Hour 3: Hypotheticals

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Hypotheticals
Release Date: May 14, 2025

Hosts:

• Don Hahn: ESPN New York and New Jersey sports legend
• Peter Rosenberg: Highly opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality
• Jacob (Anthony): [Assumed co-host]

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Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," the hosts delve into a variety of intriguing topics, blending sports insights with cultural commentary. Centered around the theme of hypotheticals, the discussion traverses from media branding decisions to unexpected gaps in popular culture knowledge, culminating in a passionate analysis of the New York Knicks' playoff journey and the potential repercussions of significant player trades. The conversation is enriched with listener interactions, providing diverse perspectives on the evolving sports landscape.

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Key Topics and Discussions

1. HBO Rebranding: From HBO to Max

Timestamp: 02:16 - 03:32

The hosts begin by addressing the recent and controversial decision of HBO rebranding itself solely as Max. Jacob criticizes the move, stating, "The dumbest decision in the history of media was righted today when HBO was returned to HBO Max" (02:16). This sentiment is echoed by Peter Rosenberg, who questions the rationale behind the name change, emphasizing the brand's storied history and recognition.

• Jacob: "Just call it Max and just call it Max" (02:16).
• Don Hahn: "What was Max like?" (03:19).

The discussion underscores the sentimental value and brand equity that HBO carries, suggesting that the name change might alienate longstanding viewers and diminish brand loyalty.

2. Cultural Knowledge Gap: The 'Grease' Song Incident

Timestamp: 04:11 - 09:16

A humorous yet surprising segment unfolds when the hosts recount an incident where a DJ, known for his expertise, admits to never having heard the iconic song "Grease" by Frankie Valli. This revelation sparks a nostalgic trip down memory lane, exploring the cultural impact of the "Grease" soundtrack.

• Jacob: "He would have known 'Summer Lovin' if we played that" (06:29).
• Peter Rosenberg: "I hate musicals. Despise them almost to the level of Parades" (07:05).
• Don Hahn: "Painfully cheesy" (07:23).

The trio debates the enduring legacy of "Grease," highlighting how certain cultural artifacts remain ingrained in collective memory, even if individual experiences vary. The conversation also touches upon the musical choices in the film and their alignment with the 1950s setting.

3. The New York Knicks' Playoff Surge and Trade Hypotheticals

Timestamp: 10:42 - 31:04

The core of the episode revolves around the New York Knicks' impressive playoff performance and the hypothetical scenarios arising from recent significant trades. The discussion centers on how the Knicks' trade decisions have set the stage for a potential Finals matchup against former teammates, specifically the Minnesota Timberwolves.

• Anthony: "The Knicks playoff run is nothing short of inspiring" (13:35).
• Don Hahn: "That would be like the Knicks and Nets becoming one team" (14:23).
• Jacob: "So the Knicks just did it in Detroit. Can they do it again?" (19:43).

The hosts analyze the impact of trading key players such as Julius Randle and Dante Hartenstein, debating whether fans would support these players if the Knicks face their former team in the Finals. They explore fan psychology, loyalty, and the potential for both appreciation and antagonism in such high-stakes matchups.

4. Listener Interactions: Real-Time Hypotheticals and Opinions

Timestamp: 20:13 - 46:17

Throughout the episode, listeners call in with their own hypotheticals and opinions, enriching the conversation with diverse viewpoints:

• Mike from New Jersey: Highlights John Gruden's trade from the Raiders to Buccaneers and their subsequent Super Bowl matchup (20:25).
• Chauncey from Westwood: Celebrates attending his first Knicks playoff game and praises players like Jalen Brunson for their performances (21:09).
• Geo from Connecticut: Shares insights on NHL trades involving the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators (31:04).
• Ed from New Jersey: Offers honorable mentions for notable sports moments, such as Bernie Williams' home run in the ALCS (32:50).
• Eric from Miami: Discusses Coach Thibodeau's strategy and its effects on team performance and player health (33:32).
• Joe from New Jersey: Expresses concerns about fan behavior and the psychological impact of potential Finals outcomes (42:11).
• Troy: Urges the hosts to focus solely on the current game and avoid speculative discussions about future matchups (43:59).

These interactions provide a multifaceted perspective on the topics discussed, reflecting the passion and diversity of the ESPN New York listener base.

5. The Psychological Dynamics of Fan Support in Trade Scenarios

Timestamp: 25:04 - 46:17

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around how fans react when their team trades beloved players with rival teams. The hosts debate whether fans would show appreciation or resentment toward former players if they encounter them in critical playoff games.

• Peter Rosenberg: "You're going to hear a positive reaction" (18:39).
• Anthony: "They ain't showing them that much love" (25:17).
• Don Hahn: "No, they're going to show appreciation" (28:38).

The conversation delves into the complexity of fan emotions, loyalty to players versus the team, and the broader implications for team dynamics and future trades. The hosts explore scenarios where traded players could influence the outcome of playoff series, questioning whether fans can separate individual contributions from team allegiance.

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Notable Quotes

• Jacob: "I feel like I'm like 80%, which is a bummer. But we're fighting number one. Losing number one." (02:16)
• Don Hahn: "What was Max like?" (03:19)
• Peter Rosenberg: "I hate musicals. Despise them almost to the level of Parades." (07:05)
• Anthony: "The Knicks playoff run is nothing short of inspiring." (13:35)
• Don Hahn: "That would be like the Knicks and Nets becoming one team." (14:23)
• Peter Rosenberg: "You're going to hear a positive reaction." (18:39)
• Anthony: "They ain't showing them that much love." (25:17)
• Don Hahn: "No, they're going to show appreciation." (28:38)

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Conclusions and Insights

The episode masterfully intertwines cultural commentary with in-depth sports analysis, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the multifaceted nature of fan engagement and team strategies. By exploring hypotheticals surrounding player trades and their potential impact on playoff outcomes, the hosts provide valuable insights into the intricate relationship between team decisions and fan psychology. Additionally, the segment on the "Grease" song highlights how cultural touchstones remain relevant and can sometimes surprise even seasoned media personalities.

