Hour 2: Stephen A. Smith & Quick 400 - Detailed Summary

Release Date: February 3, 2025
Podcast: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guest: Stephen A. Smith

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with a brief introduction by Don Hahn and Alan Hahn, setting the stage for an engaging discussion primarily focused on significant NBA trades and milestones.

2. In-Depth Discussion on the Luka Doncic Trade

Timestamp: [00:25] - [07:24]

Hosts:

• Don Hahn
• Alan Hahn
• Peter Rosenberg
• Guest: Stephen A. Smith

Key Points:

• Don Hahn expresses his frustration with Jake and Anthony regarding the "weekend warrior" concept, highlighting uncertainty in the current NBA trade rules.
• Stephen A. Smith joins the conversation to provide his insights on the recent trade involving Luka Doncic.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [00:25]: "The guy's 40 years old, walked into the Garden, the Knicks had won five in a row. Playing great national TV... And then these other clowns in the control room, they all agree with him."

• Stephen A. Smith [02:40]: "It's shocking that at 25 years of age, career 28 point per game scorer... to say sayonara to him... is shocking."

Insights:

• Stephen A. Smith delves into the possible reasons behind the Mavericks' decision to trade Luka, citing Luka's fitness issues, high salary, and the hefty commitment the Mavericks would need to make.
• He underscores the magnitude of trading a generational talent like Luka and the ripple effects it has across the NBA landscape.
• The discussion also touches upon the potential synergy between Luka and LeBron James if Luka joins the Los Angeles Lakers, exploring both the immediate and long-term implications.

3. Potential Jimmy Butler Trade to Phoenix Suns

Timestamp: [15:25] - [22:51]

Hosts:

• Don Hahn
• Alan Hahn
• Peter Rosenberg
• Guest: Stephen A. Smith

Key Points:

• The conversation shifts to Jimmy Butler's trade speculations, focusing on his desire to join the Phoenix Suns.
• Don Hahn highlights Butler's insistence on an extension and his reluctance to sign with teams like the Golden State Warriors unless specific conditions are met.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [17:32]: "Jimmy Butler is already told the Grizzlies, I'm all set. If you trade for me, I'm not going to sign an extension with you."

• Stephen A. Smith [17:57]: "Mattish Beer is all in, man. He is all... desperate to win big because so many people now have thought that he doesn't know what he's doing."

Insights:

• Stephen A. Smith discusses Phoenix Suns' aggressive approach under owner Matt Ishbia, emphasizing their willingness to invest heavily to secure championships.
• The hosts speculate on the dynamics Butler might bring to the Suns, especially his potential partnership with Kevin Durant.
• Concerns about Zion Williamson's situation with the Pelicans are also addressed, pondering whether New Orleans might consider moving him amidst the current team struggles.

4. J.T. Miller's Trade to the Rangers

Timestamp: [22:51] - [28:47]

Hosts:

• Don Hahn
• Alan Hahn
• Peter Rosenberg

Key Points:

• Don Hahn and Alan Hahn discuss the recent trade of J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers.
• They highlight Miller's immediate impact, including his performance in the first two games and his chemistry with teammate Trojek.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [25:00]: "He's a great player... 22 points, six assists. That's a nice player to add to Wemby."

• Don Hahn [22:51]: "He's a top line center, you can move his advantage, add to wing, gives you flexibility."

Insights:

• The hosts praise Miller's contributions to the Rangers, especially his role in enhancing the power play, which had been a weakness for the team.
• They discuss the strategic aspects of the trade, noting that Miller brings not only skill but also leadership, which is valuable for the Rangers' current roster and future prospects.
• Alan Hahn underscores the long-term benefits, mentioning Miller's contract stability and his positive influence on younger players.

5. Jonathan Quick's Milestone: 400 NHL Games

Timestamp: [28:47] - [31:00]

Hosts:

• Don Hahn
• Alan Hahn
• Peter Rosenberg

Key Points:

• The episode celebrates Jonathan Quick reaching his 400th NHL game milestone.
• Alan Hahn shares his admiration for Quick's career, highlighting his achievements with the Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, and New York Rangers.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [27:17]: "He's the first American-born player to win 400 games in his NHL career. Really good guy. And that was a really cool moment last night."

Insights:

• The discussion focuses on Quick's resilience and adaptability across different teams, emphasizing his role as a veteran presence in the locker room.
• Don Hahn notes Quick's chemistry with teammates and his dedication to the Rangers, hinting at a possible continuation with the team beyond this milestone season.
• The hosts collectively laud Quick's professionalism, leadership, and the positive impact he's had on younger players within the Rangers organization.

6. Open Discussion: NBA Regular Season vs. Playoffs Excitement

Timestamp: [21:25] - [22:51]

Hosts:

• Don Hahn
• Alan Hahn
• Peter Rosenberg

Key Points:

• The hosts engage in a broader conversation about the excitement levels of the NBA regular season compared to the playoffs.
• They express that while the playoffs and trade deadlines generate high interest, the regular season often lacks the same level of engagement.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [21:25]: "The problem is that the NBA seems more exciting when it's about the off like the business people."

• Peter Rosenberg [21:51]: "But by the way, is baseball any different? It's these long seasons, guys."

Insights:

• Alan Hahn argues that many fans are more invested in the high-stakes moments like the playoffs and trade deadlines, rather than the day-to-day regular season games.
• Peter Rosenberg draws parallels with other sports, questioning whether similar patterns of engagement exist elsewhere.
• The hosts contemplate the structure of the NBA season, suggesting that while the regular season is important, it might benefit from more engaging elements to maintain fan interest throughout.

7. Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Timestamp: [29:49] - End

Hosts:

• Don Hahn
• Alan Hahn
• Peter Rosenberg

Key Points:

• The episode wraps up with a preview of upcoming segments, including breaking news in baseball and deeper dives into NBA trade implications.
• Final acknowledgments and thanks are given to Stephen A. Smith for his insightful contributions.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [29:49]: "Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know it's good."

Overall Insights and Conclusions

• The Luka Doncic trade marks a significant shift in the NBA, raising questions about team strategies, player management, and the future of star players.
• Potential trades, such as Jimmy Butler to the Phoenix Suns, indicate a dynamic and ever-evolving league landscape aimed at building championship contenders.
• Trades like J.T. Miller to the Rangers showcase the importance of strategic acquisitions in bolstering team performance and addressing specific weaknesses.
• Milestones like Jonathan Quick's 400 NHL games highlight the enduring legacy and influence of veteran players in professional sports.
• The discussion on NBA season structures suggests a need for increased engagement strategies to sustain fan interest beyond peak moments.

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of current NBA trades, player dynamics, and the broader implications for teams and fans alike, enriched by the expertise of guest Stephen A. Smith and the insightful commentary from Don, Alan, and Peter.