a realistic chance at winning it all. Now, keep in mind the rest of this. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeannie Buss and Rob Pelinka and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

[Don Hahn]

As if, like, it's past tense.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Interesting.

[Don Hahn]

Done.

[Alan Rosenberg]

We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do, we do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him. That's the end of the statement. Now, other people that I've talked to, like guys who are reporters, some of the best ones we have, I've checked in with them, like, well, what are you guys getting about this? What are you feeling about this? And everybody's like, oh, I've reached out to Rich, and he's kind of said the same thing, the same exact thing in the statement. So he's being very consistent, right, with what he's saying. Brian Windhorst on his Hoop Collective podcast, who, you know, is very well dialed into all this stuff, he said the same thing that Rich Paul, literally, this is that. This is the stand that they're taking right now. What are you getting out of that statement from Rich Paul? Well, what does it sound like?

[Don Hahn]

Well, it sounds like he's done with the Lakers, but it could also look like, hey, if you want LeBron to stay, then you've got to get out of this whole thinking about the future and making sure that you've got a chance to win now. Right. He's not sticking around for any kind of long haul. You better make sure you get some players that can win a championship now, otherwise, he's gone.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Don't slow play this, because Luka is now your centerpiece and Luke is 26, and you got time, and you don't want to give up a lot of assets and all that stuff. This feels like a leverage play. Here's the weird part. If you didn't feel like the Lakers were building towards winning right now, next season, all in, why would you opt in?

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Why wouldn't you just opt out? Become a free agent?

[Don Hahn]

Exactly.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Here's why. Because that's $52 million. And if you want to win a championship, you want to go to a team that's very close. Name me one team that's a championship caliber team that has $52 million to spend.

[Don Hahn]

I can't imagine there's any.

[Alan Rosenberg]

None. If this was baseball, no problem.

[Don Hahn]

No problem. Like you was just talking about sport.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Steve Cohen would be calling them. Yeah. You'd have all the teams we already call. Right. He'd know to opt.

[Don Hahn]

He'd be a Dodger.

[Alan Rosenberg]

But he. Right. Well, he. Maybe I think he's a Dodger right now. But the point is, is that that. Right. Isn't that that's what makes this interesting?

[Don Hahn]

Yes.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Is it a really a leverage play? But what they know is what's happening today since yesterday when that statement came out into last night, into this morning. And I'm trying to be like, I'm just trying to find a lot of Nick Faith. Look, there's a lot of people that put a lot of effort into blogs and podcasts and they, you know, they're, they're fans, but they're also dialed in and they put a lot of work. And I never want to disparage the effort and the energy that they put into it because for some of them, this is their super bowl right now, this week. Rumors and what fans want to know what my team gonna do. They are giving you content. This is mana from heaven. Because this is LeBron James in a nick uniform saying, finally, it's gonna happen one last time. And I put out the gif. I love to put out of Lucy holding the football and Charlie Brown, we got that today and Right. And she pulls it away and Charlie Brown land his back. And here's why. Because you fall for it every time. He is using this stuff as leverage. He wants the Lakers to understand that. I don't really want to stick around for you guys. Just like you guys really want to like slow play a build. We're not going to have a championship caliber team. It's the Western Conference. We got to be all in. That means future assets got to go. They got to go. You can't worry about. Well, once you retire LeBron, it's going to be Luca and no. 1. That's not my problem. I'm trying to win a champion.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Alan Rosenberg]

And I think that's the message they're trying to put out there. And in the idea of maybe a team or two will call the Lakers saying, we'll make a trade. We'll take them off your hands. Here's the problem. No one's calling.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Alan Rosenberg]

And that includes the Knicks. So I hate to break to everyone.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, it's not gonna happen.

[Alan Rosenberg]

But KD wanted to be a Knick. Kd, at least you could see, has some Runway left in his career. And he could help you and he could have helped the Knicks. And The Knicks told KD we're good. LeBron James is not saying, I want to be a Knick. What LeBron James is doing is saying, I want to win a championship with the Lakers before I retire. They don't seem to be on that same timeline as being all in for right now. So I need to create some leverage and interest in conversation around the league. And I know a team like New York will like the market. New York will get chatter and attention and conversation and we could throw a couple. How about Dallas? Because AD's there. Wouldn't Dallas be hilarious as a possibility? You know, Cleveland, I could always go back to Cleveland. None of those places are interested. Not the. Not in LeBron. Everybody loves LeBron. Everybody would love to have LeBron, but not at the cost. It's not the 50 million. It's the fact that you'd have to trade two players for him. Two starters. Like, what are you giving the Lakers, Don? That, that the Lakers could say, all right, we traded LeBron James, but look what we got back for him.

