NBA Chat With Lang Greene 10/24/12

1. dime in a dozen

   Time to man up. N eat your words bro. U said dcousins is shouldnt be compared to cwebb. I remembered that bro. With what im seing, he worked on his attitude,his weight, his jumper, and he,trob and marcus t destroyed the new look lal on a preaseason game.he got the o.g’s respect and they even said he can be the best in the game….. Just sayin bro, i respect u alot,but please,next time never say never…. Peace

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? Shout to the legendary Rakim tonight for the theme music …. I take 7 MC’s put them in a line, then add 7 more brothers who think they can rhyme. Well, it’ll take 7 more before I go for mine. Now that’s 21 MC’s ate up at the same time … Whew …

     Man, you have got to be kidding me. I understand DeMarcus may have led your franchise to a NBA title on NBA 2k13 but this is reality brother … and comparing DMC to Chris Webber at this point in time is not smart.

     Look at C-Webb’s resume … five-time All-Star, five All-NBA team selections and a Rookie of the Year. Plus C-Webb ranks in the Top 100 all time (of all-time) in points, rebounds and steals. Not to mention the work he put in as a collegiate athlete. The Hall of Fame will be calling for C-Webb.

     See, you make it seem like I don’t like DMC, which I do. I respect DMC but before I start comparing him to guys who put in major work carrying franchises for over a decade I need to see the young man LEAD the Kings to a playoff berth.

2. LA in LA

   Your thoughts on how Lakers looked in first preseason game with Dwight? They shared the ball well and if anything I thought that Kobe was TOO passive.

   Also wasn’t crazy about that 3pt shot Kobe took to try and tie the game. Last year I would not complain but in this year’s offense with that much time Lakers should have tried to get a better shot, preferably for Nash who shoots the 3 much better.

   • Lang Greene

     Too early for me to get to heavy on analyzing the Los Angeles Lakers. They will be fine. They will hover near 60 wins if their health doesn’t betray them. We all know Kobe is going to take the big shots man. In fact, there probably isn’t a guy on the roster who would have it any other way. Kobe has put in so much work over the years … who do you want shooting it? Metta?

3. jaimeson

   u think cavs might of took waiters over barnes based on additude? not that any rook intimidates(maybe shaq?), but i’m having a hard time grasping waiters @4. phx @ 13 was the rumored destination. that’s a 9 spot jump! the price/daughtery/nance cavs were considered too soft to win it all. who on cavs roster sends fear onto an opp? too young & too quiet. irvings game does, but not demeanor.

   • Lang Greene

     I don’t think attitude had anything to do with it … Harrison is a good kid who works hard. I just think most didn’t see an extra gear in the guy and decided to avoid him. I wouldn’t have done so. I am high on Barnes. He’ll be a better pro than Waiters. He has the size. He has a good mid-range jumper. And he knows how to play within a system. Watch him work out in Golden State.

4. Johnny C

   Whaddup big man. love your chats. must read week after week. anyway, who you looking at for surprising rookies this year and why? I got Andrew Nicholson and perry jones III.

   • Lang Greene

     Brad Beal, Harrison Barnes, John Jenkins, Royce White, Jared Sullinger and Andrew Nicholson are guys I think will make some noise. The Lillard kid as well. Maybe Andre Drummond in Detroit too. Intriguing rookie class.

5. Q-man

   Lang, whats good with you.

   1. In my opinion marvin williams will suprise some people with his new team. He’s better then some think (whats your take)
   2. Who’s the starting wings (off guard and small foward) this year. Knowing Drew he might change with each game.
   3. Zaza play very well as the starting 5 last year. are the hawks planning a 3 man rotation with him Smith and Al with a sprinkle of 9 to 5 (Ivan)

   • Lang Greene

     What’s good 3Q?

     1. Agree with you. I was telling the guys at the barber shop this the other week. Gone from Atlanta and the No. 2 overall pick tag hanging over him, Marvin will find a comfort zone in Utah. See, the thing is Marvin is far from a bad player. Name me some guys who average double digits year after year with ZERO plays called for them. He’s a decent defender and capable rebounder on the wing. The change of scenery will do the guy wonders.

