Hour 3: Knicks-6ers

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast - Episode Summary: Hour 3: Knicks-6ers

Release Date: January 15, 2025

In this episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don LaGreca and Dan Graca dive deep into the current state of the NBA, focusing primarily on the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. Alongside their analysis, they engage with listeners through various phone calls, providing a comprehensive look at the teams, player performances, and broader sports narratives.

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1. Knicks vs. 76ers Game Analysis

Key Discussion Points:

• Team Performance and Injuries:

  • The Knicks are preparing for a game against the 76ers without key players Joel Embiid and possibly Karl-Anthony Towns due to injuries.
  • Don LaGreca highlights issues with the Sixers' recent performance:

    "With Embiid out for the sixth straight game and Maxi and Paul George questionable, it's amazing how the Sixers have been performing." (06:36)

• Knicks' Strategy and Concerns:

  • Concerns about the Knicks' depth and bench performance were raised.
  • Dan Graca points out:

    "The Knicks starters play the most minutes in the NBA. The Knicks bench plays the fewest minutes in the NBA, and the Knicks have the lowest scoring bench in all the NBA." (33:44)

• Sixers' Underperformance:

  • The Sixers' starting lineup lacked depth, relying heavily on their three All-Stars.
  • Don LaGreca criticizes:

    "It's like a high school team... It's like a summer league team." (05:50)

• Playoff Implications:

  • Discussion on the importance of the Knicks securing a top-four seed to avoid early elimination and potential matchups with formidable teams like Cleveland.
  • Dan Graca emphasizes:

    "Just make sure you're a top four team. Avoid Boston in the second round and let's get the playoffs going already." (04:33)

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2. Listener Call-In Segment

Notable Contributions:

• Mark from Syosset (09:52):

  • Mark discusses the Rangers' improved defense thanks to acquisitions like Falkenhainen and Oregon, expressing optimism about their playoff chances.
  • Dan Graca adds:

    "Chris Drury has done some nice things here. They're still a lot more work to be done but you got to like what you've seen so far." (11:45)

• Josh from West Side Highway (13:01):

  • Josh advocates for Spike Lee as the top Knicks fan, arguing his fandom is more iconic than recent players.
  • Dan Graca responds:

    "I just think Jerry Seinfeld and Billy Crystal are bigger names. It's debatable that you can have that conversation." (14:42)

• Richard from Manhattan (16:02):

  • Richard makes a humorous yet elaborate bet predicting six major sports championships by October, reflecting on long championship droughts.
  • Dan Graca encourages responsible betting:

    "We'll bet responsibly. Ryan." (22:23)

• Jose from Atlanta (23:33):

  • Jose inquires about the new golf league started by Tiger Woods, seeking the hosts' opinions.
  • Dan Graca dismisses it humorously:

    "If the Masters were in my backyard, I'd call the police and have everybody arrested." (23:56)

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3. NFL Coaching Strategies and Decisions

Key Discussion Points:

• Aggressive Playcalling:

  • The hosts debate the merits and pitfalls of aggressive fourth-down decisions in the NFL.
  • Don LaGreca comments on the Devils' overtime games and contrasts them with NFL coaching decisions:

    "And how about the Devils three straight overtime games, for crying out loud." (08:30)

• Coaching Changes and Team Performance:

  • Critique of coaching decisions, particularly focusing on the impact of mid-season coaching changes.
  • Dan Graca laments:

    "It's just an absolute mess. I just think that coaching was the biggest deficiency on the team this year." (32:32)

• Future of Coaching Decisions:

  • Speculation on the future of football coaching, suggesting a trend towards eliminating punters and always going for it on fourth down.
  • Dan Graca muses:

    "We are going to get to a point in analytic world the way things are going that within the next 10 years they're going to eliminate the punter." (28:13)

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4. Controversial Incident Discussion

Key Discussion Points:

• Public Apology and Responsibility:

  • The hosts discuss a controversial incident involving a fan's inappropriate remarks and his subsequent apology.
  • Dan Graca analyzes the dynamics:

    "He admitted it and everything, but he's suggesting that he's the victim is not innocent in this." (35:21)

• Impact of Recording and Virality:

  • Critique of the culture of recording every moment, questioning its impact on genuine human interactions.
  • Don LaGreca reflects:

    "Why does everything have to be freaking recorded? Why is everything got to be on video?" (39:09)

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5. Final Game Predictions and Playoff Outlook

Key Discussion Points:

• Knicks' Bench Depth Concerns:

  • The Knicks' lack of a strong bench could jeopardize their playoff performance.
  • Don LaGreca warns:

    "And if you're going to continue this philosophy and allocating the minutes this way, what type of shape is this team going to be in?" (34:03)

• Sixers' Potential to Win Game Despite Missing Stars:

  • Despite missing key players, the Sixers still possess enough talent to compete.
  • Don LaGreca asserts:

    "If you're playing without your best player, you still have enough talent, you would think, to be able to go out there and beat them." (33:44)

• Playoff Readiness:

  • The necessity for the Knicks to improve their bench and overall team depth to make a deep playoff run.
  • Dan Graca emphasizes the urgency:

    "Let us get something going here...just make sure you're a top four team." (04:14)

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6. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Coverage

• The episode concludes with the hosts reminding listeners of the upcoming Knicks vs. 76ers pregame analysis scheduled at 6:30 PM.
• Dan Graca wraps up:

  "It's Don Hahn and Rosenberg on 880 ESPN. And I'm Don Legreca and I'm here..." (41:10)

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don LaGreca:

  "The Sixers putting out a lineup with just three All-Stars and comparing it to a high school team." (05:50)

• Dan Graca:

  "The only two teams with big threes are not in the playoffs as of today. That is unbelievable." (16:58)

• Caller (Richard):

  "Starting next week with Notre Dame winning first time in 37 years since 1988... that’s six teams. 328 years of futility." (16:02)

• Don LaGreca:

  "If you're going to continue this philosophy and allocating the minutes this way, what type of shape is this team going to be in?" (34:03)

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Conclusion

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the Knicks' current season trajectory, scrutinizes the Sixers' inconsistent performances, and touches upon broader sports topics like NFL coaching strategies and the impact of social media on sports incidents. Through engaging discussions and listener interactions, Don and Dan offer valuable insights for fans keen on understanding the intricacies of their favorite teams and the sports landscape.

