Hour 3: Knicks-Pistons

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode "Hour 3: Knicks-Pistons"

Release Date: April 10, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York and New Jersey

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1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

The episode kicks off with a brief promotional segment featuring Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg discussing a McDonald's and Minecraft collaboration. After the promos, Alan Hahn introduces the main topic of discussion: the upcoming New York Knicks game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. The hosts highlight their enthusiasm for the venue, praising its design reminiscent of Montreal's Bell Centre and its capacity of 20,000 fans with an immersive view of the action.

Notable Quote:
Alan Hahn [00:29]: "Little Caesars arena, which I love, I think at least for hockey. It's one of the best arenas in the NHL because it's modeled after the Bell center in Montreal."

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2. Personal Anecdotes and Team Dedication

Alan Hahn shares a humorous and relatable story about accidentally locking himself out of the radio booth during a previous event. Demonstrating his dedication, he recounts climbing over a glass partition to re-enter the booth, emphasizing his commitment to the show.

Notable Quote:
Alan Hahn [01:16]: "I swung my leg over the glass partition... that's the kind of dedication I have to whatever show I'm on."

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3. Knicks-Pistons Game Analysis and Playoff Implications

The core of the discussion revolves around the New York Knicks' upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons. Alan Hahn expresses skepticism about the game's significance as a playoff preview due to key Knicks players being sidelined, including two starters and Mitchell Robinson. Peter Rosenberg elaborates on the challenges the Knicks face, noting defensive issues against three-point shooters like Malik Beasley and the Pistons' reliance on the pick-and-roll strategy, especially with Cade Cunningham at the helm.

Notable Quotes:
Peter Rosenberg [03:23]: "Detroit got the last two games against the Knicks. The Knicks have scored 119 points a game against this team in their matchups."
Alan Hahn [02:18]: "How can you watch this and go, oh wow. Like there's little things you could see about, you know, matchups or players to keep an eye on. But how can you if the Knicks are missing two key starters so nothing."

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4. Critique of the NBA's In-Season Tournament and Scheduling

Alan Hahn voices his criticism of the NBA's in-season tournament, arguing that while it aims to boost interest, it inadvertently leads to fixture congestion and excessive back-to-back games. He highlights the adverse effects on teams still vying for playoff positions, including compromised player performance and increased load management issues.

Notable Quote:
Alan Hahn [05:08]: "I'm not a fan of the in-season tournament. I think it's ridiculous... fans are going to be robbed of seeing our star player in one of these two games."

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5. Listener Engagement: Calls on Team Performance and Strategy

The hosts engage with several callers who offer diverse perspectives on the Knicks' strategies, coaching decisions, and team performance. Discussions touch upon the potential firing of coach Tom Thibodeau if the team falters against Detroit, the impact of recent trades, and concerns about the Knicks' depth compared to rivals like the Lakers and Celtics.

Notable Quotes:
Peter Rosenberg [10:37]: "If somehow they were to lose this series... it would be impossible to not ignore the reality of that."
Alan Hahn [12:30]: "There is no win here. There's no win here."

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6. Deep Dive into Team Transactions and Draft Strategies

The conversation shifts to the Knicks' recent trades and draft pick strategies. The hosts analyze the implications of trading key players and acquiring draft picks, debating whether these moves bolster the team's long-term prospects or undermine its immediate competitiveness. They compare the Knicks' strategies to those of other NBA teams, emphasizing the delicate balance between accumulating talent and maintaining team chemistry.

Notable Quote:
Peter Rosenberg [25:39]: "Look at what the Jazz got for Rudy Gobert... That's why everyone thinks this is something is off with the Jazz. They got more."

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7. Player Behavior and Team Dynamics

Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg discuss player conduct on the court, referencing specific incidents like OG Anunoby's recent actions during a jump ball. They debate the need for an enforcer player to set the tone and address physical play, highlighting the absence of such a role within the current Knicks roster.

Notable Quote:
Peter Rosenberg [32:01]: "Could he be that guy? I know you mentioned this before, Alan, if we could find a way to get Devin back somehow... could he be the person that the Knicks need to kind of be that enforcer?"

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8. Off-Topic Banter: Music and Cultural References

Interspersed with the main discussions, the hosts and callers engage in light-hearted conversations about music, referencing classic hip-hop albums like Public Enemy's "Fear of a Black Planet." They also celebrate milestones such as Q-Tip's birthday, blending pop culture with sports commentary.

Notable Quote:
Peter Rosenberg [37:38]: "It's a great album, by the way. Welcome to the Terror Dome."

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9. Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on the Knicks' prospects for the playoffs and the upcoming season. They express cautious optimism, acknowledging the team's potential if key players return to health and if strategic adjustments are made. The conversation underscores the unpredictable nature of sports, where injuries and unforeseen events can drastically alter team trajectories.

Notable Quote:
Alan Hahn [42:31]: "Why is it all about this year? Why? Because fans want the immediate satisfaction."

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10. Closing Remarks

Don Hahn wraps up the episode with a mix of humor and anticipation, hinting at upcoming coverage for the Knicks and related sports events. The hosts encourage listeners to stay engaged through various platforms and subscribe for future episodes.