The lively interactions with listeners enrich the discourse, presenting a tapestry of opinions that reflect the dynamic landscape of modern sports fandom. Ultimately, "Hour 3: Hypotheticals" serves as both an entertaining and thought-provoking episode, appealing to sports enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions within the episode.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Anthony]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3.

[Don Hahn]

On 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New.

[Anthony]

York app, and your smart speakers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Game time is brought to you by Tullimore. To Irish Whiskey. Because when it is game time, it's Tully time. No, honestly, this is the last read I'm gonna do. Nobody wants to do this. Then we won't do it. I'll just say Tully time and be done.

[Jacob]

Well, you can't say anything.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You want to kill it now you want to kill it.

[Don Hahn]

You didn't like the Michael J. Fox one?

[Jacob]

Yeah, it worked.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But that was just because there was dead silence. Somebody had to say something.

[Jacob]

It's Tolly time. It's over.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm telling you right now.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, boy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Jacob, just don't erase it all. Ready again. One, two, three. Let's be average. Not even good.

[Jacob]

By the way, I was against this from the first time, so shouldn't I be exempt from this ire? You should be on it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm only looking at you because you engaged me.

[Jacob]

Okay, good. Because this has nothing to do. It's all Alan. I never wanted it. Alan did.

[Don Hahn]

I was just looking at you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Come on. It's Tully time. That's it? That's all they get? No big long scream? No. Hey, Doc, it's. It just died. It just died. It died of the worst disease you can think of. And you know what? It was a painful death.

[Don Hahn]

They deserve better. Tullamore DU has been a wonderful sponsor, partner.

[Jacob]

Oh, this station, proud partner.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm going to do the read as well as it can be done. But the extra stuff died. It was a Braveheart death. Remember how everybody died in Braveheart? They felt every second of it.

[Don Hahn]

Epic. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's now dead. Yankees and Mariners, they're concluding their series right now. We're scoreless in the bottom of the third.

[Don Hahn]

Will Warren's got two on now with one out. So it's his turn now to get out of a jam.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Mets are finishing up their series with the Pirates. Weather pending on 880 right here. Following us at 6:30. But the game everybody's talking about. The Knicks looking to close out the Celtics. Imagine that, man. Six o' clock coverage of Pat O' Keefe on 1050. The original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast mature and Irish whiskey. That's the Tullamore do thing, man. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore do, honey. During today's action. Glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly.

[Jacob]

I have a couple of important issues that I've been. Haven't had time to get to today and I really do. I apologize. I do feel like I'm like 80%, which is a bummer. But we're fighting number one. Losing number one. Our great national nightmare is over. The dumbest decision in the history of media was righted today when the HBO was returned to hbo. Max, I just want to applaud whoever made the obvious and easy decision we had literally maybe the best kept brand in all of television and decided to remove it from the name. Just call it Max and just call it Max.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Jacob]

All of a sudden it became named after an old Jewish man for no.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Reason or lost home box office named after what was your principal rival for years? Cinemax.

[Jacob]

Exactly. Well, no, but then it became a part of hbo. They were. They owned either way. It was.

[Don Hahn]

What was Max like?

[Jacob]

How did Max win out in that battle between HBO and Cinemax? But now let's go with Max.

[Don Hahn]

Who came up with Max?

[Jacob]

Well, I really do think Don's right. I think it was, well, right and wrong. Max was part of hbo. Was HBO and Cinemax.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Jacob]

How they went from HBO Cinemax to saying we're just going to go with Max is on. It would be like the Knicks and Nets become one team and they go with Nets. Like, yeah, I think that's the brand we should run with here. Let's go with Nets. So the fact that it's with a.

[Don Hahn]

KN though, so you know, it's Kanets.

[Jacob]

So no, the fact that HBO is back, I think that's fantastic.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Good.

[Jacob]

And this morning I had one of the most troubling moments. You know, listen, Whitish Wednesday on the morning show, it's fun and it's about learning our cultural differences and we all learn from each other. And that's the beauty of it. And you try not to be judgmental.

[Don Hahn]

Okay.

[Jacob]

This morning was a moment that was so troubling that myself, it was a crazy episode and it was so funny. Cause a friend of mine last week said privately said, I think white ish Wednesday is jumping the shark. He said, I don't want to hurt your feelings. He's like, but I'm in the car every Wednesday. I'm starting to feel like maybe it's time. I didn't agree, but I heard him actually you guys met him. It was Greg who was up here last week with Damian Priest.

[Don Hahn]

Sure.

[Jacob]

And I said, really? Okay. And then this week we had such a doozy. Don We DJ cast one. A dj, a man who gets. He wins every week. Did not get and did not know Grease by Frankie Valli.

[Don Hahn]

Really, like, as far as. Like, he never heard it before.

[Jacob]

He had never. Well done. He's wrong. He's wrong. We played it on the show at least five times, but he said to us repeatedly, I've never heard this song.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's impossible.

[Jacob]

Everyone else is going, you know, it's impossible. Ebro jumps to his defense and goes, well, you know, when Cass was little, he didn't speak English. Laura goes, neither did I. Everyone knows. I said, don't you bring cast Dominican parents into this. They would definitely say they knew Greece. It was, to me, flabbergasting. Okay, now you guys are both young. Anthony, do you know the song Grease?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Jacob]

And. And Jacob.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, yeah.

[Jacob]

All right. I thought it was just ubiquitous.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, it is.

[Don Hahn]

It feels like. Just Americana.

[Jacob]

It, like. And when we. When I was little, it was still a leftover hit. Like I was, you know, in the early 80s. It was, what, at that point, five years old? The song was five years old at that time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don Hahn]

Didn't De La Soul sample it, too?

[Jacob]

I think it's from 78.

[Don Hahn]

It's like 78.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So 78. What year are you?

[Jacob]

So I'm like 83, 84. I'm a little kid.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Jacob]

The song was still around.

[Don Hahn]

It was in the mix. But didn't De La Soul also sample it? A bunch of people have, but I mean, that famously. De La Soul did, though.

[Jacob]

But wait, wait. What's from which record again? I don't want to put you on the spot. You're the one.

[Don Hahn]

I'm hearing it in my head, but I don't know the name of it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was. It was back to back. Matt, like, anything from Saturday Night fever.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In 77 and then in 78. Anything on grease. Every song on that album, every song from that movie became a massive hit.