For those looking to catch the pregame analysis or stay updated with the latest in New York sports, tune into the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast on 880 ESPN, available on the ESPN New York app and smart speakers.

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Timestamp Reference

• Click on the timestamp numbers (e.g., 05:50) to navigate to the corresponding section in the transcript.

Transcript

[Don LaGreca]

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[Dan Graca]

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[Unknown]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Dan Graca]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Unknown]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers 502.

[Dan Graca]

In the big city. Don and Dan here on Don Hahn and Rosenberg. 6:30. We'll go to Knicks basketball. Getting a nice reaction from people on Twitter about the list. Anthony says Kevin James should be the Mets representative because he is a bigger Mets fan than Jerry Seinfeld. I don't know that to be true, but you know what? If he is fine, Jerry's a bigger name. The Devils could beat Frank Fleming. Frank, you know, Frank's a good, he's right there. But he says he does respect Kevin Smith. So hopefully that was, you know, I.

[Don LaGreca]

Saw, by the way, I saw Frank. I didn't talk to him, but I saw he was at the because he's a Dolphin fan. He was at the season finale and he was in the coaches club and he walked right past the stage while we were doing the pregame. But then I never saw him.

[Dan Graca]

I wonder if I'd be big enough to do the walk with with Frank the Tank. I do the walk with him. Why not talk sports with him? So he follows me on Twitter. Frank, if you're out there, I'll do the walk with you. We'll talk, we'll talk Devils, we'll talk Dolphins, we'll talk, we'll talk Mets. We'll have a good time. Robert says Billy Crystal is not top Yankee fan. There's no self respecting fan of the Yankees that would ever wear a Mets hat in a really blanky movie. First of all, do not, do not disrespect city slickers. It's a great movie. Second of all, Robert, we went over this. The Mets donated a ton of money to Comic Relief in hopes that he would wear the hat. And also Yankees wanted to get paid and the Mets didn't. So he wore a met hat. Do I think it was I called Billy Crystal a fraud because of it. But he's a huge name. Was it Chaz Palminteri? I thought about him. Big name, big Yankee fan. Nick Turturro. Out of his mind, but a big Yankee fan. I love the guy. But he gets these fits on social media which are hilarious. Listen, the Yankees have a ton of people. They've got a ton of famous people.

[Don LaGreca]

Steve Cohen.

[Dan Graca]

Steve Cohen. Thank God he married a Met fan.

[Don LaGreca]

Otherwise, you know, thank God he married a Met fan.

[Dan Graca]

Now Matt says Fat Joe is a net fan. If that's the case, then I'll. I will put Fat Joe ahead in Ethan Hall.

[Don LaGreca]

Then Fat Joe go to Nick games.

[Dan Graca]

I don't know, man. He's at Nick games often.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, he goes to Nick. He goes wherever. You know what? He goes wherever the wind blows. That's what he's.

[Dan Graca]

The problem is the pro. Like it's easy to be a fraud when you're a celebrity because you're trying to promote stuff and it makes for strange bedfellows and all that stuff. So listen, we talked about Alonzo. I think he'll eventually become a mat. I think the message, kind of waiting it out for the price to come down. We kind of talked about the, the Jet head coaching situation. But you know, the Knicks have a game against the 76ers tonight. No Embiid. We're hearing the Towns now may not play in the game. Likely won't. It's amazing. These regular season games are like. Like preseason adjacent, right? You know, you get hyped up for these games and guys don't play. But Embiid's been out what, six straight games? Dan with an injury. Towns has been questionable a couple of times in recent vintage. So I don't know what to make of this game tonight, but Pat O'Keefe is going to be on the call. Dan's got the pregame coming up at 6:30 here on 880 as the Knicks trying to kind of get something going here. That was a bad loss against the Pistons. You know, Josh Hart not happy with the effort. Doesn't seem to be happy with OG we'll see if that's an issue. They're still the three seed and I don't know if anybody behind them is a legitimate threat. Is Milwaukee a legitimate threat, Dan?

[Don LaGreca]

They got it together.

[Dan Graca]

You know, they Knicks dropped 140 on them over the weekend. So I think the Knicks are going to be okay. But. But let's face it. I don't know how you feel about it, but it's like whatever happens Just, just make sure you're a top four team. Avoid Boston in the second round and let's get the playoffs going already.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, that's a weird thing, like, because if things stay the way they are, right? Let's say Cleveland, you know, wins the conference in the regular season, then it's almost like you wouldn't mind being fourth because then you still avoid the Celtics until the conference final.

