Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Last Call Crew

Release Date: June 4, 2025
Guests: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York and New Jersey

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

The episode begins with Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg engaging in light-hearted banter about music and popular culture references. They delve into the meaning of the phrase "castles in the sky," with Hahn humorously questioning its imagery:

• Don Hahn [00:43]: "Why isn't it just a castle goes into the sky?"

This playful exchange sets a relaxed tone before transitioning into more substantial sports discussions.

2. Tom Thibodeau's Firing and Coaching Reactions

A significant portion of the episode centers on the recent firing of Tom Thibodeau, the New York Knicks' head coach. The trio discusses reactions from established coaches and the implications for the team.

• Peter Rosenberg [01:35]: "Let's hear some established coaches reacting to Tom Thibodeau's firing. Do we want to hear from Rick Pitino?"

They present insights from Rick Pitino and Rick Carlisle, highlighting their surprise and respect for Thibodeau's contributions:

• Rick Carlisle [03:06]: "I have great respect for Tibbs. I go back with him a very long way. And I was surprised."

The conversation underscores the unexpected nature of the firing, with Butler commenting on the collective shock within the league:

• Ty Butler [04:24]: "It was very few people that really felt like this was an anticipated move, at least right now."

3. The Impact of Coaching Changes on Team Success

Hahn, Butler, and Rosenberg explore historical instances where coaching changes led to immediate championship success. They reference a list they compiled, noting five key examples where replacing a coach resulted in swift triumphs.

• Peter Rosenberg [05:19]: "We made a list of five examples. The best changes that were made that led to immediate championship for a team that had a coach and he was successful, but the team fired him anyway, brought in a new coach, and that new coach took that team to a championship."

Butler adds perspective on the risks involved:

• Ty Butler [05:50]: "It's either going to be a colossal disaster or be amazing. Like the amazing is. Is that they win the title. That's the reason they're trying to do it. But there's a lot more ways you can go sideways and just be a disaster."

This discussion highlights the high-stakes nature of coaching decisions in professional sports.

4. Caller Interaction: NHL vs. NBA Finals Ratings

The hosts take a call from Howard in Boston, introducing a two-part question focusing on NHL Finals ratings compared to the NBA Finals.

• Howard [06:10]: "The Knicks are 16 and 26 each of the last three years against playoff teams in the NBA. That is just not a good body of work, you know?"

The conversation pivots to the competitiveness and viewer interest in the NHL versus the NBA, debating which series might draw more casual viewers.

• Peter Rosenberg [20:17]: "It's the Stanley Cup Final. I think it just comes down to this. What's more competitive do I think it's possible that if OKC wins four straight all by 20 points and we get a best of seven where you get maybe three games go overtime, there may be a game that surpasses an NBA Finals game."

5. Knicks' Coaching Staff and Jalen Brunson's Role

Howard raises a pertinent question about the future coaching staff of the Knicks, specifically regarding Jalen Brunson's father.

• Howard [06:38]: "What do you think ends up happening? Jalen's dad, does he get onto the new staff or do the new coach?"

The hosts discuss the delicate balance of maintaining team chemistry and respecting existing relationships within the organization.

• Peter Rosenberg [07:24]: "It is a very interesting question. I don't think I'd be surprised if it was forced on the new coach."

This segment emphasizes the complexities involved in restructuring team dynamics after a coaching change.

6. Highlight on Lois Boisson's Tennis Achievement

The discussion shifts to tennis, celebrating the remarkable performance of Lois Boisson, a 22-year-old player making waves at the French Open.

• Don Hahn [14:34]: "Lois Boisson is this incredible player who's ranked outside the top 500. 22 years old and this run really is epic."

They marvel at her unexpected success, highlighting her journey from being a qualifier to reaching the semifinals.

• Peter Rosenberg [15:59]: "She's reaching the semis. The third woman in the past 40 years. In her Grand Slam debut as an unranked, she was a qualifier."

This segment showcases the hosts' appreciation for underdog stories in sports.

7. Debate on the Next Face of the NBA

A spirited debate ensues regarding who should be considered the next "face of the league" in the NBA, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) being a focal point.

• Peter Rosenberg [21:16]: "Is SGA the best player to wear a Thunder uniform? I'm just not ready for stuff."

The hosts weigh the merits of current stars like LeBron James against emerging talents, discussing the criteria that define a league's face.

• Peter Rosenberg [23:02]: "I was going to ask you about it. Yes, please. I was going to ask you about it."

Despite differing opinions, the conversation underscores the importance of star power in driving league popularity and engagement.

8. Responding to Listener Feedback on Coaching Lists

In response to a caller's critique, the hosts defend their previously mentioned list of impactful coaching changes, clarifying their selection criteria.

• Peter Rosenberg [24:01]: "Here's why. The list isn't about the coach who replaced him. It's about the coach that was fired. Context and the amount of success that that coach had."

They address the nuances of evaluating coaching decisions, emphasizing that context and individual circumstances play significant roles.

Conclusion

Throughout this episode, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg offer insightful commentary on coaching dynamics within professional sports, the impact of leadership changes, and emerging talents that shape the future landscape. Their discussions are enriched by listener interactions and a deep understanding of both basketball and tennis, providing a comprehensive analysis for sports enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes:

• Rick Carlisle [03:06]: "I have great respect for Tibbs. I go back with him a very long way. And I was surprised."

• Ty Butler [05:50]: "It's either going to be a colossal disaster or be amazing."

• Peter Rosenberg [15:59]: "She's reaching the semis. The third woman in the past 40 years."

• Peter Rosenberg [23:02]: "I was going to ask you about it. Yes, please. I was going to ask you about it."

Stay Connected:

For more in-depth discussions and expert analyses, tune in to Don, Hahn & Rosenberg weekday afternoons starting at 3 PM on 880 ESPN New York, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.