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Don Hahn
This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Alan Hahn
That sounds like heaven to me.
Don Hahn
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.
Alan Hahn
Game time is brought to you by Telemar Do Irish Whiskey because when it's game time, guys, I like that. The Mets continue their series with the Reds coverage immediately following us on 880 at 6:30. Yankees Royals at 7:30. And now this has become like a de facto local game. Spurs Thunder, game five. You got to scout it. That'll be on 1050 at 8:00 clock with coverage on 880 after the Mets. Tullamore Dew, the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore do responsibly. So we asked Stephen A. Smith who he wants. Who are you looking at?
Michael Rosenberg
I said it earlier. I don't. I honestly.
Alan Hahn
I know you don't care.
Michael Rosenberg
I don't care.
Alan Hahn
But if I were to, if I were to ask you to care.
Michael Rosenberg
If you want to, if you want to, if you want to play the game well, if you want to have sports radio, it's it. I'm just saying if you want to play the game, like of who would you rather? I'm going to give you the two scenarios. The one is the defending champ after being Told your. Your run was light. Knocking off the defending champ. Right. Would have a little. Would put. Would take the asterisks off it, if you ask me. Right?
Alan Hahn
Yes.
Michael Rosenberg
Versus the next one in the league being in the finals. The alien, the guy that everybody knows is going to take over the league. Right. Do you want to have that guy and the whole country's rooting for him and the whole idea of his first championship?
Alan Hahn
No, you're right.
Michael Rosenberg
Like, I don't. You don't want to be, like, you want to be the featured guest. You don't want to be the team that got beat by the guy. Right? Well, that's the problem.
Alan Hahn
We'll get into this a little bit later on, but if you're a Nick fan, you know this next guest. Walt. Clyde Frazier's. Nice to join us, the hall of Famer here on Don Han and Rosenberg. How are you, sir?
Walt Clyde Frazier
Hey, what's happening?
Alan Hahn
What are your emotions right now? I mean, you're with this team all the time. You've suffered, you know, the slings and arrows of this team not being very good. To finally be able to see and witness this team in the finals for the first time since 1999. What are you feeling right now?
Walt Clyde Frazier
I'm percolating, man. I'm percolating. I'm happy for the fans. We have the best fans in the world. So. Excuse me. As you alluded to, they've been suffering a long time, and now finally, they can rejoice for a moment.
Michael Rosenberg
Clyde, what was. What did it mean for you to be on the court on that, you know, on that stage after the game, being able to present that trophy to Jalen Brunson, you, Patrick Ewing there, too. But you being there to be in that moment and to share that moment with, you know, with a. With a player who plays your position and someone. You've called all of his games over the last four years. You've seen his growth that mean. Was that special for you to be there?
Walt Clyde Frazier
Yeah, man. It was very surreal. But I. Credit Management, Mr. Dolan, Leon West. But what they've done, and once a Knick, always a Knick, you see at the game, all the guys are there. That's so rewarding for me. It's like being at a family reunion. And then last night with Patrick and I, perhaps the two greatest Knicks of all time, to be there with Brunson, I just got chill bumps, man. I was really thrilled to do it.
Peter Rosenberg
Clyde, how quickly did you realize that Jalen Brunson was even better than advertised? You know, we've now spoken almost ad nauseam about, you know, people's expectations when he came from Dallas, but it seemed like pretty quickly we realized this guy had another gear. How long did it take for you to realize this kid is incredibly special?
Walt Clyde Frazier
Well, I'm still in awe. He's getting better every game. You know, he's not that tall. They say he's not that quick, but the way he manipulates off the dribble, he gets to the free throw line. So all the things he's doing to continue to improve his game. And then like me, when he's not scoring, he's had an assist, you know, setting assist records. So he's just been a phenomenal man. But he reminds me of Willis Reed, very team first. He never seeks the limelight. He only does what has to be done to win ball games.
Alan Hahn
Is there anything other than the opponent? Because obviously Spurs, Thunder, that's going to be a tall task. But is there anything they need to work on? It feels like everything is clicking, but through your expert eyes, is there anything you think that they're going to need to improve on in order to lift that trophy?
Walt Clyde Frazier
The way they're playing right now,
Patrick Ewing
I
Walt Clyde Frazier
don't think it matters who they play if they keep dishing and swishing, suffocating defense. We've got 10 guys that are thriving. The coach is doing an excellent job with the substitutions. So obviously I like the spurs because we have a bona fide track record against them. And so I would prefer to play them. But I'm not fearing OKC either if the Knicks have to come up against them.
Michael Rosenberg
I want to ask you, I know you've talked about your championship teams, looking at the way this team plays, especially over the last couple of weeks, you know, the 11 game winnings here, they haven't lost a game in the month of May, which is unreal just to even say that. But Clyde, that 73 team had so many hall of Famers on it. And the way you guys, that was a brand of basketball that everybody talks about the beautiful game, right? And I remember Bill Bradley saying in his book, we weren't the best players in the league, but we were the best team. When you watch the way this, this Nick team, current team has transformed their style offensively and you see last night, 130 points are scored, not one guy had 20 points. Do you. Is it reminiscent to you at all about the way your teams played back then?
