Sam Morril Says Hitler Would Have Loved Wemby | Hour 1

Summary

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The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: "Sam Morril Says Hitler Would Have Loved Wemby | Hour 1"
Date: June 2, 2026

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Episode Overview

Live from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, and the crew welcome comedian and Knicks superfan Sam Morril. The main theme is the incredible, improbable run of the New York Knicks to the NBA Finals – their first appearance since 1999 – and how it’s affected Morril’s life, psyche, and even his comedy. They also riff on fandom, generational sports pain, and the playoff collision with Victor Wembanyama's monster Spurs. The latter inspires the now-viral, darkly comic episode title. The show’s second half moves into signature catchphrase debates and more South Florida-flavored banter.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sam Morril: Knicks Fandom on the Brink

• Sam Morril joins as the Knicks' senior correspondent, humorously self-deprecating and open about the stress & joy of the Knicks’ unprecedented playoff run.
  • “I'm dressing like a make a wish kid over here. I'm not happy. And Dan, you were my first and only podcast. That's my only sports podcast ever.” (01:54, Sam)
• Morril’s podcast history and “canceled” Knicks podcast referenced, Dan was his only guest.
• His unsteady relationship with joy: “It’s as good as it will ever feel for a fan base. What you’re presently feeling…” (02:18, Dan)
• Anxiety and excitement about facing “an alien” in the Finals, i.e., Wembanyama:
  • “We still got four games, so, you know, we got an alien in front of us. He's going to be tough.” (02:31, Sam)
  • “His dad is 6 foot 7 and his mom is 6 3. It feels like they did this to us on purpose. This feels a lot like eugenics. Hitler would have loved this. Hitler would have loved what Wemby's doing.” (03:14, Sam)
• This controversial line gives the episode its title, greeted with stunned laughter from the panel.
• Sam compares the emotional highs and tension of the Finals to getting engaged: "You're happy when you get engaged, but now the wedding's here and I'm like, damn, I hope this works." (03:47, Sam)
• Impact on his comedy: Knicks’ joy has ruined his standup.
  • “No one wants to hear a comic talk about how God might be real.” (04:42, Sam)

2. Are New Yorkers Actually Happy?

• Sam insists the Knicks’ run is changing the city:
  • “Crime has gone down. I slow danced with a homeless lady the other day. Everyone's being kind to each other…” (03:47, Sam)
  • Dan is incredulous: “I don't believe you there. I think you're lying. I think you're publicly lying...” (19:27, Dan)
  • Sam’s running gag: “Everyone’s being nice to each other. The world’s healing itself.” (19:48, Sam)

3. Knicks as Underdogs vs. The Spurs’ "Alien"

• Morril praises the Spurs’ team-building and lauds the underdog Knicks:
  • “This Spurs team is a team full of overachievers... These are three kids who got 1600s on their SATs... We were a bunch of guys who got picked later... This is a team of lovable underdogs.” (05:07, Sam)
• Calls out Brunson love/hate:
  • “Draymond still hating. Becky Hammond still hating. She goes, prove it to me. Prove it to me. That a one. A guy. I'd love to prove it to you, Becky. I hope he does prove it to you. Shut up. Get over it.” (05:59, Sam)

4. Knicks Fandom: A City’s Soul

• Discusses the Knicks’ central place in New York:
  • “So, yeah, it's Knicks or bust in New York. We're in Knicks town.” (24:05, Sam)
  • “One ring [for the Knicks] means more than, like, three or four to the Lakers, you know. Or the Celtics. Like, this is... we need this.” (22:12, Sam)

5. Pain, Loyalty, and the Scar Tissue of Fandom

• Recalls the trauma of previous heartbreaks, e.g., Ewing’s missed finger roll, Larry Johnson’s four-point play.
• “Your first Knicks memory is what?” – “Hysterically crying in front of my family.” (18:08, Sam)
• Sam reads aloud a classic late-night text from Dan, urging Sam to savor the moment:
  • “The game was covered in ghosts. Sam, you've been waiting for this for 25 years. You've been living in the lighthouse. Sam, you are defoe. Knicks fandom has been dark and bleak. You've been masturbating into a tin cup for 25 years. It has made you the comic you are. Heart made of acid.” (18:27, Dan via Sam)

6. How Far Would He Go for a Knicks Title?

• “What would you be willing to give up for the Knicks winning the championship this year?” (26:30, Stugotz)
  • “You name it, dude.” (26:34, Sam)
• Sam agrees to make a charitable donation if the Knicks win, rather than name a body part: “I won't publicly say how much I'll give, but I'll give a good donation.” (27:33, Sam)

7. On Rivalries and Meaning

• Dan and Greg Cody press on what a Knicks championship means versus other NY franchises (Yankees, Giants, Mets, Rangers, Jets).
• Panel concludes a Knicks ring “means more” to the city than additional titles for any other team.

8. The “Eugenics” and Wemby Riff

• Morril’s infamous Hitler/Wemby quip is repeatedly referenced as dark comedy and serves as a running gag—“So let’s remember Wemby, Eugenics, Hitler.” (38:36, Sam)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Wemby and Knicks Angst:
  • “His dad is 6 foot 7 and his mom is 6 3. It feels like they did this to us on purpose. This feels a lot like eugenics. Hitler would have loved this. Hitler would have loved what Wemby’s doing.” (03:14, Sam Morril)
• On Standup Ruined by Joy:
  • “No one wants to hear a comic talk about how God might be real.” (04:42, Sam Morril)
• Dan’s Text to Sam After a Big Win:
  • “The game was covered in ghosts... Knicks fandom has been dark and bleak. You’ve been masturbating into a tin cup for 25 years. It has made you the comic you are. Heart made of acid.” (18:27, Dan via Sam)
• On New York City’s Mood:
  • “I slow danced with a homeless lady the other day. Everyone’s being kind... The world is healing itself and the world will soon heal itself with the laughter and the joy being spread in New York right now.” (03:47, 19:48, Sam Morril)
• On Knicks Fandom vs Other NYC Sports:
  • “A Knicks title... one ring means more than, like, three or four to the Lakers, you know. Or the Celtics. Like, this is... we need this.” (22:12, Sam Morril)
• On Love of Brunson:
  • “He’s giving us hope. He’s got... there’s a mental toughness that reminds me of Kobe with him. Like, he’s unflappable... Jalen is a silent killer. OG is a silent killer. This team feels like professionals.” (09:54, Sam Morril)

