Hour 2: Yankees & Knicks

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Yankees & Knicks

Episode Information:

• Title: Hour 2: Yankees & Knicks
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Release Date: January 29, 2025
• Description: ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, sportswriter and Knicks broadcaster Alan Hahn, and Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg delve into the latest happenings in New York sports, focusing on the Yankees and Knicks, among other topics.

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Section 1: The Changing Face of the New York Yankees

Peter Rosenberg’s Perspective on the Yankees’ Evolution

Peter Rosenberg opens the discussion by addressing the sentiment among Yankee fans that the team is no longer the iconic franchise it once was. He emphasizes the departure from the "old Yankee way," lamenting the absence of legendary figures like George Steinbrenner, Reggie Jackson, and Billy Martin.

“You’re never going to have George Steinbrenner, you’re never going to have Reggie Jackson, and you’re never going to have Billy Martin. Get over it, everybody.”
[00:34] – Peter Rosenberg

Rosenberg criticizes the Yankees’ current identity, arguing that despite potential future successes, the franchise has lost its distinctive, aggressive character that was emblematic of its past dominance.

“It’s done. That old Yankee way, what the Yankees used to is gone. It’s dead, it’s buried.”
[01:09] – Peter Rosenberg

Alan Hahn’s Defense of the Modern Yankees

Alan Hahn counters Rosenberg’s critique by highlighting the Yankees' sustained performance and consistent winning seasons since 1992. He argues that under Hal Steinbrenner’s leadership, the Yankees have maintained a high standard without experiencing prolonged rebuilding phases like other franchises.

“We're building not even the half full. We’ve never had that.”
[03:55] – Alan Hahn

Hahn points out that the Yankees have continuously been competitive, winning four championships in five years with no single losing season since 1992. He emphasizes that the modern Yankees prioritize both success on the field and strong business operations.

“If this is what we do every single year, I can live with that.”
[04:32] – Alan Hahn

Debate Over Accountability and Expectations

The conversation deepens as Hahn questions whether the Yankees’ pursuit of championships translates into actual accountability within the organization. He references historical decisions, such as George Steinbrenner’s firing of Dick Hauser, to illustrate the franchise’s high expectations.

“They think they’re the ones. … Yankees look at themselves differently, period.”
[08:04] – Alan Hahn

Rosenberg agrees, noting a lack of accountability in the current management, which contrasts with the stringent standards set in the past.

“There's no accountability.”
[08:32] – Peter Rosenberg

Section 2: Knicks' Performance and Upcoming Challenges

Analyzing the Knicks’ Current Season

The hosts shift their focus to the New York Knicks, discussing their recent performances and upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets. Peter Rosenberg highlights Nikola Jokić’s exceptional season, averaging a triple-double, and his potential to win a fourth MVP award.

“Nikola Jokic is averaging a triple double this season. Averaging a triple double.”
[10:34] – Peter Rosenberg

Injuries and Team Dynamics

The discussion moves to the Knicks' key players, particularly Karl-Anthony Towns, who is dealing with a thumb injury affecting his shooting. Rosenberg expresses concerns over Towns’ performance post-injury, which is critical for the team's offensive dynamics.

“He goes 1 for 10 from 3. … That's going to be something that could bother him the rest of the way.”
[16:25] – Peter Rosenberg

Strategic Matchups and Playoff Prospects

Alan Hahn and Rosenberg delve into the Knicks' playoff prospects, emphasizing the importance of matchups against top teams like the Celtics and Nuggets. They discuss the necessity for the Knicks to strengthen their roster during the trade deadline to enhance their chances in deeper playoff rounds.

“You have to build a team that can take on the other best team's best players.”
[18:24] – Alan Hahn

Rosenberg underscores the significance of depth and strategic acquisitions to withstand the rigors of playoff basketball, predicting that if the Knicks falter in the second round, it could be due to tough matchups rather than a lack of talent.

“It's all about the matchup. … it depends on who they play.”
[21:37] – Peter Rosenberg

Section 3: Interactive Segment with Callers

Caller Insights and Predictions

Listeners contribute their perspectives, discussing the Knicks' need for additional wings and backup bigs to solidify their lineup. One caller suggests that the Knicks have the best starting five offensively but require strategic trades to enhance their defensive capabilities and overall depth.

