Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Giannis' Future & Damien Woody (Feb 5, 2026)

Episode Overview

This lively hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg show dives into the future of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the New York Knicks' calculated patience, the NBA and NFL All-Star events' waning appeal, and an in-depth conversation with former NFL lineman Damien Woody. The hosts mix serious sports analysis with their trademark humor, capturing the mood of New York sports fandom while exploring current stories and personalities shaping the scene.

Segment 1: Giannis’ Future & Knicks Involvement

Timestamps: 00:00 – 07:52

Key Discussion Points

• Knicks' Pursuit of Giannis: Alan Hahn details the timeline of the Knicks' interest in Giannis and the resulting flirtation, highlighting why a deal never came to fruition.
• Milwaukee’s Stance & Giannis’s Options: The Bucks were never truly serious about moving Giannis, focusing on keeping leverage and opening trade conversations to more teams.
• Giannis' Preferences: Ultimately, Giannis only seriously considered staying or moving to New York; other destinations didn't appeal.
• Long-term Outlook: Speculation that Giannis will sign a 4-year, $275 million extension to stay a "Buck for life."

Quote Highlights

• Alan Hahn:
  "For Giannis, it was either stay here or try to play in New York, a city I love, a city that could be really good for me. And that's basically it." (04:17)
• Don La Greca:
  "If he ends up staying, he could say, 'Well, I knew this all along.' And if it doesn't, then he ends up where he actually wants to be." (04:52)

Segment 2: The Risks of Trading for Superstar Players

Timestamps: 05:26 – 06:25

Key Discussion Points

• Injury Concerns: Don and Alan weigh the implications for the Knicks in trading for a player like Giannis, especially if recurring injuries are a concern.
• Knicks’ Calculated Approach: The front office preferred caution over desperation in blockbuster trades.

Quote Highlight

• Don La Greca:
  "If the Achilles is going to go...if it were to happen, have it happen at the end of this year, then you know, all right, I don't need to touch him. Rather than happen on opening night." (05:28)

Segment 3: NBA Celebrity Game & All-Star Weekend

Timestamps: 07:52 – 15:16

Key Discussion Points

• Celebrity Game Lineup Lament: Peter Rosenberg jokes about the lack of star power in the current NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, compared to past years.
• Declining All-Star Game Relevance: The hosts agree that All-Star events (NBA and NFL) have lost their former luster—even in marquee cities like Los Angeles and despite major stars like LeBron.
• Why the Change?: Ubiquity of star appearances on TV and streaming has dulled the luster of special events.

Memorable Moments

• Rosenberg on the Celebrity Game:
  "There aren't that many famous people. Like owners. You can include Jeff Lazri. Played the year I played. Also not famous." (11:44)
• Don La Greca on the Pro Bowl:
  "If the game were in my backyard, I'd turn the hose on ‘em." (12:30)

Segment 4: Knicks Get Grittier With Jose Alvarado

Timestamps: 16:59 – 18:35

Key Discussion Points

• Knicks Acquire Jose Alvarado: Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg discuss why bringing home the New York native could inject needed tenacity and heart into the Knicks' lineup.
• Personal Impact: Alvarado’s emotional connection to Madison Square Garden and the importance of homegrown talent.

Notable Quote

• Jose Alvarado (clip):
  "It's like a dream come true...I'm at the Garden now one, and I'm doing an interview with y'all, and my peoples is right there. You can't make that up." (17:20)

Segment 5: Damien Woody Joins – Super Bowl Thoughts & Tom Brady Debate

Timestamps: 22:35 – 32:43

Key Discussion Points

• Damien Woody's Vibe: The hosts note the difference in mood between Woody's laid-back style and their more intense guests.
• Tom Brady’s ‘No Dog In the Fight’ Stance: The former Patriot’s reluctance to publicly support New England in the Super Bowl draws criticism. Woody thinks it's "preposterous" for Brady to claim neutrality.
• Derek Jeter Comparison: Don and Peter liken the situation to how Derek Jeter would respond if the Yankees made the World Series after he’d moved on.