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Important Timestamps

• [00:43]–[03:47]: Sam Morril joins, riffing on being a Knicks fan, facing Wemby, joy vs. anxiety
• [03:14]: Morril’s eugenics/Hitler/Wemby joke
• [04:10]: Sam’s nerves before the Finals; Knicks joy impacting his standup
• [05:07]: Spurs as overachievers; “Knicks are lovable underdogs”
• [09:54]: Sam on Jalen Brunson’s specialness and mental toughness
• [18:08]–[18:47]: Sam’s first Knicks memory; Dan’s poetic, acidic fandom text to Sam
• [19:27]–[19:48]: Light debate: New Yorkers are happier? (Sam’s fantasy vs. Dan’s skepticism)
• [22:12]–[24:05]: Panel expands on the Knicks’ unique place in NYC sports culture
• [26:30]–[27:33]: What would Sam give up for a title? Charity pledge
• [38:36]: “Let’s remember Wemby, Eugenics, Hitler.” (Closing the loop on the running joke)

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Second Half: Greg Cody’s Catchphrase List & Radio Bits

• Greg Cody unveils more slots in his “catchphrase list,” sparking a good-natured feud with Zaslow about signature lines like “That’s what I’m talking about.”
• Extended, meta riffing on who owns which South Florida radio catchphrase, with plenty of mock outrage and inside banter for long-time listeners.
• This section is playful, loose, very in keeping with the show’s self-aware, irreverent tone.

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Tone & Style

• Fast, irreverent, self-deprecating humor—classic Le Batard Show.
• Sam Morril leans into his dark comic persona, but shows authentic, raw fandom.
• Dan needling Sam to “feel joy,” insisting this is as good as fandom gets.
• Conversational, jumpy format with repeated callbacks and running gags.

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Conclusion

Hour 1 of this episode is both a love letter to irrational sports passion and a sharp parody of it. Sam Morril embodies the joy and trauma of long-suffering Knicks fans on the cusp of improbable sports deliverance. The riff-heavy panel underscores how fandom warps perspective, ethics (“eugenics!”), and even one’s career (standup ruined by happiness). The second half’s catchphrase debate doubles as affectionate trolling—this is Le Batard & Stugotz in top form, dissecting both the humanity and the absurdity of sports—and of themselves.

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For Listeners:

If you missed this one, you’ll pick up:

• The mindset of true Knicks misery and hope
• Why Wembanyama terrifies and fascinates
• A quintessential sports-comedy lens on modern fandom
• Memorable lines to quote, tweet, and argue about until the next heartbreak or miracle

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Transcript

[A]

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[D]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats podcast.

[B]

This episode of the Dan Lebatard show is presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours.

[D]

We will get to Greg Cody's two catchphrases. We will get to AJ Brown and Myles Garrett. But first, it's our senior Knicks correspondent. It's been too long since we've had him on. He should be running victory laps. He should be gloating. He. He saw this coming from miles away, but everyone rolls their eyes around here when they see him. Do I have this right? Like, he's a great comedian. I love listening to him. But there's something about him that he comes on here and what does he do? Does he upset you guys because he can be a little acidic or does he upset you just cuz he's a Knicks fan?

[E]

Yeah, he's all right. I think the issue why we haven't had him on is because you went on his podcast and then talked about all your Knicks takes over there.

[F]

Yeah.

[C]

Being such a big Knicks fan that you are making sure you joined as the first person to join his Knicks podcast. Podcast.

[B]

We just.

[D]

I was honored. I didn't know why he would make me the first person. Maybe it's because he's funny and he's bringing me in on the joke on the idea of the Miami guy has been swayed by how lovable this team is. Sam, thank you for joining us. It's nice. It is nice to see you. I like seeing you. I don't know what everyone else is here. Problem is with you Zads.

[B]

Whatever.

[D]

What? What's whatever?

[B]

It's whatever, you know. Look at the hat, you know, the jacket. It's whatever you know.

[A]

I know. Look, I'll be honest. I'm dressing like a make a wish kid over here. I'm not happy. And Dan, you were my first and only podcast. That's my only sports podcast ever. You were the guest.

[D]

No, you and. No, you and Stavi did a great sports podcast. What are you talking about?

[A]

That's from years ago. That Was from years ago.

[D]

Oh, this is your. You're starting a new podcast? Are you starting a Knicks podcast?

[A]

Oh, I started one and you were it. You were the only episode. I just had to get some shit out.

[B]

It was canceled.

[G]

Wow.

[D]

Okay. No, but hold on a second. Hold on. Do you have trouble with joy, Sam? Because, like, this all started? Because I'm telling you that this is as good as this will ever feel for a fan base. What you're presently feeling, well, hopefully it feels better.

[A]

I hope this run isn't over, man. We still got four games, so, you know, we got an alien in front of us. He's going to be tough. I know it's going to be a tough series.

[D]

You say that, but look how happy he is. But he's happy. And he's also anxious, right? Like, you're. Are you confident New Yorkers? New Yorkers like to think they're confident. Are you confident?

[A]

I'm confident. But, you know, it does suck when you hear Wemby in interviews being like, I'll die for this. And you're like, we had to get the motivated 75 guy. Like, LeBron never talked like this. You know, why couldn't Wemby have been drafted by the Kings or something? He would have committed suicide by now.

[D]

So, okay, so you're scared of him for multiple reasons. It's not even.

