
Don, Hahn & Rosenberg on ESPN NY
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Ryan Reynolds
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Don Hahn
To Mint Mobile today.
Ryan Reynolds
I'm told it's super easy to do@mintmobile.com.
Don Hahn
Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full terms@mintmobile.com this Don Han at Rosenberg podcast.
Alan Rosenberg
That sounds like heaven to me.
Don Hahn
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.
Alan Rosenberg
All right, as promised, 6:32, about 25 minutes left here to go. Let's talk to you 1-800-919-3776. Whatever the topic, but we're guessing it'll be Nick's. Let's talk to you on our way out the door. We'll start with Carl and Queens. Hey Carl.
Ryan Reynolds
Hey fellas, what's going on? First time caller, not long time, not a long time listener, but definitely a new man. Been listening for a while. But first off, that game last night was awesome. Like it was scary but it was awesome. That shot was unbelievable. But I want to get your guys thoughts right as far as the Knicks go the next round. I feel like the only way that we might even a slight chance is if the bench itself Deuce has to definitely he has to step up.
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Ryan Reynolds
You know what I'm saying? And I feel like how do you feel if they put Achua in the lineup as well? Because I think Achua and Cat together and the bench finds a way to really just help out a little bit. We might even have just that slightest chance to like maybe even do something with, with the Boston Celtics.
Don Hahn
I'm curious Carl. Like a lot of people have brought up the Achua angle and the size factor and I am curious to see if, because Boston does play a lot bigger if, if he's in the, in the, in the plans for this series they always say like game plans for go series to series. So bench players have to know like in this series you might not play at all because it's not a good matchup. But in the next series you could be prominent off the bench because of the matchup. So you always have to stay ready. I, I'm, I am curious to see about that also.
Alan Rosenberg
Yeah, I think it's a great point and good call from our caller there. Before we get to a couple more, I realize I did not Honor my tease 45 minutes ago because I'm an absolute hack and earlier today it has been a busy day today. Earlier today we found out Gregg Popovich is going to call it and move on from his coaching duties in San Antonio. Of course, he had a stroke earlier this year. There's been a series of health problems for Pop and he is going to move on. Now you are talking about the winningest coach of all time. Five championships, gold medal for the US Team. He's truly done it all. Alan, I'm curious for your take. I think it is totally in bounds to say, not hyperbolically, like in the real serious, direct and honest way. He could be the greatest to ever do it.
Don Hahn
Oh, there's no question. There's no question. He could be one of the, you know, I mean he's one of the greatest to ever do it, of course.
Alan Rosenberg
Well, that's hands down. Top five is done.
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Alan Rosenberg
But question is, is he won to.
Don Hahn
Put him in place with a Red R back and obviously a Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, you know, he did it with one team. I think that's the part that really sticks with you. It's more like Red Auerbach. Pat Riley did it with three different teams, right. And he won championships with two other teams, but he took three to the finals. You know, Phil Jackson championships with two different franchises. But for, for pop 29 years as a coach and they, you know, he obviously the drafting that was done by the general manager at the time, R.C. buford, that, that organization, San Antonio just became the standard, the gold standard in the NBA. And he became the gold standard as a coach by the way he coached. It was an old school approach with a new school mentality. When you think about players that they drafted, international players that were used to being coached hard, a Tim Duncan that wanted to be coached hard, that allowed himself publicly in an era too. When you think about when Duncan came up, he was a 99 draft pick, I believe a 97 draft pick. And he came up as a in an era where the player empowerment and player entitlement was really starting to become a thing in the NBA where coaches could no longer call out players, where players started to push back. When it came to being pushed and coached hard, Pop was able to in the middle of a timeout, get in the face of the best player on the team and one of the best in the league in Tim Duncan. And Duncan understood the importance of it and took it. And that team became one of the true teams, one of the great teams in the history of the sport. But yet he was also a coach that recognized the need for rest, that understood what's not fair for his players and would fight for his players. When the league started getting more broadcasting deals and now the spurs, who were a hot item because they were such a great team, well, they got a Wednesday night game, but TNT wants you. So this Friday night game is now being moved to Thursday. And now it's a back to back and they had a ton of back to backs. And he said, you know what? This is detrimental my players and my team. So my protest is, I'm going to call it load management and I'm resting my guys in these, in these national games to set a tone. And that was something his players realized. He's looking out for us. And so that almost only galvanizes that whole thing even more now. Did it lead to something worse? Yes, of course. But still, all the things he did as a head coach with the spurs, but then USA Basketball as well, well respected and I know fans see the, the sideline interviews, that was another part of his protest. In game interviews with a head coach, he wanted nothing to do with it. Why are you bothering me right now in the middle of a game? Why? So I can answer one inane question with an innocuous response. I'm not doing it. So that's why. A lot of times he'd give a one word answer, he would let the reporters know this is not personal. It's not about you.