Walt Clyde Frazier
Very, very reminiscent. Bradley alluded to it. We individually, we were not that good. I mean, Willis could have scored more, I could have scored more, but we would not have been champions. But as a team, we became champions. We personified team. Can't mention Bradley without the Bush, without Reed, without Barnett, without Frazier. That's how we played the game. But the 73 team, we were more talented. We had Earl Apparel, had Jerry Lucas. And that's the team that I'm thinking about now that the team is like. Because during the regular season, we were injured, and as the season progressed, we got healthy. So going into the playoffs, we. We had momentum. And this is what this Nick team, we just said the last 12 games, the metamorphosis that they've gone through, man, you know, moving without the ball, the defense, guys coming off the bench, it just seems instinctive. It doesn't matter who they put in the game. They've been very productive. So this is what I'm comparing. Why I'm comparing the two teams.
Peter Rosenberg
We're talking to the icon, the hall of Famer, the champion Walt, Clyde Frazier here on Don Han and Rosenberg. And you talked about momentum, Clyde. I know this has come up now a few times because this team keeps winning so quickly that they keep getting mini vacations. Now they'll have another almost 10 days between series. Any concern with that being a thing, or do you think it seems to be something that benefits this group?
Walt Clyde Frazier
In order to be a champion, you have to deal with adversity. So you can't say you're tired, you've had too much rest, so, you know, you got to go with the flow. This is the way it is, so they can't be looking at that, man. You just have to, when. When it's time to go out there, you got to continue to produce.
Michael Rosenberg
Clyde, who's your favorite player on this team? If you have a player you love to watch the most, who is it and why?
Walt Clyde Frazier
I like bronze. I think hard is Walt Frazier. If he could score 20 a game because he bounds like me, he creates havoc, you know, he's just not the scorer that I. That I was, you know. And of course, Brunson doing Clyde things. Very clutch, coming up with addition and switching, assist and scoring. So those two guys remind me of myself.
Michael Rosenberg
What would it mean to you to see them actually to. To. To. To finish the job here and win a championship? It has been so long. Obviously, you were on the court. You played in those games the last time this team won a championship. What would it mean for you after all these years, 53 years, to see it happen again for this franchise?
Walt Clyde Frazier
Hallelujah you know, I was there in 94, I was there in 99. So I've been through all the transgressions and all the things the team have gone through. You know, my love affair with the Knicks fans. I know they're the best, and they're deserving of another championship. So this would make it that much sweeter if the Knicks could pull it off this year.
Alan Hahn
You know, we were just talking about, you know, not. Not just the losing, but, you know, nobody wanted to come play here. There was a lot of things that just were swirling around the Knicks in a negative manner. Was there ever a point where you wondered, could they turn it around? Would there ever be a day like this again?
Walt Clyde Frazier
Well, I believe in management, it starts at the top. Like, when a team is thriving, you have to look at it. Pistols down from Leon, from. From west, from Mr. Dolan to the players. So we played. When I came in in 1967, the Knicks had always been the doormat. They couldn't beat Boston. It couldn't be Philly. And, you know, then we got Eddie Donovan, we got Red in there. So it started to filter down to the players, and we became champions. So I see that happening now. We got the right management there. We got the players. The other thing about this team, they like each other. So on our team, we had no ego problems. We didn't care who scored the points or whatever. We just wanted to win. And that's the way I see this team. They don't have any ego problems, so they get along. It's manifested on the court now. Alan, you see all the assisted. They are piling up.
Michael Rosenberg
Yeah, that's true, guys.
Walt Clyde Frazier
Every game now, 30 assists. Over 30 assists. Sharing means caring. You know, I'm always saying that, man. That's what it is.
Alan Hahn
Well, Clyde, it's always a pleasure, man. Enjoy this run, and let's see if we can bring home a championship again. You're the best.
Michael Rosenberg
Thank you.
Walt Clyde Frazier
All right. Thank you.
Alan Hahn
That is the great wall. Clyde Frazier and I remember being back, I guess, when we were on the West End and I was doing a Ranger game and the Knicks were playing at the same time. And so it was between periods, and I. I just had finished up my intermission report and we went. I went into the newsroom and was watching the Knicks, and they're getting blown out in. In. In a miserable season. And Walt actually said on the air, can we just have running time?
Michael Rosenberg
I.
Alan Hahn
We. And. And he was the only guy that can get away with that. Right? Because you're not you're not going to reprimand Walt Clyde Frazier, he had seen
Michael Rosenberg
it all, but he was saying what we were all thinking.
Alan Hahn
But he was like, can we just. Yeah, let's just get out of here.
Walt Clyde Frazier
Yeah.
Alan Hahn
And it wasn't that long ago. When would that have been? Maybe, you know, the. The bad years better than anybody.
Michael Rosenberg
Oh, yeah, 20. It's 2018, 2017.
Alan Hahn
It might have been even before that.
Michael Rosenberg
They had some bad years there. And then it was also if. How far back are we going here? Because if it's West End, it's got to be in the teens.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, it's probably maybe like 11, 12, 13.
Michael Rosenberg
No, not.
Alan Hahn
Not 11, 13 years. It might have been just after 14, 15. Yeah, we might not have been on West End. We were. I just remember him saying, yeah, yeah. And now we get to hear. That's why I asked him, did you ever at one point just say, it's just. It's just not going to happen here, Remember? You know, I can't. And not because of where I worked. But Michael and I and Peter, too, were always defending Jim Dolan because I'm like, listen, how can he. How could it work for the Rangers and not work for the Knicks? Same owner.
Michael Rosenberg
Yeah, right.
Alan Hahn
And it just. Hiring the right people. It's just managing the right people. He hired the right people with the Rangers. He didn't hire the right people with the Knicks.