[Don Hahn]

Like, what would they, what would the Knicks have to give up, do you think? If they were interested, wanted to make it happen?

[Alan Rosenberg]

Well, again, it's $52 million. Right. So it's. You got to find somebody's making 40, call Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and then find somebody that's making another 10 to 15, which is right now on the roster. Nobody. So you'd have to find somebody at a higher number, which is like Mikhail Bridges, who's due a contract. Two starters. So you like that feels like you're.

[Don Hahn]

Running in place at that point because LeBron's gonna be 41 and you have no bench. Yeah.

[Alan Rosenberg]

So unless you're gonna do that, like, LeBron then comes to you and says, well, don't worry, cuz cp, he's my guy and he's gonna come as well. And he's gonna come for a veterans minimum. And we're gonna get this other dude, he's gonna come for a veterans minimum. So that'll make up for the losses that we have. And we'll have this old team that we think is.

[Don Hahn]

And then God forbid you don't win. Then what?

[Alan Rosenberg]

And that's the other Part of it. If you're LeBron, if you really wanted to play in New York, you'd be here already. That statement wouldn't need to be made. He would have picked up the option. There would have been a trade. It would have been over with. It would have happened quick. Here's why. You know, he doesn't really want it. Because if you're LeBron Dunn, if he comes to New York, you just said it. If they win a championship, who's it all about?

[Don Hahn]

LeBron.

[Alan Rosenberg]

If they don't win, who's it all about?

[Don Hahn]

LeBron.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Does he really want that?

[Don Hahn]

Probably not, right? Just ask Aaron Rodgers. Probably doesn't want that on.

[Alan Rosenberg]

That's a great question. We just saw it.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, it just. It damages his legacy, which he's obviously so concerned about polishing.

[Alan Rosenberg]

So it's fun to talk about. And I'm all for it because I've covered LeBron my entire career. I followed him everywhere. I was there in 2010, literally standing next to him many days, trying to see, is he gonna choose New York. So I've been around all this. I know how all this stuff works. I'm telling you, it would be so much. Would be great theater. But also knowing what I know, I don't see him taking that kind of a risk now when you know it'd be the last thing you remember. The Wizards, Jordan, do you really want that? Where he comes here and he still doesn't win and everybody's like, he failed. His last attempt was a failure. And everybody will keep reminding him. See, that's why you're not like Jordan. Like, that's the worst thing for him and his brand.

[Don Hahn]

Let's go.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Sorry to ruin your fun, everybody, but that's. That's how I see it.

[Don Hahn]

Let's go to Al in the Bronx. You're on espn, New York. Hey, what's up, man? Listen, you just kind of ran on my parade just now, Alan. But if this were to happen, I'll give you Mikhail Bridges and what's his name? Mitchell Robinson.

[C]

Bye.

[Don Hahn]

Let's go.

[C]

Come on.

[Don Hahn]

LeBron and all that, yo. Get back to you in those brought championships. I don't care. We buy a championship. Let's go. Get your money up. I'll buy a championship all day long, no problem. All those Yankee championship, no one remembers. They just remember that you're a champion.

[Alan Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Don Hahn]

When it comes down to the Houston Astros, Tom Brady. Tom Brady. You think he cares about what people say about those championships? He's got seven of them. And that Last one in Tampa Bay. He brought everybody with him. I don't care if it's a mercenary thing. Don't care. Just won a championship. I don't care. If you want to talk about tarnished, I'd rather go through get all 52 years, bro. Don't get me wrong. I know, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it's tarnished, you'll take it. But I'm saying you're going to be sitting there celebrating that championship and it's going to be all about LeBron. All about LeBron. The Knicks will be passengers. It'll be all about LeBron. And then the next year, he's gone.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Don Hahn]

And then when they memorialize the Knicks, it's all going to be about LeBron's championship. Helping LeBron become that next level athlete that was able to slay the dragon. Will he be remembered like Mark Messier? You know, Messier was here for a while.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Okay.

[Don Hahn]

It's one thing, see, if they had.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Signed, he put two years before they.

[Don Hahn]

Went to China, if they had signed LeBron in 2010, I wouldn't say anything. It's just, hey, he's a free agent. You signed him. And they would spend many years here. But the one and done, the great comp you brought up was Tampa Bay. But Tampa had won A championship in 02. We're just talking about a Knicks team. You never saw a championship in your lifetime. Listen, you'll take it and you'll celebrate it. Don't get me wrong, I never said the word tarnished. I'm just saying, would it bother you that that championship, instead of it being all about the Knicks and the dragon being slayed and finally winning that championship at the Mecca, it's all going to be about LeBron and his extra ring that's going to get cement him as the greatest player of all time. Ryan the Mailman. You're on ESPN New York. Hey, Ryan.