“The Knicks have the best starting five in terms of how the offense can work in the league. So what they really need in the trade deadline...”
[19:00] – Caller

Rosenberg responds by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong starting lineup while also addressing the need for depth to navigate the challenges of the playoffs effectively.

“Do you have to have enough depth… they can lose the second round maybe because they had a bad matchup.”
[20:17] – Peter Rosenberg

Discussion on Historical Comparisons

The hosts and callers reminisce about past moments when star players like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan visited Madison Square Garden, highlighting how the current Knicks’ games against top teams like the Nuggets are as significant and entertaining as those historic matchups.

“It's almost like the Knicks were the Generals. You know, it's like they're just a prop because we want to see the best.”
[18:53] – Alan Hahn

Section 4: Concluding Remarks and Future Topics

As the episode wraps up, the hosts hint at upcoming discussions, including Hal Steinbrenner’s comments on the Yankees’ standing against the Dodgers, insights from Joe, Shane, and the Giants at the Senior Bowl, and further analysis of the Knicks' strategies against top contenders.

“Coming up at the big 5 o'clock hour, Hal Steinbrenner's comments about where the Yankees stand when it comes to the Dodgers.”
[31:23] – Peter Rosenberg

They also tease future episodes covering various sports events and performances, ensuring listeners stay tuned for more in-depth analysis and engaging conversations.

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Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg: “You’re never going to have George Steinbrenner, you’re never going to have Reggie Jackson, and you’re never going to have Billy Martin. Get over it, everybody.”
  [00:34]

• Alan Hahn: “We're building not even the half full. We’ve never had that.”
  [03:55]

• Peter Rosenberg: “There’s no accountability.”
  [08:32]

• Peter Rosenberg: “Nikola Jokic is averaging a triple double this season. Averaging a triple double.”
  [10:34]

• Peter Rosenberg: “It’s all about the matchup. … it depends on who they play.”
  [21:37]

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This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provides a comprehensive look into the current state of the New York Yankees and Knicks, blending historical context with present-day analysis. Listeners gain valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of these iconic New York sports franchises, enriched by expert opinions and interactive discussions.

Transcript

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[Don Hahn]

This is Don Han and Rosenberg.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I want everybody who is a fellow Yankee fan of mine to understand something. We always feel like it's gonna come back one day. We know it will. Where you have the bombastic owner who is a take no prisoners personality, who's not going to take any crap, who's going to give it back to the media when he gets criticized and he's going to call out other teams when he wants to. You're never going to have George Steinbrenner, you're never going to have Reggie Jackson, and you're never going to have Billy Martin. Get over it, everybody. It's done. That old Yankee way, what the Yankees used to is gone. It's dead, it's buried. This is the new Yankees. They are no longer that franchise you grew up with, and you have to get over it.

[Don Hahn]

Don Han and Rosenberg on 880 ESPN.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I hate being right, but that's how I felt. You could tell me I'm wrong. You could tell me you disagree with me. You can tell me how I feel. And that is how I felt over the last several years. It just feels like what I grew up with is not the same and things changed. It's not the same. And I totally get it, but I just, I can't stand it when Yankee fans, if I talk to them or I hear them call into shows and stuff, they just, they keep living in the past of what was and what used to be and keep thinking it's supposed to come back. It's not. And that's something we all have to come to. Grit doesn't mean they can't compete. Doesn't mean they can't win. It doesn't mean they can't still do things like maybe one day win another World Series, which would be really nice. But this notion that they're going to be that team that used to embrace the title of evil empire, it's gone. And Hal Steinbrenner made that clear with his comments yesterday on the yes, network.

[Alan Hahn]

And now when I say what Hal would say to you, because you were talking about what it once stood for, that the Yankees were, what were some of the things that you were saying before the break that you're describing? The New York Yankees, that they were.