[A]

Look, his dad is 6 foot 7 and his mom is 6 3. It feels like they did this to us on purpose. This feels a lot like eugenics. Hitler would have loved this. Hitler would have loved what Wemby's doing.

[D]

Are you confident, though? Like, I know publicly you have to put on a brave face, but what you're seeing is somebody that is coming from a different planet. Like, you're playing. Your happiest moment is me is meeting somebody who comes from another galaxy and is just starting his rise.

[A]

Well, that's the tough part is like, during the winds, yeah, you're feeling, you're flying high. You're walking around like New Yorkers are being nicer to each other. Crime has gone down. I slow danced with a homeless lady the other day. Everyone's being kind to each other, but, you know, now it's real. And now you're like, yeah, now it's nerve wracking. It's like, you know, you're happy when you get engaged, but now the wedding's here and I'm like, damn, I hope this works.

[D]

All right, so just so people understand, both New York and you, what are your next 36 hours like? Are they peaceful? Like there's nothing in the world you care about. Like nothing. There's no one in the world you care about the way that you care about this, is there.

[A]

I love this Knicks team very much. I'm stressed. I will be a game one. I'm nervous. I mean, no, you can't focus on anything else. It's killed my stand up. My standup's gone down the toilet. My sets have been horrible lately.

[D]

You're too happy. You're too happy.

[A]

No one wants to hear a comic talk about how God might be real.

[D]

I'm happy and it's ruined.

[F]

Your brand is not a joyous one, Dan.

[D]

Wait a minute.

[A]

No, it's not good. You know things. I got clipped by a guy on a city bike the other day, and I wasn't. I was even mad. I was like, he probably had somewhere important to be, you know, so God

[D]

is real because Jalen Brunson's gonna beat the intergalactic alien.

[A]

That's my hope. I mean, Brunson. I can't believe people are still hating on Brunson. Like, this guy Wemby's crying after he won this, and he's 7 5. You want to see Brunson's face? He's just like, serious. He's like, yeah, whatever. This is what I'm supposed to do. Why is the 75 guy more emotional than. Than the second round pick who was not supposed to be here? This spurs team is a team full of overachievers. These are three kids who got 1600s on their SATs. They hit three straight years in the top five. We were a bunch of guys who got picked later, other than Kat, obviously, but Kat had his own issues. And here we are. This is a team of lovable underdogs. As you said it, Dan.

[D]

They. They are but straw man. Who's killing Brun? Who's. Everybody loves Brunson. Who's killing Brunson?

[A]

Draymond still hating. Becky Hammond still hating. She goes, prove it to me. Prove it to me. That a one. A guy. I'd love to prove it to you, Becky. I hope he does prove it to you. Shut up. Get over it. Just say maybe you misjudged it. Why can't any of them be like, maybe I was wrong. They all sound like villains. Like, he's too little. He's killing people.

[F]

There he is.

[D]

You're too happy and it's ruined your. Stand up. You're announcing that to the public. Your. Your career has been ruined by this Knicks run.

[A]

Yeah. It's over.

[F]

Unless they lose. Then you're back.

[A]

Jack, if they lose, I'm coming back in clown makeup. Dude, it's gonna be dark.

[B]

Sam, what would you do if you had a show during one of the nights of the finals?

[A]

Well, luckily I have a show only on Saturday. An upstate gig. I would have canceled. I think that's in my contract. If I get really sick, an act of God, or if the Knicks play a playoff game.

[B]

Yeah, that's awesome.

[D]

Are you going to all of the games?

[A]

I can't make all of them, but I'll go to everyone I can go to for sure. And I'll be watching everyone.

[D]

How does this work with you, though? Like, is that an awkward call? Obviously, it's a very expensive ticket. Obviously, everyone in New York wants to be sitting next to Tracy Morgan. And obviously I would say that you, Ben Stiller. I don't know. What's the Mount Rushmore?

[B]

Chalamet's up there. Chalamet very high.

[A]

I'm not anywhere near this shit. I'm. I'm like second, third tier Knicks fan. But I, you know, I'll. Whatever it takes to be in the building. I don't care where.

[D]

I know. But the thing I was asking you, in terms of who those people. People are and how they actually care about the team. Actually care. Ben Stiller's at the top of the list. And I think the way you care about this is unusual. I understand it's a hot ticket, but how awkward is it to try and get into the building?

[A]

If I'll find a way in, I'm not worried.

[B]

Do you think you care more than Ben Stiller?

[D]

That one's tough.

[A]

This is what they try to do. They can't let us have anything. They try to tear us against.

[B]

Just a question.

[A]

Just question. I refuse the question.

[D]

Okay, you reject the question. He can't do that. He just shut down the question. Zaz, are you mad at him because you're mad to see the Knicks in the finals? Like, because you're Heat. You're two time champion Heat broadcaster.

[B]

The Knicks have not hurt me in over a quarter century. Like, I don't even have the energy to be angry with the Knicks in the finals. I think, I think Sam's right. There's a lot about this Knicks team that's likable. There is.

[A]

Thank you. Thank you. I agree. And you know what? This spurs team, they're all like, perfect. They're all like. They're all achieving at 22. What's likable about that they're all killing. You know what the Knicks are? Cat is kind of gay. OG Is sort of autistic. Brunson's head is too big. Mitchell Robertson's obsessed with trucks. Josh Hart's always eating candy. This is America, This Knicks team, Jack.

[E]

Well, Landry Shammy, you got some for Shamet?

[A]

Sniper, dude. 11 of 12 threes.

[D]

No, but get out of here. In terms of the. All the improbable things, okay, 18 threes and a half against Philadelphia. Landry Sham and his 11 of his last 12 from threes. The most improbable thing is. What?

[A]

We just got to keep up the shooting, man. I mean, Bridges has been out of his mind lately. I got to give a shout out to Mikhail Bridges. Like, he. He got all the. He gets all the hate because we gave up so much for him. But, like, we're not here without him. We don't beat the Celtics last year without him. Like, you keep getting better each year with the same core, and Mikhail Bridges has been outstanding.