[C]

Fellas. Hey, Alan. Thank you for so eloquently explaining that LeBron situation because it has been irritating my soul. Because I'm a big Lakers fan and when I tell you this LeBron thing has been irritating me, I want to put, I don't want to pull the hair I don't have out, okay? Oh, Don, you're my man. Don, I absolutely love you. My first time calling this iteration of the show, I Don, you're the man. But I want to say in terms of your championship thing, it's to me, it's like the Lakers with the bubble ring. Everyone makes jokes about bubble ring. I don't care. As a fan, it's a ring. I don't give. I don't care. I got a ring. You can make all the jokes.

[Don Hahn]

What if it was the only one? Let me ask you this. What if it was the only one you had?

[Alan Rosenberg]

That's a good point. It's fair.

[Don Hahn]

You're sitting on a bunch of championships as a Laker fan. What if it was the only one you had, Ryan?

[C]

It was the. I still got a ring. I mean.

[Don Hahn]

No, you're right.

[C]

Okay, I will say, you know, I'll feel a little bit stronger if I had another, but at the end of the day, I can still dangle that ring over the other teams who don't have one or haven't gotten one.

[Don Hahn]

Well, of course, of course. I'm just saying, is that a Nick fan who's never seen a championship? They're going to take that championship. Are they going to love it? But it just, you can't tell me it's not going to bother you just a little bit. The NFL binge is next on Don Hanna Rosenberg on ESPN New York.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Well, everybody, we were talking about some basketball here. You know, defense wins championships. Not just in basketball, not just in football, not even just in hockey. You know what else? Defense wins championships in business too. In fact, it's crucial for your business. The truth is, 1/3 of businesses will unwittingly turn over their sensitive company data to thieves. This so in an instant, your customer files, bank accounts, everything will be compromised and you won't know till the million dollar ransom demand hits your email. Preventing data turnovers is why your business needs Thrive, the leading managed security services provider in the U.S. see, it all starts with a comprehensive Thrive cyber risk assessment. Thrive security analysts identify security gaps and deliver proactive solutions to help keep your network healthy and protected. Listen, it's not a matter of if, it's when. So are you ready? Get your no obligations, security recommendations and consultation. Your business relies on it. Visit thrive nextgen.com espn that's thrive nextgen.com.

[Don Hahn]

Espn this is an ad by BetterHelp. It's okay to struggle. Real strength comes from opening up about what you're carrying and doing something about it so you can be at your best for yourself and everyone in your life. June is mental health awareness month. And men today face immense pressure to perform, to provide, to keep it all together. So it's no wonder that 6 million men in the US suffer from depression every year. And it's often undiagnosed with over 35,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, Having served over 5 million people globally and it works with an App store rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over over 1.7 million client reviews. As the largest online provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. Talk it out with BetterHelp, our listeners get 10% off their first [e-mail] timeout. That's betterhelp.com timeout I think you're on mute workday starting to sound the same. I think you're on mute. Find something that sounds better for your career on LinkedIn with LinkedIn job collections, you can browse curated collections by relevant industries and benefits like Flexpto or hybrid workplaces so you can find the right job for you. Get [e-mail] jobs finding where you fit LinkedIn knows how with a Venmo debit card, you can Venmo more than just your friends. You can use your balance in so many ways. You can Venmo everything. Need gas? You can Venmo this. How about snacks? You can Venmo that. Your favorite band's merch? You can Venmo this or their next show? You can Venmo that. Visit Venmo Me Debit to learn more. You can Venmo this or you can Venmo that. Yo. You can Venmo this or you can Venmo that. You can Venmo. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank and a pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated Card may be used everywhere. MasterCard is accepted. Venmo purchase restrictions apply.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. This is the NFL Binge.

[Don Hahn]

The NFL Binge. And I introduce to you Mr. Anthony Anthony Busick.

[D]

Oh thanks Don.

[Don Hahn]

How's it going?

[D]

Hi guys. A lot of stuff going on, believe it or not. NFL very busy even in July. A lot of exciting things to discuss, including a big trade between the Miami Dolphins and of course Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers. I say that because when you think you have your roster set up and then you sign Aaron Rodgers, things rapidly change for you. The Dolphins have traded three time all pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end John Ooh Smith to the Steelers in exchange for three time all pro safety Minka Fitzpatrick and a Pick swap sources told Adam Schefter earlier today. As part of the trade, the Dolphins are sending a 20277 round pick to the Steelers and they will receive a 2027 fifth round pick back from Pittsburgh. Ramsey will get $1.5 million raise this season, bringing his 2025 compensation to a low $26.6 million. Smith will get a one year contract worth 12 million agents. Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told Adam Schefter. Mike Tanenbaum on first take reacting not.