[Dan Graca]

Right? And I don't fear Cleveland. Maybe, maybe I'll change my mind by the time we get to the playo, but I still think Boston. So you want to avoid early.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't know if you mentioned it, by the way, because it happened. We were talking about it during the break, but I don't know if you've said it, that Carl Anthony Towns has been downgraded to now doubtful for tonight's game with that thumb injury that he suffered the other night in the loss of the Pistons. So might not have cat tonight. But again, no embiid for Philadelphia. Maxi and Paul George are questionable. Like the Sixers the other night. I'm going to pull it up for you. The Sixers in their last game. You want to talk about, like, just mailing it in. Okay. They lost. Now they were playing the Thunder and they figured, well, we're not gonna beat him anyways. And they ended UP losing by 16. Here was the starting five, the Sixers put out on the court. And by the way, this is a Sixers team with Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, okay? Three All Stars. None of them played Kelly Oubre Jr. Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, Gershon Yabuzela and Ricky Counsel. The fourth. That was their starting lineup.

[Dan Graca]

Unbelievable.

[Don LaGreca]

The tallest player on the floor was 6, 8.

[Dan Graca]

It's like a high school team.

[Don LaGreca]

It's like a. It's like a summer league team.

[Dan Graca]

And they were 11th. The process. Trust the process. Dan, why aren't you trusting the process?

[Don LaGreca]

Because, and I remember arguing about this, I think it was with. Was it with Bart or something like before, right before the season started, like he was all in on Philadelphia saying, like Philadelphia, like he. I think he was one of the people. Because there was a thing over the summer like people actually thought Philadelphia should be higher regarded than the Knicks going into the season because Philly went out and got Paul George and you put him with Embiid and Maxi. My thing was like, how can you trust a team where two of those guys never play ever? And you're seeing it already so far and like it's playing out kind of the way you expected it to. So this is Philadelphia and they got some tough decisions to make moving forward.

[Dan Graca]

Yeah. Rangers get a point last night in Denver. Now you can look at it as a disappointment because Lekkin and scores with a minute 27 seconds left with the goaltender poll. That's how close the Rangers were to winning a game two to one and winning their third in a row. But they dared on a point. A really tough place to play in Denver. Avalanche been playing much better as of late. And they. If you watch the game, and I know it was a little late for some, some of you at 9:00 they didn't, they didn't give McKinnon or Ranton in any room. I thought they played excellent. They just didn't catch the break. They lost the game. Couldn't convert on a power play in overtime. But 4, 1 and 2 in their last seven very winnable game tomorrow in Utah against a hockey club that has won just two of their last 10 games. So Dan, if you come back from a six game Western swing with five of a possible six points, I think you take it. You got Columbus coming up on Saturday, your team that's got the last playoff spot. They're playing well. They've won five in a row. Montreal's been playing great too. You got them on Sunday. But if you come back home with five of a possible six points the way the Rangers have been playing, I think you definitely take that.

[Don LaGreca]

No, you take it. And you know, like you said, you mentioned the power play early on in the overtime last night. And then how about the chance that Mika had on the breakaway?

[Dan Graca]

Yeah, right.

[Don LaGreca]

I mean that was, that was incredible.

[Dan Graca]

He didn't miss the net.

[Don LaGreca]

It's just, and it's laugh. It's kind of funny to me because you and I talked about it like, like, you know, Mackenzie Blackwood, he of the, you know, big contract extension now with the Colorado Avalanche. A guy who like couldn't stay on the ice and now all of a sudden he's this coveted net minder.

[Dan Graca]

Oh, it's great.

[Don LaGreca]

Incredible.

[Dan Graca]

It was a great deal. They had like the worst save percentage in the NHL. They make the deal for Blackwood, now They've got the 15th best save percentage since like the beginning of December. So. And he's such a big goaltender. Doesn't give you like anything to shoot at. So listen, that's a nice point to get, but only if you beat Utah. If you lose to Utah, then I think all bets are off. You got to be able to beat Utah. And then you can see what happens over the weekend.

[Don LaGreca]

And how about, how about the Devils three straight overtime games, for crying out loud. And, and I don't know if you noticed like after that first one, the one that they lost to the Rangers, you know, Sheldon Keefe kind of after the game was saying something along the lines of his, like, ah, well, you know, we don't really practice overtime much anyway. Or he said something like that and that kind of like people were scratching their heads and you know, then they went out the next game and they beat Tampa in overtime. And then last night it took to the shootout, but they played a good game against Florida. Couldn't get it done. Did you see the brouhaha that ensued where Matthew Tkachuk kind of laid out Nico? He. Sure, yeah. And then, you know, the whole team stepped in because the captain, you know, got taken down and then. So that was pretty entertaining late in the game.

[Dan Graca]

See, that was a big deal. Like they came to his support. Meanwhile, you saw what happened in Edmonton on Monday where Connor McDavid, the best player on the planet, gets slew footed by Kempe and no oiler did anything. I, it's just, it's weird. I like the Devils. I think they freelance way too much. I think Jack Hughes tries to do too much, they turn over the puck too much. But they're having a really nice season and just I guess to complete the hat trick. Tough loss for the Islanders. They got shut out at home by Ottawa. It's just not looking like it's going to be the Islanders year at all. I still think the Rangers got a shot and of course the Devils, you know, in the conversation is one of the best teams in the Metropolitan Division. 1-800-919-3776 while on the subject, let's go to Mark and Syosset. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Mark?

[Caller]

Good evening, gentlemen. Really enjoying the show. Very funny and the list is great. Don, I just wanted to comment on the Rangers. I wanted to comment on the Rangers because watching them for as long as I have, I really believe that the acquisition of Falkenhainen and Oregon have stabilized that defense. They are playing really solid defensively. They're cutting on shots on goal, which was destroying us during the spiral and now they seem to have stabilized and coming back on that road trip and taking the point. Yes, disappointed that we blew the lead late, but they're playing a better brand of hockey and they look much more solid defensively, which will bode well for them going forward. They have to continue that and they've got to get the stars to continue or to start playing like the stars they are. If they do that, we should make the playoffs.