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Conclusion

In "Hour 3: Knicks-Pistons," Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg deliver an insightful and dynamic discussion centered on the New York Knicks' performance, strategic decisions, and their implications for the team's future. Through expert analysis, engaging listener interactions, and a touch of cultural commentary, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview that caters to both avid fans and casual listeners alike.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

McDonald's meets the Minecraft universe with one of six collectibles and your choice of a Big Mac or 10 piece McNuggets with spicy nether flame sauce. Now available with a Minecraft movie meal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

At participating McDonald's for a limited time.

[Don Hahn]

A Minecraft movie only in theaters.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers, 504.

[Alan Hahn]

In the big city. Don Hahn, Rosenberg. Take it up until 6:30, then it's Knicks Pistons at Little Caesars arena, which I love, I think at least for hockey. It's one of the best arenas in the NHL because it's modeled after the Bell center in Montreal. So it holds 20,000 people. All the fans are right on top of the ice or the court. And I believe where you are, Allen, is the radio booth. Correct.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm in the hockey booth now. I was outside but we got kicked upstairs. So. In the hockey booth now. Now we're way up here.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Well, I'm going to tell you a quick story. So I'm doing the case show from there a few years ago in probably the booth you're in right now, which was the away radio booth.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And I went to the bathroom and I locked myself out the booth next door. The door was open.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Did you climb?

[Alan Hahn]

So I climbed over. I swung my leg over the glass. I did, I did understand. Alan, take a picture right now. Take a picture and show people what I did.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm going to take a picture like so there's the TV booth. So you're here. So I have to do almost video of this.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because what you did.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I climbed on the table, swung my leg over the glass partition, swung.

[Peter Rosenberg]

His leg over this with that belief that's several, several stories down.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that's, that's that. You're lucky if you're just paralyzed. If I, if I fell and that's, that's the kind of dedication I have to whatever show I'm on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know if this video does us justice because it's, I mean we're way up here.

[Alan Hahn]

You remember that, Peter, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh my God, I sure do, Don. First of all, the glass partition goes up high enough that if you lift.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't lift. I don't think I left blood my leg over it. I think it was just like swung it around kind of. And, but. And that's what I did.

[Don Hahn]

We've been waiting for you to swing it around.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I did today a little bit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To start the show. You did.

[Alan Hahn]

Not a thing was done except laughter and radio gold.

[Don Hahn]

But they never, they. No one tried to. No one from the station decided to try to make it better.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm gonna put in the group chat. We'll put it on the. The show. The show. Twitter.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, do that, man. So you can see what I did for radio. But I don't know. Is this, is this tonight? Alan Nick's Celtics a Jace in the sense that close. Hear me out. Not in the sense of having to prove anything, but just a legit playoff preview to where the result of tonight can kind of give you a little flavor on what a best of seven series could be in a couple of weeks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's not for this reason. The Knicks are not. There's two starters aren't playing for the Knicks and neither is Mitchell Robinson. So how do you have any idea what it looks like? The last time they played each other, I believe was January 13th.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's been a minute since they've seen each other. Now Detroit got the last two games against the Knicks. The Knicks have scored 119 points a game against this team in their matchups, but they've had a hard time dealing with three point shooting. Malik Beasley went crazy in a couple of games and that's been a big part of it. They've had bad third quarters. They come out of the half. So there's like little things like that. And Cade Cunningham's really good. Cade Cunningham scored over 30 points a game in his last four games at the Garden, so he likes to play there. So all things to talk about when there is a first round matchup to talk about. The problem with tonight is because, you know, no Josh Hart, no OG Anunoby, so you've got to figure they're both going to factor in on guarding a guy like Cade Cunningham. There's no Mitchell Robinson, which is a big part of things too, because of what his defense can bring in. Pick and roll, which the Pistons play a ton of pick and roll, especially with Cunningham. So how do you watch this and go, oh wow. Like there's little things you could see about, you know, matchups or players to keep an eye on. But how can you if the Knicks are missing two key starters so nothing.

[Alan Hahn]

Happens tonight is going to get any movement on what can happen if they face each other?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think so. Personally, I don't think so. I think tonight is about you play, get healthy, you want, you try to win so you can lock up third and put that to rest. Tomorrow is, you know, of course it's a back to back, but tomorrow is a home game. It's the final regular season home game. So it's a fan appreciation night. So I imagine everybody wants to be in uniform tomorrow to do that for the fans. And Sunday at Brooklyn is like your G league team's gonna play. That's if everything goes the way it's supposed to go. That's what it is. And that's what I think. That's why they're. They're starting to sit guys now. They're getting some rest here tonight for that reason.

[Alan Hahn]

And if I can be critical of the NBA for just a second, please.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, for more than a second.

[Don Hahn]

