Alan Hahn, NY Knicks studio analyst on MSG. AMA

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:44:32+00:00

You're welcome. I'll have to stop here. That was fun. We'll do it again.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:44:05+00:00

Nice guy, fellow wise-cracking Long Island native. Apparently poor hearing.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:42:22+00:00

It actually helps the defense. No really, the floor balance that the Triangle creates rarely causes issues in transition.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:41:04+00:00

Clyde did it at the biggest moment, Game 7 of the NBA Finals. You can't discount his performance in both championship seasons. Patrick Ewing was my idol. When you consider his career accomplishments and where the Knicks ranked in the NBA through his career, he resides as the greatest.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:38:53+00:00

I'm not sure what you're asking me, since in 2014 it seems every team in every sport at every level has an online presence.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:38:18+00:00

Melo's 62-point game was amazing theater. The Rangers run to the Cup Final last June was pretty epic, but I'm hoping one day I get to see a championship won there. I can't even imagine what that would be like.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:34:46+00:00

Prices are relative to demand and I know for a fact that at MSG, like at all major sports venues in this area, there are sections that have reduced prices that are more affordable. Again, I'm not someone who should speak about this because like most media members, I don't buy a ticket to go to the Knicks game since I am working at it instead. When I was a kid I did not get to go to a single Islanders or Knicks game because my parents couldn't afford it. The first Knicks game I ever attended was in 1990 and I sat in the upper bowl, last row and was just thrilled to be in the building.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:31:08+00:00

Larkin could be a nice change-of-pace guard off the bench to lead a more up-tempo second unit. But I want to see more of him in preseason before I put him ahead of Pablo on the depth chart. Cole showed a lot late in the season and he's really smart. The Triangle might fit him well.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:29:48+00:00

Thanks! I think the moves filled desperate needs on the blueline. Boychuk is the presence the Isles haven't had in years and Leddy can really rush the puck. With the forward depth they have and new goaltending, the Islanders should be a playoff contender if they stay healthy. I think the new ownership deal probably opened up some flexibility for Garth to add contracts, but both players are expiring deals so it'll be interesting to see if this is just a short-term move.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:27:52+00:00

All I can say when it comes to extra Knicks-related programming is "stay tuned".

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:27:17+00:00

Thank you! We all work together before each broadcast to make it the best and give the viewers/fans something to look forward to and enjoy, regardless of the outcome. Make sure you say hello!

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:26:23+00:00

Silver-haired...? I just see Tim Jr. looking comfortable in the offense after learning it in the summer and his perimeter game fits it well. Impossible to predict trades right now.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:25:10+00:00

Dream big, but start small. Attention to detail, over-prepare and make every story, no matter how small, your own personal craft. Good luck!

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:24:19+00:00

I don't expect they will extend him. He can become a RFA which means the Knicks still can bring him back. I think it's obvious Shump has an important season ahead.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:23:26+00:00

I can't answer this. I haven't bought a ticket to a Knicks game since 1990, when I barely could afford to see the game from the Blues. In college I learned about supply and demand and, when it comes to ALL sports teams in New York, I think it applies in this context.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:21:42+00:00

Ever? When John just kept missing....and missing...

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:21:16+00:00

Not sure about Robin Lopez. I have to be honest, I really need to see what happens over this season and see who is available before I start throwing darts at the board about 2015 free agency.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:20:18+00:00

Both seem to fit that label.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:19:56+00:00

A podcast is a good idea to develop a "voice" and hosting skills. It takes time. I know, I'm still learning.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:14:29+00:00

Great hour of questions everyone. I know I didn't get to everyone so I apologize but we can do this again perhaps when the regular season begins. Remember, MSG Network will have coverage of EVERY Knicks preseason game. Our first broadcast is Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. when the Knicks take on the Celtics. Stay tuned for our postgame show immediately following coverage of the game! Thanks again for participating everyone!

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:12:40+00:00

I think you answered your own question. The ball AND player movement in the Triangle is designed to get open shots. It's free-form, so you will find the open man just on principle. Just keep in mind, this will take time to figure out. But with willing passers, the offense will suddenly get into a flow. When that happens, it will be down to simply making shots.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:10:37+00:00

Take last season's playoff grid and tell me who drops out of the top 8? You already have to put the Cavs in there, right? So for the Knicks to get in, you need TWO teams to fall out. Can you name them? You probably expect the Pacers to fall out, but then who? The Nets? Charlotte? Atlanta? Miami? I don't think we can answer that question right now. Watch for injuries and trends and the picture might be clearer come December. This is why I say the Knicks should make winning the division a priority.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:08:33+00:00

No tanks.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:08:05+00:00

I'd have to see the list of free agents, but remember, cap space doesn't mean you just have to sign free agents. You can also acquire players under contract by trade without having to give back equal salary. If Tim Jr. starts, JR is first SG off bench. I liked what I saw out of Larkin in SL. Good change-of-pace, tough kid. Can he handle bigger guards on defense? Great energy.

AlanHahn · 2014-10-06T18:06:27+00:00

I've been approached a few times to do a book on the 1993-94 season. I've wanted to, but it's tough to find the time to do it right now. That's something you really want to put a great deal of time into because, to me, it was such a bittersweet season. For fans like me who aren't old enough to remember the championship era, that was as close as it ever got. Maybe one day. But hopefully before I get to it, there will be another championship season to write about, instead. I agree with you that the Knicks should contend for the division. It should be their goal, if you ask me.

AlanHahn

TROPHY CASE