Michael Rosenberg
Well, Phil Jackson seemed like the right person until he got a saboteur and he started doing things and you're like, whoa, why would you do that?
Alan Hahn
Saboteur.
Michael Rosenberg
And that. That's. That. That is exactly it. And, you know, and that's why. And I'm glad that Clyde brought up Leon Rose and William Wesley and brought them in. And of course, the first thing everybody says is, wait, this guy was a player. What does he know about running a franchise? Why would you do that? And. And you saw Leon Rose come in. And then it's. Leon Rose doesn't talk to the media. He's never available. He doesn't say anything. You know why? Cuz he just wants to work. Just let me do the work. Like, just. You'll trust me. Let me do the work. And there was a moment last night that his daughter shared on Instagram that someone happened to video. And when the final seconds were ticking off the clock last night, he was crying, man, he got real emotional. Wes behind him, wiping tears from his eyes. You know how much means to these guys.
Alan Hahn
No, it means a lot.
Michael Rosenberg
He took a risk, a gamble. He was one of the most successful basketball agents in the world. And he said, let me, let me try.
Peter Rosenberg
And I think that pays well. I think that pays well, very well.
Michael Rosenberg
So let me try this. And I think I told you guys this story last, last summer. He was honored and I happened to be hosting the event that he was honored at, and he was given a trophy. And he stood there and he said, the next time I accept a trophy from someone, I want it to be Adam Silver. And I've always, throughout the year, I kept reminding him of that. Like, you know, I know that that means everything to you and it's. It could still come to fruition. And I think that's probably what hit him is. It's like, this is all I want. I just want to get that trophy because that is the ultimate goal of anyone who takes over a franchise. That's all you want, have somebody come in as obsessed with winning as you are as a fan. And that's what Leon Rose was, is. And that's what he's put together, despite the fact that he's not available every day to talk to the media. Who cares? Build your team, get it and win. And winning is the only thing anybody really cares about in the end, not how available you are to the media and all that other stuff.
Alan Hahn
Well, it was a risk to have a guy that had never been in a managerial position to run this team. But if you think about it, I remember thinking it at the time, what was the biggest issue the Knicks had besides the losing, is make this an attractive place to come.
Patrick Ewing
Right?
Alan Hahn
You know, player friendly. What was the words? The Knicks weren't. KD said they weren't cool. Yeah, well, if you hire a guy that knows players, that ran an agency, you can all these guys talk, just get the word out like, hey, Leon Rose knows what he's doing over there. Worldwide's not that bad a place. World wide west. You know, his reputation.
Michael Rosenberg
The guy is in a Jay Z lyric, right? That's as cool as you can get, right?
Alan Hahn
So that was probably where the risk was worth it, right? We've got an image problem here. We've got to change that. Once we get that out of the way and we come a destination. Now we know that he knows how to run basketball and he proved that over the years and the deals that he made and even the Brunson deal, right? He didn't give up. They wanted. Dallas wanted a first round pick, right? In the original conversations, they signed Brunson for years, but they were going to trade for him. Remember when it was whether they're going to go with him or Mitchell. And they ended up signing him later on. But when there was a deal to be made, Dallas wanted a first round pick, right?
Michael Rosenberg
That I don't remember.
Alan Hahn
That's what Michael was saying earlier today.
Michael Rosenberg
I'm drawing a blank on that one.
Alan Hahn
They said no. And they held on to the first round pick.
Michael Rosenberg
They signed him as a free agent. But, but okay, there was maybe, maybe they were going to do it at the trade deadline or something. I don't know.
Alan Hahn
There was. They were going to, they asked, they asked for him in a trade and Dallas wanted a first round pick and you remember how they would give her give away first round picks like Chiclets. And they finally held on to them and then they were able to turn that into, into heart. Like there was a whole great moments were had because they made the right moves, but they had an image problem that now no longer exists. Now it's a destination. And that during, during the game they show that Giannis commercial for one of
Michael Rosenberg
the apps, the gambling apps.
Alan Hahn
And I was thinking about it when I saw the commercial, I'm like, he's the big loser in all this, right? Like he probably just calculated that, you know, the Knicks are going to blow it. They're going to want me, I'm going to end up in New York. He's not coming here.
Michael Rosenberg
Think about this.
Alan Hahn
He's not coming here.
Michael Rosenberg
Think about the two moments. And both of them were late in the, in the off season where Leon Rosen Co. Said no because the cost was too high. The first one was Donovan Mitchell, Utah. That deal everybody thought was done. RJ Barrett was going to go. They, they were going to give up some picks and they were going to bring in Donovan Mitchell. And the price just kept going up. And it got to a point where the Knicks said, forget it, we're not doing it. They gave RJ Barrett an extension instead. And they passed. And then the Cavs swooped in, grabbed them and everybody thought, you see, you missed out on yet another star. You couldn't land the star. I was frustrated at the time, I'd be the first to admit it because it felt like another guy who wants to be here and you couldn't get him. And yet a few months later, they turned RJ Barrett into OG Anunoby. A far better fitting piece. But yet a player that you're like, who? Right. You didn't really know of him unless you were a basketball fan. You knew who he was. But most people are like, who's this guy? And you gave up RJ Barrett, your number one, your first round pick. And a man will click him.
Alan Hahn
And you know how New Yorkers hate giving up homegrown guys.
