Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast

Hour 2: NBA East Odds & That Guy Thursday
ESPN New York | March 5, 2026
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

Episode Overview

This episode covers the current NBA Eastern Conference playoff odds, the impact of Jayson Tatum’s anticipated return for the Boston Celtics, the ongoing underrating of the New York Knicks, and how these narratives play out among fans, analysts, and within the teams themselves. The second half features a lively “That Guy Thursday,” highlighting both a bizarre sports scandal and speculation on Tom Brady’s possible entry into WWE. The hosts blend sharp analysis, spirited debate, and trademark banter throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

East Coast Hockey & Road Trip Stories (02:00–04:20)

• Team Travel & Days Off: Don and Michael lament the lack of rest days for players and broadcasters during back-to-back games, especially on West Coast trips.
• Don (02:04): “Bet on them to lose if they get three days off in Fort Lauderdale. They got no legs for that game. None.”
  • Insight: Extra days off in sunny cities can reduce performance due to nightlife and distractions.

NBA Eastern Conference Odds Breakdown (04:28–13:24)

The Odds as of 7:10 PM the Previous Night

• Current favorites:
  • Celtics: +240
  • Cavs: +300
  • Pistons: +380
  • Knicks: +400
  • Sixers: +2200
• “Then it’s, you know, reindeer games.” – Don (06:11)

The Tatum Factor

• Jayson Tatum’s impending return from injury is shifting the odds, but the panel is cautious about overvaluing him after a long layoff and potential lingering effects from his Achilles injury.

“Buyer beware is, you know, this is going to take Tatum a while to find his game.” – Michael (11:41)

• Michael and Don stress that Celtic supporting cast is inexperienced relative to their reputation.
• Notable quote:
  • “They are banking on the idea that people just see the brand name Jayson Tatum and think, oh my God, they’re getting back an all-NBA superstar. But we all know that’s not what they’re getting right now.” – Michael (10:46)

Vegas Doubting the Knicks (06:43–12:12)

• The Knicks, despite last year's conference finals run and solid regular season, are considered longer shots.
• The hosts argue this helps reduce pressure and sets up a classic “underdog” narrative that New York teams thrive on.
• Peter (07:19): “I think the only effect, it usually has the opposite... If it does anything, it’s positive.”

Team Chemistry & Playoff Implications

• Discussion about how Tatum’s return could disrupt the Celtics’ current chemistry since the younger supporting cast has grown without him.
• Peter questions, “Will he know how to sit back and still let it be Jaylen Brown’s team?” (14:39)
• The Celtics, for all the fanfare, have major lineup unknowns.

Memorable Moments

• Alarming differences in odds prompt debate about respect, expectations, and New York media’s relationship with Vegas oddsmakers.
• Michael (08:37): “I’d rather be the team that underpromises and overdelivers.”

Caller Segment: Officiating & Star Treatment in the NBA (17:02–22:08)

• Spike from St. Pete calls in with thoughts on Achilles injuries, Celtic no-names, and gripes about how stars like Jokic and SGA get officiated.
• Michael attributes disparities to style of play, suggesting physical players (like Jokic) get fewer calls.
  • “The more physical of a player you are, the more they allow the defense to be physical with you. That’s what I think.” – Michael (19:36)
• Banter about SGA’s fashion choices:
  • “If we want to talk about SGA violating, it should be the jacket that he wore.” – Peter (21:10)

That Guy Thursday (26:01–39:17)

The Cal State Bakersfield Scandal (26:16–33:59)

• Alan Hahn recounts the mind-boggling story of a college basketball assistant coach, Kevin Mays, being dismissed for operating as a pimp across four states while on staff:
  • “He was getting $3,000 a month as an assistant coach. Not a ton of money, but he’s getting paid and he’s working.” – Michael (27:20)
  • “How do you stumble into something that’s a guy?” – Don (31:15)
• Hosts incredulous at how this coexisted with a coaching career and how such activity could go undetected.
• Don (33:34): “I could honestly say I’ve never met a pimp.”
• A broader reflection on criminal secrets, naiveté, and what red flags are (and aren’t) noticed by colleagues.

WWE & Tom Brady Speculation (36:12–49:04)

• Peter brings up recent trademark filings suggesting Tom Brady might appear at WrestleMania 42 (Las Vegas), sending the crew into speculation.
  • “Is Tom Brady so in his I want to be outside mode that he’s going to find a role at WrestleMania 42?” – Peter (37:33)
• Don floats whether it’s a boost for WWE or a drop in credibility for Brady.
• Peter responds passionately, defending the legitimacy of modern pro wrestling celebrity appearances:
  • “At this point, I don’t think getting involved with WrestleMania... Tom Brady’s not the biggest star to ever do WrestleMania.” (43:13)
  • “If you are upset about Tom Brady being involved in WrestleMania... you should be more upset frankly at him doing the yo-yo flag football [in Saudi Arabia]...” (45:13)
• The conversation veers into how generational perceptions of wrestling have changed, interference with “real sports” fandom, and, humorously, whether Neil DeGrasse Tyson would move the needle as a WWE guest.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Don: "Bet on them to lose if they get three days off in Fort Lauderdale. They got no legs for that game. None." (02:04)
• Michael: "Buyer beware is, you know, this is going to take Tatum a while to find his game." (11:41)
• Peter: "Will he know how to sit back and still let it be Jaylen Brown’s team." (14:39)
• Michael: “The more physical of a player you are, the more they allow the defense to be physical with you.” (19:36)
• On the Bakersfield case:
  • “How do you stumble into something that’s a guy?” – Don (31:15)
  • “I could honestly say I’ve never met a pimp.” – Don (33:34)
• WWE & Brady speculation:
  • “If you are upset about Tom Brady being involved in WrestleMania... you should be more upset frankly at him doing the yo-yo flag football...” – Peter (45:13)
  • “At this point, I don’t think getting involved with WrestleMania... Tom Brady’s not the biggest star to ever do WrestleMania.” – Peter (43:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Travel stories & days off: 02:00–04:20
• Eastern Conference odds breakdown: 04:28–13:24
• Caller “Spike” on officiating and player respect: 17:02–22:08
• NBA banter & SGA’s fashion: 21:10–22:08
• That Guy Thursday—Bakersfield scandal: 26:16–33:59
• Tom Brady/WWE speculation: 36:12–49:04

Tone & Takeaways

• The show is fast-paced, knowledgeable, and deeply immersed in New York sports culture—balancing hard analysis with comic relief.
• The hosts play up both their strengths (insider stories, coaching/broadcasting insights) and their personalities as passionate sports fans who aren’t afraid to address the absurd.
• Major topics include skepticism about NBA narratives, emotional realities of being an underdog, and how pop culture and sports often collide in surprising ways.
• The episode is a compelling mix—for die-hards who want the pulse on NBA playoff races, and radio/podcast fans who love unpredictable sidebars about scandals and wrestling.