You have a radio program.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's play. Plenty to discuss on that.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm not a fan of the in season tournament. I think it's ridiculous. But you got to do something to kind of create interest. But what the negative byproduct of it is condensing all these games late in the year. And it doesn't really matter that much for the Knicks. They're kind of locked into three, Boston's locked into two. Cleveland's already clinched the conference. But imagine if you were battling for a playoff spot or battling for first place and having all these back to backs. And. And we talk about load management even for the teams that maybe are locked in, but the game is still somewhat meaningful where, well, we can't play both games. So fans are going to be robbed of seeing our star player in one of these two games. But that's what you have to do, right? Because you're taking that little bit of a break. We saw it in the NHL with the four nations. They're kind of going through it. But load management isn't a problem in the NHL the way it is in the NBA. But are you seeing fans complain about like so many back to backs three games in four nights this late in the year where the games are really so important to some teams.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Remember I told you it was about two weeks ago, whatever it was, the last eight. What was it? Eight of the last 13 games were in back to backs, four back to backs. That's what was scheduled. Now a lot of it the NBA will tell you is all about, you know, the arena availability. March Madness does mess with the NBA schedule because they use a lot of the major arenas for the regionals and everything else, and a lot of the major arenas. So now you got to move these games and go to different places to play them. And, and obviously the Big east tournament comes to the Garden, so you got to go on the road for that. But the back to back situation for the Knicks this year, they have, they have reduced them. But you're so right, Don, at a time of year where if you're the NBA, you want your teams getting their rest, playing their games. But, but really like gearing up for a play for the playoffs, not like this exhausting run of games like the Lakers have had to go through it. There's been some teams where we've, you know, it's not exclusive to the Knicks, but we've talked to teams, we've talked to players, we've talked to coaches where they'll tell you like, oh yeah, this is our, this is our, this is our, our fifth game in the last seven days. Like what? Like, oh yeah, like this is what the league does. It's so maddening because it's so true. But here's the thing, this is why while you don't, man, I like the play in tournament, getting top six now is so critical because it buys you a week off.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's big. Like, look at the west. Everybody's locked up. They like the Lakers could finish second or eighth. That's, they don't want to be eighth or seventh because they don't want have to play. They want that week off for LeBron. So for the Knicks, this might be okay, an exhausting finish here. But, but they looked at the Celtic game as like that's our last real game. We're going to go all in. They're going to try to win it. They didn't came close, but they didn't. Now it's, let's get our guys rest. What is, is if we get there, great. If we don't, great. But they get a week off and then they start the playoffs and they can feel like that's that, that they got Brunson back. He's going to play, he'll play tonight. I, I would be shocked if he didn't play tomorrow because it's again the fan appreciation game. But at least you got him back. You got your full roster and you got a full week of practice and film and prep and rest to get ready for whoever it is you're going to play in the first round. But obviously the biggest probability is it's going to be against this Pistons team.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, that's the overwhelming possibility.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. So.

[Alan Hahn]

And it's, it's a tough matchup.

[Don Hahn]

And I will tell you though, it does create that. Yeah. If you Somehow lose to them. I don't give a damn how much people have talked about, oh, they could be pretty good. You gotta watch out. You can't lose to them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, you can't. You can't. But I know we're all trying to create this monster. Pay attention to what Detroit's been down the stretch here. They have not been as good. They. Their defense is not nearly as good as it was during the season. They might have been a team that really, like, they went pedal to the metal from January, February, like they were. All of a sudden they were playing well and everybody talk of the league, but is that catching up with them now?

[Don Hahn]

Right? They were, they were playing beyond. They peaked early.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, that's the thing to watch. Cunningham got hurt. He's their best player. But their defense is not what it was when they were playing their best. They look, they're a tough team. They don't mind being physical. I guarantee you they're going to try to do that to the Knicks and see if. Because everybody says the Knicks are not as tough as they were last year. They're a bit of a soft team. That's the thing I would want. Like, I may watch that tonight, like when you, when you bring it up, Don. Maybe that's what I'm watching tonight. Of the things that I might want to see is will the Pistons just try to set a tone when we see you next week? Expect more of this. Can you imagine the panic and hips and hard fouls and just, just, you know, trash talk like that could be something to watch tonight. No doubt.

[Don Hahn]

The panic if we get on the air tomorrow, if they just get mopped tonight by Detroit panic time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You are. You're right.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, and for the record, if somehow they were to lose this series, no matter what Allen Thibodeau Hahn has to say to us, he will not be able to fight the conversation about them getting rid of Tibbs if they lose to Detroit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like I've already said, I'm on the record of saying that a first round loss, that looks bad, that's. And then a slow start next year, you know, and Michael Malone didn't, didn't get hired by anyone. It'd be impossible to not ignore the reality of that. Yeah. 1-800-first to admit it as much as, like, I, I will. I don't care. I will cape for Tom Thibodeau because I believe in him. But I can't deny that reality. If you want to give me a hypothetical scenario, I can't deny that reality.

[Don Hahn]

1-800-919-3776. Your thoughts, expectations, concerns as we head into this final weekend of the Knicks regular season. Let's go to Kevin in Great Neck. What's up, Kevin?

[Caller]

Hey, guys. Good evening. How are you?

[Don Hahn]

Hey, man.

[Caller]

I have a quick question. The Knicks haven't really locked up that three seed yet. If you look at the game tonight, they're already benching a few guys with minor injuries and Cleveland is benching all their guys turn out against Indiana. Indiana can technically win out. We're not going to win tonight without our guys. Tomorrow night, I'm assuming he's going to bench Cat and maybe give Brunson a blow. So I think, I don't think they're.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Going to bench anybody tomorrow. I'm not. I don't think they're benching anybody tomorrow.

[Caller]

They haven't been playing, they haven't been playing Towns and Robinson together in back to back. They kind of switched them. So I don't see Towns playing smarter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Than the back, you know, more than I do. So. You're right. You know, my bad.

[Caller]

But look, the last. Look at the last few back to back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right, right. No, no, you're right. You're right.

[Caller]

So, so I think Cat will miss Tornado. And if they lose the next two games, it comes down to Sunday, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're going to lose Sunday. They're going to lose Sunday at Brooklyn. That, that, that they don't want to.