[Don Hahn]

Surprised that he got traded. That was well reported. A lot of us thought he was gonna go with the Rams at some point. They were looking for a corner. He had been there. You heard Sean McVay said that was certainly a possibility. This is another sort of like interesting move by Pittsburgh. You know, they obviously acquired DK Metcalf, gave up second round pick, $30 million, 41 year old quarterback. This is an all in move. Very atypical of Pittsburgh, very intriguing. Look, Aaron Rodgers to me is to still the third best current quarterback in the AFC north behind Joe Burrow. Lamar Jackson, very interesting move by the Steelers. Maybe they could get a good year or two out of Jalen Ramsey, help to defend those great offenses.

[D]

Dan Graziano also on first take. Does Jalen Ramsey's deal change your opinion of Pittsburgh in the AFC North?

[Don Hahn]

No, I don't think so. I mean look, Jalen Ramsey obviously great player, but my concern about the Steelers offense is the age on it, right? And I don't see how this, this helps that concern because they're not, you know, but look, it's an area of need, an area of concern where they get stronger and maybe it's a hedge, you know, because Darius Slay older player as well. So I mean good move for the Steelers, but no, I don't see it as something that takes them past Cincinnati or Baltimore.

[D]

Guys, are the Steelers still third in a, in a three team race in the AFC north if we're removing the Browns?

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yes, they are. I mean look, this is, this is showing you though that they're trying to be like, all right, you got Aaron Rodgers, you probably have him for one year. Like this is similar to LeBron and the Lakers. You just kind of go for it. So you want to get better, you want to make sure that your defense is as stout as possible. And I don't think Minko was part of the future there. Clearly they sent him back home so they actually did him a favor. No, this, this just feels like they're trying to like the TJ Watt thing, which I'm sure we'll get to, that's a bigger deal to me in Pittsburgh that could decide whether or not they're going to be a team that can contend in the afc.

[Don Hahn]

Right. Well, now, if you're going to have to trade him away because of that.

[Alan Rosenberg]

I can't see that.

[Don Hahn]

That's. That that makes it difficult. Now you're taking a step back after taking a step forward, right? Listen, are they. Are they Baltimore? Are they Cincinnati? A healthy Cincinnati team? No. But a playoff team that maybe could take advantage. What if Cincinnati goes through the problems they went through last year and now they can jump in and now be second and say something happens to Baltimore, have an off year, Lamar Jackson gets hurt. They want to put themselves in a position A, to make the playoffs and B, to take advantage of any team that might suffer an injury or have a bit of an issue. This is a team that's usually a lock for nine wins if this gets them to 10 or 11. Now you're locking in a playoff spot and right there to pounce if anything happens. You know, the one thing about the NFL is everybody's like, oh, well, Cincinnati's going to be contender and they weren't. Oh, the jets are going to be in the contender and they're not. Because you suffer the wrong injuries, things go sideways on you. So I agree with Allen. They're probably the third best team, but would I be shocked if they finished in second?

[Alan Rosenberg]

I have this theory.

[Don Hahn]

No, I wouldn't.

[Alan Rosenberg]

No. And I have this theory about the NFL. In both conferences, there's two teams that you thought would be good that won't be, and there's two teams you thought to be bad, and they won't be two every year, two. So the Steelers, I don't know if they really aren't always bad, but you know what I mean? Like, you don't expect much. You thought this was a bad off season for them, but they definitely look like a team that's saying, we got Rogers. We are not going to fall into the, you know, fall into being bad. They're trying to build something that can help them be as competitive as possible to have a kind of year that, like Don said, if there's a little crack, a little window open and you find yourself in a playoff game, in a wild card game, wouldn't you want Aaron Rodgers with the ball late or that defense out there, that's what you're setting up for right now in Pittsburgh.

[Don Hahn]

Now, I'm just. I'm going to get Steeler fans excited.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Oh, boy, oh boy.

[Don Hahn]

The Danny's of a world, my friend. Carmine of the world. If this does go sideways on the Steelers, will this finally be the death knell for Tom? Would this open up the door for them to just say fan base has.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Been trying to get rid of?

[Don Hahn]

I know which is which baffles me.

[Alan Rosenberg]

They could have traded him for a first. I swear to God, I bet you they could have traded him.