[Peter Rosenberg]

A bombastic owner, right? A superstar that was, you know, a magnet, a lightning rod, and a manager who could literally knuckle up and fight his own player because he cared that much about winning. It was that kind of just, you know, the Bronx Zoo was the Bronx Zoo. I get it. But, oh, by the way, they were winning championships during that era when they were crazy. But I also think about the late 90s as well. And while, no, they weren't that 70s team and obviously, but they felt more like the teams from the 50s, that there was this classic something about them. They're like, we don't need a third jersey. We don't need teal in our jersey. We don't have to do things. We are the old fashioned, old standard. But it's the best. It's the way you do it if you want to win the classic baseball franchise. And now it's, you know, that stuff's lost now. It's gone.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, But Hal would tell you, well, listen, we haven't finished under 530 years compared to other franchises. We are the best. You're judging it on winning the championship. It's hard to win now. There are more playoff teams. There are more rounds. There's revenue sharing now. So some of the smaller market teams are able to compete. More so than we won four championships in five years where there are really only like maybe six or seven teams that legitimately can win, but yet not one rebuild, not one completely bottoming out, not one losing season since 1992.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There was, there was a bit of a rebuild there. 2016.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, so, yeah, let's go back to that rebuild in 2016.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was a reset.

[Alan Hahn]

Mr. Mr. Hahn, it was the reset, but we also called up Judge, we called up Sanchez. They had monster end of the season where we almost stuck into the playoffs. That's what we consider a rebuild, not what the team across town has done where they've lost, had 90, 100 lost seasons, completely irrelevant. They're building not even the half full. We've never had that. See, I just think that people have to realize I'm no longer Hal. I'm Don now.

[Caller]

Oh, hey.

[Alan Hahn]

Is that the standard has changed in the Yankees eyes. You really think Hal Steinbrer, Al Steinbrenner, is disappointed that they don't win the championship because Hal wants to win. But do you really think how.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I believe that now.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. But do you. Do you think Hal looks back at the 2024 season and looks at it as a failure the way the fans do? Disappointed they didn't win. But we won our division. We went to the World Series. We had another amazing season from Aaron Judge. We had a season for the ages with Juan Soto, made a ton of money, drew a ton of people, got amazing ratings on yes, where we still own a percentage of the network. Like, I think George was basically like Dale Earnhardt, you know, second place is first loser. But I think hall, like a lot of other franchises in sports, look at the money and look at the winning, even though they didn't win the whole thing and say, you know what? I can live with that. If this is what we do every single year, I can live with that. I can't give that perception to the fans because of the stupid mission statement my father threw out there that it's championship or bust. But there's no way anybody in that organization, no matter what they say, can tell me that it's championship or bust anymore. It's not. Clearly, it's not. Because if that were the case, Boone would have lost his job years ago. Cashman would have lost his job years ago. So when the caller says, we're the New York Yankees, not by the definition, you're holding them to the fans. Look at the Yankees in one way, I think the Yankees look at themselves differently, period.

[Caller]

100% correct. That whole. That whole.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's kind of what I said.

[Caller]

Yeah, but Don. But Don jushed it up real nice and sexy, you know what I mean? But you're all delivered. You.

[Alan Hahn]

You said. You're complaining about it like you're saying that we're not the Yankees anymore. I'm saying that they. They, they. They still think they're the ones.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But because I miss. I missed that. That. That was. Look, I've told everybody this many times, like, again, when you get into the media as long as I have, you stop being a fan of teams. Especially when you cover teams that you grew up rooting for. You know, it becomes more about the business and what's best for me and my business and what's the best story, all that stuff. So, you know, covering the Islanders, covering the Knicks, you know, I spent a little bit of time covering the jets as well. You sort of lose that feeling. The Yankees are the one team I've managed to avoid having to cover ever so that's the team. I always say, at least I have one team I can root for. I don't know too much. I'd rather not. And it allows me to still feel something emotional about them. Right. And so it's the one thing that I always would be able to hang my hat on. Like every year. I know they're gonna be good every year. So that's why what I said, you're right, it's the standard and everything else. But what you were telling me in the Hal voice was excuses. Well, it's different. There's, it's harder to get there. It's a stop with the excuses. Yes, it's harder, but so what? You still. It's hard for everybody, but it should be less hard for you because of who you are.

[Alan Hahn]

I know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And the standard that you have and.

