Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Episode - Hour 3: Monica McNutt & Guidry on George
Date: February 25, 2026
Hosts: Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, Don La Greca
Guests: Monica McNutt

Episode Overview

This episode features the regular Wednesday segment with Monica McNutt, focusing on the New York Knicks' latest struggles, team chemistry issues, and broader questions about NBA team culture and coaching philosophies. The hosts also delve into a lively discussion about the current New York Yankees culture versus the era of George Steinbrenner, reflecting on leadership styles in modern sports. The tone balances critical sports analysis with banter, pop culture references, and signature New York humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pop Culture & Movie Homework (00:41–05:38)

• Wayne’s World Challenge:
  The show kicks off with friendly teasing of Monica for not knowing the “Wayne’s World” movie reference.
  • Monica: "I was three. No, thanks." (01:41)
  • Monica agrees to watch Wayne’s World and provide her own review next week, in exchange for suggesting movies to the hosts to better understand her perspective.
  • Discussion Point:
    Cultural exchanges—what films or media helped shape each personality on the show.

2. Knicks' Recent Performance & Team Dynamics (07:24–21:07)

• Unpacking Last Night’s Loss:
  The Knicks suffered an embarrassing defeat leading to calls for a possible “team meeting” and soul-searching about the team's chemistry and focus.

  • Alan: "If I was still a beat writer... I would politely raise my hand and I would say, Mike, what the hell was that?" (07:09)
  • Monica: "It is clearly necessary at this point because... I have been marinating on this since post game last night." (07:24)
  • Monica narrates a humorous incident with her hotel bathroom overflowing with bubbles—quickly turned into a running joke.

• Drop Madness & Monica’s “Bathroom” Quote:
  The hosts joke about Monica possibly entering the annual “Drop Madness” (a competition of funny show soundbites) with out-of-context bathroom comments.

  • Monica: “The hilarious picture of what happened in my bathroom. It actually smelled great, but it was quite a scene.” (21:14)
  • Monica: “I sent you a picture of my toilet, by the way.” (21:40)

• Knicks’ Consistency and Leadership:
  The team’s inconsistent performance sparks debate—lack of focus vs. deeper chemistry issues.

  • Don: "Is that just them... taking nights off?... Or is there something about their game that you should be concerned about?" (09:56)
  • Monica: "That's the thing, Don. I do not think that yesterday was about playing with your food... this, to me, is a reflection top to bottom. That's players, that's coaching staff." (10:21)
  • The group discusses how other teams like Detroit and Cleveland have clearer hierarchies and unity, in contrast with the Knicks’ confusion.

• Player Utilization and Coaching Philosophy:
  Examples of poor shot distribution and questionable lineups highlight preparation issues. (13:30–14:24)

  • Alan: "We don't see another shot until the second half and we only see one more shot the rest of the game. I can't say that's on one person." (13:19)
  • Monica: "I agree with you. Top to bottom, both on the floor and both part of the teams in terms of preparing for that game. Like, everybody was off. It was bad." (13:30)

• Celtics & Eastern Conference Picture:
  The dominance and clarity in roles on the Celtics are contrasted with the Knicks:

  • Monica: "The Celtics, the Pistons—how good they are only shines a light on the shortcomings of the Knicks right now." (15:07)

3. Coaching Styles: Thibodeau vs. Mike Brown (17:10–20:58)

• Speculation on whether the change from a “hard-driving” head coach (like Tom Thibodeau) to a more relaxed Mike Brown has impacted the Knicks’ approach and urgency.
  • Alan: "Maybe Mike Brown is eased back... I can't throttle down now. I've got to push those buttons later in the year."
  • Monica: "I do think as I’m continuing my way in covering the NBA, the assumption of veteran poise is not always safe." (19:02)
  • Dialogue about rhythm and preparation post-All-Star break; possible team need for stricter discipline.