[Dan Graca]

And I agree with you, last night was the first time in seven that Zibanajad didn't have a point so he was playing much better. You got Kreider back from ir, Clearly Igor has been great since he came off the injured list so they got some things going. But I want to throw some love at Chris Drury because I know he's been beat up a lot for all the things that have happened and many people hold him responsible for the collapse earlier in the season. But Dan, he mentioned Vakanen and Borgin have really solidified this blue line. Now maybe that's because, you know, Truba's gone, whatever. But you know what? He was able to turn Truba around, get Anaheim to eat salary and then bring back Wachenainen who's been a really good defenseman for them. Borgen's been a really good defenseman as well for them. He went out and got Sam Carrick. Everybody yawned during the offseason. Wasn't enough. I mean he's been the biggest bargain in the sport. Three year contract. He's a center. He's entering that fourth line which has been great at two points last night, had the game winning goal against New Jersey on Thursday. So Chris has done some nice things here. They're still a lot more work to be done because they got still got to climb over a bunch of teams but you got to like what you've seen so far and let's see what they can do tomorrow in Utah.

[Don LaGreca]

But, and you're right about that. But I think like, you know, we talk about the Knicks and what their standard was at the beginning of the season and what the expectations were. They make no mistake about it. Like okay, you expect the Rangers to make the playoffs but you know, them getting bounced in the first round, sneaking in as a wild card this year, Don, that's not going to cut it. Even though you've changed some things, you know, it's still coming below expectations if that's what this ceiling is. Right?

[Dan Graca]

Yeah, well. And I think Laviolette was given a three year contract because I think he was given three, you know, kicks at the can. So you wonder what do you do with La Violette? Let's say they do miss the playoffs. Do you have him come back as a lame duck in the final year of his contract? Do you extend him after missing the playoffs or Getting bounced in the first round. So some very interesting decisions to make. I think he's a fabulous coach.

[Don LaGreca]

Right. I mean, like, that's kind of like we talked about during that, that downward trend. Like, do you believe. Do you side more with the coach or do you side more with the core? Because we talked about this. Core players, like getting to shuttle through coaches over the last several years. It's like, how many more coaches are you going to give this core to play the sacrificial lamb without making some changes with the makeup of the roster?

[Dan Graca]

Yeah. Interesting stuff with the Garden teams for sure. And then once football's over, this is what we'll have until baseball gets started. Josh, west side highway, you're on ESPN New York. Hi, Jo.

[Caller]

Hi, fellas. Thanks for taking the call very quickly. Want to send well wishes to Peter. Ms. Hatton, we're all waiting with Beta Beth.

[Dan Graca]

Yeah, still waiting, man.

[Caller]

Hopefully everything goes well there. My problem, Don, with the list is I want to advocate for Spike Lee. I think Spike Lee should be number one. I think his fandom is more synonymous with the Knicks than most Knicks players in recent vintage that have worn the jersey. And you can go through history. One of the worst moments in Nick's playoff history. Who's right there front center with Reggie Miller? Spike Lee.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, I think you know Josh, I think he makes. Don, I think Josh makes a real good point because like with the, with the other guys on that list, are there visiting players in the league that know that that particular individual is said fan of that team?

[Dan Graca]

Yeah, but, but wouldn't you say the reason for that is. Is because the way basketball is, he could be like the Reggie Miller thing can't happen in baseball or football or hockey where he could give the choke sign where he's basically standing on the court to Reggie Miller. You know, Jerry Seinfeld is going to be in a suite or even if he's sitting in a box, it's still going to be too far for him to influence the game. Right. I. So I listen, I love Spike, you know that and I know he's a die hard fan of the team, but I just think Jerry Seinfeld and Billy Crystal are bigger names. It's funny because Jarv tweeted me saying he thinks Ben Stiller should be number one. Because Ben Stiller is a bigger name than Spike Lee. He's like, well, Spike Lee's like respected because of his directing, but Ben Stiller is a more recognizable name. I mean, that's debatable that you can have that Conversation. Ben Stiller's world famous too.

[Don LaGreca]

But Spike Lee, Spike Lee, like you can almost, he's almost like the sixth guy on the floor for the Knicks. And he's been that for like 35 years.

[Dan Graca]

What's funny about Spy and I could be wrong about this, but it's not like they show him he's not celebrity row. Like. No, you know what I mean?

[Don LaGreca]

Like show him more like in the 90s.

[Dan Graca]

Right. But when they, like, you know, when you're at a Nicker Ranger game, they're going to show you like they put up on the Jumbo John. They'll, they'll, they'll show Zoolander and then they'll show Ben Stiller and everybody cheers. Like, I don't know, because he's there.

[Don LaGreca]

Like every day though.

[Dan Graca]

But, but, but the thing is, it's still, he's, it's celebrity role. Like Spike is a fan and Ben's a fan too, don't get me wrong. But I think they're both huge fans. I think they're both huge names. And it's debatable. That's what makes it fun. But as far as the impact to the game is concerned, that's just basketball. Like, you know, Jerry Seinfeld can't have a moment where he's like, you know, mocking Ohtani during a playoff game. It just. First of all, Jerry isn't that kind of guy. And also like, how would he do it? You know, you go all the jump on the field and do it.

[Don LaGreca]

What Basically on the court, when he.

[Dan Graca]

Did that to Reggie.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, right.

[Dan Graca]

When, when, when Reggie gave the choke sign. You know, Spike's giving it to him. Spike's on the court.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Dan Graca]

Richard in Manhattan. You're on ESPN New York. Hi, Richard.

[Caller]

Dan, you know you mentioned Jet first time coaches that were successful. Don't forget Walt Michaels and Joe Walton right away. They were pretty successful.

