Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast – Hour 3: Marc J Spears & Standards Release Date: July 3, 2025

Introduction

In the third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a variety of hot topics surrounding the New York sports scene, with a particular focus on the NBA and MLB. This episode features an insightful conversation with Mark Spears, a distinguished NBA writer for ESPN and recipient of the Kurt Gowdy Award for his extensive coverage of the NBA.

Knicks' Coaching Change: Mike Brown on the Horizon

The episode kicks off with speculation about the New York Knicks potentially hiring Mike Brown as their new head coach, replacing Tom Thibodeau. Peter Rosenberg introduces Mark Spears, highlighting his credibility and long-standing friendship within the sports journalism community.

Key Points:

• Mike Brown's Qualifications: Mark Spears lauds Mike Brown as an "extremely impressive guy" with a meticulous approach, honed from his military family background and experience coaching teams like the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors.

  Mark Spears (03:05): "Mike is an extremely impressive guy. He's always going to be ready... everything is really meticulous."

• Handling Pressure: The trio discusses the immense pressure Mike Brown will face in New York, given the Knicks' 52-year championship drought and high expectations for immediate success.

  Alan Hahn (06:09): "A team that hasn't won in 52 years, but also now the expectations to take us to the next level."

• Player Relationships and Media Strategy: Spears emphasizes Brown's ability to build strong relationships with players and maintain a positive media presence, contrasting with past coaches who became media unfriendly under similar pressures.

  Mark Spears (05:59): "He's a really, really likable guy, great sense of humor. Somebody, I think could be a media darling in New York if the franchise allows him to just be him."

LeBron James: Retirement Speculations

The conversation shifts to LeBron James and the speculation surrounding his potential retirement. Mark Spears provides his perspective on James's career trajectory and hints at the possibility of this season being his farewell tour.

Key Points:

• Retirement Possibility: Spears suggests that James might be gearing up for a retirement, especially given the lack of a new contract and cues from his social media presence.

  Mark Spears (12:14): "It just seems like a Hollywood movie to end next season to me. That'd be my guess."

• Impact on Teams: The hosts debate whether the Knicks could be a suitable destination for LeBron if he chooses to continue playing, though Spears remains skeptical about the likelihood of such a move.

Top Teams in the Western Conference

Mark Spears identifies the Denver Nuggets as the most formidable team in the Western Conference, surpassing even the Houston Rockets in terms of potential and current form.

Key Points:

• Denver Nuggets' Strength: Spears highlights the Nuggets' dynamic roster, defensive prowess, and deep bench as factors making them the top threat in the West.

  Mark Spears (14:38): "I really think that Denver could be like the thing with Houston, they still... their bench is deep."

• Potential Moves: The discussion touches on possible player movements, including the Damon Lillard situation, which could further elevate the Nuggets' status.

  Mark Spears (16:25): "What if he joins Minnesota? What if he joins Golden State? Like, what kind of addition could he be?"

Yankees vs. Mets: Standards and Player Positions

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the current state of the New York Yankees and Mets, focusing on managerial decisions, player positions, and organizational standards.

Yankees' Defensive Strategy: The hosts critique the Yankees' decision to move shortstop Jazz to second base, arguing that such positional changes undermine team defense and reflect stubborn organizational practices.

Alan Hahn (27:13): "You're forcing a ground peg into a square hole or vice versa."

Peter Rosenberg (30:06): "Jazz is playing out of position. He's doing it because he knows it's for the best of the team."

Mets' Playoff Path: Conversely, they discuss the Mets' challenging path to the playoffs, exacerbated by a stronger American League and internal team dynamics.

Alan Hahn (41:41): "The Mets are in worse shape because they're in the wrong league."

• Organizational Standards: The conversation underscores the differing expectations between the franchises, with the Yankees' historical standards influencing their current performance pressures.

  Alan Hahn (44:41): "You're playing in the same boat. We're both trying to survive."

Listener Calls: Yankees Concerns and Game-Day Strategies

The episode includes interactive segments where listeners call in with questions and opinions, particularly concerning Yankees' strategies and player performance.

Notable Call-In Discussion: A caller expresses frustration over Yankees' infield adjustments and managerial decisions, prompting a detailed exchange about player roles and team performance.

Alan Hahn (28:37): "Don't force him to play third. Get a third baseman instead."

Peter Rosenberg (29:57): "He is literally playing out of position... it's for the best of the team."

Conclusion: Evolving Standards and Future Expectations

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the evolving standards across New York sports franchises, emphasizing the necessity for both the Knicks and baseball teams to adapt to contemporary expectations without clinging to past glories.

Alan Hahn (45:29): "We’re both in the same boat, trying to survive."

Peter Rosenberg (44:31): "So we're both in the same sinking ship, paddling water out of the boat."

Notable Quotes

• Mark Spears (03:05): "Mike is an extremely impressive guy. He's always going to be ready... everything is really meticulous."
• Alan Hahn (06:09): "A team that hasn't won in 52 years, but also now the expectations to take us to the next level."
• Mark Spears (12:14): "It just seems like a Hollywood movie to end next season to me. That'd be my guess."
• Alan Hahn (27:13): "You're forcing a ground peg into a square hole or vice versa."
• Peter Rosenberg (44:31): "So we're both in the same sinking ship, paddling water out of the boat."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers a comprehensive analysis of key developments in New York sports, enriched by Mark Spears' expert insights. From the potential hiring of Mike Brown by the Knicks to the intricate dynamics of the Yankees and Mets, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the current sports landscape. The thoughtful discussions and engaging listener interactions make this episode a must-listen for New York sports enthusiasts.

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