[Caller]

The expectation that when you put it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There'S a lot more that comes with it. And we demand that. And I'm sorry, you shouldn't say, well, we can't expect to win the championship every year. Screw that. I absolutely do. I have that expectation because I am, as the leader of this franchise, the one that has to set that standard. Everybody, if we don't win this thing, you know, I'm not happy. We all know business wise, any, any pro sports league, when you make the Final Four, you had a successful year. So the Mets had a successful year even though they didn't get to the World Series. Your commanders had a successful year because they got to the Final Four. That's a good year business wise. But as the owner, I don't want anybody in my franchise to think we, we can let up now. Oh, it's okay. We had a good year despite losing. No, it's never acceptable never to lose, of course.

[Alan Hahn]

But they do. They're not going to, they're not guaranteed to win like they would be able to. Like, what if he throws out there and says all the things we wish that he would say, like, we're going to win next year, we're going to go after them. We don't have to spend their money. We're better at it than they are. Well, then if you don't win, you could say all you want about the mission statements of championship, but if literally no one ever loses their job. When you don't win a championship, isn't it just words and not actions?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. There's no accountability.

[Alan Hahn]

George fired Dick Hauser after 103 win season because they lost in the league championship series. I'm not saying that's Right, but no matter what George said, it was his actions, Don.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He fired Billy Martin and then rehired him for two years later a couple of months later.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. So, I mean, and that was irrational, but what it did send was, hey, the mission statement is to win a championship, and if you don't, it's a failure and heads will roll and we'll do whatever.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Heads to win, Right?

[Alan Hahn]

So. So they're not the Yankees that you want them to be. I'll never say they're just another team because they're not. Because they've finished above.500 for 30 straight years and their brand means more than any other North American sports franchise. But on the field, Peter, they're just another team. They're very good. But you know what? The Giants have won more championships in baseball over the last decade than they have. Royals have been to more World Series. The Rangers have been the more World Series. I mean, so you're talking about a gold standard that was set like literally decades ago. This team won one championship since 2000, so that there have been teams better. So stop holding them to the standard of the four championships in five years. Stop holding to the DiMaggio and the Mar and, and the, and the Bearers and the Mantles and even the Jeters and the Moe's. That's not what they are anymore.

[Caller]

And what makes it even more annoying, what Alan was referring to earlier, the, the way they carry themselves like, like kind of how stiff everyone is, how buttoned up it is. They're buttoned up as if they're the highest level franchise since. So the, the buttoned up part is still with the Yankees when really maybe you guys should be loud and scrappy and aggressive, but they act as if. Alan, they don't even need to be loud and scrappy and aggressive. They just go out there and play baseball and they'll win.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nah, not getting dirty. Right? That's. Again, it's all those things. All right, the point was made, I think. And, and I appreciate you guys for letting me just kind of exhale on this whole thing.

[Alan Hahn]

No Good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But at 800 now, 93776. We, we do have other things to discuss. And one thing is everybody knows I'm here at the Garden, if you can't tell with all the noise going on in the background. The Knicks have another game tonight. They play the Denver Nuggets. And in comes Nicole Jokic, who while everybody was talking about Shea, Gilgas, Alexander, and, oh, he's got to win MVP this year. Don't look now But Jokic is averaging a triple double this season. Averaging a triple double. This guy might win a fourth in five years unless everybody just gets sick of voting for him. But he's been incredible. The Nuggets are playing better. They're t. I think they're fourth in the west, but they are one of the top five teams in the West. So another challenge coming in here at the Garden. KARL Anthony Towns vs Nikola Jokic. This is why you got Carl Anthony Towns. And the last time they played each other, which is all the way back in November, Towns had a big game, a 30, 15 and three kind of performance. A couple of blocks as well. You know, when you're trying to win championships, you got to build a team that can take on the other best team's best players. If you ever met the Celtics, you feel like, okay, Towns, Porzingis, that's a. There's your matchup. But if you ever had to meet the Nuggets in the finals, you got Nikola Jokic. And so this is one of those big man, you know, marquee matchups that are definitely going to be something to watch tonight. How invested are both of you in the outcome of this game and how you feel about the Knicks going forward because it's another matchup against another top team.

[Caller]

For me, I'm not investing a ton into one game tonight because frankly, I think this Knicks team is sort of beyond having to invest that much into every individual game. You'd love to see them beat a great team in the West. You'd love to see them beat a team who, if you dream about the finals, you could be playing against. But Alan, don't you think at this point, especially coming off of a monster win where they dominated Memphis and other quality wins, they're kind of beyond like, short of completely pooping the bed and looking outclassed, do you really need to judge them every game at this point, aren't they are a 3116 basketball team who at times trounces good teams. Like, I just don't know that they at this point point aren't beyond being judged on that in that way.