[Don Hahn]

It baffles me. But you just wonder though, if, if. If for some reason, all of a sudden they win seven games after all these moves, could this finally be the death knell for him?

[Alan Rosenberg]

We'll see.

[D]

Well, Alan teased this multiple people now think, could T.J. watt be on the move? Now, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been adamant they do not want to deal TJ Watt.

[Don Hahn]

They have a brain.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yeah. Yes.

[D]

But he is not happy with his contract. And of course, if you hear a guy like, of his caliber is not happy with his contract, everybody's gonna come call. And I can't imagine that there's a team that has the money to do it that's not calling about T.J. watt. At the moment, it looks like he will not be dealt according to Pittsburgh, but it's certainly something to watch with one of the better players in the NFL.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Now he's in the last year of his deal.

[Don Hahn]

Yep.

[Alan Rosenberg]

We all know Myles Garrett got that insane contract.

[D]

Oh, yeah.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Speaking of franchises, what the hell are you doing? And I think if you're TJ Watt and he has a right reason to feel this way. All right, well, do right by me. Let's get this thing done. Pay me what I'm worth now on the market instead of me going on the market. And so he's not showing up for all the camps and all the off season stuff. And the closer we get to training camp, the more leverage he's going to get, right?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Because right now nobody cares because it's kind of the dead seas. But this will be a louder conversation once we get to late July and they start showing up for their. For. For training camp. And you know, the last thing you want to do is miss time. Now, when do the Steelers stare him down and say, well, you're in the last year of your contract. Guess what you do if you sit out, you'll have to play again next year under that contract. We've already lived through this before.

[Don Hahn]

It never works out.

[Alan Rosenberg]

No, it doesn't. But. But he. You understand though, right, Don?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Alan Rosenberg]

When? The minute Garrett got that contract, T.J. wouldn't you call. He's got to be top three.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[D]

Oh, yeah.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Pass rushers in the league. So you, like, there's no reason to not just say, okay, we got to pay this guy. He's in his prime. He's the best in the league. And without him, your defense is not. Is not even close to being top 10 in the league.

[Don Hahn]

But.

[Alan Rosenberg]

And that's really their strength. Even with Aaron Rodgers, their strength is their defense.

[Don Hahn]

If they want to play hardball with him, he's going to lose. Now, he's a little bit younger than his brother when he left. I think his brother was 32 when he left to go to Arizona. But you really want. Because you remember those last couple of years for J.J. watt after he left Houston, you know, he was in Arizona.

[Alan Rosenberg]

And body broke down.

[Don Hahn]

Body broke down because he was 32, 33 years old. But also, he wasn't on, you know, just. It was a TJ world.

[Alan Rosenberg]

TJ's 31. How old is Gary Garrett? Garrett Younger, right? Much younger.

[Don Hahn]

Yes.

[Alan Rosenberg]

He's Gotta be Garrett. 26, 27. What do we got?

[D]

He is 29. Gonna be 30.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Hang on a second. All right, so, yeah, what are we talking about and who would you rather have, miles Garrett or T.J. watt?

[Don Hahn]

A good question.

[D]

They're both very good.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, but 32 over 29 though, right? You don't even look at the past 31 Pro Bowlers.

[Alan Rosenberg]

31, 29. You said he's gonna be 30 when the season's on.

[D]

Yeah, December.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yeah. At the end of this.

[Don Hahn]

At the end of the season.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Watt turns 31 in October, so he's 30 now. So it's.

[D]

It's a one year difference.

[Alan Rosenberg]

It's a year difference. Who would you rather have?

[D]

I do like Garrett.

[Alan Rosenberg]

TJ Watt does get hurt a lot too, though.

[D]

I'd say Miles Garrett. Yeah, I'd say Miles Garrett. Guys, Ben Roethlisberger has a podcast.

[Don Hahn]

You're kidding.

[D]

I know, I know. It's very hard. It's very hard to acquire. He managed to do it on his podcast. Footballing. He talked about.

[Don Hahn]

He put a lot of time into that one.

[D]

Aaron Ballin. B A H L I, N. Oh.

[Don Hahn]

That makes all the difference, in case.

[D]

You wanted to look it up.

[Don Hahn]

No.

[D]

Talked about Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Well, I would take Aaron in his prime over Patrick now, I think.

[Don Hahn]

I think.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yeah, I think Aaron Rodgers in his prime was one of the top, top.

[Don Hahn]

Few to ever do it.

[Alan Rosenberg]

And so is Patrick Mahomes at his prime. Patrick Mahomes is just like Entering out of his prime, I think, I mean if we're talking prime and prime, I'm gonna really have to think hard on that. Like I am now.

[D]

It's not a crazy conversation.

