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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

Timestamp Reference

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