Memorable Quotes

• Damien Woody:
  "Bro, literally, you're like Captain America up in New England. You have a whole statue outside of Gillette...to say you don't have a dog in a fight? Give me a break." (23:46)
• Woody on Super Bowl Viewings:
  "I'm not the best person to watch a game with. I'm looking at every little detail...I'm not the recreational type fan." (27:50)

Segment 6: Superbowl Memories & The Halftime Show

Timestamps: 29:33 – 32:43

Key Discussion Points

• Super Bowl Halftime: Woody recounts his own experiences playing through the extended halftime and needing to prep differently.
• Past Halftime Shows: Hosts reminisce about standout performances—U2 after 9/11, and the infamous Janet Jackson-Justin Timberlake show.

Quote

• Damien Woody:
  "We actually prepared for [the longer halftime]...make sure you're hydrating, gonna eat...this bad boy is gonna be a lot longer..." (29:49)

Segment 7: Hockey Talk – The Rangers' “Retool” and Chris Drury’s Plans

Timestamps: 43:57 – 49:11

Key Discussion Points

• Drury’s Press Conference: Discussion of the Rangers’ approach—‘retooling’ rather than outright rebuilding—and what that means for the team’s timeline and core players.
• Semantics Matter: “Retool” signals hope for a faster turnaround, whereas “rebuild” suggests a long wait—the distinction is especially important for the New York fanbase.

Notable Quotes

• Alan Hahn (quoting Drury):
  "'We're not going to sit here and put a timeline on it right now...We're going to try to do everything we can to get back to being a contending team as quickly as we can.'" (44:38)
• Don La Greca:
  "Rebuild, that's just because a rebuild suggests that everybody can go. You're tearing it down and you're not doing that. You're going to start next year with Igor Shesterkin, one of the best goaltenders." (45:19)

Quick Hits and Humor Throughout

• Peter: "If I asked Woody to eat 100 buffalo wings, he'd have done it seven times already. We asked him to watch a movie…forget it." (35:18)
• Damion Woody and the ongoing running joke about his refusal to watch Napoleon Dynamite, the group’s lighthearted give-and-take.
• Multiple callbacks to classic New York sports moments and the culture surrounding being a diehard NY sports fan.

Section-by-Section Timestamps

• Giannis/Knicks/NBA Trade Rumors: 00:00 – 07:52
• Trade Risks & Giannis’s Health: 05:26 – 06:25
• NBA/Celebrity/All-Star Game Disillusionment: 07:52 – 15:16
• Jose Alvarado Knicks Acquisition: 16:59 – 18:35
• NFL & Tom Brady Debate: 23:01 – 24:44
• Super Bowl Viewing and Halftime Stories: 29:33 – 32:43
• Rangers’ ‘Retool’ Strategy: 43:57 – 49:11

Tone & Style

The hosts maintain a conversational, sometimes irreverent tone characteristic of New York sports talk radio—mixing expert analysis, personal anecdotes, banter, and plenty of inside jokes. Quick-witted and at times sentimental, the episode balances serious discussion with comedic moments and accessible storytelling.

Essential Takeaways

• The Knicks' Giannis pursuit is over for now, but the “what if” will linger until he officially re-signs in Milwaukee.
• NBA and NFL All-Star events are struggling with meaning and star power.
• The Knicks hope Jose Alvarado’s New York roots will translate into the grit and identity the team needs.
• Damien Woody isn’t shy: Tom Brady should have shown his Patriot colors; Super Bowl halftime as a player is grueling; he’d rather host a rowdy watch party than field casual football questions during the game.
• The Rangers want a quick turnaround (“retool”) rather than a total rebuild, but fans may need to be patient.
• The cast’s chemistry and humor make even routine debates lively and memorable.

This summary should equip any listener with a thorough understanding of the hour’s best moments, key analysis, and classic New York sports banter—even if they missed the show.