[Caller]

Win, but Sunday they shouldn't play one starter.

[Don Hahn]

There's no point of playing anybody.

[Caller]

Just rest, everyone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, so what's the point if they drop to the fourth seed and they play, play the Bucks. Isn't that what everybody wants?

[Caller]

Yeah, okay, we dropped to the floor, we played a Bucks, and then the second round, we play Cleveland instead of Boston, Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you. All right, so all of this, everything you're doing here, Kevin, is to, is to let us know you want this to happen, right? That's.

[Don Hahn]

What if I, I hung up with him because he was annoying me?

[Peter Rosenberg]

But wouldn't that be amazing if, if, if, if what Kevin just put out there happens. And so game 82, they still lose to the Nets, which again, amazing. You think that Monday morning, the Knick fans knowing that their matchups with the Bucs are not going, oh, my God, we lost out and fell to fourth. Fire this coach right now before the playoffs without realizing that the other side of your brain is saying, you know, I did ra. I did prefer the matchup with the Bucks. You see what I'm saying?

[Don Hahn]

By the Way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No win here. There's no win here.

[Don Hahn]

By the way, I have a big congratulations. You played yourself. Button waiting for people who really prefer the Bucks. I don't. You don't know. I. Here's what I want. I don't want to face the scrappy, upstart Pistons. I want to face a league mvp, one of the best players who's won a championship. That's. And that's who I'm looking for. A team that, even though they're not the best version of themselves, has done it before in the first round.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I see. I would agree with that. I agree with that partially.

[Caller]

But on the flip side, the Knicks have not, especially on the perimeter, have not done a great job defending the three.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Malik Beasley. And there's a couple other guys on that team that just absolutely puts up the ball.

[Caller]

Oh, Tim Hardaway Jr.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They just absolutely shoot mostly Beasley. Beasley has been an absolute beast in games against the Knicks this season. He's shooting 65% from three. And that's not on like, you know, 12 shots. Like, it's insane what he's done against them. And you're right. But I. Look, who would you rather face? The experienced superstar MVP candidate in a playoff series or a young team that has minimal playoff experience?

[Don Hahn]

Give me. Give me the good three point shooting, scrappy kids. Keep me away from a guy who on the wrong day can go for 55 by himself. Like, I'm good. Like, I just don't need a Giannis series. Like, you learn as years go on that these teams who are a couple years removed from a championship, they can randomly go on a toot in the playoffs. And Alan, you know what I mean? It's like Miami, all of a sudden they're back there again. You what? Everyone counted them out. Detroit's not going on a run this year, no matter what. I'm sorry.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Lillard is out, but he could. You never know because he's getting that treatment. They have not ruled him out for the rest of the season. Now you got two players and we always do this in a playoff series. If you pick in players, power ranking, all the players in the series, take the whole pool of players. Would. Would Lillard and Giannis be two of the top three players you would choose?

[Don Hahn]

Absolutely. Yannis certainly. Very high.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Be careful what you wish. Yeah, that's the thing, you know. Do I think the Knicks would win that series? Yes, I do. Because they played them well. But it's not one of these things where it's like, I'm Purposely. It's such a strange conversation to have, but that's where we are. Because despite a 50 win season, Nick fans right now are bracing for the worst. Well, that's what's happening right now.

[Don Hahn]

Speaking of which, Adam in Staten island has a concern. Hey, Adam.

[Caller]

Hey, what's up, guys? So, you know, my concern is not the first round because if you can't get past the first round, then, you know, what's the point? My concern is that in the history of me rooting for this team and this is going back to obviously the 90s with, you know, with those teams, I've never felt that if we got to the second round, we had no chance. Because of the lack of competitiveness in the regular season games, Boston or Cleveland, it feels like we have no shot. So it's almost like, okay, I'm glad if we get to the second round, I'm obviously going to be rooting hard for him. But what have they shown us that gives us any reason to believe that they would even make that a competitive series? Maybe they win one game. I mean, I just don't see the angle to where all of a sudden they're going to be competitive now just because it's the playoffs and you know, I mean, Hartenstein and DiVincenza losing those guys, you know, those guys were put into a starting spot, but those were basically really good bench players that were thrusted into starting spots and we don't have that caliber of bench play.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's correct. Period. And Adam, that to me, that's. You're 100% right with everything you just said. And that's why I keep saying transaction cycle, because what they lost in those two guys now again, hard side had no control. He took the money. They couldn't pay him more. OKC could. And so they lost that because of rules, not because of. They didn't want to. But the, the DiVincenzo thing was to get Towns and that and to get out of the Randall contract and, and, and having to give him an extension. And so what you have now is a two for one that cost you your bench and now you've got to figure out how to replenish it. And that's what the next transaction cycle's got to be about. And that's hopefully, hopefully then gets them back to that place. But their five, their starting five is, is immensely better offensively statistically than they were before. So it's just one of these things. But, but he's right, though. You can't argue with it any of it. The other team's benches are better. The Cavs bench is better, The Celtics bench is better. That's always going to win a series for you when they have more depth than you and you have to rely so much on your starters and their starters and your starters are very, very close to begin with.