[Jacob]

So he said, you know. Yes, it's Saturdays. Saturdays.

[Don Hahn]

Does roller skating jam, Right?

[Jacob]

Yes, it does. Have it. Has it?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Jacob]

He said, like, he would have known Summer Lovin if we played that. Which, you know, which is from it. The song Grease, though, is fascinating because it's a movie about greasers in the 50s. But they had to make one song that could be played on the radio today. So they get Frankie Valli, who's of that era, and he makes a disco song that could have played in 1978. But it doesn't fit with the movie.

[Don Hahn]

No. Cause it's 50s. It's not a disco, but it happens to be a disco hit. Which was perfect.

[Jacob]

That was written by the Bee Gees, but performed by Frankie Valli, who's from the era that the movie's about.

[Don Hahn]

There you go.

[Jacob]

You really can't make sense of it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I hate musicals. Despise them almost to the level of Parades.

[Don Hahn]

But that movie's. That movie.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I cannot turn that. That. That movie's too iconic. I love that movie. I got the album for Christmas. There's something about. Because it was. Right. My wheelhouse. I was 10. Oh, yeah.

[Don Hahn]

It was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was such a big deal.

[Jacob]

And that's. What.

[Don Hahn]

Painfully cheesy.

[Jacob]

And that's what made it a shock today too, is that it's truly. To me, in my experience. And I do talk a lot about culture. One of the ultimate cultural line crossers. Everyone watches it at home because it was just on TV so much.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a big deal. And the great thing about that, that's also the ultimate. The kids have watched it and we've also taken them. We've seen productions of it, like off Broadway kind of stuff. Because she just loves it. Right. Willie Wilson, he puts. You remember Willie Wilson, he puts together stuff because he teaches. He's up for another Tony for. For the work that he does. Having kids put productions together for. For plays. And he did Grease in my hometown. And we took the kids and she. They love it.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The movie does it. They don't get it, but there's a few things in there. But it's over their head.

[Jacob]

A couple things didn't age well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Greece.

[Don Hahn]

Grease Lightning is not necessarily just about a car.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Jacob]

Everything. There's so much.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, that's.

[Don Hahn]

Now when it comes.

[Jacob]

Did she put up a fight? That line.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Talking about that. The bun in the oven and. What's a bun in the oven now? Don't worry about it.

[Jacob]

She cooks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

She's got an Easy Bake Oven back home. And she's Betty.

[Don Hahn]

She's Betty Crock.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, hickey stuff. A hickey from Kinicki.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like, it's like a Hallmark card. But no. The Grease Lightning song. When that movie comes on, they're watching that movie because I know it so well. That's when all of a sudden I get a coughing fit. So they don't hear the words.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, the certain words.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's being. But that. No, that's. That's a. That's a bad job by him.

[Jacob]

I was shocked by it. And at the end, there's a break. There's like A there's the breakdown at the end of the song and then.

[Don Hahn]

It goes doom, doom, doom, doom.

[Jacob]

Like some actual real hip hop, bring it back kind of stuff. I was shocked that he didn't know it as a dj.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Shocking moment.

[Jacob]

But it reinvigorated the game completely.

[Don Hahn]

I like that. I like that you found something to bring life back.

[Jacob]

Well, and then there was a moment. We have our phone A thoughts are the people who like help out, you know, like you're. What are they called on the TV show when you call someone for help? You know on the ABC vehicle when you call phone a friend. Yeah. It's like. But what. That's not what it was called on the show. That's exactly a lifeline.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's one of the lifelines.

[Jacob]

So yeah, so. So we went to a lifeline today and it was. It was God Only Knows by the Beach Boys and we were.

[Peter Rosenberg]

My wedding song.

[Jacob]

A class is it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Jacob]

That's a good choice. And the guy who he went to has not been doing well recently and no one's been going to him. And he's waxing poetic and he's explaining. He goes, it's from this movie. It was famously in that movie. And of course it is by the Beatles. Just completely brain farted. Just. It was the funniest. The confidence with which he said it was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So that could happen. It happens. He knows the answer. It just came out wrong.

[Jacob]

Two iconic groups. It just came out wrong.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dad, that was my wedding song. It's also in Boogie Nights.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

At the end of Boogie Nights. And it's Paul McCartney's favorite song.

[Jacob]

Paul McCartney's favorite song.

[Don Hahn]

I can believe that.

[Jacob]

Is that a fact?

[Don Hahn]

I can believe that.

[Jacob]

I mean it's a great record from a perfect album.

[Peter Rosenberg]

My humble opinion. Oh well. Pet Sounds is probably the greatest produced album ever made. Definitely in the top five greatest albums of all time.

[Jacob]

I agree. Huge fan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go to Danny on Long Island.

[Jacob]

Oh, he loves Pet Sounds, I'm sure of it.

[Anthony]

Who was the oldest member of the Grease cast, by the way?

[Jacob]

Oldest member of the famous trivia question.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Soccer Channing.

[Anthony]

I'll give you the Dr. Chan. I was 33 years old playing a pregnant 17 year old girl. Everybody else was in their young 20s.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, she wasn't pregnant.

[Anthony]

But she was not anymore.

[Peter Rosenberg]

She thought. But yeah.

[Anthony]

By the way, Don, great list. Because as a person who grew up in the late 70s 80s, I despise very, very few things get my passion up other than beating any team has anything to do with Boston. I Don't even eat white clam chowder anymore. And it all started with Terry O'Reilly getting his ass kicked by Clark Gillies. That series. I'm so tired of talking about the 80 islands because it's half a life ago. But that was WWE on ice skates. Gillies, Gary Howard, Bobby Nyshum. There was about seven to eight, because they were going to intimidate Bossi. That was the key.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Anthony]

And once they checked Bosse. That's enough. And there was fights all game long, six games in a row. And it solidified the Islanders and they went on to win four. No one ever messaged them again after that because they could actually outscore you or beat the hell out of you.

[Don Hahn]

That's right.

[Anthony]

And that was. That was the key.

[Don Hahn]

And that Stanley Cup Final that year with the Flyers, the Broad Street Bullies, that. That's exact. Imagine a Stanley cup finals. Every. Every game had brawls. Every game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

It was insane.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, the other thing about Greece I just thought of.