[Don Hahn]

No, I don't think it is at all.

[D]

Who would you go with?

[Don Hahn]

So prime versus prime, prime versus Prime. You're listening. Different world. Because prime you're talking about, you know, over a decade. So the game was a lot different. But I'm just going to tell you from my eyeballs watching football, I'm like I don't have any numbers and none of these, you know, analytics. In his prime, Aaron Rodgers was the best quarterback I ever saw. And right, right up there with John Elways and Joe Montana. Like he was just absolutely amazing. And McCarthy was his coach. Like what would it look like? Patrick Mahomes, he had rod if he didn't have the coaching that Andy Reid, Andy Reid is an amazing offensive coach. If you look at Patrick Mahomes and you look at the way he plays, a coach could mess him up. Right. The right coach makes it work for him. That's why remember he was the 10th overall pick, right. It wasn't like he was a no brainer, gonna be a Hall of Famer, first overall pick. He ended up in the right situation, not taking anything away from him. Yeah, Aaron Rodgers played with Andy Reid his whole career. It's not going to get worse, right. If anything, maybe even a little better. I listen, I would take Rogers over Mahomes in their prime. I know the rings but there's a lot of other things that go into it besides rings because it's a team and who's coaching him and who's around him. But it's certainly not a bad argument by Ben.

[Alan Rosenberg]

It's not a bad argument. Now if you look at it in. You can look at it different ways. First of all, yes, Rodgers may be technically might be the greatest to ever do it. When you think about it, just all the skill, the ability to put the ball where he wants all that stuff. His the snap throw like all the things and then his ability to process at the line of scrimmage. That's why he loved. He doesn't really like you give me a play. But we're not going to do. I'm going to tell you the options of the play when I get to the line of scrimmage and see how the defense is like. His intellect is off the charts. But would you prefer Mahomes? Because while he was also very good at freelancing, just like Rodgers, that His ability to process was very good as well. And I haven't looked up the numbers, so maybe they're the same. And I could be completely wrong on this.

[D]

I'm kind of. I'm trying to work on it now.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Trying to get turnovers.

[D]

Wise Homes 2018-2024. And I'm trying to find the sweet spot.

[Alan Rosenberg]

The only knock I might have on Rodgers is because he almost had the irrational belief in himself to a point where it actually has hurt his team at times.

[Don Hahn]

All right.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Whereas Mahomes I think does have the ability to play it safer right now. Again, Roger in his day used to.

[Don Hahn]

Run both of them. Don't make a ton of mistakes.

[Alan Rosenberg]

No, that's my point. I don't. I just. Is it like, do I trust Mahomes to not make the play that like you could see what he was trying to do, but that was irrational confidence. Whereas Mahomes I don't think will do that. Then again, I've also seen him do a behind the back throws. What the hell am I talking about?

[Don Hahn]

Wow. You know, it's amazing.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Look, it's a great. It's a great debate to have, but does Mahomes feel like somebody that is a little. If you want to even take it this way, Less. Less to deal with on the field.

[Don Hahn]

There's.

[Alan Rosenberg]

On the field.

[Don Hahn]

There's that on the field.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

I mean Mahomes definitely benefits from that. But if you look at the 17 game average in their career.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Okay, good.

[Don Hahn]

Obviously Rogers had a lot longer career, but if you averaged it out for Rogers, 34 touchdowns, eight interceptions.

[Alan Rosenberg]

All right, all right, all right.

[Don Hahn]

For. And so the 17 year average would be 4,315 yards, 34 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 17 game average for his career. Mahomes over a 17 game average, 37 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and touchdowns passing. 49, 11. So a lot more yards, similar touchdowns, a little bit more interceptions from homes. But again, he had Andy Reid as his coach. I mean that's.

[Alan Rosenberg]

But just. It blows my theory out of the water. I did not realize Mahomes had a higher turnover rate than that than Rogers.

[D]

It was very hard to find Rogers prime.

[Don Hahn]

Now you could also say did lot throwing interceptions. Maybe you say that maybe if he was a little bit more of a gunslinger, he might have thrown for more yards.

[D]

You can go from 2011 to 2021 for Rogers because he won three MVPs in that time.

[Alan Rosenberg]

That's a good point.

[D]

And then you have Patrick Mahomes from 2018 to 2024, not his first year. Basically every year after that I've given to Patrick Mahomes. Now Rogers played more games in that time. He actually had four. I'm sorry, he had four AP MVPs in that time. Mahomes has had two. Rogers didn't even win a championship in the grouping that I gave him from 2011 to 2021.

[Don Hahn]

The championships you can't ignore.