[Dan Graca]

Walt Michael is such an underrated coach in their history.

[Caller]

Yep, yep. He was great. Don, you're 100% right. And Joe Walton wasn't bad in the beginning. He was okay. You know, the Ranger game last night, you know what disappointed me the most? Donny? And by the way, a lot of Ranger fans here. I had the game on, Ranger sounded. I was unbelievable. I kept nothing to remember that it was at the guy in Colorado. There were so many Ranger fans there. It was unbelievable. But if you have a man advantage in overtime, you gotta win the game. That was disgraceful. They didn't score. I mean, I was falling asleep a little bit down. Did they Put a lot of pressure.

[Dan Graca]

They spent time in the zone. That four on three. There's a lot of room to roam. But it wasn't the power play I was hoping for in overtime. That was a tough. That's a tough one to let go. Sure.

[Caller]

All right. This is for Adam Silva. Adam.

[Dan Graca]

Interesting.

[Caller]

This is the greatest thing that's going on in basketball right now. Right now. It's the halfway point. Right now, 10 teams would make the playoffs. 10 in the east, 10 in the west. Of course, the last two are the playing games. So 10 and 10. Do you realize that the two teams in the whole NBA that have been glorified for big threes. Philly with Embiid, George and Maxey, Phoenix with Durant, Booker and Beal. Both those teams would be amongst the teams that do not make the playoffs as of today. That is unbelievable. The only two teams with big threes are not in the playoffs as of today. Now, fellas, this is my last point. It's a little convoluted, but I'll get to it quickly. Today is January 15th. October 25th is in nine months. We're going to have six championships decided in these next nine months. Six championships, the four majors and the two colleges. Let's go. And this is my wish, if this happens. I think I should win a Powerball pick six or anything. A billion dollars. Here. Here it goes. Starting next week with Notre Dame winning first time in 37 years since 1988. Follow that up two weeks late, three weeks later in the Super Bowl. The Detroit. Detroit Lions winning not once since 1957. That's 68 years. Let's go. Two months later, college basketball champion. How about Auburn? Never won it. So that's 80 fresh years. 80 years. Auburn has never won it.

[Dan Graca]

They're number one right now. Right?

[Caller]

Right, right. Okay. Two months after that, let's go to the Stanley Cup. How about Toronto? Not since 67. That's 58 nice years. Toronto hasn't done anything. 58 years. And at around the. Let's go for OKC. OKC hasn't won it since they were the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979. That's 46 fresh years. And then finally, four months later, let's close it out. Late October, mid October, 39 years to the day. The New York Mets, 1986. Fellas, that's six teams. 328 years of futility. 328. That's 55 years average. Those six teams. If that comes true, Es, ESPN should put me on the radio and give me A billion dollars. That would be one in a billion.

[Don LaGreca]

Richard, what'd you get?

[Dan Graca]

Richard, we love you. That was a fabulous call, Richard. You can bet it. We have the technology now. It's legal. Never mind ESPN giving you a billion dollars. I'm sure you can parlay all those championships. And if you win, I don't know if you win a billion dollars, but you'd win a lot better. It's a really good point.

[Don LaGreca]

I like when Richard pulled out his French Canadian at the beginning and called him Walt Michael.

[Dan Graca]

It's Walt Michael. He's a. He was a gem for sure. That was a good call from Richard. That makes up for with Dan trying to stand in front of him like. Like an animal house. Kevin Bacon.

[Don LaGreca]

I didn't even bother getting on the tracks today.

[Dan Graca]

I'd laid out really, really good stuff. Listen, Richard's an acquired taste, but we love him. All right, more of your calls coming up at 1-800-919-3776. We'll take you up until 6:30 and then Dan takes over for the pregame as the Knicks will be in Philadelphia to take on the 76ers. It's Don Hahn and Rosenberg on 880 ESPN. And I'm Don Legreca and I'm here to tell you about my friends over at Bath Fitter. They remodeled my mom's bath. Did an awesome job. The process was easy. One expert installer. Even with the customization she needed for a cast iron tub, it was done in one day with no demo or message. A beautiful, high quality, permanent solution, Bath Fitter provides a lifetime guarantee. 3 million happy customers like my mom lock in 2024 pricing and get 0% interest for 30 months. So start designing your bath today at bathfitterdesign.com There is only one bath fitter. This episode is brought to you by Amazon. Sometimes the most painful part of getting sick is the getting better part. Waiting on hold for an appointment, sitting in crowded waiting rooms, standing in line at the pharmacy. That's painful. Amazon One Medical and Amazon Pharmacy remove those painful parts of getting better with things like 24. 7 virtual visits and prescriptions delivered to your door thanks to Amazon Pharmacy and Amazon One Medical Healthcare just got less painful.

[Unknown]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Dan Graca]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Unknown]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dan Graca]

So, Richard, if you're listening, Tommy P. Friend of the show and also a friend of game, is conduct and you can get the podcast, where you get your podcasts, put a six leg parlay, Dan, on all of the teams that Richard said in his phone call that would break long droughts without a championship. Notre Dame won the national championship. Auburn in college basketball, in hockey had the Leafs. In basketball he had Oklahoma City. Baseball had the Mets, and in football had the Lions. I don't know if you saw this on social media.

[Don LaGreca]

No, I didn't.

[Dan Graca]

What's the payoff for on a 10 buck bet? The payoff would be $467,775. 10 buck bet. So Richard, you don't have to ask ESPN to give you money. I mean, bet, bet it. 10 bucks you get. You're a dentist, you make a pretty decent living.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm sure 10 bucks going to petty.