[Jacob]

Go ahead.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a conspiracy theory, but I like it. What's it that they're actually John Travolta and Olivia. Olivia Newton. They're dead.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

End of the movie.

[Don Hahn]

It's a dream sequence.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All of a sudden you see the car go up to heaven. They're finally going to heaven.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, that's right. It's. It's like you've heard that. I have heard that. And I. And I like it, in a way. But then they made Greece, too, and everything went to hell.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm a big Adrian Z Med fan. But that was a tough one.

[Jacob]

It did well, though, didn't it? I never say.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Might have.

[Don Hahn]

I have no clue. It's awful.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it's got.

[Don Hahn]

What's her face.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Exactly.

[Don Hahn]

Michelle Pfeiffer.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Michelle Pfeiffer, Yeah. A young Michelle Pfeiffer.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

She wasn't terrible. Adrian's a Med. Also popular in Bachelor Party, one of my favorite movies. She loved Vehicle. What's worse, Grease 2 or Caddyshack 2?

[Don Hahn]

I loved Caddyshack.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You did? Yeah.

[Jacob]

I think Caddyshack 2 gets a lot more love than hysterical. It is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I do find it funny, but a lot of fun. Do.

[Don Hahn]

Well, just imagine turning a country club into basically a. A papa shot.

[Jacob]

They leaned. They leaned a little bit too far into the gopher, you know?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. Well, that became the character. Right. Didn't that happen to everything, though? Like, the minion suddenly became like the main. The main character. Like the cute little extra thing. Now we. We have to.

[Jacob]

It's like Jar Jar Binks, you know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

These are the things that happen people didn't like. That was a very unfortunate Adam.

[Jacob]

They did not love Jar Jar Binks, though. They did it first.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go to Evan in Connecticut. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, man?

[Anthony]

Hey, thanks for taking my call real quick. The Knicks playoff run is nothing short of inspiring. You know, As a fan, 36 years old, it's bringing joy. I feel like a kid. And this, the way the Knicks are calling out the doubters. The chef's kiss, like in 4K, like there's just every time they doubt and they just. Chef's Kisses.

[Peter Rosenberg]

4K.

[Don Hahn]

I love it. Yeah, that's very well put.

[Anthony]

So here's. This is really for Don, but I want to ask all of you and kind of in honor of your top five list going back for. For years, there's definitely a theme in these playoffs for the Knicks, Right. You can call the revenge tour. And it really lines up perfectly to what could be a matchup with the T Wolves. Right. So, you know, I think you guys can kind of see where this is going. Before the season started, the major trade happened, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Anthony]

With Cat and, and Randall and all them. Right. Have we have enough. Do we have enough for a top five list to see for any sport before the season started to have stars trade amongst each other from team to team to face each other in the playoffs to really solidify the trade really instantly. Not like five years later, like instantly. Because if we have the T Wolves and the Knicks each other in the Finals, we're talking about one of the biggest trades we've had a long time. Instantly see each other face to face and really like, who won that trade?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It is so interesting. I mean, really, I guess it would be on this level, it wouldn't be a trade, but if the Mets and Yankees played in the World Series. Yeah, like, it would be. It would be at that kind of a level.

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a great question. Can you think about the great trade? Did those teams and.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, no, it's. That's a good one, Evan. I mean, I'd have to think back and it's. Again, it's that year. The trade have happened that year. And then the impact, you know, again, it's like if Golden State played Miami in the, in the NBA Finals, Jimmy Butler or the, the, the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Esposito trade. If the, if the Rangers and the Bruins met.

[Don Hahn]

They met final year, right. I can't. I Can't think of one again. It has to be. You can't just say like a bit part player. It's got to be a significant player because you know Towns was their franchise player for the longest time until Anthony Edwards came along.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can't just do it to trades just like even like.

[Don Hahn]

Or a free agent guy left one team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Was there ever. Was there a quarterback that left the team and then faced that team in a big playoff game or quarterback that left. I feel like there's something out there. This is what great about social media and also our number 109193776. People have it happen. But. And it's pretty realistic. I think OKC is going to come out of the west. But it's not impossible to think that maybe Minnesota could do it and they'd be a Cinderella story.

[Don Hahn]

No, no. Minnesota is.

[Jacob]

I like Minnesota.

[Don Hahn]

Minnesota's probably the second. The second choice out of okc and I believe that the second second odds.

[Jacob]

And I'm starting to like them too. They have a lot of pieces.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Play hard and it's not a trade. But it still wouldn't be nothing if it's OKC and Hartenstein. Now it's not the same level as Minnesota, but it's still.

[Don Hahn]

It's still a guy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fans loved him.

[Don Hahn]

Yup.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's not multiple players like, you know, DiVincenzo was beloved and Randall was a star.

[Jacob]

Tell you what. All three of these guys though would get certainly get an ovation when they came back the first time. They would get a lot of love when they came back. Wouldn't you think?

[Don Hahn]

In the NBA Finals?

[Jacob]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Jacob]

You don't think they'll cheer at first?

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Jacob]

Oh, I totally disagree.

[Don Hahn]

No. Not in the NBA Finals when they're.

[Jacob]

Going to boo them out of the gate.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Jacob]

Don.

[Don Hahn]

Or. Or nothing. Or just nothing.

[Jacob]

No way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Minnesota. Wait a minute.

[Jacob]

Wait.

[Don Hahn]

DiVincenzo might get a little something. I do not think Randall's getting like this over. It's the NBA Finals game and game one would be at Madison Square Garden.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Garden. I think. I think there would be like at least polite applause.

[Don Hahn]

Polite applause is one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I listen do I think the building's gonna erupt. But when he's introduced he said ovation.

[Jacob]

I think there will be crazy.

[Don Hahn]

You are the enemy in game one. Enemy.

[Jacob]

Here's the. Here's the Julius Randall. Don. For fans who know is too important a part of the building of what this Knicks team now is. And I think fans will be so happy that they're in the finals, bitterness kind of goes away a bit when it's completely worked out. You're misunderstanding.

[Don Hahn]

It is not a bitterness thing.

[Jacob]

So why wouldn't they show?

