Hour 2: Shams Charania joins the show - Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 2: Shams Charania Joins the Show
Release Date: June 3, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and special guest Shams Charania delve deep into the recent and unexpected firing of Tom Thibodeau as the head coach of the New York Knicks. Released on June 3, 2025, this episode provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of the decision, its implications for the Knicks' future, and the broader context within the NBA coaching landscape.

Breaking Down Tom Thibodeau's Firing

The episode kicks off with Dan Grassa bringing urgent news about the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau (00:43). The hosts express their immediate reactions, questioning the suddenness of the decision and contemplating whether it was a premeditated move by the Knicks' ownership.

Alan Hahn muses, "Is it possible that the Dolan of old is back?... Is that even on the table or is that not an option?" (01:50), highlighting concerns about potential overreach by owner James Dolan in making executive decisions without broader organizational support.

Peter Rosenberg counters by emphasizing the lack of evidence pointing to Dolan's interference since Leon Rose took over. He states, "There's no way [James Dolan] has been back meddling since Leon Rose took over... He trusts Leon Rose, and he has every reason to." (02:39), suggesting that the decision was likely a strategic organizational move rather than an impulsive action by Dolan.

Organizational Dynamics and Leadership

The conversation shifts to the internal dynamics within the Knicks organization. Peter Rosenberg discusses the recurring criticisms Thibodeau faced, noting that fans consistently blamed him for losses: "Every single time the team lost, it always was his fault." (04:02). This persistent negativity may have influenced the front office's decision to seek new leadership.

Dan Grassa raises the possibility of whether this decision reflects a return to the "old school" management style associated with James Dolan, comparing it to other owners like Dan Snyder and Jerry Jones who are known for making unilateral decisions. However, Peter maintains that such interference hasn't been evident recently.

Alan Hahn brings up the role of Leon Rose, the Knicks' General Manager, and his relationship with the team. He suggests that Rose might need to take a more proactive role in public communications: "I think he needs to be out there a little bit more with these things. Every other general manager does it." (17:56).

Potential Coaching Replacements

Speculation arises about who might replace Thibodeau. Alan Hahn references a tweet from Seth Davis, suggesting a possibility of him taking over: "Based on every conversation we have, I would say that there is a greater chance that I will be the next head coach. The difference is if they called me." (08:30).

Dan Grassa expresses skepticism about relationships alone being a basis for hiring someone without substantial coaching credentials: "Don, that's not enough reason to give someone their first NBA job." (09:08).

The hosts discuss potential candidates like Jason Kidd, though concerns are raised about contract constraints and availability. Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of selecting a coach with a proven track record: "Whoever is the next hire cannot have anything other than 50 plus wins and nothing short of a conference final." (36:07).

Inside Insights with Shams Charania

Special guest Shams Charania provides insider perspectives on the Knicks' decision-making process. He reveals that although the firing was surprising given Thibodeau's recent successes, it wasn't entirely unexpected: "I wouldn't say I was necessarily, like, totally caught off guard. It is something that I had in the back of my mind." (30:06).

Shams highlights that the Knicks felt they had "hit a ceiling" with Thibodeau and believed a new voice could unlock greater potential: "They simply felt like they needed a new voice to maximize this roster." (33:48). He also touches on the possibility of further roster moves to support the new coaching direction.

Fan Reactions and Interactive Segment

Listeners called in to express their frustrations and opinions about the firing. Caller 1 vehemently criticizes the Knicks' management decisions and demands transparency from Leon Rose: "They just fire the best coach they've had since Jeff Van Gundy... Just tell me the logic of that." (17:16).

Caller 2 draws parallels with coaching changes in other teams, suggesting that no franchise is safe from mid-season firings: "Once Denver... let Mike Malone go, for me, it was just like, no one's safe." (19:40).

Omar from Missouri echoes concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the next coaching hire and the potential for further roster tinkering: "What are you talking about? So you're telling me Tibbs is not the guy? We're going to find somebody better." (47:00).

Concluding Analysis

As the episode wraps up, the hosts debate the future of the Knicks under new leadership. Alan Hahn expresses skepticism about finding a coach who can immediately propel the team to championship contention: "But if you think that's what it's going to take, whenever you can do a little bit more than that." (50:26).