Michael Rosenberg
Oh, they hate it, right? And you're going, what do we do? I remember, but so pass on him. Now the other one is last summer, Giannis conversation could have made a deal. It just was too much. And they said, no, not now, not now. And they waited. If they don't wait, what happens? What are they? You have no idea. But I said they gave the towns thing another shot with a new coach. And at times this year it felt like that was a mistake, but it clicked at the right time. It's incredible. Some of the best deals I know. Michael says this all the time. Some of the best deals you make are the ones you don't make.
Alan Hahn
There's so many moments in this season where we're like, this isn't. This isn't work.
Michael Rosenberg
Yeah. Yeah.
Alan Hahn
And now it's working beyond anybody's expectations. Crazy. Let's go to Steve in Middle Village. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Steve?
Steve (Caller)
I'm not Stephen A. I'm Stephen F. Seriously. And I'm the ghost of Knicks championships past. I'm honored to be on the same show with Walt Frazier. I was 17 and 69 and 20 and 73.
Walt Clyde Frazier
Oh, wow.
Steve (Caller)
And those teams played team basketball. And that's the highest compliment I can give a basketball team or any of the professional sports that I watch the past two years. Your show made me pay attention to the Knicks again. I tuned into the middle of game six with the Hawks and it blew me away. I ran into. Because I was in the den. I told my wife about it, and she is. She's a Mets fan, Don. And she said, I told her one of the scores said, you're kidding me. Don't joke around. I said, no. Their defense, the way they play the game, their attitude, bold movement. And the reactions after the series last night are like, Clyde Willis and Bradley and all DeBusscher and all those guys. If this team wins, it will be the equal of those teams. If not better, you know, if not even better. And one more point and I'll shut up. Alan, you were the one who said a few years ago that the Knicks
Patrick Ewing
needed a point guard.
Steve (Caller)
Yeah, Kenny Brunson. And this crew is like the way they assemble the 1970s championship. Yankees. Nettles, Chambless, Munson, White, Reggie. You can root for these guys. They want to win. I'm getting goosebumps. Saying this, but thank you for all the stuff and I'll shut up and let you go.
Alan Hahn
It's great perspective because it's about trying to find the right combination. The chemistry to a championship is so fragile. All right, you've got the fantasy crowd who just wants to go pluck the best players, throw them together and let's see if you can win. Then you got the analytic crowd. We got to find the guys that do this and this and this and this, kind of like the Mets and put them together and just hope it comes together. And then there's the let's find the right people to accomplish what we're looking to do here. And can they handle New York? Can they handle the situation? There's a lot of responsibility to come play for the Knicks. Not only do you have a dragon to slay, you're playing in the biggest city in North America. They've got a fan base that's. You can't even define how deep it is and how passionate it is. And it goes beyond the numbers of just trying to find the right combination, the chemistry to make it work. And if anybody knew how to do it, they'd bottle it, they'd sell it and they'd make a billion dollars. But it's really hard because there's no exact science to it. It's just about finding the right combination of players and the right coach and push the right buttons and have the right circumstances happen. And. And we'll see. There's still a whole nother stage to go and they've got plenty of time. This isn't going to start until June 3rd, so we're going to have plenty of time to break it down. But there's nothing wrong. I know Allen's like numb and wants to focus on the next task at hand, but I don't think there's anything wrong with a couple of days of celebrating what they accomplished here. First time in 27 years.
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Don Hahn
to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Don Hahn
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Alan Hahn
Waiting on Patrick Ewing. Should be fun to talk to him on a nick day for sure. 1-800-919-3776 Knicks advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 and will not start until next Wednesday. That's June 3rd. Game five tonight between the spurs and the Thunder. That series even at two games apiece. So they're going at least six. So if one of the two can win the next two, I think it'd be kind of fair, you know, decent time off for both. But there's a very good chance. Let's see, Today's. Today's the 26th. So that's so Thursday would be game six. So they'd be playing into Saturday, right? Am I doing the math right?
Peter Rosenberg
You mean in terms of how long how long they could be playing?
Alan Hahn
Right. So if there's a Game seven, they're going to play in Oklahoma City Saturday. Game seven on Saturday with the game. And if, let's say, the Thunder win a home game, they wouldn't have to travel and not play till Wednesday. That's a decent amount of rest for them. Not Knicks will be off for eight days, but still get them to play seven games. Whoever's now tell me this Riddle me this.
Peter Rosenberg
Riddle me this. Allen or Don, whoever, is the answer. Why is the NBA finals not starting on Thursday this year? Is it because of TV changes or is it because of not wanting to go up against U.S. soccer?
Michael Rosenberg
It's going up against us. It's going up against soccer a couple of times. I don't know about us, but no, no, no. I don't think they did that way. I do believe. Cause it's set up where it's every other day except on the travel days. Then you get the extra days, right?
Peter Rosenberg
And they avoid the weekend. It'll be Friday and Monday.
Michael Rosenberg
It's one, right.
Peter Rosenberg
There's three Mondays. If this thing goes seven, there's three Mondays.
Michael Rosenberg
Yeah, right. So it's right one, two and then two days off. Yep, three and four and then two days off and then five, two days, six, two days, seven.
Peter Rosenberg
But for at least the last 15 years, the final starts on a Thursday. I got a Thursday, Sunday.
Alan Hahn
I don't know because I don't think. Correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think the Stanley cup finalists set their date yet.
Michael Rosenberg
They don't set a date.