[Don Hahn]

This would just be. You are the enemy. You are on the other side. You're in our way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Once the game starts, I think. I think New York fans are sophisticated enough to understand the moment. Hey, we're here because of this trade and we loved you guys, especially DiVincenzo. And it's game one, so nothing's happened yet. Like, I can understand if Minnesota had home court and they won the first two games. Maybe it's different, but the start of the series, it's like, listen, when we tip off, man, you're the enemy. But right now, because of how this trade worked out, what you meant to this franchise. I'm not saying they're giving him a standing ovation, but I think you would hear a positive reaction.

[Jacob]

A little more.

[Don Hahn]

A little more for those two. There's no history is not a starter. So it really would only be Randall.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But when he.

[Jacob]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

DiVincenzo goes to the scorers table. Maybe you get a little bit of a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, Dante, I will say this.

[Don Hahn]

Maybe you get.

[Jacob]

And by the way, if DiVincenzo got more than Randall, it would just remind me that fans are dumber than I think.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, they love DiVincenzo.

[Jacob]

I know what fans can be done.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There was a negative.

[Jacob]

Randall was the heart.

[Don Hahn]

Can I just stop this for a second?

[Anthony]

They.

[Don Hahn]

They're not even out of the second round yet.

[Jacob]

Well, we're just talking this NBA Finals. We're speculating respect.

[Don Hahn]

Can they win this game tonight? Let's just have some elimination game on the road in Boston. You know what they've never done? They've never won three road games in Boston in the same playoff series. They've never done that.

[Jacob]

Not many have.

[Don Hahn]

Now, Boston has lost three home games in the same playoff series, but the Knicks have never done it. Now the Knicks just did it in Detroit. Can they do it again? And think about this. The season started in Boston. They raised their championship banner and then they smacked you, put up a record threes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. And tried desperately to break the record.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, they tied the record. They couldn't break it. But still, they embarrassed you on opening night. Think about the revenge factor of saying, okay, you turned on the lights with us in the building. We're gonna turn them off.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's it.

[Don Hahn]

Tonight is one of those epic watches just to see if the Knicks can close the door on the defending champs.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We forgot A trade that did result in a championship against the team that traded him.

[Don Hahn]

Let's go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Two people have called in. I want to give them both credit. Mike and Matt, both from New Jersey. Mike called first, so he gets to tell it. Mike, you're on. Don Hanna, Rosenberg. What's up, buddy?

[Anthony]

Hey, guys. Thanks. John Gruden was with the Raiders. Got traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and faced them in the super bowl the following year.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, that's.

[Anthony]

I don't know what he was traded for. Like draft picks, players were involved.

[Don Hahn]

That's a good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Mike. I wish I could give you something.

[Don Hahn]

Nice job.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, you deserve something more than like, that's okay.

[Anthony]

Just you guys, that's you and you guys. Every day is enough of a gift. I appreciate it.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks, Mike.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I want to give Matt some love. To Matt. You, you called in second, but you had it, too. You deserve a lot of credit, Matt.

[Anthony]

Thank you. Appreciate it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, just wanted to give you some love, too. Let's go here to Chauncey in Westwood. You're on espn, New York. What's up, Chauncey?

[Anthony]

Hey, what's up, guys? Love the show. So as far as the Knicks, I made my Knicks playoff debut at the Garden, game four. I got to see you guys before the game. I couldn't have asked for a better game to witness in person. You know, I mean, obviously don't want to see the Celtics do good, but as a basketball fan, seeing Tatum do that was incredible. And Brunson going back and forth and just, you know, wish him the best in his recovery.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, listen.

[Anthony]

Yeah, yeah, I just want to. I just want to give the Knicks total props because when it comes to, you know, analysts, haters, fans, that literally nobody gave them a chance in this series and they have stepped up. And I haven't heard this whole, oh, I missed last year's team. I haven't heard that since before the Detroit series.

[Don Hahn]

Good call.

[Anthony]

That narrative is completely dead. I just want to, I want to give these guys the biggest props. Bridges, he took, he took criticism all year and he's coming through when it matters most. Give the Brooklyn Nets five more picks.

[Jacob]

Yeah, right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now think about all the complaints, Chauncey. And we're going to. Yeah, the complaining about all the picks they gave up for Bridges. And listen, in the regular season, it didn't look like it was worth it, but certainly now you forget about it.

[Don Hahn]

All the crunch time success that he has had makes it worth it. It's like that's what you traded for a guy that in Big moments, makes big plays.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And also, I mean, you could probably bring this up on get up or the next time.

[Don Hahn]

I'll be there tomorrow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Peter, when you're on first take is that if the Knicks see this through, you're going to see people nationally talking about how, you know, maybe this load management thing. Let's, let's do what fans start complaining about it a little bit more to the point where, hey, a copycat league. Let's, let's try to do it the way the Knicks do.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, yeah. Look again, gotta get out of the second round. Yes. Because that's the first step at a time. They're getting there. All right, I gotta go. The guys are gonna take you the rest of the way because I gotta head down, head uptown, I should say to Madison Square Garden, to our Studios. So tonight, 6:30, we have the pre game for game five in Boston after the game, as you know, MSG has you covered with the interviews and analysis and everything. And imagine if they clinch tonight and they're moving on. You do not want to miss that post game show. An expanded one hour post game show right after the game's over. Just tune right in to MSG Networks right after the game. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Jacob]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch this show on demand whenever you want.

[Anthony]

Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Greece is the word.

[Jacob]

The word is the word. Have you heard? It's got move. It's got feelings. This has been in my jukebox. This is one of like maybe three or four records that has never left the jukebox since I got it 10 years ago.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, it's amazing.

[Jacob]

And I cannot believe that my boy DJ cast one did not know that is just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's tough to get up from.

[Jacob]

It's. It was very. I just. And it's such a great record. Like in. When I was little, I thought it was cheesy. Great. Now I just think it's great, great. And I just love how wild it is that it's Frankie valli doing a BG's disco record. It's just such a random. Isn't it freaking random when you think about it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, very random.

[Jacob]

Like tonight on Whitish. Today on Whitish Wednesday, I played that and then I played oh what a Night. Like he's all over the place. You can't pin Frankie Valli down.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can't. And it is really an absolute classic. 1-800-919-3776, Jerry in Corona. You're on ESPN, New York.