4. Yankee Culture: Ron Guidry and the Steinbrenner Era (27:23–41:35)

• Ron Guidry’s “If George Were Alive” Quote:
  Discussing legendary owner George Steinbrenner’s combative style vs. the current Yankees' softer, more player-friendly approach.

  • Alan: "There is a much different, kinder, gentler Yankee approach, which is why they wanted Boone, not Girardi."
  • Don: "If that was the way George treated Judge, does he sign with San Francisco?"
    (Re: The pressure Steinbrenner would have heaped on star players, and whether that would work in today’s era.)
  • Consensus: While old-school pressure brought results, it likely wouldn’t fly today. Owners now avoid public criticism for fear of alienating players.

• The Evolution of Sports Criticism:
  The hosts reflect on past media experiences: abusive faxes, newsroom calls, and how social media has shifted the dialogue.

  • Don: "Anybody thinks that, like, people are meaner now than they were back then. No, they have the outlet. Social media." (37:45)
  • Peter: "You can still get a big microphone on social media and scream at the world. That is why I resent social media so much." (39:01)

5. Listener Calls & Music Tangents (44:27–49:29)

• Lighthearted musical nostalgia as the hosts discuss Foo-Schnickens, Roy Orbison, and passing down music knowledge within families.
• A caller, Richie from Huntington, brings up Knicks playoff scenarios, suggesting optimism is still warranted.
  • Plans are made to play the “win-loss” game for the final 23 Knicks games on a future episode.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Monica (on Knicks’ confusion):
  "Last night was a confused performance that does not bode well to move forward." (12:34)

• Peter (on social media):
  "Now you can not have enough drive to do any of that, not do any of the work. And if you're provocative enough... still get a pretty big microphone on social media and scream at the world." (39:01)

• Don (on coaching styles past and present):
  "I don't think players liked being treated that way back in the day. But if you wanted to win, and the Yankees were winning, all right, I'll live with it." (32:16)

• Monica (on film homework):
  "I will watch you guys this movie because I'm expanding my palate... and I don't want to hear your opinions because it'll be my take." (03:01)

• Drop Madness Moment:
  "I sent you a picture of my toilet, by the way." (21:40)

Key Timestamps

• 00:41–05:38
  Movie banter, “Wayne’s World” challenge, pop culture and generational differences.
• 07:24–21:07
  Knicks’ road trip, chemistry issues, Monica’s bathroom story, Drop Madness soundbite.
• 21:07–21:53
  Drop Madness highlights with Monica’s “bathroom” quotes.
• 27:23–41:35
  Ron Guidry’s Steinbrenner comments, Yankees culture, evolution of sports criticism.
• 44:27–49:29
  Listener call: Knicks’ chances, “win-loss” record game preview; music tangents.

Takeaways for Listeners Who Missed the Episode

• Knicks Conversation:
  The team is at a crossroads, struggling with chemistry and clarity, and in need of both a leadership reset and perhaps a “team meeting.” Monica McNutt and the hosts deliver honest assessments but still see opportunity for a turnaround with 23 games remaining.

• Yankees Reflection:
  The legacy of George Steinbrenner continues to inform fan expectations, but the hosts collectively agree that the old iron-fisted management style is incompatible with today’s athlete-driven, emotionally intelligent sports culture.

• Signature Humor:
  The hour sparkles with in-jokes (Drop Madness), playful “homework” (film review exchanges), and a deep appreciation for both sports history and pop culture.

  • Monica’s “I sent you a picture of my toilet” is a must-hear moment for show loyalists! (21:40)

• Broad Cultural Reflection:
  From the evolution of coaching and ownership in pro sports to how media and fan voices have shifted in the social media age, this episode provides both laughter and real talk about how New York sports—and sports media—have changed.

Next up:

• Monica’s review of Wayne’s World
• The “win-loss” Knicks game with 23 left in the season
• More Drop Madness contenders

For more:
Catch future episodes on ESPN New York or wherever you get your podcasts.