Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Robinson's Return & Tush Push

Release Date: February 25, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York and New Jersey

1. Mitchell Robinson's Potential Return to the Knicks (00:31 - 07:56)

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the New York Knicks' current season challenges, focusing primarily on the long-awaited return of Mitchell Robinson from injury. Hosts Alan Hahn and Don LaGreca discuss Robinson's progress and the implications his return could have on the team's performance.

Tom Thibodeau's Insights:
Coach Tom Thibodeau provides updates on Robinson's readiness:

Thibodeau (02:52): "He's doing everything. Taking contact. And then he has to get clearance from medical."

Robinson's Impact:
Alan Hahn emphasizes Robinson's critical role:

Hahn (04:20): "He's arguably the best offensive rebounder in the game."

Peter Rosenberg adds concern over Robinson's injury history:

Rosenberg (03:05): "If he wakes up and feels like garbage tomorrow, well, that's a setback."

Team Dynamics:
Discussion shifts to the Knicks' strategic adjustments, including potential shifts in player positions to accommodate Robinson's return. Hahn speculates on the movement of key players like Anthony Towns to different roles to enhance team chemistry.

Hahn (06:35): "Mitchell Robinson's part of it is he's better in pick and roll. But it's going to be interesting to see how it all works out."

2. Defending Jalen Brunson's Role (08:16 - 17:12)

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' point guard. The hosts vehemently defend Brunson against criticisms regarding his size and overall contribution to the team.

Caller Interaction - Trey from Long Island (08:43 - 11:31):
Trey, a passionate Knicks fan, expresses frustration over criticisms of Brunson:

Trey (08:43): "Brunson is too small. If he's not dropping 26 an average and about eight assists, he's a liability."

Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg quickly counter Trey's points, leading to a heated exchange where Hahn vehemently defends Brunson's capabilities:

Hahn (10:14): "You're out of your mind. You're out of your mind."

Hosts' Defense of Brunson:
Both Don LaGreca and Alan Hahn passionately advocate for Brunson's importance to the Knicks:

Don LaGreca (14:08): "He is the star that we have dreamed about in this town."

Hahn (13:34): "They are not all. Whoa, whoa, Trey. He's in all."

3. The Ban of the Tush Push in the NFL (17:12 - 28:54)

Transitioning from basketball to football, the hosts delve into the controversial decision by the NFL to ban the "Tush Push" play. This segment features opinions on the rule change, comparisons to historical rule adjustments in other sports, and the impact on teams that heavily utilized the play.

Nick Sirianni's Stance:
Don LaGreca references Nick Sirianni's remarks on the ban:

Don LaGreca (24:08): "...it's unfair to try to ban it."

Host Opinions:
Alan Hahn criticizes the NFL's rationale for the ban:

Hahn (26:00): "It's like, well, we can't really see it all the time. So let's just say forget it like that. That's a cop out. It's terrible."

Peter Rosenberg draws parallels to NHL rule changes:

Rosenberg (27:10): "They put in a trapezoid behind the net so that a goalie could not go to the corner and clear the puck."

Impact on Teams:
Discussion highlights how the ban affects teams like the Eagles and Bills, who relied heavily on the Tush Push for short-yardage situations.

Rosenberg (29:14): "The Packers GM did confirm that it was them that made the proposal to ban it."

4. Fan and Listener Contributions (07:56 - 23:09)

Throughout the episode, listeners contribute their thoughts, primarily focusing on the Knicks' performance and player strategies.

Jordan's Perspective on Mitchell Robinson (18:04 - 19:23):
A listener named Chauncey shares his thoughts on Robinson's impact against teams like Cleveland and Boston:

Chauncey (18:04): "He's going to help for all the obvious reasons, you know, interior defense, rebounding."

Alan Hahn responds by acknowledging Robinson's strengths but notes strategic adjustments with player positions.

Discussion on Kevin Durant's Potential Trade to the Knicks (20:07 - 21:57):
Joe from Yonkers suggests acquiring Kevin Durant to bolster the Knicks' chances:

Joe (20:07): "If Durant comes here, just hear me out. And he wins with the Knicks."

Hahn weighs in on the feasibility and strategic implications:

Hahn (21:21): "If he's available, don't you have to at least call? You really want to see him land in Denver, I mean, in Miami?"

5. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts (28:54 - End)

In the concluding segments, the hosts briefly touch upon upcoming discussions and tease future topics, maintaining their characteristic banter and engagement with listeners.

Don LaGreca (28:54): "I would love that fight."

Hahn (30:28): "Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast."

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn (03:40): "I'm not expecting Embiid to play tomorrow night..."
• Peter Rosenberg (06:35): "But there's a lot of reasons you can come up with for this year about winning a champion..."
• Don LaGreca (17:12): "This is the best team that they have had in a long, long time."

Conclusion

In this episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," the hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the New York Knicks' current season, focusing on Mitchell Robinson's potential return and the vital role of Jalen Brunson. Transitioning to football, they critically examine the NFL's decision to ban the Tush Push, drawing parallels to historical rule changes in other sports. Listener interactions add depth to the discussions, showcasing the passionate fan base surrounding the Knicks and the broader sports community. The episode blends spirited debate with insightful commentary, offering valuable perspectives for fans and newcomers alike.