[Anthony]

Hey, guys, thanks for taking my call. First of all, yeah, that is a great Frankie Valley record. Two points or two. Comments about the Knicks. First, strongly disagree with Peter. I do not see the Knick fans giving a standing ovation.

[Jacob]

I didn't say standing.

[Anthony]

I don't think they have ovation.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Maybe not standing, but it would be a positive reaction. Jerry.

[Anthony]

Yeah, I think positive because a they. They were traded, right? It wasn't like they asked to be traded. I don't think they wanted to be traded were Harper.

[Jacob]

Every one of them was heartbroken to leave.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Anthony]

Yeah, exactly. So I don't think there's no ill will, so there wouldn't be any negative bullying. But, yeah, definitely. I don't. I think there would be some light, lighter applause, but not a standing ovation. Maybe it was a regular season game, but not. Not in the final.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, but you know, the Finals because of this trade. And here's what I'll say, because DiVincenzo is not going to start right now. Obviously, if you're watching the game or if you're listening to the game, the announcers are going to say that DiVincenzo checked into the game. I would bet you that if they didn't mention, you wouldn't notice by the crowd reaction that DiVincenzo's in the game more than any other player outside of Randall. Because Nick fans and New York fans give us credit, man, like, we support our teams, but there are certain guys that fans fall in love with that no matter what jersey you're wearing, they're going to show some appreciation to you. Now, standing ovation seems a bit much, but we're talking game one of the NBA Finals, a place the Knicks have not been since 1999. The Minnesota Timberwolves are not a rival. Now, if this series started in Minnesota, Peter, then they dropped the first two games and DiVincenzo lit it up and beat you. Maybe it's a different story, but with everything equal. I'm sorry, they're going to show appreciation. At least say that maybe not. Ovation. Standing ovation. They are going to show appreciation for Randle and they're going to show appreciation for DiVincenzo. And if it's OKC, even if they lose the first two games at OKC, first game back, they're going to show appreciation to Hardenstein because they were beloved Knicks and you're going to show appreciation for them. They can't beat the enemy that quick, Peter.

[Jacob]

I don't think so either. It would make no sense to me whatsoever. This fan base is very smart. I agree. Regular season, it would be more of a no brainer at a time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There'd be the video tribute. There'd be a video tribute, but they've already done that.

[Jacob]

They can't do a video tribute during the finals. That I agree on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And they've already been here, so they've already gotten their roses.

[Jacob]

But if for them to have brought a team to the finals in the same year and you can't be mad because your team it worked out for, that means it worked out for everybody. You know what I mean?

[Peter Rosenberg]

And honestly, really, I've been fortunate enough and maybe this is because Nick fans, a lot of the Knick fans that are calling don't remember 1999. But as somebody that has been a sports fan, I've seen my team in the World Series. I've seen my team in the Stanley Cup Final. I've seen my team in the Super Bowl. The high that you're going to be on for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against Minnesota, there's not going to be any hostility for the opponent just yet. You're going to be on a high that your team is actually in the NBA Finals and at home in game one. Now as the series goes on, you'll begin to hate these players and hate the T Wolves or anybody that you're playing. But believe me, the high that you're going to be on for game one, the last thing you're going to be thinking about is booing or completely ignoring DiVincenzo and Randle when they're introduced to get into the game. Alan, the Bronx disagrees. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Al?

[Anthony]

Hey, what's up, brother? Yo, just real quick. I agree with you on the fact that we probably ain't gonna be born them, but we ain't showing them that much love. We're Knicks fans. Like, granted, they didn't ask to be traded like Pozangis did, but yo, they're no longer part of our team. We have cheering for a team maybe at the end of the series if we win it, knock on wood, if we meet them, we'll give them a standing on be like, hey Jules, because you wanted to be here, we love you, here's your flowers. But yo, they're competitors. It's game time. I'm not saying we're going to go as far as Kevin Garnett and be all Nancy to him, but yeah, we ain't talking. We Knicks fans, we out here we.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In the streets, brother, but I don't know what one has to do with the other. You haven't tipped off yet. You're in the NBA Finals. You're going to be in such euphoria that you're in the NBA Finals. And you can make the case the reason that you're there is because of that trade. You know, you can say that.

[Anthony]

I can give you that.

[Jacob]

So, yeah. Why would you be mad? So we'd be mad.

[Anthony]

I'm not saying I'll be mad, but I'm not showing you too much love.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No. If he hits a three, I'm not asking you to cheer his accomplishments on the court. Of course not. But I think fans are sophisticated enough to say, okay, before we take battle, let's just acknowledge these former Knicks that are in this building and might be partially responsible for. For why we're here. You guys love divincenzo. You were sick that he got traded. Julius Randle put the Knicks back on the map. Remember the joke? You were. Until all of a sudden he comes here and he starts hitting shots, and all of a sudden the Knicks started to matter. And then you make a deal. And because of that deal, you're in a position to win a championship. I'm sorry, I know New Yorkers and I know Knick fans. They're going to show their flowers again. They're not going to get crazy. And then once you tip off, all bets are off. You're not going to cheer if he makes a three. You're not going to cheer if Randle beats you. But in that moment of euphoria before they tip off and there's the national anthem and Randle gets introduced, you're going to cheer him. And when DiVincenzo taps into the game, you're going to cheer him. And then it's off, and then you're done. But I'm sorry, you got to acknowledge.

[Jacob]

And I'll take it a step further, Don, if you were to outright boo Toolbox.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, that's just that.

[Jacob]

That's Toolbox.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I agree. That would. That would be. That'd be too much.

[Jacob]

You have to show respect for what Julius Randall did for this team while he was here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go to Geo in the car. You're on ESPN, New York.

