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.

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.

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]

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.