Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast - Hour 2: Tim Legler & The List Release Date: April 2, 2025
Introduction of Tim Legler
Timestamp: 00:20 - 01:00
In this episode, hosts Alan Hahn, Don LaGreca, and Peter Rosenberg welcome their special guest, Tim Legler, a renowned ESPN analyst and former NBA player. Alan introduces Tim as a sharpshooter and praises his contributions to basketball commentary.
Alan Hahn [01:00]: "Let's bring in a good friend of mine, a guy I love by the way... the sharpshooter, the great Tim Legler joining us right now. What's up, Legs?"
Tim Legler [01:00]: "What's happening, gentlemen? How's it going, man? Good to be on with you."
Washington Commanders' Season Review
Timestamp: 01:15 - 05:04
The conversation kicks off with praise for the Washington Commanders' impressive season, likening it to a renaissance for the franchise. Tim expresses nostalgia and excitement reminiscent of his high school and college years.
Peter Rosenberg [01:15]: "Congratulations to us both on what was an amazing Commander season. Am I right?"
Tim Legler [01:30]: "Took me back to the glory days... a renaissance for a franchise."
Don and Alan delve into the team's prospects, addressing concerns about quarterback issues and draft picks, particularly the team's third pick not being sufficient to secure a quarterback.
NFL "Tush Push" Rule Ban Debate
Timestamp: 04:40 - 06:42
The hosts transition to discussing the proposed ban on the "tush push" play in the NFL. Tim shares his skepticism about banning a play solely because it's effective for certain teams.
Tim Legler [05:04]: "If it's a legal play and the whole reason you're banning it is because it's become unstoppable... figure out a way to stop it or figure out a way to be as good at it as they are."
Don counters, emphasizing the importance of strategy over outright bans.
Don LaGreca [05:33]: "That's ridiculous. Find a way... I'm waiting for that 14% of the time that the Eagles are stopped."
Tim also mentions the Commanders’ improved fourth-down strategy, which mitigates his previous frustrations with the "push push."
NBA Three-Point Shot Trends
Timestamp: 06:42 - 08:36
Alan shifts focus to basketball, specifically the surge in three-point attempts in the NBA. Tim expresses concern over the monotony and over-reliance on three-pointers, contrasting it with his playing days.
Tim Legler [06:42]: "There is a level of monotony at times in the game... getting up to like all-star level type three-point attempts."
Don, a former three-point shooter, agrees, reminiscing about earlier basketball eras where such shots were less prevalent.
Don LaGreca [08:10]: "How many times we see a fast break, three like Legs."
Tim further elaborates on how the NBA's analytical shift has transformed offense, leading to less diverse playstyles.
Knicks' Season and Future Prospects
Timestamp: 08:36 - 17:25
The dialogue moves to the New York Knicks' current season. Tim assesses the team's performance, highlighting their struggles against top-tier teams like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tim Legler [10:10]: "It's hard because you're not at full strength... the Celtics just take them apart in the first quarter."
Don LaGreca [12:43]: "Knicks are looking for back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time in 30 years... but they haven't matched up against true contenders."
Tim emphasizes the need for the Knicks to exhibit toughness and readiness, especially in high-stakes games, to compete with the league's elite.
Tim Legler [12:43]: "They have to show that they're ready to slow these teams down at the beginning and turn this into more of a wrestling match."
Alexander Ovechkin's Pursuit of a Stanley Cup
Timestamp: 17:25 - 23:52
The conversation briefly touches on Alexander Ovechkin’s ongoing quest for a Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals. Tim shares his enthusiasm and emotional investment as a D.C. fan.
Tim Legler [21:59]: "It feels like this thing is just like paper cuts... I'm watching every night, praying, oh, he got a goal."
Don jokes about supporting Tim in New York if the Capitals play there.
Don LaGreca [22:39]: "Like, we're going."
The List: Best Batman and Joker Portrayals
Timestamp: 29:21 - 43:39
In a segment titled "The List," the hosts and Tim engage in a lively debate over their favorite portrayals of Batman and the Joker in film and television.
Best Batman Portrayals:
-
Adam West
Don LaGreca [31:22]: "Adam West is number one."
-
Michael Keaton
Peter Rosenberg [33:30]: "For me, it's Keaton 1."
-
Christian Bale
Don LaGreca [35:01]: "Fantastic. Christian Bale."
**Can include Will Arnett as a bonus mention for his animated depiction in “The Lego Movie.”
Best Joker Portrayals:
-
Heath Ledger
Alan Hahn [40:26]: "Heath Ledger as Joker."
-
Joaquin Phoenix
Both agree on Ledger's iconic status.
-
Jack Nicholson
Acknowledged but ranked below Ledger and Phoenix.
Discussions highlight the depth and uniqueness each actor brought to their roles, with particular praise for Ledger's intense performance.
Don LaGreca [35:10]: "How many times did Christian Bale as Batman lose? There was some incredible story about him embracing it."
MLB and NFL Historical Insights
Timestamp: 43:39 - 54:57
Tim shares nostalgic insights into MLB controversies and NFL historical moments, including reflections on Super Bowl games and the AFL-NFL merger.
Tim Legler [48:53]: "The first self-propelled torpedo was in 1866 by Robert Whitehead."
He also reminisces about classic MLB moments and the impact of legendary players.
Tim Legler [50:47]: "The Headliner Bar in Neptune... Chuck Wepner had a piece of the action there."
The hosts engage in deep dives into game strategies, historical game outcomes, and the evolution of sports rules.
Closing Remarks and Promotions
Timestamp: 54:57 - 55:13
As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Tim exchange final thoughts and reflect on the discussions, emphasizing the show's versatility beyond just sports.
Don LaGreca [54:37]: "Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast."
They also promote upcoming coverage and encourage listeners to subscribe for more engaging discussions.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Tim Legler [01:30]: "Took me back to the glory days... a renaissance for a franchise."
- Tim Legler [05:04]: "If it's a legal play and the whole reason you're banning it is because it's become unstoppable... figure out a way to stop it or figure out a way to be as good at it as they are."
- Tim Legler [06:42]: "There is a level of monotony at times in the game... getting up to like all-star level type three-point attempts."
- Tim Legler [12:43]: "They have to show that they're ready to slow these teams down at the beginning and turn this into more of a wrestling match."
- Tim Legler [21:59]: "It feels like this thing is just like paper cuts... I'm watching every night, praying, oh, he got a goal."
- Don LaGreca [31:22]: "Adam West is number one."
- Tim Legler [35:01]: "Heath Ledger as Joker."
- Tim Legler [48:53]: "The first self-propelled torpedo was in 1866 by Robert Whitehead."
Conclusion
In this episode, "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" hosted Tim Legler for an engaging discussion covering the Washington Commanders' remarkable season, the implications of banning the "tush push" in the NFL, trends in NBA three-point shooting, the New York Knicks' season challenges, Alexander Ovechkin's pursuit of a Stanley Cup, and a spirited debate on the best portrayals of Batman and the Joker. Tim's insights blend his expertise as a former NBA player and current analyst, providing listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of sports and pop culture.
For those who haven't listened, this episode offers valuable perspectives and lively debates, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and fans of insightful discussions.