[Anthony]

Longtime listener, first time caller. I don't think it 100% fits the bill of what you guys are looking for with this, but my. Detroit Red Wings, 2007, 2008 win, Stanley cup finals against Pittsburgh, against Marion Hosa. I believe in that. Off Season as a free agent, comes over to the Red Wings the very next year, Red Wings Penguins rematch. Loses it for the second year in a row, but this time on the Red Wings. So at that point in his career was definitely a top six forward really on any team in the NHL. But I think it was. I think it was free agency in the offseason.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nope. You're 100%. I felt bad for Host at that point because remember he also lost the Stanley cup final with Ottawa in 2000, in the conference final in 2003. And I'd have to double check to see if he was. I guess he already left to go to Lane. So he wasn't on the 07 team that lost in Ottawa. But he did a lot of losing. But you know what? He ended up doing a lot of winning too. So he ended up making up for. But that's a good one, Geo. Thanks, man. I appreciate the phone call. Let's go to Ed in New Jersey. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Ed?

[Anthony]

Oh, hey, Don. Peter, before I give you my two honorable mentions for your fantastic list, 70s Frankie Valli. Very, very underrated. Between swearing to God who loves you and his comeback, my eyes adored you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I don't know if I think people do appreciate him, but I hear what you're saying. Go ahead. What else you got?

[Anthony]

Okay, okay. My two honorable mentions. 95 Devils ruins Randy McKay's overtime goal. I can't remember if it was in game three or four.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He climbed the boards. I remember that.

[Anthony]

And then 99 ALCS, Yankees, Red Sox. Bernie Williams hit the home run off a rod back at game one. The only game they lose was when Clemens got waxed by Pedro and the sacks. I think it was like 13:1.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, there's tons of Yankees, Red Sox, but I. This might be the list. Peter. I don't know if anybody. There's no complaints. I very rarely have no complaints.

[Jacob]

It's very hard to have to be mad about something on the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can't take. You can't take anything out of that for sure.

[Jacob]

Who are you taking out?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go to Eric in Miami. You're on ESPN New York.

[Anthony]

What's going on, guys? First time called, a long time fan. Thanks for taking the call.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Anthony]

Just wanted to talk briefly about Coach Hips because I feel like I'm an apparently in the minority where I've loved Coach Tibbs. I've loved him since the start. I never thought that he should lose a job or anything, but if you rewind the last year storyline, you know, Pacers, everyone is injured on the Knicks, and the storyline was that Coach Tibbs overplays his players and everyone gets injured. Well, if you fast forward to this year, if you really think about it, did he respond to that criticism by playing players less? No, he played them more. And here we are now, where all of the teams, you know, Cleveland, Celtics, Lakers, you name it, who prioritize load management are the ones falling. They're the ones who have injuries and they're tired in the fall. And I really believe that the reason the Knicks are doing better against the Celtics and against Detroit was because they've been playing like, seven minutes the entire year. They're not tired, and they're outperforming everybody in fourth.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think he did it out of stubbornness, Eric. I think he did it because he knows this is the best way to a championship. And I think there are going to be teams that are going to follow suit. And now you need the cooperation of the players, because I think the players do like to take those days off. I don't think they want to play 82 games. I don't think they want to play 40 minutes every single night. But if the Knicks are able to get to a point where they're competing for a championship, and legitimately they will be, they win this series, they're in the Final Four, that it's something to reconsider, man. It makes sense, too, Peter. Right? Like, all right. I guess it kind of made sense that if you overplay these guys, they could get hurt. And that seemed to be the narrative with Thibodeau. Not winning in Minnesota, not winning in Chicago. But doesn't it make more sense that this is conditioning you for a long.

[Jacob]

Run if they win and everybody stays healthy? At the very least, Don, it completely rewrites the narrative on Tibbs. At most, it changes people's approach. It changes the way people view what you do. But I love the idea of this changing the whole narrative on Thibodeau. Cause it's always been sort of unfair. But they attribute Derrick Rose's health issues to him, which is not fair.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But don't you think, God forbid, if we see injuries play a role in the Knicks losing to the Pacers, that those. That's going to wake up the critics again and it's going to become a thing again? I think it would. If you have what happened to you last year against the Pacers, this year, it'll come back. Oh.

[Jacob]

Oh, absolutely. Although, you know, it's kind of crazy. It's kind of crazy because Jason Tatum, you know, he got hurt. That was the second time he'd already gotten the wrist thing, which was not good. And then he ends up, you know, having a freak moment where he tears his acl. No one's talking about the minutes that he plays, but when happens with the with a Thibodeau team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, forget about the narrative for sure. Fanatics Fest is making its return to New York City this summer at the Javits center from Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22. A three day celebration where sports culture and collecting coverage begins or bringing fans closer to their favorite athletes and sports leagues than ever before with appearances from your favorite athletes, celebrities and entertainers, live podcasts and a full schedule of panels featuring the most recognizable names in sports. You can enter to win a four pack of tickets on the ESPN New York app, find the contest tile and submit your entry. Adults and kid tickets are available now@fanatics fest.com this episode is brought to you by Lifelock.

[Don Hahn]

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[Jacob]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don Hahn]

Or your money back.

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[Don Hahn]

By visiting lifelock.com podcast terms apply. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Jacob]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want.

[Anthony]

Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Game Time Brought to you by Tullamore Do Irish Whiskey because when it's game time, it's Tully time. Yankees have their deficit. Actually it's a two to one Mariners with the lead and that game's in the fifth. Mets are going to have their game. They still believe it's going to happen tonight against the Pirates and of course Knicks and the Celtics from Boston and the Met. Coverage will begin right after us at 6:30 on 880 and beginning at 6:00 clock will be our coverage of the Knicks and the Celtics on 1050 Tullimore. Due the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Iris whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullimore Dew Honey during today's action. Glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. All right, how about some more of your calls at 1-800-919-3-7,7,6. And why don't we go to Kevin in Queens? You're on espn, New York. What's up, Kev? Hi, Kevin. Bye, Kevin. Let's go to Steve in New Fairfield. You're on espn, New York. What's up, man?

[Anthony]

Hey, what's up, fellas? How are you?

[Jacob]

Good.

