Hour 3: Knicks Clinch - Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 3 - Knicks Clinch Release Date: March 28, 2025

In this engaging episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, ESPN New York's Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the New York Knicks' impressive performance this season, culminating in their clinching of a playoff berth. The trio navigates through team dynamics, fan expectations, and the broader implications for the franchise's future.

1. Knicks' Consistent Playoff Appearances

Alan Hahn sets the stage by highlighting the Knicks' achievement of securing a playoff spot for the third consecutive year, a feat accomplished under the guidance of Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau. He emphasizes the rarity of such consistency in the franchise's history, comparing it to the success seen during the late '90s under Jeff Van Gundy.

[00:21] Alan Hahn: "This season already has accomplished a playoff berth, meaning top six, which means you don't have to play in the play-in. You are going to play in a playoff series this year. It's the third straight year. It's four out of the five years that Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau, since they have taken over, this team has been in the playoffs."

2. Fan Expectations vs. Team Achievements

While celebrating the Knicks' progress, Alan expresses frustration over the fanbase's reluctance to acknowledge this success, pointing out a pervasive sentiment that merely making the playoffs isn't sufficient.

[04:16] Alan Hahn: "How quickly do people forget? ... It's like now you're demanding better food."

Peter Rosenberg echoes this sentiment, labeling the attitude as unreasonable.

[04:29] Peter Rosenberg: "I'm with Alan on this. I think it's pretty whack, Don."

The conversation underscores a critical juncture where the franchise has moved from perennial underperformers to consistent playoff contenders, yet some fans remain fixated on past shortcomings.

3. Building a Sustainable Winning Culture

Don La Greca and Alan discuss the importance of recognizing the foundational work laid down by the current management and coaching staff. They argue that the franchise has shattered decades-long droughts and established itself as a formidable team in the league.

[05:39] Don La Greca: "I don't understand the celebrating. What are you talking about?"

[07:25] Peter Rosenberg: "That's such a silly way to approach it."

The hosts advocate for a balanced perspective, appreciating the strides made while simultaneously aspiring for greater achievements.

4. Impact of Key Injuries and Roster Depth

The dialogue shifts to the potential hurdles the Knicks might face in the playoffs, notably the absence of key players like Jalen Brunson due to ankle sprains. Alan mentions the limited depth at the point guard position, which could pose challenges in high-stakes games.

[17:22] Don La Greca: "The Brunson injury is that moment... you just know, like, oh, it's real close."

Despite these setbacks, the hosts maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook, believing in the team's resilience and capability to overcome adversities.

5. Historical Comparisons and Future Outlook

Drawing parallels with other sports franchises, the hosts discuss how initial successes can sometimes lead to complacency. Alan likens the Knicks' situation to that of the New York Yankees, suggesting that with sustained success, expectations naturally escalate.

[15:08] Peter Rosenberg: "Doesn't feel like that the Knicks are now in a weird Yankee-ish spot."

However, they caution against allowing the team to become complacent, stressing the necessity of continued improvement to transition from contenders to true championship contenders.

6. Addressing Fanbase Sentiments

In response to listener calls, Don and Alan address the varying perspectives within the Knicks' fanbase. Don emphasizes that long-term fans, who have endured years of struggle, understandably have heightened expectations now that the team is consistently performing well.

[34:29] Alan Hahn: "It's not that it's not good enough. I get what Alan's saying, but I also get the fans saying..."

The discussion highlights the emotional investment of fans and the delicate balance between celebrating current successes and striving for future greatness.

7. Building Momentum Towards Championships

Concluding the episode, Alan and Don reflect on the Knicks' journey, affirming their belief that the team is on the cusp of something significant. They express confidence that, with the right pieces in place and maintaining team health, the Knicks are poised to challenge for championships in the coming years.

[13:53] Alan Hahn: "I've never been that confident about it, but I just feel like this group, with what they have, I firmly do believe that it's close."