[Dan Graca]

Cash, you know, and I'm sure maybe you get different odds. You're talking about getting a half a mil of a 10 buck bet.

[Don LaGreca]

You think he's got a smartphone to be able to make the bet right on the phone there?

[Dan Graca]

No, he doesn't. Somebody would have to do it for him. But yeah, I don't think he's, he's got the MGM app. Don't think he, I don't think. I think he's got a flip phone either. He either has no cell phone or a flip phone.

[Don LaGreca]

I would agree with that one.

[Dan Graca]

Now this guy, I, I've seen him on hold before and we haven't been able to get to him, but he's on again. I don't know why he wants to bring this up, but we're open to all different people and their different tastes in sports. So let's go to Jose in Atlanta. You're on espn New York. What's up, Jose?

[Caller]

I'm. Well, it's not actually my taste, but I watched the TGL new league that Tiger has and you guys are pretty much all sports. Just wanted to see if you guys took a gander and do you feel it's a novelty or if it's something that might catch on. It was nice seeing Tiger nice and happy and competing again, but just wanted to know if you took a look at it and if you had an opinion on it.

[Dan Graca]

Well, if you listen to the show, you know that if the Masters were in my backyard, I'd call the police and have everybody arrested. So I have no interest in it. I don't know if Dan cares if Tiger is involved, people would be interested, but you're asking the wrong person. Dan, your thoughts?

[Don LaGreca]

I haven't watched it. Don't even really know all much about it. But what is it like indoor golf or something like that? That's what I kind of gather it to be.

[Dan Graca]

However, ESPN's on board and we know what we're doing over there.

[Don LaGreca]

You got Tiger behind it. Tiger was there last night. He competed. But did I watch it? No, no.

[Dan Graca]

And I have no plans on watching it. But I do appreciate him calling and asking us. But don't ask me because even you know big time golf, I'm not turning it. I did ask.

[Don LaGreca]

You do realize Don's on the show. And he said yes.

[Dan Graca]

And I said okay, well, he asked a legitimate question and I hope this, what we said was legitimate. Ryan in Connecticut, you're on espn. New York.

[Caller]

What's going on, guys? So funny. You, you guys are talking to Richard about that bet. I actually made a similar bet to Richard. Not as many legs in the parlay, but I made a bet a few weeks ago. I got, I'm a Lions fan, so I took the Lions. But Notre Dame Lions, okc. I got the Devil's Don.

[Dan Graca]

Okay.

[Caller]

And I got the Mets because I'm a Met fan too. So $10 payout was 86,000. So not too bad.

[Dan Graca]

No, not bad. I mean, I hope it comes in for you that'd be, it's not life changing money, but maybe for you it would be for sure. $86,000.

[Caller]

That'd be great.

[Dan Graca]

That, that is, that would be awesome. We'll bet responsibly. Ryan. But, but Richard, that was a good call by Richard because I didn't think about it, but you've got a lot of teams. The Lions, that's the thing. 1957, you know, people do need to realize there were championships that were won pre Super bowl, but 1957, Dan, and since 1957, two championship games.

[Don LaGreca]

About that they've won. They, like we said before last year, they only won one playoff game in the super bowl era. And this is going to be Super Bowl 59.

[Dan Graca]

What was that championship game against Washington in 91.

[Don LaGreca]

91.

[Dan Graca]

So they beat last year's against San Francisco.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Dan Graca]

You know, and ironically they will take on Washington again in the divisional round coming up this weekend. Listen, Detroit, it's crazy man that a couple of couple like interesting stats like, like they haven't won. They haven't won since 1957. I mean the Leafs, that's his team in the NHL, haven't won a championship since 67. That was the last year of the Original Six. And Dan, they haven't even gone to a final since then and they're not nobody. I mean that's even before the. Even before the salary cap. That's a big market team that spent money. It's just crazy how some. It's. It's. It's hard to win. That's why you see like teams like New England and Kansas City and it's like how do you do that? What's it like to be a fan of those teams? Just knowing every year your team is going to be in the conversation to win. See, it's crazy.

[Don LaGreca]

It's. Yeah, it takes a lot. Especially with some of the lack of success of the teams in this town have had over the years.

[Dan Graca]

Let's face it, it's ridiculous.

[Don LaGreca]

It's easy to jump ship.

[Dan Graca]

Always a pleasure to welcome in Danny in Long Island. How are you sir?

[Caller]

I was waiting for the Don is trash drop there but it never came. I mean I. That's not what you're looking for. That was the perfect opportunity to use an oldie but goodie. But you know I'm listening to. I'm listening.

[Dan Graca]

Golf is garbage.

[Caller]

Oh great. It's never. It never gets old because. Because I agree with it 100. I mean I play golf occasionally. I would rather watch highlight on or. Or Quidrich on. You know but listen, here we go. Let me get a question now. I was watching the commanders the other day and Quinn Wentford on fourth down too many times in tight when they should have kicked seagulls in my estimation. Which coach do you think in the next week is going to make the error that they will be talking about in the off season? Buffalo, Detroit or Washington? Because I think they all have very shape. We all love the coach for Detroit but he's so reckless about always going for fourth down when the game situation says kick the damn field goal.