Alan Rosenberg
Right, right.
Don Hahn
Nor about the reason why. So he as a person, I'll just give one personal account. I'll never forget covering the lockout. We were in New York City, we had to just put in hours. There were times it was like 3:00 in the morning waiting in a hotel or a hotel lobby for these guys to be done talking, only to find out nothing was accomplished and nothing was said. And you wasted all your time. One time we were out in the streets in New York and it was in the fall and all of a sudden he just comes walking by because believe it or not, he loved being in New York. And he and his, his wife who had passed, they spent a lot of times in New York City. He came and just chatted, talked, wanted to catch up. Just like what it's like and knowing how this, what it means to us and him saying like I just want to play and him wanting to be over. And you saw a different side of him, a real softer side and a real personality that was just so likable. And then I, I called a game there a couple of years ago and you know, pre game chatted with him and just, you know, realized just this guy seen so much and done so much and so many people admired him. His health issues are something that, you know, we all worry about, but he wants to stay in the organization. He will now as president of basketball operations. So this is an iconic coach in this generation and you know, when you think about the names that he's with, to say he's the best, you won't get an argument from me. Bombas makes the most comfortable socks, underwear and T shirts.
Alan Rosenberg
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Ryan Reynolds
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Alan Rosenberg
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Don Hahn
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Alan Rosenberg
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Alan Rosenberg
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Don Hahn
Race the sails.
Ryan Reynolds
Race the sails.
Alan Rosenberg
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Alan Rosenberg
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Alan Rosenberg
Terms and conditions apply. Here's the thing about Pop and this is not in any way diminishing the greatness of Tim Duncan because Duncan's obviously an all timer. But Duncan is not as high on the all time list of players as any of the greats that the other best coaches in the conversation had. Phil had Michael, then had Kobe and Shaq. Red our back had Bill Russell for almost all of the titles. As great as Duncan was, he doesn't rank as high as those guys. And what he was, was a really good, I mean what do we call him? Big fundamentals, right? Like he, he fit perfectly in a system with a brilliant coach. And, and as you look at the teams that Popovich won championships with and the amount of time, the period of time, guys, we're talking 99, 030507 and 14. Yeah, the period of time, the different players that came and went and obviously Parker and Ginobili are awesome, awesome secondary players. But again you're not talking about top 20 all time players. What he did, how he did it. On top of that, speaking out loud about the issues that he believed in no matter how uncomfortable they were in the market in which he was playing. At times he's just, he's a one of a kind. It's an unbelievable run after 29 seasons and big salute to Gregg Popovich on one of the greatest coaching careers you will ever see in professional sports. When you talk Belichick, our back, Phil Jackson, you have to talk Gregg Popovich.
Ryan Reynolds
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Alan Rosenberg
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Ryan Reynolds
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Don Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Alan Rosenberg
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Don Hahn
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Well, I can't bring the pain, so can I. Can I tell you that one of the funniest tweets that I saw off of last night's win and the. The again, the iconic Brunson shot that I had to laugh at and then later kind of say, oh, yeah, I'm. I'd be that guy is someone that said, Brunson is so good. There are going to be white kids named Jalen in 15 years. And I'm like, yeah, yeah, I probably would have done that. I mean, I actually told Stephanie and did I say with you and Don or did I say this with Bart? I can't remember now. I told Stephanie this. I said this on the air, on these airwaves that if the Knicks won a championship with Jalen Brunson, that I would tell Stephanie we have to have another kid. And boy or girl, it's being that that child will be named Jalen. Now Stephanie said, can't we just get a dog because we already have four kids and that's enough for her.