[Alan Hahn]

But the last meeting did go to overtime. Now, I'm not saying to win the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Series shouldn't have, but.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, but you're saying, hey, we could have very easily won the game at the Garden, you know, why can't we win at the Garden against Boston when we're fully healthy? I, I just resigned. I can understand resigning yourself to the fact that you're not going to get out of the second round facing Boston, but can it just be about putting up a fight? What it looks like getting swept, you're gonna be sick to your stomach. But if you go out there, you win a couple of games, force a game six, I mean, it all depends on what it looks like. To say they have no chance, I think is way unfair. I don't feel good about it. I wouldn't, I wouldn't bet on the do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's also the caveat of this, guys, is you never know in, in a playoff year about injuries, slumps, like you never know. That's why, like to say it's, it's fair to say you don't know. I, I don't expect it. Yeah, you don't expect it. But you watch because you. The unexpected can happen sometimes where it's like, I didn't know that was gonna happen. And now suddenly this matchup that you thought was overwhelming, well, they don't have that guy now. That changes everything. Now you got some. So you just, you do have to let it play out. But if we're forecasting. Yeah, it's. This feels like if they just get to the second round and they face the Celtics and they go out, but they go out with like not embarrassed, like you're not swept, then you just go, okay, let's build from here. Build from here. Because it was Clyde, Clyde's teams, man, they couldn't get past Boston.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And then Bill Russell retired. Everything opened up.

[Alan Hahn]

But if it all is just part of the process, we were talking about taking those steps forward. Well, then losing a hard fought series in five or six games is something you can now apply to. All right, if we face him again next year, then maybe we can take him. But if you get swept in, you get batted around and it's not even competitive now you start to think to yourself, can we even get that better? Are we even in their same stratosphere?

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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

[Don Hahn]

Game time brought to you by Tullamore. Do Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, Alan, it's not right. You want to try out?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Don Hahn]

All right, cool.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm just enjoying PE today.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, as you should. It's Tully time. That's right. The Knicks are in Detroit facing the Pistons with coverage right here, 8, 86, 30. That's when you get it. The Rangers battle the Islanders on the island with coverage on 10, starting at 7. And the Nets host the Hawks at 7:30, which I am locked in on. Tullamore Dew, the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly.

[Alan Hahn]

Like it.

[Don Hahn]

This DJ is really working out every possible transition.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's. Yeah, it is what it is. This just for everybody to know, too. This is probably the last. This is. No, not probably. This is the last game. I'll be calling on MSG Network for the season because the playoffs will begin and obviously I'll be relegated to sideline and studio where. Where I spend most of my time anyway, so you guys won't have to deal with this much more. This is today here, and then tomorrow I'll be at the Garden. But you know, you. I hope you guys are ready for me because more. A lot. A lot of. A lot of. A lot of me around you every week.

[Don Hahn]

Physically, you're saying? Physically?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, man.

[Don Hahn]

Wow. Right up in there in the flesh, baby, like you dream about. Jonathan in LA has been holding for a long time. Hi, Jonathan.

[Caller]

Hi, guys. First things first, Peter, you were cracking me up yesterday with that test with Michael K. And then I heard Michael talk about that situation. That even made me laugh even more, man. That gave me the little backstory that the chef walked in, gave the chicken tenders to Michael, and while Mike was explaining it on the radio earlier today, I can imagine the chest talking like you were yesterday. It was just hilarious, man. Alan, regarding the. The. The Luca trade, I think there's a lot of conspiracies because look at what the Lakers gave up for. They ain't gave up methods. I mean, yes, they gave up Anthony. Day to day, they gave up Anthony.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Anthony Davis is. Is one of the top players in the sport. He. He's a. He's 75th anniversary team player. He's 28 years old. Okay.

[Caller]

All Right then yes, yes, but look at.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no. But it's not your fault, Jonathan. It's not your fault. Everybody does. They got nothing for him. You got it all.

[Caller]

The Jazz got more for Rudy Gober, for God's sake. That's why everyone thinks this is something is. Is off the Jazz. They got more.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, but they didn't get an Anthony Davis.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wait, wait, wait. What. What did the Jazz get?

[Caller]

Well, they got a lot of draft picks. That's what I'm.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what are draft picks. Fans do this draft picks. They are everything until they're nothing. Look, Oklahoma, by the way, you know what the Portland Trailblazers got? You know what the Portland Trailblazers got for Josh Hart?

[Caller]

All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They got a first round pick. You know what it turned into? Chris Murray. Say it. Who? Exactly.

[Caller]

What the Brooklyn got got for Paul Pierce and. And kg or it was the other way around from Boston. What did they.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, Boston got the ability to. To draft Jason Tatum.

[Caller]

Exactly. And same with Oklahoma City with all those picks that they got.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You guys are unbelievable. All right. Everybody loves draft. I mean every currency of hope.

[Caller]

Yeah. All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The currency of hope, Peter. The currency of hope.

[Don Hahn]

We love. We love. There's so much.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We sell hope. We want hope. If you get draft picks and don't get any players, you won the trade. But if you bring in an all time talent, you lost.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, that's always the way I feel about it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That to me, Lucy, the thing is.

[Don Hahn]

With draft picks, you know what you're hoping to get in your in wildest dream. Someone who would turn out to be as good as Anthony Davis. You know, maybe you would take four of them and you'd find someone half as well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what's even funnier? You'd hope you'd get somebody as good as Luka. Here's the problem. You're. You're getting a draft pick from a team that gets Luka. Which means those draft picks are not going to be in the lottery. Like a pick 23 is pick 22. It's not that valuable. It's not going to change your franchise. I've done this for years. I've always got the currency of hope. Fans would rather have the hope than.