[D]

Which I'm not yet. No, of course not.

[Don Hahn]

But you know, McCarthy versus Reed.

[Alan Rosenberg]

That's I. I did him from age 26 to 38. To me, his prime. That's when he won all his MVPs. The last year I used was his final MVP season. Right.

[D]

Which is 2021 one.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yeah. Right. So I went from 2009 to 21. So Super bowl year and then his all of his MVP. And yeah, these numbers are just insane. An average just under 4,000 yards a season and his 32 touchdowns. But six interceptions on average too per season.

[Don Hahn]

That's now pretty incredible.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Pretty impressive.

[Don Hahn]

That's it. So what, can we just all agree that Ben wasn't out of his mind to throw that out?

[Alan Rosenberg]

It's not a crazy take. My day kicks off with a refreshing Celsius energy drink, then straight to the gym, pre K pickup back home to meal prep. Time for my fire station shift. One more Celsius. Gotta keep the lights on when the three alarm hits. I'm ready. Celsius Live Fit. Go grab a cold refreshing Celsius at your local retailer or locate [e-mail].

[Don Hahn]

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want is a great feeling. Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state. This episode is brought to you by Polestar. There's only one true way to experience the all electric luxury SUV Polestar 3, and that's to take a test drive. It can go from 0 to 60 in as little as 4.8 seconds with the dynamic handling of a sports car. But to truly understand how it commands the road, you need to be behind the wheel. Up to 350 miles of range. The 3D surround sound system by Bowers and Wilkins. It's all something you have to experience to believe. So book your Test Drive for Polestar 3 [e-mail].

[Alan Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Catch this show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us. Watch wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, just one hit after another. So Whitney, very predominant here on the show. Heard one song, and I said I got to get the best of. And then Jacob is just taking it over. 1-919-3776.

[Alan Rosenberg]

I might have to, like, this might be the way home now.

[E]

Just.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Just straight up play some Whitney for me.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, I think it's a good idea. No.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yes. Like, there's still. There's. Saving all my love for you is like, might be a top three. And the story in the lyrics is even better.

[Don Hahn]

Wednesday is right around the corner.

[Alan Rosenberg]

That's a good point.

[Don Hahn]

Right around the corner. So a lot of things to talk about. 1-800-919-3776 is the number to call. Let's get back to the busy phone lines, and why don't we talk to Felicia? It's been on hold for a while down in Mississippi. How are you? That was a good Friday for the Islanders, wasn't it?

[E]

Oh, are you kidding me? Like, I was beside myself. But real quick, I just wanted to say, Jake, I know you're. You're younger than I am, but did you happen to go to Aaron Decker Elementary School in Butler, New Jersey? Because I swear we did the same thing for our graduation. We had the halos and. And the wings and everything. I have a picture somewhere.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Wait a minute. Jacob, are you listening? Oh, you weren't. Jacob wasn't listening.

[Don Hahn]

Alicia said she. They did the same thing in her kindergarten graduation.

[Alan Rosenberg]

What was the kindergarten you went to?

[E]

Well, it was elementary. It was Aaron Decker elementary in Butler, New Jersey. Oh, see, no, it wasn't kindergarten. It was elementary. But I swear we did the same thing.

[Alan Rosenberg]

It might be a 90s thing. I don't know.

[Don Hahn]

Maybe. Maybe. Yeah.

[E]

Yes. But yeah, I thought that was funny because I was, like, having flashbacks and we have, like, hand movements and stuff. I don't know if you guys did. But anyway, so if you guys remember, I think I called in. I don't remember if it was Thursday or Friday. No, wouldn't have been Friday because you guys had the beach bash, but Thursday. And, you know, I really wanted Misa just because in my 34 years of existence, like the Islanders, it doesn't seem like we ever.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Just.

[E]

Scoring has always been an issue since I can remember. But that was before I knew, of course, the details of the trade. And I just. I Was never anti Lou, but I'm just blown away with what has been done in just a short period of time. And you guys know I'm a cancer survivor, so just watching Schaefer with kisses jersey.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Like, I was here since, like, Felicia. The fact that they had a jersey ready for him with the bread. Breast cancer ribbon already sewn on the jersey. Awesome. And then he kisses the ribbon when he puts it. I mean, what like that first of all, classy move by the Islanders organization, but also just such an emotional moment there. Great story. Yes. For those who don't know, he lost his mother. And so that moment for that family, the dad is there, the. The rest of the family, that was an emotional moment.

[Don Hahn]

And it's not even, you know, any anytime. Losing your mom, it's emotional. He's 17 years old.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

You know, his dad's there.

[Alan Rosenberg]

He's still very.