Alan Rosenberg
That is a lot.
Don Hahn
But still, that. That was something that I would have. I would have had to hold up my end of the bargain on.
Alan Rosenberg
Well, listen, I already did it. So. And almost the same name.
Don Hahn
That's true. You just spelled differently.
Alan Rosenberg
Jaden Jalen. Very similar.
Don Hahn
But I'll tell you what, every. Like the whole thing all started with Jalen Rose. Because was. Did you ever know a Jalen before Jalen Rose?
Ryan Reynolds
No.
Alan Rosenberg
In fact, I really think that is the beginning.
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Alan Rosenberg
There's an article.
Don Hahn
Yep.
Alan Rosenberg
There's an article on ESPN.com on how that name.
Don Hahn
Yeah, yeah. He Tells the story. Yeah, but it's all spelled in different ways. But that is funny. And you will see in New York, you know, whatever it is, 20. How many years from now will there be? How many white Jalens will there be?
Alan Rosenberg
I think everyone. Well, if he wins a championship, everybody. Because what you're suggesting is now you think the name Jalen is almost exclusively black, which I'd say is probably 90% accurate.
Don Hahn
It's pretty close. Again, like, Don's daughter is Jalen, though, right?
Alan Rosenberg
She's Jay Lynn.
Don Hahn
Yeah, it's. It's not Jalen. It's Jay Lynn.
Alan Rosenberg
It's not. It's spelled different, too.
Don Hahn
It's there. Yeah.
Alan Rosenberg
I mean, it sounds this. If you say it quickly, it's the same name.
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah.
Don Hahn
It's not.
Alan Rosenberg
It's not the same name.
Don Hahn
No. And it's. Obviously there's no relation here, but I just. Like I said, I probably would be in that category.
Alan Rosenberg
Well, listen, he's gonna. He means a lot to a lot of people, and so much so that Javier has been on hold for, like, nine hours. Javier, what up?
Don Hahn
What's up, guys?
Ryan Reynolds
Oh, man, it's. It's such a great day. It's so. It's so great to be on with you guys today in the spirit of celebration. Right. Because today is a day to celebrate. Hang on the rim a little bit. I want to welcome. Welcome you guys to come celebrate with me tonight. I'm actually DJing in Williamsburg at East River Bar Fence. It's all vinyl.
Don Hahn
Oh, look at you.
Ryan Reynolds
Just plug Shameless. Plug all vinyl.
Don Hahn
All vinyl.
Alan Rosenberg
What's the vibe you're going for tonight with the all vinyl?
Ryan Reynolds
You know, it's a big mix, but it's a lot of, like, hip hop, funk, soul, R and B, some psych, like, you know, some bangers.
Alan Rosenberg
All right, Javier?
Ryan Reynolds
Yeah, man.
Don Hahn
Right, right.
Ryan Reynolds
So listen, I don't want to talk too much about the next round. Like, I want to relish in this, so before I. I mention anything, shout out to the great city of Detroit, Little Caesars Arena, AKA MSG Midwest. You treated us well.
Don Hahn
You.
Ryan Reynolds
You gave you hand. You handed us three victories. You. You inspired our best player. Thank you very much. I hope that their alarm music this morning was that stupid seven Nation army song by Stripes.
Don Hahn
Is it amazing? They were singing that just before the shot. Like, just.