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[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, it's weird because, like, if we're going to make a big deal out of this game, then, you know, it'll be our open tomorrow. They beat the Nuggets. Great win. Are you prepared to kill them if they lose? I'm not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think what Peter said is like what it looks like, you know, again, because, well, you don't get blown out, embarrassed.

[Alan Hahn]

That's not. I don't even think that's in the cards, do you?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't even think it's in the cards. Right, right. I think you're right about that. I guess maybe I asked the wrong question, but it's. For me, these are the games that get my attention. You know, they're going to play the. They're going to play the Lakers on Saturday. And I know it's LeBron. That game means nothing to me because the Lakers aren't a really serious team, but they have LeBron. Anthony Davis is a guy that, when he's playing, he's good, but again, he got hurt last night. They get smoked by a bad Sixers team. They're at the end of a road trip. Like, I know it's. It could be LeBron's last game at the Garden. So Friday we'll probably talk about that a little bit. But, like, I'm not as invested in that game. Just like I'm not really that invested when they play Toronto next week, but they got the Celtics coming up next Saturday. That's a big one. And I think this is one of those, too. And this is the reason why, like I said, when you get to, you know, the end of. If you can. If you can climb through the playoff journey and get to a point where you've got to now beat the best teams to get to the finals, you know, Boston's one. How do you match up? What does it look like? And I think Denver is another one. I think Denver, as good as the Thunder are and how well they've played, when Denver's right and when Jokic is the best player in the league, they are still a threat. And if you can handle them it's another good sign that they have really turned the corner once again this year. Now, what they want to point out, Townes is dealing with a thumb injury that he suffered. I think like a week ago, he missed two games. Some of the reports say he chipped a bone. Now it's on his shooting hand. So he went. He comes back and he went 1 for 10 from 3. This is this a guy that was like one of the top three point shooters in the league. And it's a big weapon because it opens the pain for Brunson. But since he came back, he went 1 for 10. And then Monday night against the Grizzlies, he went 2 for 4. And even he said, like, yeah, it was looking ugly. He almost felt relief that he knocked down a couple of threes. I'm watching that because when you hear a chip bone, when you hear a thumb injury on a shooting hand, that's not something that, like, hey, in April, where you're like, hey, remember when you got a chip bone? Whatever happened to that? Like, that's going to be something that could bother him the rest of the way and might take an off season procedure to fix. And you got to watch his shooting percentage after this because that's such a huge element, what he's brought that opens up the paint for a guy like Brunson.

[Alan Hahn]

Would it be wrong if I just kind of watched it just to enjoy two really good basketball teams and then I'll kind of assess how I feel about it when it's over? Like, you know, like it's a regular season game. And listen, it has meaning. But Boston's in Miami, right? So I guess it's possible that they could be tied with the Celtics, depending on how. What happens tonight, that'd be good, you know, from that. But other than getting like, you don't belong on the court, if you, if they. You lose a tight, competitive game, I'm not going to freak out about it. I think Peter's right. I think we're beyond, like, judging them, you know, day in, day out like that. But what's wrong? I. I always felt like as a, as a fan and as somebody that does this for a living, you get excited when the best come to the Garden. You know, like, even if you're not overly invested. I'm sorry. There were times when Gretzky would come to the Garden or Jagger or Sidney Crosby, like, let's not get caught. It's fun to see, like, the best of the best come to the Garden to play you. And you should Be up for it. And, and just for the love of the game, right, let's. Let's put everything. The standings and all that. Let's just sit back and enjoy that, you know, this best on best, you know, 48 minutes of basketball. And then when it's over, I guess we can assess how we feel about it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's where we're at right now. Which feels like, you know, August in a Yankee season, right? When, when you don't want to get too caught up in there. Maybe it's may. Is it May? I don't even where. Because really we're in the second half of the season. You are starting to look at. And you're looking at the standings and this is all. I think this is a stretch against good teams and you want to get that sense of, you know, okay, what is the temperature of this team? What is the. What is the. Like, how do you really assess how legitimate this team is when it comes to winning a championship? Because, you know, like, this is the. This is a tough stretch, this part of this, of the schedule. That's why I'm looking at it like that. Like each night feels like a different test. And the last couple of nights, they've passed it.

