Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 4 – Knicks Concerns & Stroman's Absence

Release Date: February 14, 2025

In the fourth hour of the celebrated Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn from ESPN New York, long-time broadcaster Alan Hahn, and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the current state of the New York Knicks, analyze the absence of Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman, and touch upon various other sports topics. This episode, titled "Knicks Concerns & Stroman's Absence," provides listeners with insightful discussions, heated debates, and entertaining anecdotes.

1. Personal Banter and Valentine's Eve Celebration

The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter between Don and Peter about Valentine's Eve. Don humorously refers to the day as "Don La Greca's birthday," sparking a playful conversation about dating on the eve of Valentine's Day.

• Don Hahn [00:30]: "Do we call it Valentine's Eve? Is that we're doing."
• Peter Rosenberg [00:34]: "That sounds like heaven to me."

Their exchange sets a relaxed tone, allowing listeners to connect with the hosts on a personal level before transitioning into more serious sports discussions.

2. New York Knicks Performance and Fan Reactions

The primary focus of the episode centers around the New York Knicks, particularly their performance leading up to the All-Star break. The hosts reflect on a recent high-scoring game that has sparked mixed reactions among fans.

• Don Hahn [00:56]: "After last night's game, we need it. That was one of those games that was defense optional, but it's fun."
• Peter Rosenberg [02:12]: "Why does every... Is there anything wrong with just the guilty pleasure of... just entertain me, clown."

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around fan dissatisfaction with the Knicks' defensive strategies despite their strong offensive performances. Don references a tweet by Milano Lucky expressing frustration:

• Don Hahn [04:02]: "Milano Lucky said this. Their defense is indefensible. I turned it off."

The conversation escalates when they critique Stephen A. Smith's harsh assessment of the Knicks' defensive shortcomings:

• Stephen A. Smith [05:00]: "The New York Knicks, from a talent perspective, are the third best team in the Eastern Conference... but their defensive rating is one of the worst in the league."

Don and Peter counter Smith's points by emphasizing the importance of offensive consistency and the challenges of maintaining defensive prowess:

• Don Hahn [07:38]: "If the Knicks are really bad at 3-point defense, why would I ask what Cleveland's good at?"
• Peter Rosenberg [09:06]: "They have the third best record in the Eastern Conference and the fourth best record in the NBA and might actually climb higher before the season is over."

3. Future Needs for the Knicks

The hosts delve into what the Knicks need to address post-All-Star break to remain competitive. They highlight the necessity for key player health and defensive reinforcements.

• Don Hahn [10:15]: "If Mitchell Robinson was healthy and could play a lot, that's a big piece that they need."
• Peter Rosenberg [12:14]: "The Knicks gotta find one of them [unsung heroes]."

The discussion underscores the importance of depth and defensive stability, comparing the Knicks' needs to championship-winning teams like the Denver Nuggets.

4. NHL All-Star Game and Hockey Progression

Transitioning from basketball, the trio shifts focus to hockey, particularly the NHL's new four-nation All-Star tournament format. They commend the progressive move away from the traditional All-Star Game, which saw declining viewership.

• Don Hahn [14:56]: "No one, Anyone? Jake, you want to just jump in here anytime?"
• Peter Rosenberg [15:16]: "The NHL was not really that much into shutting their sport down to do the Olympics. But I think they saw the forest through the trees and realized that there's an interest here for that."

They discuss the positive reception of the new format compared to last year's All-Star Game, highlighting increased engagement and potential for growth.

5. Caller Interactions and Sports Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, callers contribute to the conversation, bringing up diverse topics such as Jordan Travis's future with the Jets and the New York Giants' draft history impacting Super Bowl winners.

• Caller 2 [18:24]: "So really on my Giants point, one of my clients who's an Eagle fan... is this an indictment on the Giants draft thing?"

Don and Peter offer their perspectives, blending humor with critical analysis:

• Don Hahn [19:36]: "They moved on, you know."
• Peter Rosenberg [19:40]: "It was just kind of coincidence, one of those things."

6. Marcus Stroman's Absence and Yankees' Roster Dynamics

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Marcus Stroman's absence from the Yankees' roster. The hosts explore the implications of his non-reporting and what it signals for both Stroman and the Yankees.

• Don Hahn [30:28]: "Meanwhile, you know who may not sell out Yankee Stadium? Marcus Stroman."
• Peter Rosenberg [33:27]: "He hadn't reported the camp yet, he's disgruntled, he's not going to be a part of the rotation."

They debate whether Stroman's actions are a means to send a message to Major League Baseball or indicative of deeper issues within the team's dynamics.

• Don Hahn [35:03]: "This is not a dramatic story. I think it's more or less like it's a lightning rod player, and so it's an easy headline."

The conversation highlights the complexities of player-team relationships and the broader impact on league perceptions.

7. Music Taste and Sphere Concert Discussion

In an interlude, the hosts engage in a lively debate over music preferences, specifically addressing the Sphere concert residency. Don expresses disappointment over the choice of performer, while Peter shares his reluctance to attend.

• Don Hahn [26:31]: "I just have that distinct sound. Like, Rage has a distinct sound."
• Peter Rosenberg [27:45]: "I was hoping Beyonce was gonna do the Sphere as her like Cowboy Carter thing."

This segment showcases the hosts' diverse interests and their ability to seamlessly transition between sports and pop culture.

8. Boxing Upsets and Historical Sports Moments

A caller named Richard brings up historical sports upsets, comparing them to current events in boxing and other sports.

• Caller 3 [44:25]: "The biggest upset in the history of boxing was exactly 61 years ago when then Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston."

Don and Peter reflect on these moments, emphasizing the unpredictability and excitement they bring to sports narratives.

• Don Hahn [47:46]: "If you ever asks me, like, you know, ask your father this. I might have to pull out the..."

9. Conclusion and Birthday Celebrations

As the podcast wraps up, the hosts celebrate Don Hahn's birthday alongside a caller's birthday, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the episode.

• Peter Rosenberg [48:13]: "Happy birthday, Don."
• Don Hahn [48:12]: "Hope you had a good birthday today. Hope you have a great dinner tonight with Nancy and celebrating everything."

They encourage listeners to subscribe and tune in for future episodes, maintaining their signature blend of sports analysis and personal connection.

Key Takeaways

• Knicks' Defense vs. Offense: The Knicks are enjoying a strong offensive run but struggle defensively, leading to mixed fan reactions and criticism from sports analysts like Stephen A. Smith.

• Team Needs: For the Knicks to contend in the playoffs, they need healthier key players and defensive reinforcements to balance their robust offense.

• Hockey's Evolution: The NHL is making strides with its new four-nation All-Star format, aiming to boost viewership and global interest in the sport.

• Player-Team Dynamics: Marcus Stroman's situation with the Yankees highlights the delicate balance between player expectations and team strategies, with potential implications for his future career.

• Engaging Discussions: The podcast successfully blends serious sports discussions with personal anecdotes and pop culture references, maintaining an engaging and relatable tone for listeners.

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg exemplifies the trio's ability to dissect complex sports issues while keeping the conversation entertaining and inclusive for their diverse audience.