[Dan Graca]

Well you just answered your question. I think he cost him a chance to go to the super bowl last year. I see no indication on the way he's coached so far this year that he's going to change. That's just kind of the way he is all all gas, no break. Like Robert Sala used to say. That's the guy. I think they're all doing it now. Danny, I made this point. I wonder. I don't even think. I don't know if I ever brought it up with Dan on or off the air. We are going to get to a point in analytic world the way things are going that within the next 10 years they're going to eliminate the punter. They're just going to Go forward on fourth down everywhere. Because why waste the extra down? They'll say so unless they're backed up at their own goal line, they're always going to go for it. So I think all coaches are apt to. To do it. But just based on the way Campbell played it out last year, unless he learned his lesson. But Dan, am I wrong? Did you see any indication he did during the course of the season? So, to answer Danny's question, and Danny, thank you for the phone call. If there is a coach that is going to be overly aggressive and cost this team a win, I think it's going to be Campbell.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, you got. I mean, it's going to be, like I mentioned it yesterday, it's going to be a great matchup between the two coaches in this game this weekend. Since Quinn is just as bad when it comes to Washington or if you want, you know, I say just as bad but just as aggressive, you know, so it's almost like they're going to try to out fox each other in this game. Both punters might have the day off. You know, it's possible.

[Dan Graca]

Nelson, I get it. It's a different world. And, and I don't even, you know, I think it's so analytical that I almost kind of take back what I said about these coaches being riverboat gamblers. Are they. Are they just being so strict to the analytics that they don't let their own decision making come into it? Like, we think they've got guts and cubes, as Michael K. Would say, but is it really that or just, hey, analytic boys tell us this is the time to go for it. But I just think football is not baseball. Like, there's a lot of emotion, there's moments. I just, there's times to stabilize things. I thought Minnesota was overly aggressive at 17:3. Going for it where it was on the field late in the car, I understood why you wanted to keep the drive alive.

[Don LaGreca]

Score.

[Dan Graca]

You get the ball to start the third quarter, but then you end up not converting. You give the Rams a short field and now 173 becomes 24 3, game over. You know, I think all these coaches are like that, for God's sakes.

[Don LaGreca]

That's how Jeff Albrecht coached the game against the Rams. They went for it on fourth down, what, five times? They didn't. They didn't punt off. Jeff Ulbricht, by the way, interviewing today with the Falcons for defensive coordinator.

[Dan Graca]

I like them as a defensive coordinator.

[Don LaGreca]

Great guy, great guy.

[Dan Graca]

But I.

[Don LaGreca]

And he'll land on his feet. He's a good Football coach. A lot was on his plate this year.

[Dan Graca]

It was a really. Woody just screwed that whole thing up for so many reasons. Listen, I'm not saying they're making the playoffs at Robert Sala. They're winning a couple more games. You can't. There's a reason why you don't change football coaches in the middle of the season. You can do it in other sports because it's not as jarring. You might be able to get the buzz from it. But, you know, when Woody said, I'm looking for a spark, that's not how it works in the NFL. It just puts everything in dis array. It screwed up your defense because now he can't focus on what he's supposed to be working on. He had no head coaching ability. It's too important a position. It just. It just is. It screwed things up. It did. I think the defense suffered for it. So you look at those games they lost late. The New England game, the Seattle game, the Indianapolis game. That could have been won if the defense could come up with a stop. So that now that's eight wins, Dan, which means you might have been playing meaningful games in December if you didn't make the coaching change. Yeah, and I don't even think Salah was all that great, but at least it was a staple situation that he blew up.

[Don LaGreca]

And it also, again, is another lesson. And if you're not 100% committed to a staff, a coach or whatever at the end of a season, the bigger flaw is starting the year again and then having to blow it up or making the change early in the next one, because then you ruin that whole next year, which is. Which is the caution against the Giants deciding to run it back with these guys again for another season.

[Dan Graca]

Yeah, just. It was just an absolute mess. I just think that coaching was the biggest deficiency on the team this year. And when you have that kind of talent and you only win five games, it's got to be a coaching situation or an injury situation. And I think it was more of a coaching situation.

[Unknown]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Dan Graca]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Unknown]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dan Graca]

It's Don, it's Dan hanging with you. Little 6:30. And then it's Knicks basketball. You ready for the pregame, Dan?

[Don LaGreca]

Knicks Sixers can't wait. No cat tonight, though. So we're going to see who's going to eat up some of those available minutes and we Know that Tibbs doesn't like to go deep into that bench. So we'll see.

[Dan Graca]

Yeah, that's something, isn't it?

[Don LaGreca]

I will see if Jericho Sims plays. I mean, he's got the back issue, but Jericho Sims of late hasn't even gotten off the bench even when he is available. So he's got a reluctance there. They're going to have to give somebody those minutes. Even though Embiid's not playing, Andre Drummond's not playing for Philadelphia. This is one of those games you talk about the regular season. You got to win the game like this, okay? I don't care if George and Maxi are playing you, you should beat this Sixers team. They're a mess.

[Dan Graca]

I know. They're. They're an 11 seed playing without their best player. Now, you might be playing without your best player, but you still have enough talent, you would think, to be able to go out there and beat them. You would think.

[Don LaGreca]

Knicks starters play the most minutes in the NBA. The Knicks bench plays the fewest minutes in the NBA, and the Knicks have the lowest scoring bench in all the NBA. Now, that got you through 41 games. What about the next 41 and then into the playoffs? What's the residual.

[Dan Graca]

Let's get the playoffs going here.

[Don LaGreca]

No, we got to get there first. I'm saying, what kind of shape are you going to be in when the playoffs roll around? You know, we, you know, Tibbs is a guy who. Remember in past years when the Julius Randalls of the world and, you know, back when it was Emmanuel Quickley, when those dudes were banged up in the playoffs, people wanted to blame the coach, saying he runs them into the ground too much during the regular season. Okay, well, you have evidence of that now through 41 games. But they have a winning record. They're playing okay, but it's only 41. We still got another half a season to go. And if you're going to continue this philosophy and allocating the minutes this way, what type of shape is this team going to be in, which is not all that deep? Once the playoffs roll around, are they going to be in a position to make a deep playoff run? And I don't know. That's my reluctance.