Alan Hahn
I don't think they set the date ahead of time. Anthony, check that for me because ESPN, ABC's got the Stanley Cup Final. So they've got to work around that, right? So they're probably trying to make it where every day there's something right? There's hockey, there's basketball. So you got to work that out. Obviously the NBA is going to get precedent, but it's probably working something around there.
Michael Rosenberg
Always sets its schedule, like way in advance. Like you already know the date. Like June 3rd. That's your starting date. Doesn't change.
Alan Hahn
If you could just double check that for me, guys. If they have nailed down the Stanley Go file, we could have the west already decided. Tonight. Vegas is up 30 on Colorado.
Michael Rosenberg
What a series that.
Alan Hahn
So that just blows your mind with the favorite Carolina being up 2 to 1. What was that, Anthony? I'm sorry.
Michael Rosenberg
No, I don't see anything.
Alan Hahn
I think they're going to wait to see because they get started earlier, but maybe that has something to do with it. So they go Wednesday,
Michael Rosenberg
Friday.
Alan Hahn
They probably would want a Stanley Cup Final game on a Saturday for Hockey night in Canada. That's probably how they work. Just because they're on the same network. That's probably why they're doing it that way. Because ABC and ESPN have the Stanley Cup Final this year. While we wait for Patrick Ewing, let's go back to the but we have Patrick. We have him. He's just seconds away. Seconds away. I could see Anthony waving his arms. So as soon as he's done with saying, you were my favorite, Nick, even though I wasn't alive for most of your career.
Michael Rosenberg
Wow.
Alan Hahn
Patrick Ewing joins us here on Don On a roll.
Michael Rosenberg
Big fella, how are you?
Alan Hahn
Thank you for joining us on this special day. What's up, man?
Patrick Ewing
I'm doing well. How you guys doing?
Michael Rosenberg
Patrick, what. What was it like in the. In the arena last night to be there? You're on the court. We were just talking with Clyde about it, too. To be on the court in that moment, you know, you've. You've led this franchise to so many great moments, so many big, big stages for you to be there, share that moment. Cjalen Brunson, who was a snotty little kid that used to take on vacations at one time in your life. What. What was that like for you? Just personally be part of that.
Patrick Ewing
It was remarkable, you know, things to see things come full circle. You know, me, once upon a time when I was his age and battling, trying to get where he's gotten to right now. And, you know, just to see his growth and his journey and, you know, once upon a time, that was Clyde. Once upon a time, that was me. John was also there. Alan was also there. So, you know, once upon a time, that was us. And then to see the support that the team has gotten not only at home, but also on the road. In all my time of playing in New York, I've never seen. I've never seen the fan support on the road as this team is getting now.
Alan Hahn
Patrick, you mentioned New York. So as you're preparing a future Knick to be a leader, as you were prepared, as you said, by Clyde, how much does New York and playing in Madison Square Garden play into preparing to be a New York Knick?
Patrick Ewing
Well, I mean, I think that, you know, Jalen has definitely shown that he's a New York Knick just by his. The way that he is demeanor. He doesn't let anything rattle him. You know, you have to have thick skin if you're going to play in New York. You know, I think his mom and his dad have done an outstanding job of preparing him for what, you know, for the journey that he's on.
Peter Rosenberg
You seem to be seeing you last night, Patrick, that there was such a look of joy on your face. I think there are people out there who from a distance could think it's hard for guys who are on different teams to have this level of appreciation. But what I see in you is someone who wants this championship as much as anyone. How would you describe what this journey has been like for you and how much seeing them win a title right now would actually mean to you?
Patrick Ewing
I mean, it would mean a lot. You know, I have to take my hat off to Leon and West and. And Jay, Mr. Dolan, you know, for bringing not only myself back, but the majority of the guys that have brought back. And we all feel like we are a part of it. You know, I'm able to travel with them, I'm able to go to practice, I'm able to be in their meetings. I'm able to do, you know, so many things with the team that, you know, it makes me feel like that I am part. I'm not playing, even though I'm not playing. You know, my era is long gone, but still, you know, to, you know, the last time I was telling somebody this last night, the last time that, you know, when we won in 94, I really didn't enjoy that moment. So right now I'm going to take this time and I'm going to enjoy the moment. You know. You know, the hat that I had on, you know, last night, the last time I didn't even wear that, I had it in my hand. So all the things that, that I did not do, you know, I wanted to make sure I was able to do this, go around, even though I'm not physically part of the. Of this journey now.
Alan Hahn
They say youth is wasted on the young, right? So you're so much older, you can appreciate it, can you?
Patrick Ewing
That is so true.
Michael Rosenberg
Can you tell.
Alan Hahn
Tell the players. Would you even bother telling the players to try to enjoy it? Or you just figure, no, they're not going to be able to. They're just too caught up in the moment to understand.
Patrick Ewing
You know, I think that, you know, even if somebody had told me this back then, you know, you have to live it. You know, you have to live it. You have to go through it. That's why, you know, what you just said, you know, is so true. Because the things that we've learned during our journey of life, if we knew it back then when we were young, we would be so much smarter and so much further ahead.
Michael Rosenberg
One of the. And I don't think I've ever told you this in our conversations, but like, one of the memories that I'll always be, that always stays with me is seeing you. Because it's amazing that you told me. You just told us you didn't really enjoy the moment, but I'll never forget, it's a great photo, is when you clinched and you beat The Pacers in 94. Your outstretched arms. It's almost like you were trying to hug the entire garden that day. And in that moment, because that was, for you, that was your carnation moment.
Alan Hahn
That was your.
