Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – "Hour 4: Alan on SC"
Release Date: June 3, 2025

Host/Authors:

• Don La Greca, ESPN New York and New Jersey legend
• Alan Hahn, renowned sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster
• Peter Rosenberg, opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality

Introduction

In the fourth hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, titled "Hour 4: Alan on SC," the trio dives deep into the recent upheavals within the New York Knicks organization. The episode blends insightful sports analysis with the hosts' trademark humor and engaging interactions with callers, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the team's current situation and future prospects.

Humorous Banter: Are Alan Hahn and Frank Isola the Same Person?

Duration: 00:33 – 02:39

The episode kicks off with light-hearted teasing between Peter Rosenberg and Alan Hahn, centered around the possibility of Alan appearing on "SportsCenter." This playful banter segues into a humorous debate about whether Alan Hahn and fellow ESPN New York journalist Frank Isola could be the same person due to their similar appearances.

Notable Exchanges:

• Peter Rosenberg [00:42]:
  “I don’t want anybody to turn off the radio, but you can multitask. I’m sure any moment now, Alan Hahn’s gonna be on SportsCenter. That’s why we lost him here on the end of the show.”

• Alan Hahn [01:13]:
  “An interesting moment because Frank Isola is on Pardon the Interruption right now. There are people out there who believe that Frank, a Solo, and Alan Hahn are the same person.”

The discussion highlights their camaraderie and sets a humorous tone for the episode. The segment concludes with Frank Isola joining the conversation to clarify that he and Alan are indeed separate individuals, dispelling any confusion.

• Frank Isola [14:42]:
  “Hey.”

• Alan Hahn [14:58]:
  “I have proof now that you are not the same person.”

Main Discussion: Knicks Coaching Changes and Future Prospects

Duration: 03:26 – 25:16

The core of the episode centers on the New York Knicks' recent decision to part ways with coach Tom Thibodeau ("Tibs"). The hosts and callers dissect the implications of this move, debate potential replacements, and analyze the broader impact on the team's trajectory.

Callers' Perspectives on Coaching Changes

Caller Lavelle [03:26 – 07:28]:
Lavelle passionately advocates for seasoned coaches as replacements, mentioning names like Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, and Rick Brunson.

• Lavelle [05:27]:
  “I would also be happy with Jeff Van Gundy. And here’s my dark horse who if it ends up happening, I’m gonna call and say I told you so.”

Peter Rosenberg [05:22 – 07:28]:
Rosenberg counters Lavelle's suggestions, expressing skepticism about the potential candidates' ability to elevate the team.

• Peter Rosenberg [05:22]:
  “The fact is, they didn’t beat the Pacers. What championship is this Knicks team winning right now with the roster that they have?”

Caller Dave [12:54 – 14:15]:
Dave introduces Mike Malone as a viable option, praising his track record and emphasizing his connection to New York.

• Dave [14:15]:
  “Mike Malone has got to be the only guy, unless he wants it. But Tip should never be gone. Never.”

Caller Javier [19:21 – 25:04]:
Javier offers a balanced view, expressing gratitude for Thibodeau's contributions while cautiously assessing future coaching options.

• Javier [23:09]:
  “I just hope it's not like Tom Collins and McAdoo when college left. Thank you, guys. Thank you, Tom.”

Host Insights and Analysis

Alan Hahn [07:23 – 08:10]:
Hahn discusses the complexities of replacing Thibodeau, highlighting the high expectations placed on any new coach.

• Alan Hahn [07:23]:
  “That's the problem with this whole situation. All of it’s a lot to ask. The Knicks, really, they shook things up today.”

Peter Rosenberg [12:03 – 14:15]:
Continuing the debate, Rosenberg criticizes potential replacement choices, questioning their ability to meet the franchise's lofty standards.

• Peter Rosenberg [13:00]:
  “He'll win us 50 games. He'll get us into the third round of the playoffs. Nobody's been able to do that since Van Gundy.”

Organizational Dynamics and Blame Allocation

The conversation shifts towards assigning responsibility for the coaching change, with discussions about ownership influence and internal decision-making processes.

• Frank Isola [21:30 – 21:56]:
  “He has to trust my people and this is the decision they came to. And so he trusted them.”

• Peter Rosenberg [25:09 – 25:16]:
  “Let's not.”

Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Duration: 25:16 – End

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on the multifaceted discussion surrounding the Knicks' coaching changes. They acknowledge the diverse opinions expressed by callers and reiterate the uncertainty surrounding the team's future direction. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming sports topics, including Yankees and Mets games, and a reminder for listeners to tune in for future discussions.

Final Remarks:

• Peter Rosenberg [25:16]:
  “Alright. This was a lot of fun. We'll be back with you again tomorrow at 3 o'clock.”

Key Takeaways

• Coaching Uncertainty: The Knicks' decision to fire Tom Thibodeau has sparked a nationwide debate on ESPN New York, with opinions divided on the best path forward.

• Potential Replacements: Suggestions range from experienced figures like Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy to more unconventional choices such as Rick Brunson and Mike Malone.

• Organizational Trust: Trust in leadership, particularly Leon Rose's decisions, plays a critical role in shaping the team's future.

• Fan Expectations: The passionate New York fanbase holds high expectations, intensifying scrutiny over any organizational changes.

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers a blend of humor, insightful analysis, and engaging listener interactions, making it a must-listen for New York sports enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive look at the Knicks' tumultuous coaching landscape.