Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 3 – "Rain Out" Summary

Release Date: July 1, 2025

In the "Rain Out" episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the latest sports developments, with a significant focus on the NBA landscape and the tantalizing possibility of LeBron James joining the New York Knicks. The conversation seamlessly weaves through current game updates, speculative trade talks, listener interactions, and even takes a detour into the realm of classic American music. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the episode's key discussions, insights, and notable quotes.

1. Game Day Updates

The episode kicks off with the hosts providing real-time updates on ongoing sports events.

• Baseball Adjustments:

  • Alan Hahn announces a schedule change: “[...] the Mets were supposed to open a series with the Brewers. We've just gotten word the game has been rained out. No Mets Brewers tonight at Citi Field. There’ll be a day-night doubleheader tomorrow at 1 and 7.” [00:43]

• Yankees vs. Blue Jays Highlights:

  • Peter Rosenberg shares exciting moments from the Yankees game: “The Yankees are playing right now against the Blue Jays. They're going to the bottom of the fifth inning and the Jays have a 4-2 lead on the Yankees...” [02:00]
  • A standout play includes Paul Bellinger’s performance: “Paul Bellinger leads off the seventh with a single. And they walk Judge. Boom.” [23:32]

2. The LeBron-Knicks Speculation

A substantial portion of the episode revolves around the burgeoning rumor of LeBron James potentially signing with the New York Knicks. This topic sparks an in-depth analysis from both hosts.

• Potential Movement and Legacy:

  • Peter Rosenberg introduces the topic: “[...] the possibility LeBron James becoming a Knick. They seem to be a team that can make it work...” [02:00]
  • Alan Hahn reflects on past possibilities: “The initial reaction is because we've seen this movie before. [...] Especially somebody of LeBron's level.” [03:25]
  • The discussion touches on LeBron’s legacy, contemplating if this move could lead to him winning championships with four different teams: “Four championships with four different teams and all that.” [05:55]

• Financial and Strategic Considerations:

  • Alan Hahn questions the feasibility: “[...] look at the Lakers and watch what they do. Because if this is LeBron's last season...” [04:31]
  • The hosts explore possible trade scenarios involving key Knicks players to accommodate LeBron: “You could trade, you know, OG or Mitchell Robinson or maybe Cat to Los Angeles and make it fit with LeBron James.” [02:00]

• Executive Maneuvers and Coaching:

  • The potential role of coach Mike Brown is scrutinized: “They took the Knicks are on the verge of hiring Mike Brown, who coached LeBron...” [28:12]
  • Peter Rosenberg draws parallels with NFL team decisions to illustrate strategic moves: “They went out and got Boomer Esiason to attract Reggie White.” [28:12]

• Listener Interaction:

  • A caller expresses strong opposition to the idea: “[...] I despise LeBron James. I am a die-hard Knick fan... Absolutely not.” [14:37]
  • Another listener offers a more nuanced perspective: “If he was on the Knicks, [...] I think that if it can help the Knicks propel them to get over the hump...” [34:53]

3. Coaching vs. Talent in Team Success

The conversation shifts to the impact of coaching versus player talent across different sports.

• In the NBA:

  • Peter Rosenberg cites Eric Spoelstra as the best current NBA coach: “Who's the best coach in the NBA right now? Right now? Eric Spoelstro.” [43:10]
  • Alan Hahn emphasizes the significant role coaching plays: “I think in the NBA, coaching can win you 10 more games.” [42:50]

• Comparisons with NFL and Hockey:

  • The hosts debate the relative importance of coaching in the NFL versus the NBA: “In football, I think coaching really has more to do with the success of the team than any other sport.” [44:15]
  • Discussions about hockey highlight the universal influence of coaching across all major sports: “But hockey’s different. It’s different.” [Unspecified Timestamp]

4. Listener Calls and Opinions

Throughout the episode, listeners engage with the hosts, bringing varied perspectives and questions.

• Skepticism and Support:

  • A caller vehemently opposes LeBron joining the Knicks, fearing it would turn the season into a "retirement tour": “It's going to be all about him, man. And if he doesn't win, we're going to say, was it worth it?” [14:37]
  • Another listener draws NFL parallels to question the Knicks' strategic moves, comparing team successes and coaching decisions: “What if that were the Buccaneers first championship... Very similar...” [17:04]

• Hypothetical Scenarios:

  • Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg engage in a hypothetical about choosing between a top coach and a superstar player, ultimately prioritizing talent in the NBA context: “You would always take the talent over the coach.” [43:49]

5. Light-Hearted Music Discussion

Adding a refreshing break from intense sports talk, the hosts discuss their favorite American bands.

• Greatest American Bands Debate:
  • Peter Rosenberg champions The Eagles: “The Eagles might be the greatest American band of all time.” [38:57]
  • Alan Hahn concurs, highlighting their timeless appeal: “You can put on a greatest hits and I'm not skipping a song.” [46:55]
  • The conversation touches on other iconic bands like The Beatles, Chicago, and Metallica, debating their influence and popularity: “They're the Beatles of metal.” [46:24]

6. Closing Remarks and Final Game Highlights

As the episode nears its end, the hosts wrap up with final thoughts on ongoing games and share some humorous banter.

• Final Game Moments:

  • Peter Rosenberg narrates pivotal plays in the Yankees vs. Blue Jays game: “Stanton couldn't tag up, so runners at first and second, two outs...” [25:39]
  • Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg discuss bullpen strategies and player performances: “They keep going to these bullpens day in, day out.” [39:32]

• Humorous Sign-Off:

  • The episode concludes with light-hearted exchanges about music preferences and humorous critiques of current team mascots, leaving listeners entertained and engaged: “I didn't listen to anything you just said.” [36:57]

Notable Quotes

• Peter Rosenberg on LeBron's potential legacy: “Four championships with four different teams and all that.” [05:55]
• Alan Hahn reflecting on historical NBA moves: “We've seen this movie before. Especially somebody of LeBron's level.” [03:25]
• Peter Rosenberg emphasizing the NBA's need for narrative: “They want to be relevant. [...] They want people talking.” [09:06]
• Alan Hahn on the impact of coaching in the NBA: “I think in the NBA, coaching can win you 10 more games.” [42:50]
• Peter Rosenberg on The Eagles' musical legacy: “The Eagles might be the greatest American band of all time.” [38:57]

Conclusion

In this episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg offer a compelling blend of sports analysis, speculative discussions, and engaging listener interactions. The potential acquisition of LeBron James by the New York Knicks stands out as the centerpiece, exploring its ramifications on both the team’s future and LeBron's illustrious career. Amidst strategic trade talks and executive decisions, the hosts maintain a balanced perspective, acknowledging both excitement and skepticism from the fanbase. The episode concludes on a light note with musings on classic American bands, showcasing the hosts' versatility in handling diverse topics.

For listeners seeking an insightful and dynamic sports conversation with a touch of cultural commentary, "Hour 3: Rain Out" serves as a captivating episode that delivers both depth and entertainment.