Michael Rosenberg
I led them to the finals. This was going to be your destiny. And I guess you weren't. What were you thinking then, in that moment, if you weren't able to enjoy that? Because that's a lesson for me.
Patrick Ewing
I was trying to embrace the city, and, you know, I was trying to embrace them the way that they were embracing me. But I was just, you know, thinking about all the other things, all the other nuances that goes into, you know, celebrating that. And I guess when you're going through. When you're going through the journey, it's hard to stop and smell the roses. And I think that's what I was trying to say. I didn't afford myself the opportunity to stop. And, yeah, I was locked in and like, okay, we're gonna play Houston now, so I'm have to get ready for Houston. So, you know, I embraced the city because I was like, man, we finally got there after all these years. But then I was locked in on trying to get us to win a championship, and unfortunately, it just didn't happen for us.
Alan Hahn
Talking to Patrick Ewing, is that still something that bothers you? You accomplished so much in your career, hall of Fame, top players, in the 75th anniversary, but is it still something that bothers you, not getting that ring?
Patrick Ewing
You know what? I don't think it bothers me. You know, of course I think that I've had a great career. You know, I'm disappointed that the fact that I was not able to bring a title to New York. I think that not only myself, but my entire team fought and did the best job we could to try to bring it, bring us the title. But just being around, being a part of this and feeling like I am, you know, still, you know, I give advice when I see advice is needed. I pat them on the back when that is needed as well. So I think that I am still a part of it.
Michael Rosenberg
I want to mend. Because I remember when Carl Anthony Towns first came to the Knicks, there was a moment, I think he scored a basket. Something happened, and he went baseline and saw you sitting there and his face lit up and he shook your hand like. It was like one of those, oh, my God, that's Patrick Ewing. And I remember after the game, him saying that to me, like, did you see Patrick? I'm like, yeah, he. Yeah, he sits at the game. But he really does bring you up a lot when he talks about the understanding of the legacy that he's now in as a center, as a starting center of the New York Knicks. What. What is your relationship with Cat and what have you seen in his transformation this season to where he's playing, how he's playing right now?
Patrick Ewing
We have a great relationship. You know, we started our friendship from last year. You know, I would, you know, call him, and I see that, you know, if there's something that he needs, that I need to say to him, I would call him or send him a text. He would respond. You know, we always say, we're going to go out to dinner, but we just hadn't. We haven't. We haven't done that yet. He's, you know, he has his job that he has to take care of. But, you know, we have. We. I think we have a friendship, you know, and, you know, I'm always. I'm always giving him advice. It's like, if I'm watching the game, even if I'm not at the game, and I see that, you know, I can, you know, because of body, I see something is troubling him. You know, I reach out. You know, I'm always there to be a sounding board. You know, I think that, you know, the coaching staff have done an outstanding job of preparing him and getting him to where he needs to be. And, you know, I just view myself as somebody who is, you know, I'm not a coach. I'm not also, I'm not management, but I'm also a person that he can always use as a sounding board. So we were always texting each other, talking trash to each other, but I'm always there to support him and give him advice when advice is needed.
Peter Rosenberg
Patrick, we'd be remiss talking to one of the greatest big men to ever play the game, to not ask you about who may be the newest great big man to play the game. And he could be there in the finals waiting for the Knicks if they do end up playing San Antonio, which many people seem to believe is a more favorable matchup. When you watch Victor Wembayama play, what goes through your mind about what you would possibly try to do to stop someone like him?
Patrick Ewing
You know, first of all, whoever we play, that's who we're going to play. You know, you can't really have a favorite, so, you know, OKC is a great team, and San Antonio is a great team. Let them two battle it out to see who will play. But Victor is a special. He's a special person, special talent. I love his. Not only his talent, but his mindset. You know, he is like, I'm not here to make friends. I'm here to dominate. I'm here to show everybody that what I can do on this court. He reminds me of myself in some ways, where I was locked in. I had my game phased on. I was always focused and trying to get the job done. But he is special, man. For a guy to be 774 and to be able to move and shoot and do the things that he can do, it's special.
Alan Hahn
Patrick, this is an honor to talk to you. Good luck the next couple of weeks, and we'll see if the Knicks can bring home a title. Man.
Patrick Ewing
No, I really appreciate that. And go, Nick.
Alan Hahn
Thanks, Patrick. That is the great Patrick Ewing. I'm not sure if I've ever interviewed him before, so that was a thrill to get a chance to talk to him.
Michael Rosenberg
He's the best. I'm telling you. He's.
Peter Rosenberg
You don't think so?
Alan Hahn
I don't.
Michael Rosenberg
You guys never had him on.
Alan Hahn
I think we have. If I.
Michael Rosenberg
He was probably coaching a lot during those years, though.
Ian Fitzsimmons
Yeah, I guess you're right.
Michael Rosenberg
As available.
Peter Rosenberg
I feel like in the last couple years, we have. Maybe I'm.
Michael Rosenberg
Maybe I'm wrong now. Can I. You know how they always say, like, you know, sometimes when you meet your heroes, you might get disappointed, that kind of thing.
Peter Rosenberg
I feel like this is preemptive 2017. 2017.
Michael Rosenberg
See, it did have him on.
Patrick Ewing
There we go.
Alan Hahn
So might have been absent.
Walt Clyde Frazier
You don't know.
Michael Rosenberg
It's true.
Peter Rosenberg
It's gonna be.