[D]

Can you just. You're good with words, Sam, but I'm going to put you on the spot here. Articulate how you feel about Brunson, because when I tell people they've been objecting around here about this, I've been saying it for a couple of years. Brunson's going to be the most beloved Knick there's ever been because no one at that size gets to be that. And he's going to have to do it against the 75 guy. And the. There's never been someone in sports that Sam trusts. This way, I don't think where you believe he's going to beat everyone in the fourth quarter.

[A]

I mean, hard not to believe. Yeah, He's. He's giving us hope. He just. He's got. I got shit for saying this before, but there's a mental toughness that reminds me of Kobe with him. Like, there's. Like. He's unflappable. So, yeah, I believe. Like, I know that on paper, Vegas says we're not going to win this, but. Yeah. How could you not believe when. When you have this. This squad. Jalen is a silent killer. OG Is a silent killer. This team feels like professionals.

[B]

But, Sam, after they were down 2:1 to Atlanta the last time they lost a game this postseason, over a month ago, you were trading everyone, right?

[A]

No, no, I was pissed, but I. I was like, there's no way we should lose this series. I. There's a video footage of me behind CJ McCollum's interview hidden with one of these. Nixon 5. I didn't believe we're gonna lose.

[D]

You're a believer, but when it comes to confidence. I wanna really drill down on this. You're not allowed to say that you fear Wemby, right? You're not allowed to say that if I speak to your darkest fears. You think it's his time and America's rooting for him.

[A]

You think America's rooting for Wemby?

[D]

Yes.

[A]

I think he's incredible. I mean, what do you want me to say? He's a phenom. He's a great player. Yeah. All right, now pull up the one of Mitch on Embiid. Dude, you favoritist, but neither of these are the Knicks. Why are you upset?

[F]

Sam's still there. He's a.

[A]

He's a. He's a great. He's a great player. Am I annoyed that he got drafted? The Spurs. Of course. Yeah. It's not fair that they went from David Robinson to Tim Duncan to Wemby. If Elon Musk won the lottery, would I be happy for him? No. The rich get richer. Fuck them. It's ridiculous. But is he incredible? Of course. And it's not just him. Castle's a hell of a player. Harper was. You know, they. They killed it with that pick. It annoys the shit of me that Champagne is an incredible shooter. Daryl Morey. You know what? I've talked to him before, and he's a cool guy, but he has made some of the dumbest ass moves of all time. You give away McCain for pennies on the dollar, and you cut Julian Champagne, who's a sniper for Mack McClung. You did it for a show pony. Are you kidding me? Which means either way, if the Knicks play the Thunder or the spurs, it's Maury's last laugh.

[F]

Summer always hits different once the big game starts stacking up. Now you've got finals games on every other night. Baseball's rolling all week, racing on the weekends, and suddenly everybody's looking for an excuse to get together. The other night, a buddy texted me, we've got the game on. Come through. I figured I'd stop by for maybe an hour. That was optimistic. Next thing you know, everybody's locked into the game and we're all part of the coaching staff. Somebody's yelling at the ref. Somebody else is suddenly an expert on pitch strategy. And nobody's even pretending they're leaving early anymore. It's one of those nights where you take a sip of Miller Lite, look around and realize yeah. This is exactly what summer is supposed to be. That's why Miller Lite is always part of these nights for me. It's clean, refreshing, easy to drink when it's hot outside, and perfect for long nights hanging with friends, watching games. An all American summer starts with an all American beer, Miller lite. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. It's Miller time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. Tony, you know that moment at a party or at a tailgate where everything just sort of clicks?

[G]

I know it well.

[E]

It's usually when I show up, everybody goes crazy.

[F]

Yeah, you usually take all the credit for it, but it's because Tony usually walks in with Cuervo.

[G]

I walk in like this.

[D]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[F]

Cuervo is a thing that turns hanging out into this is the night.

[E]

It has that effect on people.

[F]

It does. You usually take the credit for it. But again, it's the Cuervo effect. It's like that moment in a big game where everyone in the crowd just starts to standing up. Hootin and hollerin'. Keep it Cuervo.

[G]

Keep it Cuervo, baby.

[E]

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[D]

Don LeBatard. I'm just here to say one thing. The Knicks are back.

[F]

Stugats.

[D]

Tyree Salibraton six points. Fraud. Everybody was like, yo, he's better Than Jalen Brunson. He's better than Janik. Should attracted him.

[E]

Fraud.

[D]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the stug.

[B]

Do you think Tom Thibodeau is rooting for the Knicks?

[A]

Yeah, I do. Yeah, because he. Yeah, I think he. I think Tibbs is a class act. And. Yeah, those are his guys. So he. How could you not.

[D]

You mentioned Daryl Morey. He was on the show with us. He wrote a play or he wrote a musical and he did a small bit of it for us. Do we want to have sex with Giants or. No, it's between four and six. How to bring the parts into compliance.

[A]

I just cannot grasp the mechanics. I'm confused.

[D]

You should be, honestly. But you killed him. You crushed. Why'd you crush Maury? I haven't heard anybody. He's going to get another job, isn't he?

[A]

He's a. He's a talented gm, but that pissed me off that he gave away champagne for nothing. Because I watch all the games and champagne hit nine threes against the Knicks once. I know he's a sniper. So it annoys me that we have to worry about another guy.

[G]

Sam, the last time the Knicks were in the Finals, you were like, I think, 13 years old. How is your emotion right now compared to how you felt with your team in the finals?

[A]

Way back then, I'm more emotional. It's sad that as I get older, I'm more emotional because I should have more to live for. But I guess I don't. This is it. 13 years old. You haven't really suffered enough. And this is. If you're a real. If you're a real sports fan and you haven't won and you've come close and your heart's been broken again and again, you either give up completely or you still somehow find a way to believe. And I'll always. I believe, man. I believe in this Knicks team. And Brunson's given us reason to believe, you know? I mean, this. This shit ain't nothing right here. This is pretty damn special, you know?