[Don Hahn]

Have the actual guy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The reality which is this guy actually is a walking double double. One of the top defensive players in the in the league who's considered already an all time great in the 75th anniversary team. But you don't want him because he's not a draft pick.

[Don Hahn]

Let's go To Dave in Brooklyn, who's feeling positive. What's up, Dave?

[Caller]

Hey, guys. You know, I'm a little, little concerned with what I'm hearing that it sounds like you, you all are afraid of the Detroit Pistons. You know, Malik Beasley. He could shoot. Oh, we gotta. I'm not afraid of Malik Beasley. And I'm also not. You know, you guys are talking about the Celtics like they're the second coming of the Jordan Bulls. They're, they're. First of all, Tatum can disappear in the postseason. Porzingis can break his ankle at any point and be out. And you know what? I'll take my two stars and put those guys, especially Brunson and Town, up against anyone and come into the Garden.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, my God. Stick your chest out there. I love it. Finally. Finally, a Nick fan's got a sack right now. I love.

[Alan Hahn]

So. So being delusional. Is having sack delusional?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, he's not delusional. He believes in his team.

[Alan Hahn]

So the two best players on the court are Tatum and Brown.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Brown's got a knee. He's got a little knee issue. No, no, no limit in his minutes right now.

[Don Hahn]

Dave, go ahead. You want to clear this up? Because you do. I love confidence, but you went one notch. A little too nutty, in my opinion.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Finally, somebody.

[Don Hahn]

You go ahead.

[Alan Hahn]

Go ahead.

[Caller]

No, I, I, I just. You know, the Celtics, yeah, they want a ring, but, but, you know, it seems like they've been put on this a much higher pedestal when they're from where they were this time last year.

[Alan Hahn]

And yeah, they're, because they did the title and they did eventually win, Dave.

[Don Hahn]

They've, they've now won the title. And just if you're paying attention, they're 20 and four since the break. They've, they've won nine straight on the road. They're. I don't, I don't know if you saw Porzingis the other day. He didn't look Broken ankle Porzingis, he looked eight, three pointer. Porzingis. Like they're in it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're in a good spot and 40 footers, too. Mike.

[Alan Hahn]

God. Oh, I'm all for being. Listen, I don't think you should be scared of anybody. Nobody's saying they're gonna lose to the Pistons or just saying that you probably would rather face the Bucks than the Pistons. But I think they're getting out of the first round. We talked about it earlier in the week when Dave was talking about firing Tibbs. If they go out of the first round, why are we even? Going there. It's not. We don't believe it's going to happen. I mean, anything can happen, but I don't think it's going to happen to this team. But no, Boston, they're not the 90s bulls, but they are the defending champions. They wiped the floor with you every time they played you until the other day and still found a way to win the game that they didn't care about. And the Knicks did. So have confidence. Don't be scared of them, but don't also be delusional. The two best players on the. On both teams, you put them all together. You were drafting. You're going to go Tatum and Brown. Then you may go.

[Don Hahn]

And then you go bronze.

[Alan Hahn]

And then you would probably go Towns, but. And then. And you can't say the wall. You know, Brown could break his ankle or Porzingis could break his ankle and Tatum can get cold. All right, well, he didn't get cold any of the games he played you. And he didn't get cold winning a championship last year. And you're encouraging it, Alan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But even in the. Why. I just, I just, I was just trying to juice up Dave because finally somebody.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he was already juiced up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's why he made the call to fired up. I mean, everybody's been so whiny lately that I was. It was nice to hear somebody that just, you know, had some. Had some emotion here. But the Porzingis point's not a bad point, though, because if you. Again, I got friends in Boston. We talk. I talk a lot with people in Celtic. Their biggest worry is the fragility of Christoph. He is a guy that at any moment tweaks his knee and he's done or he's out for a couple of games. Like you saw in the finals. He had game one. He was phenomenal. Didn't play the rest of the series invisible because he get, you know, the knee got tweaked again.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Caller]

That.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a reality with him that they do worry about a lot.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. And OG can't get hurt.

[Don Hahn]

I'm glad you brought up OG let's go to Lang in Connecticut. What's up, Lang?

[Caller]

Yeah, Doing a lot better today, much thanks to Allen at his expense. That. That wasn't right. Thanks for being my punching bag there, Alan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what I'm here.

[Don Hahn]

Sorry, Lane.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Caller]

My, my displaced frustration with the Knicks. But speaking of OG you know, something happened at the end of the Celtics game, and I don't know if it's been picked up or talked about much, but he did something when he was trying to battle for foot position on jump ball.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know you're talking about.