[Anthony]

Peter, I know you're a Boston fan. Don, I know you don't claim to be a Knick fan. You know, I'm sure you're rooting for him, but talk about touching the money. Damn. For the rest of us, let's get through these. Everyone think this team's going down easy. We're going there tonight. Game five, they're the champs. This is going to be humble. It's going to take everything we have. So we're talking about, are we going to blow kisses to Dante, Give Hartenstein hugs? I mean, Jesus, on game six? And there's three minutes left and we're tied at 9, 91 with the prospects going back to Boston for game seven. That'll be the furthest thing from our.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Mind and how we react and we get. It's a shame. I'm with you. But I will say this, Steve, in all honesty, as long as the players aren't thinking that you're okay. I understand you don't want to jinx anything. You don't want to talk up something and then have it not come true. But it's one thing for us and the fans and the media to talk about the inevitability of beating the Boston Celtics, as long as the Knicks don't think that that's right. And looking at the way Jalen Brunson handled things at the end of Game four, telling the players to get off the field, not to celebrate, partially because of the way Tatum went down, but also, hey, we still got work to do. Then it really doesn't matter. All right? If the Knicks lose the next three games, it's not going to. Because we did a segment on how Dante and Randall are going to be cheered. First of all, it probably isn't going to be Minnesota anyway. It's just kind of a fun conversation. But, hey, you're up 3:1. Enjoy it. But, yeah, the work's got to get done, but the work's got to get done for the players. And do you really think a Tibbs led team is going to start touching the money or are they going to get down and dirty? They may not win tonight, but it's not going to because of lack of focus or touching the money. It's because the Celtics are better tonight, which is a distinct possibility. But the good news is they got to be better three times in a row in order for you not to go to the conference final.

[Jacob]

Yeah, I get what.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I like their chances.

[Jacob]

I get what he's saying, but respectfully, not my job. Like, I'm not trying to hurt the Knicks. If you're a fan, you clearly don't want to get ahead, but to fantasize a little bit about what the different options are, sure, it's a lot of fun. And to be honest, it would be one thing if we were doing that. And it's 3:2. It's 3:1 at Boston, minus their best player. They definitely still have work to do. And as I've said, and I'll say it again, I like the Celtics tonight. I think the Knicks are going to have to get it done. I think they will. By the way, I think Celtics win tonight. I think the Knicks get it done on Friday. But, yeah, if you're a fan, you don't want to start thinking about that. But for his two guys, for two guys who have three and a half hours to talk about the Knicks every day. Pardon us. Things are going to come up, all right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Jacob]

You're with us for what, 45 minutes? You know, when you leave, we're still here for another two and a half hours. So, yeah, things come up. And the idea that these guys who are a part of this team are all still active. Hartenstein, Randall and Divincenzo, they're all still around here at the end. As we're getting towards the end, it's. It's pretty wild.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's going to creep into your mind as a sports fan. It's just going to. It's part of the. It's part of the fun of being up 3:1. But believe me, down and dirty. No, nobody wants to jinx anything. But that's. That's a player thing, man. The players, they're going to be fully engaged. That's what Joe in New Jersey's talking about. You're on espn, New York. What's up, Joe?

[Anthony]

What's up, guys? Listen, I. Whatever. I'm going down that rabbit hole. Which one? The most ridiculous Knicks fan I know. Whatever. Boo Bonds. You guys are smoking. I want to smoke it, too, because I'll be the toolbox, like, like Peter said, and sit there and boo the guy, you know, I mean, I wouldn't go. I wouldn't boo him. But what I'm saying is, like, to the point that I'm 40 years old. I haven't seen anything like this in 25 years. I was 15, so. And besides the fact Julius Randall was a polarizing figure anyway, there's a lot of people that were running him out the city already, so. So the fact that, you know, I wouldn't blow cases. I will wait till everything is over, after the game is done, after the series and everything, whether we win or lose, you know, like, yes, give them the props. I'm not saying don't give them flowers, but I'm not. I'm saying, listen, this is big Nick energy over here. We. This is. The city is going to burn down. I'm telling you, my mental state, I don't know where it's at right now. I'm letting you know. I told my wife.

[Peter Rosenberg]

See, that's the thing, Joe, again, you don't want to jinx things and worry, but enjoy it, man. You're up 3:1. And if you were able to win this series, and I'll say if you win this series, you're going to take on the Pacers with home court and you're the favorites to win that series, and then we'll see what happens. And you have not been in this position in quite a long time. I mean, there's nothing wrong with embracing it. I don't think you should just count your chickens. But if your mind wanders, it's because of the fact that it deserves to. No one thought they were going to beat the Celtics and they're up three games to one and they just lost their best player. Troy and Baldwin, you're on espn New York. What's up, Troy?

[Anthony]

Hey, Don, how you doing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Good, man.

[Anthony]

I love, I love you, man, but I kind of agree with the first caller that got there. You guys got to stop this. You can't be talking about guys coming in celebration, what they're gonna get. I've been a nick season holder for 20 years. I've seen some bad, bad basketball. The only focus tonight is games, is this game right now. Don't think about game six. Don't think about game seven. I don't care if they will. You gotta, you gotta stop it. That's. Anybod in starts talking about the Eastern Conference finals, they talk about the NBA Finals. Stop.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's just this game tonight, Troy. Like I said, the players aren't thinking about it and nobody's guaranteeing anything. But you can't. Your mind can't wander to the possibilities. If it's 2:2, it's silly talk. If you're down 3:1. It's ridiculous. But when you're up 3:1, they just lost their best player. I'm sorry. I can't do a show with the pom poms out and be like, I don't want to jinx it.

[Jacob]

The only thing that would be too far. Okay, here's the thing. Being that we are not fans in this situation, we're covering this whole thing and discussing it, here's where I would draw the line. If we said we're announcing our Knicks conference finals viewing party before they were in the conference finals, then you have every right to call us up and go, this is ridiculous. But for us, again, two guys, respectfully, not two nervous fans, two sports talk hosts talking in the city. For you to say, hey, don't spend any time talking about anything except tonight's game, I mean, that's just silly. If we were planning it and we said, hey, guys, we have the biggest plans for the NBA Finals once the Knicks gets there, then you have a right to call us out. But to say, wouldn't it be amazing? You hear the wouldn't. That means it's an idea.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, there's no guarantee talk. It's just right now you have the right to kind of have your mind wander. It's realistic. Embrace it. Nobody. Don't guarantee anything. Don't start booking your flight to Indiana for game three. That's ridiculous. But to kind of think about it, talk about possibility.

[Jacob]

Come on.

[Anthony]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good.

[Anthony]

Hear more of Don, Alan and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8.

[Don Hahn]

80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.