[Don Hahn]

It was just really. It was a very, very nice moment. A lot of people had some different opinions on the format of the NHL draft on Friday and Saturday with the whole, you know, bringing them into this, onto the stage.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Stage.

[Don Hahn]

We're this, like, room where they. The teams get to talk to him. It's kind of awkward. But you know what? It's the draft.

[Alan Rosenberg]

It's for tv.

[Don Hahn]

We're two minutes. Two minutes ago. ESPN was taking the TSN feed. All right, so we're moving in the right direction. All right. So we're trying different things. Let's not get overly critical.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Weeksy out there.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, ultimately, it's. These kids are getting drafted, and we'll see how it plays.

[Alan Rosenberg]

What'd you think of this? Because you've known Gary a long time. Yeah. Did he not look the most comfortable I've ever seen him on a stage where when he comes out, he's getting boot. He knows it. That's just the thing. They do. But yet he looked so comfortable, so at ease, and almost like. Like, this is my show and I'm taking you through. Like, I thought he was great.

[Don Hahn]

I'm a Gary fan, and I've known him for, you know, basically 25 years and have interviewed him a bunch of times. And I got to know him when I was doing NHL Live. We were. You know, the NHL store was when it was on 6th Avenue, was right in the same building as the NHL offices, and he'd come down all the time and talk to us. And he. To his own admission, he was nervous and twitchy. He didn't feel comfortable in front of the camera. Right now, he owns it. I Mean, he feels good. And listen, say what you want about the lockouts, a lot of those things, all of them were necessary at the time. So I don't care if you like him or not. I like him. I think he's one of the best commissioners that sports has ever had in the sense that how he has grown this sport, predominantly, predominantly of Canadian players and built it into, you know, it's still the fourth major sport, I get it. But the way that it's grown with a national television contract, two national television contract with tnt, abc, espn, four nations.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Brilliant.

[Don Hahn]

Four nations. And seeing teams like Tampa and Florida and Dallas, these non traditional markets being really good and winning cups, it's. Gary deserves a lot of credit for that. But he's feeling it now.

[Alan Rosenberg]

If only they got back into Atlanta, right, that Atlanta. Really?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, because, you know, third time's a charm, right? Call him in the Bronx. You're on espn. New York, what's up man? Column.

[C]

What's going on? What's going on, Don and Hollywood?

[Alan Rosenberg]

Are you recovering? Are you good after Friday? You good?

[C]

Oh, oh.

[Don Hahn]

What?

[C]

What? Just because I made the comment that you, that you, you might have forgot something. You said that you. What you think I was a little.

[Alan Rosenberg]

You think I was up that day? He's making stuff up. He's like, you said this. I'm like, I never remember saying that. But.

[Don Hahn]

Okay, all right, all right.

[C]

But we'll, we'll move on to that. That's not important. That was last year. A lot of, a lot of things happened. Yes, but I was in regard. In regards to the Knicks. I don't know what the whole salary. I mean the tampering period or whatever. Free agency starts at 6:00 today.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Yes, you know. Correct.

[C]

What, what would you say, obviously, like I've called in the past if I said the most important things is some, some level of a backup, slash starting capability, center and a true ball handler. And I don't want to shake this team up. But what do you see here?

[Don Hahn]

Think.

[C]

What do you think should or can happen in free agency? That's, that's a true legitimate possibility. The Knicks can go out and get. And what do you think might happen in the next coming days?

[Alan Rosenberg]

I think you're right in the sense that they need, I think they need a legit backup point guard who can handle the basketball and at times you could play him next to Brunson where takes the ball handling pressures off of Brunson. I think you need that like a Schroeder. Yeah. I don't know if you can afford, you know, Dennis Schroeder is going to make some money. Like remember, you don't have a first and foremost column. You are balling on a budget. You have a mid level exception. It's like 5 million bucks. So can you get a shooter slash, you know, a wing high IQ player? Can you get a Luke Canard for that number? It's a good player. All right. Could you do that? And then it's like now you want to go budget, find a vet who wants to win and still be around winning, like Russell Westbrook maybe, right? Like something like that. Like I don't think you're going to be swinging for the fences. I think you got to just be smart with what you're spending and then also take advantage of the fact that a you're in New York. So people want to play here and it's a winning team so people want to play for that. Can you find a veteran that's at the end but still has something left in the tank that can help you off the bench? Those are the things I'm looking at.

[Don Hahn]

Well, it comes up at 6 o' clock and the great news is we're on till 7 today. So as these things start to come in, we'll be able to analyze it and dive into it.

[Alan Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to Badan Hahn and Rosa Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know it's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.