Notable Quotes

Peter Rosenberg on Fan Attitude:

[04:29] "I'm with Alan on this. I think it's pretty whack, Don."
Alan Hahn on Building a Sustainable Team:

[05:39] "How quickly do people forget?... It doesn't happen overnight."
Don La Greca on Recognizing Progress:

[07:23] "You have to look and say, you know what? Three in a row is not something we just kind of dismiss it."
Alan Hahn on Future Expectations:

[13:53] "I've never been that confident about it, but I just feel like this group, with what they have, I firmly do believe that it's close."

Conclusion

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" serves as both a celebration of the Knicks' recent achievements and a critical examination of the evolving expectations within the fanbase. The hosts skillfully navigate the complexities of sports fandom, team development, and the quest for championship glory, providing listeners with insightful commentary and a hopeful outlook for the future of the New York Knicks.

For more discussions and in-depth analysis, subscribe to the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast on ESPN New York, the ESPN New York app, or your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

Alan Hahn (0:03)

You don't wake up dreaming of McDonald's fries. You wake up dreaming of McDonald's hash browns. McDonald's breakfast comes first.

Don La Greca (0:15)

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

Alan Hahn (0:19)

That sounds like heaven to me.

Don La Greca (0:21)

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers. All right, here we go into the 5 o'clock hour with Don Ler Greca and Peter Rosenberg. I'm Alan Hahn. 800-919-3776 is the number. We'll get back to your calls here momentarily. As you can hear in the background, I am not in the studio. I am again on the road. I'm with the Knicks. They play the Bucks tonight here in Milwaukee. And it's interesting, guys, because as we were talking earlier this week, some fans pushing the idea of maybe finishing third is not a good idea because you want to avoid the Celtics. But finishing third right now would put you in the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks, who, if you're not paying attention, Damon Lillard's out indefinitely now because he ended up with what's becoming a thing in sports, a blood clot issue. You know, Wembanyama's out for the season with this now. Lillard's out. They're treating him right now. Who knows when, if or if they get him back this season. Bobby Portis is out. He's been suspended. And Giannis for tonight at least, has a left foot sprain. He's listed as questionable. He missed their last game. The Bucs have not really been great all year. They've been kind of inconsistent and if you're looking for, you know, like the first round matchup. So tonight's game, very interesting. Now, no Brunson tonight, no McBride again. He's listed as out as well. So the Knicks and Cameron Payne also out with the ankle sprain that he suffered in the last game. So the Knicks are down to their fourth and fifth point guards. They got Delon Wright and Tyler Kolik the rookie. So, you know, this is an interesting game tonight, but one thing that I can tell you with certainty that this season already has accomplished is a playoff berth, meaning top six, which means you don't have to play in the play in. You are going to play in a playoff series this year. It's the third straight year. It's four out of the five years that Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau, since they have taken over, this team has been in the playoffs. And I don't know, I. I feel like it's at least should be Acknowledged that since, as I mentioned, Rose and Tibbs have been here, this team has been a playoff team four out of five years and three straight. That is not something that you could have said in this century about this franchise. They haven't done that since the Van Gundy years at the end of the 90s. And then it was 2000 and 2001 were the last that run. That's it. And so I feel like it should be acknowledged that with everything else that everybody's anticipating about this team, guys, this is still something to say and. And consider. Like, this is showing you the difference in this franchise since these guys took over. Do you know what the majority of the responses are? So what? Some of them are like so many people in their replies to this little just simple point is negative. And I don't understand. Doesn't matter. One person said. One person just making the playoffs doesn't matter in the NBA. Another person said, who cares if all that's going to happen is you lose in the second round Again, who cares? How quickly do people forget? I just. It drives me crazy that fans get so fat so early. So you get a little bit of food because you've been starving for years. You get a little bit of food now you get fat now it's like now you're demanding better food. Hang on a second. When you build something into something sustainable, winning, that takes time. It doesn't happen overnight. And so you go through a year or two where you're figuring it out, then you go through another year where you take a step, and now they're at the point that's the hardest part. That's the next step to the. To elevate yourself into true contender status. But last I checked, they have the fifth best record in the entire league. The entire league. You were at a place you've never been before, you know, should be bleeding. You're so high. And yet you're telling me, so what? How dare you?