[Dan Graca]

God, you talk about the disappointment in msg, like, with all the expectations around both of these teams, early playoff exits, or in the case of the Rangers, not making the playoffs at all. Well, that would be pretty. That'd be pretty devastating. Well, devastating strong, but, you know, huge, huge disappointment. Now, I want to honor the tease. I want to get credit to the New York Post. You familiar with the work of. Of Ryan Caldwell? Ryan.

[Don LaGreca]

I think I know the name now. Yeah. Yeah.

[Dan Graca]

Is the Eagle fan that called a Packer fan at the link on Sunday a dumb bleep and went viral and he lost his job while he issued a statement said I want to sincerely apologize to Ms. Keller for those words and to my wife, family and friends, my former employer and colleagues, Packer fans, Eagle fans, the Philadelphia Eagles, the city of Philadelphia and all who were offended. That said, there are two sides to every story. The video clip circulated online does not reflect the full context of what transpired and my actions were not without provocation. I will live with this experience and I am certainly paying a personal price. For those who don't know me, this incident does not reflect my values or the respect I have for others and is not indicative of the person that I am. So I asked you Dan, what would, what would she have said or done that would make that response by him okay or not okay, but you look at him differently. Cuz he admitted it wasn't okay where you'd say okay now, now I understand. Now I get it.

[Don LaGreca]

She would probably have to be the provocateur, right? Or somebody in her party would probably have to spur on this reaction. Number one. I don't know. Do you, do you, you know, throw a beer at somebody? I don't know.

[Dan Graca]

Well, here's, here's what's interesting to me. Now there were witnesses, so I guess this could be backed up. But. But wouldn't you at least maybe leave a little bit of a nugget on what she might have done? Like if she threw a beer on him? Well, wouldn't you say that. Well, listen, I was wrong for what I said, but you know, she's not innocent. Either she threw a beer on me or you should have heard the language that she used before I even said anything. Like to not give us any example probably tells me that the example would not help his situation any.

[Don LaGreca]

And is there more video than what was ultimately ended up online?

[Dan Graca]

Looking at her reaction, I will give him this, Dan, Looking at the video, it did feel like that maybe I don't want to say he was set up, but clearly it, it suggests that. That the behavior was all just one sided. And you see the reaction on her face. She knew this was being videoed so she wasn't really offended in the sense that it was just this is an opportunity. We can cripple this guy with this stuff. Now he said it and he has to Own up to it. But if there was provocation, wouldn't you, in issuing the statement, at least give a little bit of a nugget on what that was?

[Don LaGreca]

If I felt that I was innocent or the way it's being portrayed, yeah, I would. It's just like somebody who's framed for, you know, doing something wrong or busted for, you know, like in sports, for example, like, you know, the Hot topic is always like, people that get busted for peds or steroids, and they always, you know, want to profess their innocence, if that's the case, come right out and just say, hey, I didn't do it. It not make an excuse and then give a, B, C or D. And some people do more than others, but it doesn't always work to their favor.

[Dan Graca]

Now, clearly he did it, so any apologized for it and everything. And, you know, but. But he's suggesting that he's. That he's the victim is not innocent in this. All right, well, what did she do and what could she have done where you would say that that was. That was a justified response or. Because that, to me, listen, sticks and stones, right? They're only words, but obviously wor. Offend that. To me, that's the nuclear option in words to a woman. Okay? Like, I don't think there's anything worse that can be said than using that word. And I think anybody that listening knows what word I'm talking about. You probably read the story and already know. But if you're going there, there's no. There's no getting up.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, right, wrong or indifferent, you know what the problem is also? And look, everything that from the video, it's abhorrent, right? But apart from this, though, and any other example could be brought up in reference to this. But don't you find it like. Like still very problematic that why are our entire lives now, it seems like whether it's our best moments or worst moments in this situation, why does everything have to be freaking recorded? Why is everything got to be on video? Why, you know, like, can people put the phones down? You know what I'm saying? Like, but people just want to make something go viral, even if it doesn't involve them.

[Dan Graca]

And this situation obviously didn't escalate to physicality. But, like, I always find it interesting that there's a person that's. That's got video on a phone of something heinous happening or somebody in trouble. It's like, dude, put the phone down and why don't you help?

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, exactly.

[Dan Graca]

Instead of. Instead of trying to have the video that you can send to the citizens app and then get your 15 minutes. How about trying to break up the fight or how about trying to get a cop or, or do something other than video, you know. And the other thing too is it looks like he knew he was being videoed. So wouldn't you dial it down? I don't know, just, it's just again, all in the name of all. But he's a super fan. Okay, that's great.

[Don LaGreca]

Involved too. I mean, how many. I'm sure tailgating, you know what I'm saying? Like you don't know.

[Dan Graca]

I guess that's it.

[Don LaGreca]

I mean, go to a game and have to experience that?

[Dan Graca]

No, it's interesting. But I would, I'm just very curious to know what she did or said that provoked that kind of a response. Well, we're off at 6:30 today. Why? Good question. Dan Grass has got the pregame Knicks and Sixers. Very rare 7 o'clock tip for the Knicks, but they're down in Philadelphia. No embiid but no cat. So you got that going on. But again, not must win. But we'll talk about it tomorrow. But that would be a tough loss if they lose to the 11th place Philadelphia 76ers. And we got room for your phone calls up until the close of the show. The Last Call crew, If you will. 1-800-919-3776. It's Don and Dan on Don, Han and Rosenberg on 880 ESPN.

[Unknown]

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[Don LaGreca]

80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app.

[Unknown]

And your smart speakers.