[Caller]

And I was surprised it wasn't called a technical foul when he. Because he did swipe down pretty hard, and in today's NBA, that's a technical foul. Tatum did not do that. And I just wonder, you know, if you're going to make any noise in the playoffs, whether it's this year or next year, 10 years from now, you're going to need an enforcer, right? So I wonder if him. I thought it would be precious, but he doesn't really see the floor enough. Could he be that enforcer that kind of sets the tone and kind of throws his weight around and maybe pushes someone and picks up a technical. Could he be that guy? I know he's well spent, spoken, he's quiet and he's introverted and a little awkward in his postgame interviews, but could he be the person that the Knicks need to kind of be that enforcer? Because I. I don't see Brunson doing it. I don't see Hart, I don't see Towns. I go through the roster, it's not Bridges. Could it be og?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know. Lang? I don't. I don't. I don't see that in his nature. I do think he, like, I have seen him at times in a game where he just has a look in his eye and whoever he's guarding has no chance. I've seen that and that I'm with you on that moment with, with Tatum. No one really brought that up. But you're right, Tatum was trying to get position and he was almost like, sunning him a little bit with, like, his foot. But, like, I could. I could put my foot here. Like, he was doing that. And. And Adonoby wasn't gonna let him get away with it. So every time Tatum lifted his arm up, Adonobi, like, elbowed it down and, you know, and Tatum got real mad at one point, like, angry. And Anunoby, like, let it go. Like, you know, maybe in the old days, fans would love to see them go chest to chest and start talking to each other, but that's when you get attacked. You're smart enough to know just, all right, you know, he knows I'm not backing down. I don't need to get in his face and get the crowd all fired up. So that was interesting to see it. It was good to see. I just don't know. Enforcer sounds like such a Strong word. This team doesn't have one. PJ Tucker even said that when I talked to him. Him. He's like, my role here is to be a bad guy, because this team has a lot of. A lot of nice guys. But he doesn't play, so he can't really play that role.

[Don Hahn]

I just love that. I'm listening to Big L. This DJ is really. This guy is playing classics.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's Detroit. I mean, it's a music city.

[Don Hahn]

Let's get out. This has. This sounds like a New York dj. If I go find out who this DJ is on, just go walk up to him. I want to know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I'm not courtside anymore. I'd have to jump from here and.

[Don Hahn]

Well, Don would do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Hang off the side like Don would.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Did you see the video?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. He's insane. What he did. You climbed over that, Don?

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don's a daredevil.

[Alan Hahn]

Just hold on.

[Don Hahn]

How long ago was that?

[Alan Hahn]

Three years ago.

[Don Hahn]

You did it with the kids, knowing you could have. You could have been gone. That's right.

[Alan Hahn]

But what better way to go as.

[Don Hahn]

A talk show host than saying, I was climbing. I was at Little Caesar's arena to his death.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In an arena. Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

That's not what. That's not what you want.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Better ways to go, though, Trying to.

[Alan Hahn]

Get back in the booth so I didn't miss a segment.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nobody would know, though. People would think you just. You jumped. No one would know that you went to the bathroom and locked yourself out.

[Don Hahn]

I know. That's the bad part. Well, how did you think that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

You just.

[Caller]

You.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You were so fed up with your inability to get a word in edgewise on the show you were doing, that he finally had enough and just fell to his death. Just jumped right out of the booth.

[Don Hahn]

That would have been.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And people stop it. I'm not gonna say that. TaxAct knows filing your taxes can be complicated. And that's why we have live experts to help you with any questions. They can hold your hand through the process, beginning to end, metaphorically, of course. I mean, they can't actually hold your hand in person.

[Caller]

I suppose you could hold your computer.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Mouse while you chat with the expert about capital games or whatever, which is sort of like holding hands. Sorry. Point is, our tax experts can make filing easier. Tax Act. Let's get them over with. There are people out there all across the country pushing boundaries to grow the game of golf. Like champion speed golfer Lauren Kupp, who.

[Don Hahn]

Plays faster than anyone else, and Will.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Lowrey, whose work in the golf community.

[Don Hahn]

Inspires More kids to get into the game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

As a champion partner of the Masters, bank of America supports everyone determined to find out what's possible in golf and in life. What would you like the power to do? Bank of America bank of America NA member FDIC. Copyright 2025 bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. Springfest and EGO Days are here at Lowes right now.

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Battery with purchase of a select trimmer, blower or mower kit. Plus, shop today for new and exclusive items you need for your lawn. So get ready for spring with the latest in innovation from Ego, the number one rated brand and cordless outdoor power only at Lowe's. We help you save. Offer valid through 4 2. Selection varies by location while supplies last. Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. He vibes today, boys.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, I mean he. He's going all fear of a black planet and very little people's instinctive travels, tribal quest. You only can I kick it so far.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But very for good reason. This is a big date, apparently in hip hop history, because fear of a black planet also dropped on this date.

[Don Hahn]

Well, right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

1990.

[Don Hahn]

It's the same date.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Which is.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, that's the exact same date.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a great album, by the way.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, it's one of the greatest, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Welcome to the Terror Dome. Obviously, I mean, everybody knows Fight the power, but just 911 is a joke. Flavors famous. It's just this, this was one like. Like again, I'm biased because PE is one of my all time favorites. Like every album. I have all of them. I listen to them regularly. Great workout albums. But this one, this one was special. This one was so good.

[Don Hahn]

No, it's a. It's a monster album. Brother's gonna work it out. Welcome to the Terror Dome. Burn Hollywood Burn with Ice Cube and Kane. Tremendous, big, big, big album. But yeah, that and of course, happy birthday to Q Tip, whose birthday is today. The day that he released the. That they released Tribe Called Quest, that debut album. And Alan Hahn has a big, big Knicks vehicle coming up that he'll be calling along with Kenny Albert on msg. And everyone is calling to talk New York Knicks right now. Let's go to Justin in Brooklyn. What up, Justin?

[Caller]

What's up, boys? Can we bring back, please? Don, please?

[Alan Hahn]

Peter said no.