Ryan Reynolds
They were going crazy. Oh, my. It was. And like, what you were saying, like the silencer, of course. Like, when you're a killer, like when you. When you have that, that, that. That ice in Your veins. That's what you want. Like the hometown shot, that's. That's slightly easier. Everyone wants it for you. But at the away game, like, I love how you're pointing out the Brunson shot in comparison to Houston shot, which was also like a series game winner. I like Brunson shot better. It was just a sweeter shot. It was just really pretty. Houston shot a little clunky. But with the series coming up, the only thing that I'll say is it looks like this to me. If Boston plays their game, they're more than likely going to win. That's all that they have to do, like, barring any injuries, because anything could happen. But if they play their game, you know, they're supposed to win. Vegas has them up. But the Knicks, in order to be in this, they need to get to another level. That's what I've been talking about all season. And if we're being honest, this the first round, neither of these teams, Detroit and New York, they didn't play that great.
Alan Rosenberg
Right.
Ryan Reynolds
Like, we have not seen New York's best game. So if New York has another gear into, you know, shout out to Mikel Bridges. He stepped up. So, like, Cat steps up, too. Maybe they have a chance. But, you know, I'm not making any predictions yet. I'm just going to relish in this, guys, thank you so much for having me on.
Alan Rosenberg
Nick, baby, have a good set tonight, my friend. Enjoy it. Let's go to Griffin in. Connecticut's been a hole for a while. Gripster, what up, buddy?
Ryan Reynolds
Hey, guys. I was on the show yesterday and I've said Mikel Bridges was gonna have a day. Yes, you was gonna have a game, and he had a game. So I'm gonna. I want to just pat myself on the back and have me have the moment on this airwave to say, even though I'm not a Knick fan, to say that I called that Mikel Bridges.
Don Hahn
Was gonna have a good day, and he did.
Ryan Reynolds
And that's the reason the Knicks closed out the Pistons along with Joe Brunson. So I just wanted to rave in my gloriness that I called yesterday.
Don Hahn
Griff is hanging on the rim today. I love it.
Alan Rosenberg
You know what? You did say he deserves it. Griftster, it's a good call by you, buddy. Enjoy that. And good luck to your Washington Capitals. As they moved on past Montreal. We'll see what's next for the old Caps. Who are the Caps playing next? Anthony? That'd be the Hurricanes like you dream about. Oh, Boy, Jonathan in LA has been a hold for a while. Jonathan, what up?
Ryan Reynolds
Hi, guys. That was the best Yankees lineup I ever heard. Please continue that next week. Please, guys. That was. Did it make.
Alan Rosenberg
Did any drops make the cut from that? I mean, I feel like really good. John, doesn't it feel like. Alan, if Don did that the next day, there'd be nine drops from it. But I did it. It falls by the wayside.
Don Hahn
It's completely forgotten.
Ryan Reynolds
But it was great. It was great. It was classic. I hope you guys, could you continue it next week? Also really quick, Peter, any, any, any upsets you got on the boxing fight on our. Garcia or Canelo tomorrow? And Alan, one thing, man.
Alan Rosenberg
Garcia's, Canelo's, Canelo's tomorrow. Garcia's right now. Yeah, that Tfiamo Lopez is on right now. Yeah.
Ryan Reynolds
Okay. And really quick, Allen.
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Ryan Reynolds
Congratulations on your Knicks. I'm happy for all you Knicks fans and I'm actually cheering for you guys to beat the Celtics. But my guy, you told you were saying in the morning. Luca, grow up. All right, Lucas, a 26 year old guy, he averages 28, 8 and 7. He basically took the match to the finals last year. What? Really quick, really quick. The guy's not pointing guns or nothing on the court. He is. Or he might need to work on his defense, but for me, you wouldn't like him on the Knicks.
Alan Rosenberg
No, I mean, again, sorry, Jonathan, we gotta go.
Don Hahn
Yeah, we should do this on Monday.
Alan Rosenberg
I'll say. Let me just say this.
Don Hahn
I was gonna say Laker fans are so sensitive to this and everybody. It's like your own coach said, this guy's got to get in shape.
Alan Rosenberg
But I would push back.
Don Hahn
Grow up and get your ass in shape.
Alan Rosenberg
Okay, but how much better is he gonna be? The guy's been all world for a decade. Everyone's like, oh, if he doesn't lose weight, how are they?