[D]

What is that, a magazine? Nobody reads those anymore.

[F]

The New Yorker.

[G]

Oh, yeah. New Yorker.

[A]

You're gonna cover the New Yorker? Dan, I'm sorry, you uncle. I'm sorry it's not the Miami Herald Dud.

[D]

Whoa. I'm a Pulitzer winner. Whoa.

[A]

Dan, I have to give you credit. You're a very good writer, like you really are. Like, you're texting me are in your voice and I. And I laugh. I. I can I read one of the texts? LeBatard wrote to me. Cuz they're in his voice. You guys text with Dan, so I know you know he does this, but this is my text after game one.

[D]

This is a betrayal.

[A]

This is a betrayal after the Knicks. No, this is. I'm saying you're a good writer. This is the Knicks beat the Cavs in game one.

[D]

And what's the context? What am I.

[A]

The Knicks came back in a ridiculous fashion. What? 20 points with 7 minutes left.

[D]

What? This text, just so I think what he's gonna read here is. I am insisting that dark Sam Morrill feel joy. I'm insisting that the boy who was carried out when Patrick Ewing. When Patrick Ewing missed a finger roll. Is that your first Nick's memory that you were.

[A]

Yeah, that was the first one that really hit home.

[D]

The first. Your first Knicks memory is what?

[A]

Hysterically crying in front of my family?

[D]

How old were you?

[A]

Too old to be crying.

[D]

Okay, so. So I was insisting that you enjoy that after beating the Cavs that way that your team finally winning after 25 years. This is the best that fandom gets.

[A]

This is what Dan wrote to me. The game was covered in ghosts. Sam, you've been waiting for us for 25 years. You've been living in the lighthous. Sam, you are defoe. Nick's fandom has been dark and bleak. You've been masturbating into a tin cup for 25 years. It has made you the comic. You are heart made of acid. You text like you speak, which I respect.

[B]

Sweet.

[D]

Yeah, right.

[A]

Sweet.

[D]

God, you're a psychopath jerk off in a cup.

[B]

You said that 3am right?

[D]

What time did I say? I didn't. I assumed he wasn't sleeping. I assumed that it was a late.

[A]

It was a late night text.

[D]

I assume that after next games you don't sleep.

[A]

Dude, I don't.

[D]

It's.

[A]

It's. That's. The other thing is you're just wired. No one in the city can talk about anything but the Knicks right now. Like, yeah, we're. We're lunatics. Like you can tell. Like, you know the old scene in Midnight Cowboy where Dustin Hoffman's like so angry and he's like, I'm walking here. That's like that was before the Knicks won. That's that energy. And now New Yorkers are being nice to each other. Like you're seeing everyone be like waving to each other.

[D]

I don't believe you there. I think you're lying. I think you're publicly lying when you say New Yorkers are Being nice to each other.

[A]

I'm. Dude, crime is down.

[G]

This is.

[A]

The city is becoming a utopia.

[D]

You danced with a homeless woman.

[A]

Oh, no, I did.

[D]

People are not being nicer to each other, Sam. Nobody's being nice to each other.

[A]

Everyone's being nice to each other. The world's becoming. The world is healing itself. And the world will soon heal itself with the laughter and the joy being spread in New York right now. I want 7th Avenue to be on fire. I want. I want this bigger.

[B]

This for the city bigger. Knicks fan? You or Michael J.

[D]

Fox?

[A]

I'm. I'll give it to Fox.

[D]

He's.

[A]

He's been alive longer. He's a legend. He's a. He's a class act, that guy. I love Michael J. Fox.

[F]

Sam, how many times has Dan texted you about Larry Johnson's four point play?

[A]

I don't actually think you have text, honestly. But that was probably before the Knicks come back on the Cavs. Probably my happiest Nick memory. And I've met LJ a couple times and he's like, he's the coolest man.

[B]

But you told him that it was a ridiculous continuation, right? Definitely fouls on the floor.

[A]

Did we get away with one? Maybe. Possibly. But you know what? You know the Pacers.

[D]

Who gives a shit? All right, so we're live all four hours today and we are on a lot of mainstream outlets. So I will apologize a little late on how Sam is loose, but can you tell me the Beatles are litigious. Greg, can you please tell me as a. You have said the Knicks fan is your most heated rival. You're a longtime columnist. Sam appreciates writers. You've written for 50 years for the Miami Herald, which he just mocked while waving a magazine from a defunct age, a dinosaur.

[A]

You mocked magazines, Dan.

[D]

Yes, I mocked those dinosaur papers. Yes, because it died on our watch, Sam. Magazines and people reading and literacy in general died on our watch. Not the New York, not the New Yorker. Brunson's on the COVID But Sam would have, for 25 years, just about hated everything. You are right. And you, for about 25 years would have hated everything Sam was. Because you think that the Knicks are the biggest rival the Heat has, not the Celtics.

[G]

Right, but. But I don't. I don't root for the Knicks for that reason. I cheer for this final like a fan would. It's the. The TV ratings are going to go through the roof. Knicks, who haven't won in a thousand years, versus Wemby. The ratings are going to break records. And I Think the Knicks winning would be the greatest story in sports. More than Wemby. Wemby doesn't need it. He's 12 years old. He's got plenty of time. The Knicks haven't won since 73. Knicks winning is the best thing that could happen to the NBA.

[A]

You heard it there. I mean, I agree. I think we are a historic franchise that it's been 53 years like we are. This is a long, long wait for a city that is upset. I mean, think about what real estate goes for in New York. And there's a basketball court every few blocks. Like, we love basketball. So, yeah, we're hungry for this, man. This is. This means more, I think, to Knicks fans, like, one ring means more than, like, three or four to the Lakers, you know, it's. Or the Celtics. Like, this is. We need this bigger Knicks fan.