Peter Rosenberg reinforces trust in Leon Rose's capability to make sound decisions: "Listen, like I said, Leon Rose has done enough to this point for us to trust him." (40:02).

The episode concludes with a lighthearted and humorous exchange among the hosts, reflecting on the intense and passionate discussions surrounding the Knicks' coaching upheaval.

Notable Quotes

Alan Hahn: "Is it possible that the Dolan of old is back?... Is that even on the table or is that not an option?" (01:50)
Peter Rosenberg: "There's no way Dolan has been back meddling since Leon Rose took over... He trusts Leon Rose, and he has every reason to." (02:39)
Peter Rosenberg: "Every single time the team lost, it always was his fault." (04:02)
Alan Hahn: "I think he needs to be out there a little bit more with these things. Every other general manager does it." (17:56)
Peter Rosenberg: "Whoever is the next hire cannot have anything other than 50 plus wins and nothing short of a conference final." (36:07)
Shams Charania: "They simply felt like they needed a new voice to maximize this roster." (33:48)

This episode offers a comprehensive examination of the Knicks' coaching turmoil, enriched with expert analysis, insider insights, and passionate fan perspectives. Whether you're a dedicated Knicks supporter or a casual NBA follower, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provides valuable takeaways on the evolving landscape of New York basketball.

Transcript

Alan Hahn (0:01)

On WhatsApp, no one can see or hear your personal messages. Whether it's a voice call message or sending a password to WhatsApp, it's all just this. So whether you're sharing the streaming password in the family chat or trading those late night voice messages that could basically become a podcast, your personal messages stay between you, your friends and your family. No one else, not even us. WhatsApp message privately with everyone.

Peter Rosenberg (0:30)

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

Alan Hahn (0:34)

That sounds like heaven to me.

Peter Rosenberg (0:36)

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

Dan Grassa (0:43)

I had a question and I, and I, I'm being serious and I think it's slightly uncomfortable, but it needs to be asked. Stodhan and Rosenberg, by the way, it's 4 o' clock in New York City, as well as New Jersey and Connecticut, all the way out to Long island, even Staten island, all 4 o' clock. And we, of course, are reeling from the news that Tom Thibodeau is out as head coach of the New York Knicks, fired. Officially, the statement on social media now made by the team, it is a done deal. And Allen made the point earlier that this could only be done if it had been thought about. It had been something that had been on their minds for a moment. And beyond that could only be done, Don, if they had a plan, right? Is it possible that the Dolan of old is back? The old school? Dan Snyder, Jerry Jones, I don't like what I saw. I'm making a change. Everyone else says, no, no, no, we should not do this. He says, I don't give a damn. We were embarrassed. I want him out. Is that even on the table or is that not an option? It could not have happened.

Peter Rosenberg (2:05)

Roll that back again.

Dan Grassa (2:07)

You said, Allen, that this could not have happened without there being a plan.

Peter Rosenberg (2:13)

Right?

Dan Grassa (2:14)

Right. And I agree. Good organizations don't make moves like this without a plan. Is there a world in which the more meddling Dolan of old is back and this wasn't a good organization decision? This was an owner making a rogue emotional decision after feeling like he was embarrassed in a playoff series.

Peter Rosenberg (2:39)

I'm going to say no, because there hasn't been evidence of that since Leon Rose took over. Because the evidence has been, and the consistent message has been that Leon Rose runs the organization. What he suggests, that's what we do, Right? He has often said that he doesn't want to meddle, doesn't want to get involved, that it is something that he leaves up to people he trusts and he has also admitted, I think it was on the Roommates podcast that he had said that the problem was, is that, you know, I'd hired people, I trusted him, and then got to a point where I can't trust him anymore. He trusts Leon Rose, and he has every reason to. He's done nothing but have success here. This feels more like it was brought to his attention. I don't think it was brought to his attention yesterday, but does that. Again, I'm spitballing, of course, because it's based off of your speculation, so I'll speculate back. What I've seen suggests that this is something that might have already been, like, you know, in discussions, because, again, it has been prevailing in the media, among fans. This is not a new thing. This didn't come out of nowhere. This isn't a coach that wasn't constantly under fire. We've already said this.