[Don Hahn]

You like. You like the. It's Tully top.

[Caller]

I loved it. It was up there with, like, the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Power hour, it would have caught on.

[Alan Hahn]

It's Charlie time on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was so good. Like, maybe Don just got sick of doing it.

[Alan Hahn]

Now, do you want me to do it live or do you want to just hear that drop?

[Caller]

Either way, Don, I just feel like you're. You're so much lighter without Michael. Like, it's just like you and the boys now. You can. You can breathe, you know?

[Alan Hahn]

All right, let's bring back the drop at least. All right. It's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I take this as a compliment. Don is much more. More chill.

[Caller]

Yeah. Don is the man's man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Donna's.

[Caller]

But anyway, enough of that. So here's. Here's my thing, guys, right? I had a quick question, and I'm gonna give you my answer. First. Who to win in the seven game series? Last year's team at full health or this year's team? As is my opinion, I'm taking last year's team. And I know we made the big moves and we had to. Right? But I almost feel like it's kind of a booty situation with the Yankees.

[Don Hahn]

Right?

[Caller]

We always talk about analytics and. And those decisions being made and how he structured the lineup. I feel like the Mikhail Bridges trade was. Was of that elk. Because you took away. We. I mean, it's repetitive at this point, but we took away the heart and soul. And we. We got a guy who, analytically, he fits in, but he's not really a tips guy. And I don't. I remember last year, the excitement around this team was so much greater than it is right now. And going into that Philly series like, and b gave us a 50 ball. Jalen wasn't playing that well, and we still found a way to pull it out. I don't feel that this team has that same level of grit. And we know they don't, but I think overall, man, like, we just need to get that piece, get that heart back. And it's not Tibbs's fault. We just need Tibbs level of guys. And I know you mentioned this before, Alan, if we could find a way to get Devo back somehow, some way make it, I think that would make a huge impact. But thanks for taking my call, fellas. Let's bring back this time. Enjoy the rest of your day.

[Alan Hahn]

I think we should bring the drop back and then kind of play it by year from there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm good with that.

[Don Hahn]

It's Char time.

[Alan Hahn]

Let's start now when. When he was saying if they played each other or this last year's team would have a better chance against if.

[Don Hahn]

They played each other versus he meant against each other. But I think he's trying to prove the point about who's overall better. And I just like to say before we can even get into that, Mitchell Robinson missed 58 games, right. And then Brunson was immediately out. The truth is, you can make an estimation on what you feel about the loss of Randall Hartenstein and DiVincenzo and the acquisition of Karl Anthony Towns, but you can't really break it down, guys, until we watch this team gelling fully healthy.

[Alan Hahn]

Also, why does everybody this happens, you know, with Soto going to the Mets, well, he better win the World Series this year.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why?

[Alan Hahn]

He's got another 14 years after this. Why does everybody put all their eggs in the very next year's basket? Did the Knicks make this deal to win the title in 2025 or bust? Or did they say, I think we ran our course with the other team. We're going to bring in a new way of doing things. We're going to bring in Towns. We're going to look at it a different way. And there may be some growing pains early. We may not be as good as last year, but at some point we're going to be way better than the ceiling for the previous team. That's what I, I think they looked at it. Why is it all about this year? Why?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because fans want the immediate satisfaction. That's what you always.

[Alan Hahn]

But that's not what they were. That's not what the Knicks were selling.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Knicks weren't even that last year.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, because the Knick fans convinced themselves that they would have beaten the Celtics. So now it went from I think we would have beat the Celtics to in their minds, they already beat the Celtics.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So, Don, the problem is the first two meetings with the Celtics were. You weren't even close. That's the pro. Like, it's not even. Not even in the room with them in the first two meetings, especially on opening night. So when you watch those two games, like, you don't pay attention that the, the third meeting, it was a five point game in the fourth quarter. Nobody cares. And I still ended up, I think, like down. You lost by 17, whatever it was because they just, they went insane from three. Like you just. What your eyes told you was we were more competitive last year. We're getting smoked this year. So we stink and this is no good. Blow it up. They were built to. They were. I mean, again, getting bridges was an answer to we need two wings to go up against the Celtics. Team getting Towns was, we need somebody to get Porzingis out of the paint so. So Brunson can score in the paint. We need someone to counter what he does. That was the whole idea of making those moves. But I also want to remind everybody, if Isaiah Hartnell says, I'll take a little less and stay in New York because I believe what they're doing here, they probably don't make the town's trade, right? DiVincenzo was still here, Hartenstein is still here. And you add Bridges, that's basically what the team was supposed to be. But the Hardenstein thing really, that, that hurt them and there was nothing they could do about it. So that's the reality. You went into the season without a center and Towns was there to be had and you only had one chance to get them. Then you couldn't get them after the fact because of the ownership change, everything going on there. It was like, if we're going to do, we got to do it now. And that's why they did what they did. But the hard side, I'm telling you, in history, you're going to look back and say that rule, you know, the Knicks not signing into a three year deal, which is what they should have done, but they sign it to a two year deal, which doesn't allow you to. There's a certain number you can get to because they call it the early bird, whatever it's called. It's a rule. And the Thunder, by rule, could have offered him more money than the Knicks could have. That's a rule and it stinks. And nobody blames him for taking more money. Nobody does. But that's what it was about. If that doesn't happen, then this team looks a lot different and maybe the conversation's different, but that's a reality. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.