[B]

You are, Turtle.

[A]

Ferrara's hardcore. He's pretty hardcore. He's a. I don't know. I feel like we're neck and neck. Jerry and I are both pretty hardcore.

[D]

Can you explain to people the difference between the Knicks and all the other teams? Like, when you say it feel like four to the Lakers. If I tell you New Yorkers, if I say, hey, you can win this many championships in Yankees, Mets, Jets, Giants, or the Knicks can win one. Like, in terms of what this team means to this city, it means more than the others, does it not?

[A]

Yeah, there's some people who only care about hockey, and there's some people only care about football. You know, I like all sports, but I love the Knicks. To me, the Knicks are the most important. So I think a Knicks title, I mean, look. Look at the droughts. I mean, The Rangers won 94, which is kind of becoming a drought. The Giants have been. I mean, the jets and the Knicks are the two droughts, really, in New York.

[D]

But if I. But if I say to you. I don't. I'm asking you to speak on behalf of all New Yorkers. But don't you think that a Knicks championship feels to New York, with memories and everything? El. Because it's been passed down through generations. More than a couple of Super Bowls, more than if the jets and the Giants won.

[B]

Well, and it's. And isn't it the way that I've had explained to me, Sam, it's because, like every basketball fan in New York, like, the Nets are New Jersey. Like every basketball fan in New York is a Knicks fan.

[D]

The other sports, the team that's actually in the city, it's the team that actually lives Inside of the city, but

[A]

also they're in Brooklyn now, the Nets, but no one takes them seriously. And you can tell that by the fact that like you pull in kd, Kyrie and Harden in their prime and no one went, no one gave a shit. It was like if Denzel was doing community theater, you're just like, this is sad that you have this level of talent and no one gives a shit. Meanwhile, the Knicks get Julius Randle, who was killer. We loved him, he revitalized us. And we're. Every game is packed, you know. So, yeah, it's Knicks or bust in New York. We're in Knicks town.

[D]

Well, but it also. The thing that I'm trying to make spring from both Zaz and Greg Cody is the fact that if you've been caring about basketball for 25 years, the Knicks, Knicks have been on the wrong end for a quarter century. Of all the Miami jokes, they are losers to the doormat of Miami for 25 years in basketball, since Miami stole Pat Riley. Like it's generations now. But when Allen Houston was making one of the worst memories in the history of Miami sports against Pat Riley, the Knicks have had precious few runs through these 30 years. And right now, Sam your up and the Heat down big. And you two who care about the Miami Heat, you must enjoy speaking from on high to them. Hey, we passed you over the last five years. You guys got LeBron and Wade and Bosh. And over the last five years, we built a team that passed your organization.

[A]

It's not even like that though. Cause like, for whatever reason, if we just got LeBron, it wouldn't have felt this special. No offense. Like, you guys, look, you got Wade too. You have more than us, regardless. But like LeBron, I've never been the biggest LeBron guy, so it wouldn't have felt as special to me. The fact that we did. We're doing this with this team. We built this kind of scrappy team, you know, of. Of a. Led by a second round pick whose everyone says is undersized. It means a lot the way they're doing it. And yeah, the history and the fact that this, this team killed Brunson's dad. 99. This is like Gangs of New York. Dude, we're back. It's been forever. We've made two finals in my lifetime. They both were heartbreaking. This is the third one. I'm praying it has a different result. But yeah, I think this is as big as it gets in New York. Like the Yankees have won so many. The Mets have, you know, Struggled. Whatever the Giants have done. Well, the Rangers won in 94. Whatever. You can go down the list. But yeah, we need this. I think as a city, what would

[B]

you be willing to give up for the Knicks winning the championship this year?

[A]

You name it, dude.

[B]

Well, what if you.

[D]

Well, charity. We're doing something for charity here. We're doing. I mean, you can make donations here to say you can. I was going to say Sam moral dot com. That is not where you can make donations. We don't want to do that. But I'm looking for the name of it.

[A]

What would you be willing to give up? Give me money, that's what.

[D]

Project Mainstreet.org is what I meant to find again. Construction business. You know, things like my mind. My mind's not here. I confused the monkeys and the Beatles. So what?

[C]

So let me just get this straight. You're saying if the Knicks win, Sam has to give us money for charity? For a telethon?

[D]

Not us. But if he wins. Project Mainstreet.org he makes a donation as part of this charitable telethon we're doing today that he's highlighting. He's our headliner today.

[B]

Sam.

[A]

I'm in. I'm in. If they win, you got you.

[D]

I badgered him. See, if they win. So. So ask him for an amount.

[E]

Half assed giving to charity. Give it because his heart's in the right place.

[B]

Don't you hate als?

[A]

I won't publicly say how much I'll give, but I'll give a good donation.

[D]

I promise. There you go. I badgered somebody into that. One last question before we let you go. A former girlfriend of yours, a Giant spurs fan. How would this have gone? How would this have gone if. And have you considered that at all? Like the idea that she felt about the spurs, but she felt about the spurs, the way you feel around the Knicks, Correct. That the feelings are equal. Yes.

[A]

Yeah, sure.

[D]

How would that have gone?

[A]

But they've won enough.

[D]

That's it. They hog the titles and you're done.

[A]

They've had five since 99. They're not. No one else in the league is. Like, they could use a break. We could use a break. We need this.

[D]

All right. But your comedy gets ruined if they win, right?

[A]

Yeah, but I'll bounce back. I got a couple months before Europe. I could figure it out. I'll my life up some other way. I'll like go in a bender or something. I'll find a way to come back down.

[D]

All right. Thank you, Sam. Good seeing you. And I am indeed happy for you.

[A]

So let's remember Wemby Eugenics, Hitler.

[D]

Yeah, we do remember.

[B]

Don't forget.

[D]

Yes, I. Thank you.

[A]

Don't forget that.