Don Hahn
Well, he's get. He gets shredded in the playoffs. Defensively, that's two years in a row now when it matters most, and that's not good. Get in a lineup.
Alan Rosenberg
We don't have to play for 24 minutes.
Don Hahn
Get your feet quicker so you're not getting beat all the time.
Alan Rosenberg
Hey, how about you go enjoy your weekend? You too.
Don Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know it's good. Hear more of Don, Alan and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.
Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Pop Retiring & Jalen Baby Names
Podcast Information:
Timestamp: [01:05] – [02:27]
The episode kicks off with a caller, Carl from Queens, expressing enthusiasm about a recent Knicks game. He highlights the impressive performance of Jalen Brunson and the potential impact of bench players like Deuce and Achua on the team's chances in the next playoff round.
Don Hahn responds by acknowledging the importance of Achua and the size factor against teams like the Boston Celtics. He emphasizes the necessity for bench players to stay ready for different game plans series by series.
Timestamp: [02:27] – [12:09]
Alan Rosenberg introduces a significant topic: the retirement of Gregg Popovich, the winningest NBA coach. Despite his health struggles, including a stroke earlier in the year, Popovich is set to transition to a role as President of Basketball Operations with the Spurs.
Don Hahn and Alan Rosenberg engage in an in-depth discussion about Popovich’s unparalleled career, comparing him to other legendary coaches like Red Auerbach, Phil Jackson, and Pat Riley. They praise his ability to blend old-school coaching with modern strategies, his handling of player dynamics, and his advocacy for player rest and health.
Personal Anecdotes: Don shares personal experiences of interacting with Popovich, highlighting his softer side and immense respect from players and peers alike.
Timestamp: [13:28] – [16:15]
The conversation shifts to a lighter topic sparked by a tweet following Jalen Brunson’s impressive performance. Don Hahn recounts making a pledge to name his next child "Jalen" if the Knicks won a championship, highlighting the cultural impact of the player.
Alan Rosenberg and Don Hahn discuss the popularity of the name "Jalen," noting its cultural significance and potential rise in usage.
Don humorously notes the spelling variations and questions how many "white Jalens" might emerge in the future, reflecting on the name's predominantly Black association.
Timestamp: [16:15] – [21:38]
The hosts engage with more callers, delving into various topics:
Javier in Williamsburg: Ryan Reynolds shares his excitement about DJing a vinyl set, connecting it to the Knicks' current momentum.
Griffin in Connecticut: Batista praises Mikel Bridges for his performance, celebrating his predictions.
Jonathan in LA: Discusses his admiration for the Yankees’ lineup, requesting its continuation on the show.
Key Discussions:
Mikel Bridges’ Performance: Multiple callers commend Bridges for stepping up, reflecting on his significant role in the Knicks' success.
Boxing and Other Sports Updates: Brief mentions of upcoming boxing matches, including Garcia vs. Canelo, and updates on other sports events.
Player Critiques: The hosts analyze and critique player performances, such as Luca's fitness and defensive skills, advocating for improvement.
Timestamp: [21:38] – End
As the episode wraps up, Don Hahn reiterates the show's availability on various platforms, encouraging listeners to subscribe and catch up on episodes.
Final Thoughts: The hosts maintain a balance between in-depth sports analysis and lighthearted, relatable banter, ensuring the episode is both informative and entertaining for listeners.
Notable Quotes:
Carl on Knicks' Chances: “… the only way that we might even a slight chance is if the bench itself Deuce has to definitely he has to step up.” ([01:05])
Alan on Popovich’s Legacy: “It's an unbelievable run after 29 seasons and big salute to Gregg Popovich on one of the greatest coaching careers you will ever see in professional sports.” ([12:09])
Don on Naming a Child Jalen: “...the child will be named Jalen.” ([14:11])
Don on Luca’s Fitness: “Grow up and get your ass in shape.” ([21:20])
This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg masterfully blends passionate sports discourse with personal anecdotes and humorous exchanges, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the Knicks’ prospects, the impactful retirement of Gregg Popovich, and the cultural phenomenon surrounding the name "Jalen."