Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Knicks Need A Bench

In the January 7, 2025 episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dive deep into the New York Knicks' recent performances, emphasizing the critical need for a stronger bench. Beyond basketball, the trio also touches on recent WWE events, engages with listeners, and indulges in some light-hearted movie discussions. Here's a detailed breakdown of the episode's key topics, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. WWE’s Monday Night Raw Review

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the recent Monday Night Raw event, spotlighting the high-profile match between CM Punk and Seth Rollins.

• Don La Greca expresses his disappointment with the match's outcome:
  "[03:23] Don LeGreca: Well, first of all, the ending disappointed me because I hate when the bad guy wins."

• Peter Rosenberg counters by reframing Seth Rollins' character:
  "[03:23] Peter Rosenberg: Yeah, well, he's not the bad guy. But to us, he was the bad guy."

• The hosts commend the crowd's energy, comparing the crowd chants to a hockey game:
  "[03:23] Don LeGreca: The chants back and forth was like a hockey game. Yeah, it was. It was great."

The conversation highlights the emotional investment fans have in wrestling storylines and the lasting impact such events can have.

2. Analyzing the New York Knicks’ Performance

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to scrutinizing the Knicks' recent games, focusing on their declining three-point shooting and the resultant strain on their bench players.

• Don points out the sharp decline in the Knicks' three-point accuracy:
  "[07:20] Don LeGreca: They are not making threes. Last night only made four. They missed 15 in a row."

• Peter emphasizes the broader implications of this shooting slump:
  "[07:23] Don LeGreca: We're not winning games now. We got to find way to impact the game in other areas when we're not making shots like that."

• Alan Hahn adds context by comparing the current team to previous Knicks rosters:
  "[08:01] Alan Hahn: I thought last night's loss was disturbing. They are being judged much differently than the old Knicks where you're just happy that they're in contention."

The hosts collectively agree that while the Knicks have shown promise earlier in the season, recent performances indicate underlying issues, particularly concerning bench depth and stamina.

3. Listener Calls: The Jimmy Butler Trade Debate

Engaging with their audience, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg field calls that propose significant roster changes to bolster the Knicks' competitiveness.

• Caller Andres suggests trading OG Anunoby for Jimmy Butler:
  "[15:03] Caller: ...OG's been averaging 16 points a game... He's making $40 million a year. ...thoughts on going out, getting a Jimmy Butler for OG..."

• Don responds skeptically about the trade's feasibility and impact:
  "[15:40] Don LeGreca: I'm not, I'm not throwing anything in. ...if I'm, I'm taking on your problem and I'm giving you another. No."

• Peter further critiques the trade, highlighting Butler's playoff prowess versus his regular-season performance:
  "[17:32] Don LeGreca: He's a pain in the ass, but he's really good."
  "[17:35] Peter Rosenberg: ...Jimmy has come off looking brilliant, but it's mostly based on his playoff performance."

The discussion underscores the complexities of making high-stakes trades, weighing immediate benefits against long-term team dynamics and existing bench issues.

4. Deep Dive: Bench Depth and Team Strategy

Continuing the Knicks' analysis, the hosts explore the implications of a shallow bench on the team's championship aspirations.

• Don questions whether the Knicks are ready for championship contention without a robust bench:
  "[10:38] Peter Rosenberg: ...that is because they're a little bit shallow... it's very rare to be a championship caliber team and not have a deep bench."

• Alan reflects on coach Tom Thibodeau’s approach to player minutes:
  "[13:07] Don LeGreca: Tom Thibodeau is obsessed with winning, obsessed with it."
  "[13:17] Don LeGreca: ...how much Allen is. Well, no, the minutes are not a problem."

• Peter raises concerns about the sustainability of the current strategy:
  "[12:50] Peter Rosenberg: Make your next move with American Express Business Platinum...]"
  [Note: This seems like an advertisement and should be skipped per instructions.]

The conversation reveals a consensus: without improving bench performance, the Knicks may struggle to maintain their competitive edge, especially in high-pressure playoff scenarios.

5. Casual Banter: Movie Discussions

Injecting some levity into the episode, the hosts and callers reminisce about classic movies, sharing personal anecdotes and opinions.

• Alan admits his unfamiliarity with Top Gun:
  "[21:40] Don LeGreca: ...I should watch that movie."

• Peter and Don humorously debate the appeal and longevity of comedies like Spaceballs and Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle:
  "[26:32] Don LeGreca: Let's take Nick in Woodbridge. Hey, Nick."
  "[26:35] Jalen Brunson: ...the one movie for me that I still crack up at every time is Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle."

These segments provide a glimpse into the hosts' personalities, showcasing their ability to balance serious sports analysis with light-hearted conversation.

6. Hockey Segment: Rangers vs. Devils and Hockey Fights Cancer

Shifting gears, the podcast dedicates time to discuss current NHL matchups and charitable initiatives within the sport.

• Don highlights the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative:
  "[35:34] Don LeGreca: ...the V Foundation has awarded over 43 million... to cancer research."

• The hosts analyze the Rangers’ performance against the Devils, focusing on power play struggles and overall team strategy:
  "[37:11] Don LeGreca: They hit the road, go out west for Vegas, Colorado and Utah. So let's see what happens tonight."
  "[38:37] Don LeGreca: ...they've had 30 power plays in eight games. So they've had 30 power plays in eight games."

• A listener, Jalen Brunson, calls in to commend the hosts and briefly mention the World Juniors tournament:
  "[39:35] Don LeGreca: ...single day, they're fine and they can start over again the next week..."
  "[40:03] Alan Hahn: ...Imagine that for USA Hockey to win back to back World juniors. Gabe Perot was one of the best players for Team USA."

This segment underscores the hosts' versatility in covering a range of sports topics, from NBA struggles to NHL strategies and international competitions.

7. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts engage in playful banter about personal preferences and maintain their signature humor.

• Don shares a personal story about his son:
  "[43:36] Don LeGreca: His roommate was a teammate and he did too."

• The trio jokes about everyday topics, reinforcing their camaraderie:
  "[44:12] Alan Hahn: You must not be able to fall forward."
  "[44:57] Don LeGreca: Maybe. I don't know...I just. That's just..."

These closing moments reinforce the hosts' chemistry, leaving listeners with a sense of community and anticipation for future episodes.

Conclusion

In Hour 3: Knicks Need A Bench, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provide a comprehensive analysis of the New York Knicks' current challenges, particularly emphasizing the necessity for a more robust bench to sustain their competitive edge. Through engaging discussions, listener interactions, and a blend of sports coverage, the hosts offer valuable insights while maintaining an entertaining and relatable atmosphere. Whether you're a dedicated Knicks fan or a casual sports enthusiast, this episode delivers both depth and entertainment, encapsulating the essence of what makes the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast a must-listen.