[D]

I know.

[C]

Don't worry. It'll be the title of this episode.

[D]

Yes. Yes. I don't forget that. No, because it's. It's you and dancing with a homeless slate. Yes.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

What song do you think it was?

[C]

Well, it's Dancing in the Dark. Clearly.

[G]

That was a slow song.

[D]

He said New Yorkers are happier and being nicer to each other. Are we believing this?

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

No.

[F]

Yeah. No, I am. No, I am. I mean, yeah. A Townhead's juice when you're in small sample size when you're chasing a title.

[C]

Guys, the mayor got rid of bedtimes for kids. Of course they're being.

[B]

He's not in charge of my kids. He's not in charge mine either.

[C]

So my style sort of changes depending on what time of year it is. Once we get to the summer here in South Florida, it's unbearably hot. I really. I call it oppressively hot, which means I'm constantly sweating. And it changes how I get dressed because you got about 12 seconds before you start regretting your outfit choices. So lately I've really been trying to keep it a little more simple. Light, breathable, comfortable, but still looking put together, because that's what I care about. And that's why I keep going back to Quint's. Their European linen shirts and pants are perfect for the summer, and they start at just 34 bucks. Their tees are soft, they're easy to wear. They've got lightweight cotton sweaters for the random nights where the AC is sort of freezing everywhere you go. And everything at Quint's is priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands because they work directly with ethical factories and cut out the middlemen. I picked up one of their European linen shirts in a sky blue color. I've actually even worn it on the show. And it's become one of those shirts that I keep reaching for without even thinking about it. So you should elevate your summer wardrobe and go to quince.com dan for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com dan for free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com dan the final round of basketball

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[D]

Don LeBatard Billy, somebody has written in here I need way more.

[G]

I'm sorry.

[D]

I just said in his headset. Haven't you been to all of them, too?

[G]

It sounded like you were speaking aloud. My bad. Totally on me. That's 100 on me. All right.

[F]

ST.

[G]

But that goes without saying, right? That it couldn't have.

[A]

Well, now he said. I didn't. He didn't say it again.

[D]

Greg.

[G]

My apologies, Greg.

[D]

Why Greg?

[A]

Yeah, Greg.

[D]

He apologized.

[A]

Craig. Sincerely.

[D]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the stugats.

[A]

We'll get to A.J.

[D]

brown and Miles Garrett in a moment. But getting back to the catchphrases, where are you, Greg? On the list? Are we at number 18? Number 17. Number 19. Where are we?

[G]

Yeah, number 19. Was nice chatting with you. And the two newest ones are.

[D]

All right, hold on. So, but just for the record, okay, as someone who has loved and known Cody the entirety of this list, make them start from the beginning again. Okay, we will do that. But nice chatting with you is a hell of a dismount at 19.

[G]

I am chatting with you.

[D]

No, I know, I know. But Greg, you've been saying that since I've known you. That's how I signed off with Paul and young Ron every two weeks. To think that Greg has 18 better than that suggests that what is coming your way down the pike this summer. Bigger than the World Cup? No, this list is a monster. Like, if you're telling me that. Nice chatting with you. Is 19. When I think of that one, like, I would assume that's right at the top.

[B]

If we're being honest, he probably is 28 better.

[G]

That's why the list may have to grow from 60 to a top 70.

[D]

It just really going to.

[G]

It just might.

[D]

Are you just reporting?

[A]

It's out of my control.

[B]

In your control.

[G]

There are forces in nature larger than.

[D]

Do you already have one or two more like, do you have two that could have been in and should have been in and you're regretting or not in, and therefore you're going to see if you have eight more. Are we?

[G]

They're coming to me all the time. I thought of one the other day that I added to the list. I'm going to possibly.

[D]

So if you're still adding. See, he just. You just saw what happened there, right?

[G]

That's why it's out of my control, Zaz.

[D]

You saw what happened there.

[B]

How can one that you just think of be better than any of the ones you've already ranked?

[G]

I'm not saying it's better, but it's in the.

[B]

It's a list.

[G]

That's how this works in the conversation, though. No, no, no. Let me tell you something about lists, okay? If you make a list.

[B]

Been waiting for this.

[G]

Okay, this is your. This is Zaslow's personal list. Top 100 NBA players of all time.

[F]

Yeah.

[G]

Is everybody going to agree with that list and the order of it and the ranking? Exactly. Sagaci.

[B]

No, but if I came up with a list of 100 best players and then I remember a player I forgot, he wouldn't just be shoehorned into the top 20.

[G]

Yeah, he would. What if you forgot? What if you forgot? Elgin Baylor.

[D]

Nice chat with you

[B]

boxed me in.

[D]

I can't believe that that's 19. Like, this is such. This is going to be such a monster list. Sponsors, I'm telling you, there's big money here. Sponsor the rest of this list. The next 19 are going to be beasts. Because, Greg.

[G]

Yes.

[D]

18 is going to be revealed right now, and it's going to be better. You're telling me this is better than. Nice chatting with you. Which is, I think, an eternal first ballot hall of Famer.

[G]

Okay. This Is my list. I mean, for me, it's one spot better, but some may disagree.

[D]

No, but you're respecting your list by trying to make these the best correct. You know, nice chatting with you, Greg.

[G]

Nice chatting with you, Greg.

[D]

You've been saying it since I've known you. It's almost your first words in our relationship. Nice chat.

[G]

It was my first word. It was my first words in the crib.

[D]

I'm gonna say the first time you ever made me laugh was when we had a very short conversation. That's when you use it best. And you say, nice chatting with you, and you hang up.

[G]

Right.

[F]

Is this a bit. Are we actually gonna get to the list?

[G]

Eighteen. He ain't heavy. He's my blank. It's not really blank. You fill in the blank. You know, he. If you know, I'm getting a plastic tub that weighs 40 down. 40 pounds down from the attic. My son's Michael is bringing it down for me. He says, damn, this is heavy. And I go, he ain't heavy. He's my plastic tub. That's an example of he ain't heavy. He's my blank. Okay, one more time further away. Now, Christopher did not particularly like that one. He did like number seven.