[Alan Hahn]

Alan, we've been around this team long enough to remember the days when, when Kobe would come to town, when Jordan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Everybody'S here in a Laker jersey and.

[Alan Hahn]

It'S like, you know what? It was almost like the, the. The. The Knicks were the second team. The Knicks were like the Generals. You know, it's like they're just a prop because we want to see the best. And then Kobe will, you know, drop, drop 50 and then always talking about the next day is how great Kobe is. And the Knicks were a prop. Those days are over, you know, so this is the bet. This is what's great. You've got a really good basketball team. Yeah, I dare I say, great basketball team and one of the great players in this sports coming to town. Let's have fun.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fair enough. 800 now. 3, 7, 7, 6. Let's take Moose in Jamaica. What's up, Moose?

[Caller]

Moose, What's.

[Moose]

What's going on, fellas? Don Allen. Peter, how are you? Good afternoon. Yeah, so I want to get into the Knicks conversation. First things first. One healthy when Mitch is on the court and his role as a non offensive, like, doesn't need the balls to score, put backs, rebounds, finishes alley oops. The Knicks have the best starting five in terms of how the offense can work in the league. So what they really need in the trade deadline Rose needs to pick up a wing 3/2/4 however they want to match it up and a backup big and maybe they can get away with Cameron Payne or Hart or either Bridges running the point to spell Brunson. But like other if they don't get those things it might be another second round exit. Because in a seven game series it's all about the matchup. What you can exploit, what, what offense of sets you can run, how the defense can trap ball handlers and stifle on offense. And that's what I've been noticing from the game. I don't watch too much because the NBA product is a little bit unwatchable. But yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh wow. Okay. So thank you. Say about the Knicks but doesn't really watch much.

[Caller]

So that was an interesting close.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I yeah, I don't really watch much but I'll tell you all the things they need. Like by the way, so you don't watch a lot of NBA basketball. What's the one thing we know about the NBA playoffs when it comes to teams and their depth? What happens in the playoffs? Guys, just take a wild guess what happens when you get to the playoffs. The five starters play 90% of the game. Oh, of course, you never have that. You, you don't use your bench nearly as much as you do in the regular season. Because in the regular season it's that, you know, it's a grind. There's back to back. There's all those things that you need to do. But if you have which they do statistically the highest scoring starting five in the NBA like, like to me that's when you feel like you can match up against anybody. Because while you talk about how are you going to match up with them, how are they going to stop you? So I don't ever worry about that stuff. Now do they need to get some pieces? Yes, because nobody stays healthy and you're always going to have to deal with that kind of stuff. Yes, they need pieces. I don't know if they're going to get them but you know the notion of like, you know, the desperate need for depth because if not they're not going to get out of the second round. They're not going to lose in the second round because they didn't have enough depth. They can lose the second round maybe because they had a bad matchup and a certain team just had something that was able to shut them down and keep them from being the high scoring offense they've been. That's what I see it all depends on who they play.

[Alan Hahn]

And I'm not. I'm not ready to, like, guarantee anything, but I think if you get bounced in the second round, it's going to be because you play the Celtics. I think they get out of the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here's the funny thing, all the moves that they made, because I'm not disagreeing with you, because Boston, you know, it's the 2, 3, and that's where you guys sit right now. If. If you look at how they built this team from last year, you have the addition of Bridges to go along with Anobi, and you added Towns. Well, Porzingis used to kill them because their bigs, Hartenstein and Robinson couldn't come out of the paint. So Porzingis was effective as a shot blocker and a rim protector because, you know, you didn't. He didn't have to go too far with Townes. He's got to come out of the paint and guard him because Towns will knock down threes. Towns is really good on the perimeter, so you get him for that reason. Right. Him and Horford as well. But you also get Bridges with Anunobi because now you've got two wings that can defend Tatum and Brown, which you also struggled to do. You weren't big enough or strong enough or good enough defensively to guard those two guys, which are offensive juggernauts. You match up really well with this team now. And that's why I feel like starting five to starting five at full health. I think it's a push. I don't think Boston's that much better than them. What Boston has is the experience together of a already winning one with that starting five. So they have that belief and that's about it. But I'll take seven games with that five versus five. You're going to tell me Peyton Pritchard is going to win the series for them?