Michael Rosenberg
It's not a drop. Because it's him. Yeah, right. Clearly, I know him. But there'd been so much of a. Like a. A precursor to people saying how bad he was with the media. You know, he was always. He had the menacing scowl. He was not easy to deal with. There was a lot of that build up. So I was like, oh, man. Like, I don't want to meet him and find out that he's just, you know, he's one of those guys. Right, right. Grouchy, grumpy, doesn't want to talk to anybody. Only the first time I met him, there's a huge smile on his face, messing around with me. Like, you know, like, you know, he's. He likes to have fun. He likes to joke around, and it was like the such a relief that he was really when you get to know him, he's deep down just a great guy. And the fact that he's back with the franchise, yeah. Connected to the team and has this relationship with Towns along with Brunson, it means the world to him. It really does. And if they win a championship, he'll be just as happy as if he had won a championship. And I'm telling you that because I've seen how he is around this group. So it's really cool. It's awesome to see because his reputation when he was a player was of a, you know, the menacing scowl and the just in a bad mood all the time. And he was bad with the media and all that stuff. But those who knew him well in the media said no no, no. When you off the record, he was great. And I'm telling you, his personality is awesome. I'm so happy that he's part of this right now.
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Don Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Don Hahn
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Alan Hahn
Subscribe to ESPN New York on YouTube. Stream the full weekday lineup live. Watch complete replays and catch up fast with can't miss highlights. Jump into the live chat, react in real time, and make your voice part of the Show. Subscribe to ESPN New York on YouTube now and stay locked in so you never miss a moment. Jacob, can you play that again? Because I think I stepped on a vibe for Peter.
Walt Clyde Frazier
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, no, no, you didn't step on a vibe, but it was nice.
Michael Rosenberg
What?
Peter Rosenberg
To a random Tribe Called Quest. B side. I'm not sure why he played it.
Alan Hahn
You know, there's always a reason. No money on my mind.
Michael Rosenberg
Never. Never mind.
Alan Hahn
Trick. New York is the town and team is the Knicks.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, you were so.
Michael Rosenberg
Oh, yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
But it was the instrumental, so we didn't even hear it, so.
Michael Rosenberg
No, it was the tail end of it.
Alan Hahn
The reason why I chose the tail
Michael Rosenberg
end of it, because somewhere in the
Thumbtack Advertiser
beginning and somewhere at the end, there's a lot of.
Alan Hahn
It's cursing.
Michael Rosenberg
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
No, I just. I. He's. He's very. He's an interesting fella.
Alan Hahn
I know. Q Tip is a Jet fan. He's also a big Nick fan.
Peter Rosenberg
He is a big Nick, so I
Alan Hahn
don't know why he's not on.
Peter Rosenberg
Wait, I could hit him up.
Alan Hahn
Want me to text him?
Peter Rosenberg
You want to?
Michael Rosenberg
Oh, wow.
Ian Fitzsimmons
He'd be happy.
Thumbtack Advertiser
Don't flex it.
Michael Rosenberg
Go ahead, Don.
Alan Hahn
I just have his number. But I.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, Don, you know, I think.
Michael Rosenberg
I don't. For the wreck.
Peter Rosenberg
We don't. We listen. We all have different phone numbers. You've already flexed your Rolodex enough today, Alan.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, enough.
Peter Rosenberg
Calm down.
Alan Hahn
Really.
Peter Rosenberg
For God's sake, I'm stupid.
Michael Rosenberg
I mean, we could.
Alan Hahn
Good Lord.
Michael Rosenberg
Keep going.
Peter Rosenberg
But also, we should spread this out too.
Michael Rosenberg
Yeah.
Peter Rosenberg
Because we're not playing for 10 days.
Michael Rosenberg
We got a lot of days to fill with a lot of excitement. And if. If you're saying, you know, enjoy the time while we have it, before game one of the NBA. Game one of the NBA final.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Michael Rosenberg
Game one of the NBA final.
Alan Hahn
Can you believe that?
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, yeah. As you live and breathe.
Alan Hahn
My. My only NBA Finals attendance were the Nets when they went to. Back to back.
Michael Rosenberg
Oh, yeah. All right.
Alan Hahn
02 Lakers swept between. They won at the Meadowlands. None of it. I'll tell you the story. Al Gatullo used to work here. Fat hands. Love him, though. He was a big Laker fan. So we had credentials to go on the court when the Lakers won. They had roped it off for the photographers and all that. And we situated ourselves where the Lakers exited.
Michael Rosenberg
Get a T shirt.
Alan Hahn
No, no. We followed the Lakers into the room. Got a hat.
Michael Rosenberg
Nice.
Alan Hahn
They handed me a hat. They thought I was, you know, part of the entourage or whatever. But my wife, then girlfriend, now wife, worked with somebody who was a big Laker fan. So I. I gave them that look at you. Well, I'm not a Laker fan.
Peter Rosenberg
Look at you.
Alan Hahn
But the Spurs, I did. I did shows from the Meadowlands. The spurs here, me and Larry Hardesty doing shows pre and post and all that. That was. That was fun. That's my last NBA Finals appearance was at the Meadowlands. Matter of fact, I think one of the games you might remember, this is a 23 years ago as a.
Peter Rosenberg
If it was a day Yankee fan.
Alan Hahn
One of the games at the Meadowlands net Spurs was when the Yankees got no hit by like six different Astro pitchers. I don't know if you remember that.
Michael Rosenberg
No, I do not remember that.