[D]

How can that be? I had a. Nice chatting with you.

[G]

Nice chatting with you. He ain't heavy. He's my blank. Okay? It's my first fill in the blank in the list, so it's making history here. And you want number 17?

[D]

Not really.

[G]

Okay.

[D]

I'm kind of. Whoa, whoa, whoa. I'm the kind of guy that. That's not fill in the blank.

[G]

No.

[D]

How is this.

[B]

How.

[D]

How is this list? So how can the list.

[F]

Maybe the next one's better. I mean, that's the way that lists work. The next one should be better, right?

[G]

Should be. Yeah. One better. Number 17. Hey, that's what I'm talking about.

[B]

I feel like that's. That's my phrase.

[D]

I regret asking.

[B]

I say that's what I'm talking about.

[D]

I regret asking.

[B]

What are you doing? You just stole one of my friends.

[G]

I've been saying it longer than you,

[B]

and you made it sing song.

[G]

It is sing song.

[D]

That's my gimmick.

[B]

That's what I'm talking about.

[D]

That's my.

[G]

How long have you been saying that?

[D]

My whole.

[B]

In the crib.

[G]

Oh, you're stealing my crib line.

[F]

Oh, we got a crib off.

[G]

No.

[F]

You know what just happened? Just got cucked.

[B]

Which one of us.

[F]

He took your catchphrase.

[B]

That's bullshit.

[F]

And you just sat there and watched.

[G]

Okay? You say. Do you say hey? Because that's a key to this.

[B]

I say, that's what I'm talking about.

[G]

Okay? You don't say hey. Hey. That's what I'm talking about.

[B]

So you just take someone's phrase and put a hey in front of it. All of a sudden it's yours.

[G]

I had no idea you said that.

[A]

As always, driver, comfort is paramount.

[D]

Bullshit.

[B]

That's what I'm talking about. That's my phrase, okay?

[G]

And my phrase is hey. That's what I'm talking about.

[B]

You can't just take something that I say and make it sing songy.

[G]

Sure I can. And throw a hey in front of it. Hey, hey. With the monkeys. Hey. That's what I'm talking about.

[D]

The monkeys came up with that. What are you talking about?

[C]

Well, no, that was the Beatles.

[D]

The Beatles are litigating.

[G]

Who won?

[A]

You all did.

[G]

Oh, no. Who won?

[E]

Has to be an elderly lady's voice.

[G]

Yes. Thank you. It's my mother. She's like 87 years old, sitting on the couch going, who won?

[D]

Please stop for just a second. And I'm sorry to do this because we'll get to A.J. brown and Miles Garrett in a second. The idea. This is stunning to me, Zaz, and you are right to be insulted. Zaz is a radio legend in this market.

[B]

Legit. One of my top raiders.

[D]

No, I'm going to say top three. The one I'm going to say, the one I most associate you with. I would say, wait a minute. This is so disrespectful. I can't even fathom it. Like, he is a. Zaz is a radio legend in this market. Hard stop. He's got five signature catchphrases. This, I think, is number one for me. What are the five? Do you have five?

[F]

I know what number 16 is for, Greg. I hope it's, hey, Thai food.

[D]

If you were making. If you were making a signature phrase list, that would be how long, if

[B]

that's what I'm talking about. Would be very high on the list.

[D]

Would it not be number one?

[B]

I mean, also, you know, bad news for blank.

[G]

Yeah.

[B]

Hey, bad news for blank and making it sing songy. It's not yours if you do that. It's my phrase.

[G]

Short list by you. Go ahead.

[B]

Also, you know, what do you say? That's mine. You can't just add a hey in front. Hey, what do you say? And now it's yours.

[C]

Wow.

[F]

That kind of sounds better.

[A]

It does.

[F]

Yeah. Hey, what is.

[B]

It's not better?

[F]

No, it is.

[B]

It's worse.

[F]

Hey, what do you say?

[B]

Worse.

[G]

Hey, what did he say?

[A]

Yeah, Greg.

[G]

Hey, what did he say?

[F]

That's so good.

[G]

Thank you.

[B]

This copyright.

[D]

Cocky, right?

[B]

He's back, by the way. If I could just tell the audience. Okay. Because it's happening again. It seems to happen every few days. Yes, I have seen the picture of the cuck Command center. You don't have to send me the tweets anymore. I seen it. Thank you.

[D]

You.

[G]

Thank you.

[D]

It's wrong. What's happening to Zaz right now? Is it by our audience? Yes. Yes. He's got Internet shame. You don't even know what we're talking about. Right?

[G]

You don't know Command center. No, I don't know what that's about.

[D]

How do we describe this to. How do we describe this? So you don't know what's happening to Zaz on the Internet, and you don't know what Zaz's catchphrase is? Are.

[G]

I know. He says. What did he say? I know that one. That's the only one I associate with him.

[D]

What is the difference? I really don't understand how you don't feel genuinely disrespected. Not that he didn't know it, but that he's sitting here putting on his list 17 your phrase sung by him that none of us have ever heard him say.

[B]

He does know it. The question is, how did it get in his head? Is it subconscious? Because that happens, you know? That's. That's like someone like Sam Morrow, like you come up with a joke you want to hate. Hear that somewhere? Is that where I got the idea? Is that what happened with Greg there? Or is it blatant disrespect and he's taken one of my go to lines for over 20 years in this market. That's what I'm talking about. That's me.

[G]

I know, but what about. Hey, that's what I'm talking about. See, that's not your line. That's not your line. Look, I'm taking the high road here, okay?

[B]

You're taking the high road?

[G]

You very well could have stolen that line from me because I have my wife. Either of my sons will testify under oath that I've been saying, hey, that's what I'm talking about. Their entire lives, that kind of thing.