[Caller]

That's Peyton Pritchard you're talking about. The difference.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm just saying.

[Alan Hahn]

But with that said, then, if it's anybody else, you would expect to win.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, especially if you're the third seed. Right. Because if it's not Boston and you end up facing or go.

[Caller]

Right now they're getting Miami.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who's getting Miami?

[Caller]

Well, the Knicks are getting Miami in the first round, so I guess you'd get Boston in the SEC second, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Caller]

And then you'd be. And then you'd get Cleveland. Cleveland Town, if you will.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Cleveland's the interesting one. That, to me, is the interesting one more than anything.

[Caller]

By interesting, you mean terrifying.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no, no. Not terrifying at all.

[Caller]

Remember, you like because they're a great team, but you like the matchup.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You, you've, you've owned them. You own them in the playoffs and, and they have a ton of size, but they're, they're going to have that. Can you, when it matters most, show up in a big spot and then you have Donovan Mitchell who was supposed to be here and isn't here. He ended up being there instead and they moved on from the idea of getting him a lot of those storylines. Kenny Atkinson that like to me, an Eastern Conference finals of Knicks Cavs that, that there's a lot going on there. That's, that's got some sizzle, boys. That's all I'm going to say. All right, we also have some sizzle with ENN coming up next. But Peter's got some fanduel again.

[Caller]

Oh, come on. Are you kidding me? I got so many things to talk about today. Allen fanduel, you already know it. The kick of destiny is back. And this time it's every Manning for himself. This super bowl, two legends will take the field in a sudden death field goal showdown. Payton versus Eli live for New Orleans. One kick to claim the ultimate family bragging rights. Who will rise to the moment? And guys, you were thinking, you know what? The super bowl weekend needs more Mannings. I just want a weekend where I get to see the Mannings. Well, good news. You will get to bet with them on the FanDuel app. That's right. And if you get it right, you back the right brother. You'll earn your share of $10 million in bonus bets. It's the fanduel kick of Destiny 3. Make your free pick and don't forget to tune in and watch the showdown live during the Super Bowl 59 pregame show on Fox at 3pm Eastern. All right. May the best match Manning win. Download the app or head to FanDuel.com Peter and bet with FanDuel official partner of Super Bowl 59, 21 and over and physically present in New York. No purchase necessary. Bonus issued as non withdrawable bonus bets then expires seven days after seat restrictions apply. Void we're prohibited seat [e-mail] for help with the gambling problem, call 8778 Hope NY or text openy467369.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Caller]

I didn't listen to anything.

[Don Hahn]

You just catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get Your podcasts.

[Caller]

All right, guys, it's going down on Friday. Lids is opening up a brand new store and the grand opening celebration is this weekend. So Friday between noon and 2pm Come by for a chance to win 150 shopping spree with me, Peter Rosenberg. I will be there holding it down this Friday. All right, 12 to 2. ESPN New York's in the building. And on Saturday between 10 and 11, you can come by and meet Yankee great Nick Swisher. It's all happening this Friday and Saturday at this new lids on West 42nd street between 7th and 8th. You can also score a $50 lids Times Square gift card on the ESPN New York app right now. Just find the contest tile and submit your entry. Get in the game and and make it a day to remember at Lids. And if you haven't gotten to mess around yet with the Lids customization, the way you can take an awesome, like, fitted hat and personalize it with your own logo or message, it's pretty awesome. Come hang out on Friday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Love it. Lids.

[Caller]

I know I know Michael and you know I know Michael K. You know, I'm going to be calling into the Michael K Show. And Michael was so excited about this event. He the only thing he required in order for this to happen on his show was getting a Yankee cap.

[Alan Hahn]

Really?

[Caller]

Now, now I know what you're saying. You're going, wait a second. Michael K. Michael K needed a hookup on a Yankee cap, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, Right. Like this, Don.

[Caller]

Don, I tease you for being a bad negotiator. If Michael can't get a Yankee hat, we got to have a separate kind of conversation.

[Alan Hahn]

Adam Silver wants to know, is there any, like, free NBA caps he can snag from you?

[Moose]

Crazy.