Alan Hahn
That was big metal lands. Because that was the year the Devils won the Cup. So the Nets and Devils.
Michael Rosenberg
The reason why I don't remember any of that is because I was with the. I was about to tell you that.
Alan Hahn
So you were going back and forth, Anaheim and the whole thing and Nueva Jersey. And I'll never forget to show you how far. And this is no offense to anybody.
Peter Rosenberg
No.
Alan Hahn
How far the NBA has come in the last 23 years. One of the halftime performers at the Meadowlands.
Michael Rosenberg
Queen Latifah.
Alan Hahn
No.
Michael Rosenberg
Beyonce.
Alan Hahn
No.
Peter Rosenberg
How far. So no, it means it was someone bad. He's saying how far they.
Alan Hahn
I'm not saying it's bad. I'm just not bad.
Michael Rosenberg
But before they were.
Alan Hahn
We're in a different headspace now, is what I'll say.
Peter Rosenberg
It was like someone fading and not.
Alan Hahn
But it was huge at the time. But not exactly the genre you would think. Rick.
Michael Rosenberg
NBA?
Alan Hahn
No, not close. Oh, early 2000s. Big bunch of hits. But not something you would see at an NBA game. NBA Finals.
Michael Rosenberg
No. A rock band, basically.
Alan Hahn
No, not a rock band.
Ian Fitzsimmons
All right.
Alan Hahn
Just give us.
Peter Rosenberg
We're not gonna figure it out.
Michael Rosenberg
Celine Dion.
Alan Hahn
Jewel.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, yes, we've talked about this.
Michael Rosenberg
Yes, we've had this. That's right. Jewel.
Alan Hahn
It's, you know, it's so O3, right? Yeah, I know.
Peter Rosenberg
People are still half in and half out. Make up your mind.
Alan Hahn
Are we. What are we doing?
Peter Rosenberg
Like, no respect to Jewel, but, like, is that setting the world on fire at the NBA final?
Michael Rosenberg
You were meant for me. Her storyline. You were meant for me.
Peter Rosenberg
We love. You were meant for me. But is it the vibe? That's the question.
Don Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Michael Rosenberg
I don't want to know how this is. Sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good.
Don Hahn
Hear more of Don Allen and Peter. Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.
Alan Hahn
This is what everyone's talking about.
Walt Clyde Frazier
Everything's on the table.
Alan Hahn
This is what champions come to take. This is what everyone came to see. No do overs, no second chances, no more Mr. Nice guy. This is winner take all. And it's all happening now on the home of the NBA Finals. Don't miss it. June 3rd on ABC and the ESPN applied.
This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" celebrates the New York Knicks clinching a spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. Legendary Knicks icons Walt "Clyde" Frazier and Patrick Ewing join hosts Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, and Michael Rosenberg to reflect on the journey, team chemistry, management's impact, and the emotional resonance of the Knicks’ current run. The hour also touches on NBA Finals scheduling, the transformation of the franchise under Leon Rose, and the vital connections between Knicks past and present.
[03:10 - 12:19]
Clyde on Seeing Knicks Reach the Finals:
On Jalen Brunson’s Growth:
Team Chemistry & Comparisons to 1973:
Rest vs. Momentum Question:
Clyde's Favorite Knicks:
On What a Title Would Mean:
On Knicks Culture and Management:
On Unselfishness and Ball Movement:
[12:21 – 23:48]
[29:01 - 40:18]
Ewing on the Full Circle Moment:
On Brunson and Playing in New York:
Personal Investment and Joy:
On Not Winning a Title:
Mentoring Current Players (Karl-Anthony Towns):
On Victor Wembanyama and Finals Opponents:
Closing:
Walt Frazier on Knicks Fans’ Suffering/Exhilaration:
"I'm percolating, man...I'm happy for the fans. We have the best fans in the world." [03:39]
Frazier on Brunson’s Team-First Mentality:
"He reminds me of Willis Reed, very team first. He never seeks the limelight." [05:18]
Frazier on ’73 Team Spirit:
"We personified team...But as a team, we became champions." [07:34]
Frazier, Signature Philosophy:
"Sharing means caring. ... That's what it is." [12:04]
Patrick Ewing, On the Current Experience:
"It was remarkable...to see things come full circle. ... To see the support...I've never seen the fan support on the road as this team is getting now." [29:41]
Ewing on Embracing the Moment:
"When you're going through the journey, it's hard to stop and smell the roses...I was locked in...trying to get us to win a championship." [34:47]
Ewing on Victor Wembanyama:
"He is special, man...For a guy to be 7’4” and to be able to move and shoot and do the things that he can do, it’s special." [39:09]
[26:17 – 28:15]
The conversation is lively, emotional, and rooted deeply in New York sports culture. Both Frazier and Ewing speak with humility, reverence for team accomplishment, and a genuine connection to the current Knicks’ rise. The hosts strike a balance between celebratory nostalgia and forward-looking optimism, blending honest reflection with playful banter.
This episode stands as a love letter to the New York Knicks’ improbable resurgence, the resilience of loyal fans, and the enduring legacy of the franchise’s heroes. Both Walt Frazier and Patrick Ewing exemplify the connective DNA between glorious past and hopeful present—passing down lessons of team-first mentality, humility, and gratitude, all while enjoying the ride toward the long-coveted NBA championship.
Whether you’re a diehard Knicks fan or just appreciate basketball culture, this episode delivers insightful nostalgia, player and management perspective, and a celebration of team revival that’s hard to top.