Summary of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Episode “Hour 3: Incomplete Knicks”

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 3: Incomplete Knicks
• Release Date: April 3, 2025

Hosts:

• Don LaGreca: ESPN New York and New Jersey legend
• Alan Hahn: Long-time sportswriter and New York Knick broadcaster
• Peter Rosenberg: Opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality

Overview

In the third episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," titled “Incomplete Knicks,” the hosts dive deep into the current state of the New York Knicks. They explore topics ranging from player injuries and team performance to playoff prospects and managerial strategies. Engaging listener calls add diverse perspectives, enriching the discussion and providing a comprehensive look at the team's trajectory.

Jalen Brunson's Anticipated Return

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the potential return of Jalen Brunson, a key player for the Knicks. His injury has left fans and analysts alike eager to see him back on the court.

• Alan Hahn expresses cautious optimism:

  “I casually on first take today said I don't expect to see Brunson again. And then the always informed Sham Sharani next to me said that there's a lot of optimism that we'll see him before the regular season ends.”
  (00:38)

• Peter Rosenberg echoes this sentiment, highlighting the rarity of the team’s full lineup:

  “It's just amazing that it's just rare that they all are on the court together to be able to get some games together because they've had spot here and there, but they haven't had the whole thing.”
  (02:14)

The hosts discuss the ideal timing for Brunson’s return, weighing factors such as team chemistry and the strategic importance of upcoming games.

Recent Game Performance: Breaking the Streak

The Knicks recently lost a game despite holding a 15-point lead, marking their first such loss in 71 games. This event serves as a focal point for analyzing the team's consistency and vulnerabilities.

• Peter Rosenberg highlights the significance of the blown lead:

  “This was the first time in 71 games they have blown a 15-point lead.”
  (05:50)

• Alan Hahn recalls similar past performances, underscoring the rarity and impact of such losses:

  “I remember they almost did it a few weeks ago... the first time they had blown a 15 point lead in 71 games.”
  (06:39)

The discussion delves into factors like opponent strategies, player fatigue, and in-game dynamics that contributed to the unexpected loss.

Playoff Prospects and Potential Matchups

The conversation shifts to the Knicks' prospects in the upcoming playoffs, examining potential first-round opponents and the implications of facing teams like the Detroit Pistons.

• Peter Rosenberg analyzes the likelihood of facing Detroit:

  “Detroit Pistons for a young team are a nasty hard playing team now... there's a 56% probability that that will be your first-round matchup.”
  (11:48)

The hosts assess how a challenging first-round series could affect the Knicks' stamina and readiness for subsequent rounds against top-tier teams like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Team Dynamics and Coaching Strategies

Understanding the internal mechanics of the Knicks, the hosts evaluate the role of coach Tom Thibodeau and his impact on the team's performance.

• Don LaGreca discusses the team's depth and coaching decisions:

  “How do you say anything when you don't have the full team. But if he's ready to go, I could totally see him wanting to play.”
  (03:31)

• Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the team's ranking and the challenges they face:

  “The Knicks are fifth best team in the NBA, which is saying a lot. Fifth best team in the league, but nowhere near the top of the other three teams.”
  (08:35)

The trio debates whether current strategies are sufficient for elevating the Knicks to championship contenders, considering factors like player health, bench strength, and managerial decisions.

Listener Calls and Community Insights

Engaging listener calls provide diverse perspectives and deepen the analysis, reflecting the community's concerns and expectations.

Call from David and Elizabeth

• Caller: Discusses the potential return of Brunson and the overall optimism for the team:

  “Delon Wright was playing pretty decent and Obi's been aggressive... another thing I just want to point out before I go, Brunson's back to being at practice.”
  (00:43-01:38)

Call from Dave

• Caller Dave: Compares the Knicks to other sports teams like the Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Vikings, urging the team to make strategic additions:

  “They just keep stacking the deck. They like great in-season teams, but this year it's not going to happen... they need to add more people.”
  (15:43-17:41)

• Hosts' Response:
  Peter Rosenberg: “They make multiple big moves every year.”
  Alan Hahn: “No complacency. All they've been doing.”
  (16:30-17:55)

Call from John

• Caller John: Raises concerns about “buddy ball” and its impact on team performance:

  “We got buddy ball going on in the front office to the sideline with Tibbs... Too much influence.”
  (47:14-50:00)

• Hosts' Response:
  Peter Rosenberg: Argues in favor of recognizing coaching effectiveness despite such criticisms.
  Don LaGreca: Emphasizes the importance of expectations and ongoing team development.
  (47:40-50:00)

Call from Javier in Queens

• Caller Javier: Praises Don LaGreca's professionalism and inquires about the Rangers' season improvement strategies:

  “Your show is so good... Don is an incredible professional.”
  (37:11-38:35)

• Don LaGreca's Response:
  Discusses the Rangers' need to rebuild and improve their roster for a better season.
  (38:35-46:14)

Team Health and Future Prospects

The episode concludes with a focus on the Knicks' long-term prospects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining player health and making strategic moves to enhance team performance.

• Don LaGreca:

  “It's still in the process… but it's still in the process. But that’s frustrating when you're in the process because you continue to wait.”
  (24:13-25:32)

• Peter Rosenberg:

  “Can we at least acknowledge the guy does nothing but win?”
  (50:00)

The hosts stress that while the Knicks have shown promising signs, sustained success will depend on how well they manage player returns, handle injuries, and execute their game strategies in high-stakes playoff scenarios.

Notable Quotes

• Alan Hahn (00:38):

  “I casually on first take today said I don't expect to see Brunson again… there's a lot of optimism that we'll see him before the regular season ends.”

• Peter Rosenberg (05:50):

  “This was the first time in 71 games they have blown a 15-point lead.”

• Peter Rosenberg (11:48):

  “Detroit Pistons for a young team are a nasty hard playing team now… there's a 56% probability that that will be your first-round matchup.”

• John (47:14):

  “We got buddy ball going on in the front office to the sideline with Tibbs. We got Buddy Ball in the lineup. I really believe that that's affecting our ability to go to the next level.”

• Peter Rosenberg (50:00):

  “Can we at least acknowledge the guy does nothing but win?”

Conclusion

“Hour 3: Incomplete Knicks” offers a thorough examination of the New York Knicks' current challenges and future prospects. Through detailed analysis, listener interactions, and expert insights, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide a nuanced perspective on what it will take for the Knicks to overcome their incomplete roster and make a significant impact in the playoffs. The episode underscores the delicate balance between player management, strategic planning, and maintaining team morale as the Knicks navigate the competitive landscape of the NBA.

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments, focusing solely on the substantive discussions pertaining to the New York Knicks and related topics.