[Alan Hahn]

Really?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's, it's, it's just take the bill off, though. We don't need a bill like the bill on the cap. It's just, it's extraneous. I think the fans really just want the cap.

[Caller]

If you guys really want to put a little helicopter. If you guys really want to get who Michael K is, though, this is a true story. Our I don't want to speak out of school, but I'm going to our pinhead suit. Our good friend John goes to Michael and says, michael, Peter's going to be calling in during your show. Now listen, just inside baseball for everyone. When you work at a radio station, if there's some sort of thing that's happening that involves another talent calling into your show to promote something, it means the stations making money. And it's not really an option. It's just what's happening. Okay. I mean, Alan, you. This. It's happened to everyone who's ever done a radio show in history.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Caller]

Michael K. Is the only person who says he treats it like his own personal real estate and goes, oh, yeah, I'll do it if you get me a Yankee cap. He held him up for a Yankee cap. I said to Michael, I said. I said, at the very least, will you let me get it customized for Charlie? So you're. Because it sounds even worse if you're just. You just want a blank Yankee cap. You're Michael K. No, I'm getting a Charlie K customized cap from Lids. That's something nice, but that's who Michael K. Is. Just that. Well, come on. That's kind of friend I am. Even though you got the way he talked to me. Unbelievable. And also, Alan, have you noticed that since the Don Hahn and Rosenberg vehicle started.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Caller]

Don has made two appearances to, like, sort of regale the K show listeners with a little, you know, return. And Michael's had him on for chit chat. The commanders went on quite a playoff run, as I recall. Michael never asked for a Rosenberg visit on the show. Not a moment.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, I would definitely.

[Caller]

No, no, no.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'd read into that one. I would definitely read into that. Deeply.

[Caller]

Yeah, I'm going to. Just like, you know, you could tell Michael was deeply jealous when he heard about the Don and Allen excursion last night at the Garden.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he claimed that I never had him on the intermission report, which is a complete lie. I did have him on. And do you think the way Allen went about it, hey, Don, let's go to the game. He waited. I did the pregame show, then we went together on the subway, went to the suite. He then walked with me for the rest of the first period to watch on the bridge level. Came into the booth, and we did the spot, and then he sat with me in the second period. Do you think there's any way a Michael would have waited for me to do the post game and went with me to the subway? And do you think that he would have ever left the suite when we stopped at the suite? Would he have ever let. Would he have. Would he have come up with me to the press area? No, stop it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's just more about me. I'm a commoner. Like, that's. I'll always just be that, you know, I. I can't. I don't know how to be elite like K. Like, he's just Elite. So he knows how to carry himself. He knows how to act. He knows I've. I'm not, I shouldn't be seen doing that. Me, like, I, I don't know any better.

[Caller]

If, if you want perfect, if you want something that perfectly sums up the caseter. And I love the man he is. When people ask me, oh, what's Michael K. Like? A wonderful man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

A great sweetheart of a man. Yeah.

[Caller]

Sweetheart of a man. All of us would agree. Been great to all of us in our careers. But if you want to know really who the man is, he said to Don, you would never have me do that. Don goes, I did have you do that. Michael goes, really? I didn't even remember.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Caller]

So if that doesn't sum it up.

[Alan Hahn]

He so desperately sum it up because he's the guy that has no intention of going to the party but wants to be invited to the party. And there's been examples of that. So listen, it was a long time ago, but I've had him on. Listen, stop it, all right?

[Caller]

Stop it. I know I'm jealous now. I want an appearance at a, on an intermission.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We can make that happen. All right. Well, coming up at the big 5 o'clock hour, Hal Steinbrenner's comments about where the Yankees stand when it comes to the Dodgers. Who is he aligning with and why? Also Joe, Shane and the Giants speaking at the Senior bowl, talking about the future at quarterback. Are they stuck on drafting one? You have that to talk about. The Knicks and the Nuggets tonight at Madison Square Garden. And the Rangers and what the hell happened last night? Game time brought to you by Tullamore due to Irish whiskey. Because when it's game time, it's telly time. As I mentioned, Knicks host the Nuggets tonight coverage begins immediately following us right here on 880. The Devils welcome in the Flyers at 7:30 and the Nets visit the Hornets at 7. Tullamore Dew, the original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey, during tonight's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't want to know how the 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, a ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.