     2. I think Drew likes the idea of having Jeff Teague and Devin Harris in the lineup together. DeShawn Stevenson is also in the running for the SG slot. The wing position is a little harder to call. Anthony Tolliver has the versatility to play both forward spots so he may stick, but I really like what I’m seeing from Damion James in the preseason

     3. Zaza starting at center would make sense if Josh Smith could play the three full-time, but he can’t. Only spot duty, so look for Zaza to be one of the first guys off the bench.

6. Rocket

   Looking at Open Court I am now realizing how IGNORANT Shaq really is, makes me loose respect for him. What do you think?

   • Lang Greene

     There are worse guys to listen to about the game of basketball than Shaq. But I see what you’re saying. You have to understand the role Shaq is meant to play. Once you have that understanding you’ll become less and less offended.

7. Deven

   Hey Lang. Any Chance Josh Smith gets traded if the Hawks struggle this year?

   • Lang Greene

     I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Josh Smith being traded this season but if that happens it would have nothing to do with the team’s struggles on the floor … it would be driven by management’s belief that they could lose his talent in free agency without receiving any assets in return. That is a real worry since the contract issue will loom large ALL season. No one but the uneducated fan is expecting the Hawks to be better (won/loss record wise) than they were last season without Joe Johnson

8. Deven

   Who’s your darkhorse to win the east?

   • Lang Greene

     No dark horses bro, going with the Miami HEAT to take the Eastern Conference for the third straight season.

9. BSaintM

   Hey Lang how’s it going?
   I just finished watching the 30-For-30 Documentary on Benji and I was wondering if you, or anyone on HW for that matter, could tell me how good that guy really was. Was he going to be able to compete against MJ? Thanks and keep up the good work!

   • Lang Greene

     Sad story. To answer your question it is hard to say how good guys could have become once they get a taste of the fame and fortune. Let’s just say his trajectory was heading toward greatness. But there are too many variables for me to say how he could have ranked in an accurate manner.

10. Jason M.

    Lang, the GOAT at Hoopsworld. Hope all is well.

    Anyhow, I have noticed that Kendall Marshall has struggled a bit this preseason. I had questioned his ability to be an NBA starter because he didn’t pass the eye test to me but am a bit surprised that he’s even dropping very few dimes. Think the Suns are a little concerned or way too early to judge?

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks Jason. Appreciate the support.

      Kendall isn’t the type of talent that’s going to come in and take the NBA by storm. He doesn’t have that explosiveness. He’s the type who can carve out a long career by learning the game, playing at his pace and working the angles on guys. So you may call it struggling, I call it the rookie adjustment. He’ll be a decent backup PG during his stint in the league, but this season will be all about Marshall getting his game together for life in the league.

11. Jason M.

    Lang, I see ESPN is projecting Anthony Davis at around 9.5PPG this season. That seems pretty low to me. I think they’re stuck on his average at UK(about 14ppg) and not taking into account how the NBA features players offensively rather than the college game where it’s more of a team flow. I think he will be closer to his college average of 14ppg and should easily win ROTY if healthy. You?

    • Lang Greene

      I saw AD up close last week. He put up 17 and 7 against Josh Smith and Al Horford. And Josh was out there trying … I think 9.5 points is too low if those numbers you quoted are accurate. AD, just based on the Hornets’ talent alone, will be in the 14-15 range on a nightly basis. I mean other than Eric Gordon and maybe Ryan Anderson who else is going to be unloading shots each night?

12. Big Kenny Kane

    Hi Lang, with jonny flynn now available, do you see the Lakers salivating & making a move to pick him up to strengthen a pretty weak back up PG rotation?

    • Lang Greene

      No, I do not. The Lakers from what I hear are trying to unload either Duhon or Blake … they are definitely not trying to ADD another point guard.

13. Lazerus

    Evenin’ Lang, glad you’re with us tonight.

    My question surrounds the Suns.. with injuries to Love & Nowitzki do you think that opens the door for a young squad like Phoenix? There’s definitely some variables (i.e Dragic full time starter/Beasley as an offensive focal point etc…) But count me as intrigued by their potential. Are people sleeping on them a little as a realistic 7-8 seed in the West?

    • Lang Greene

      Leading up to training camp I made it be known that the Suns were my sleeper pick to make a run at a playoff spot in the west this season. But after they lost Channing Frye for the season I might need to reassess my prediction. Frye gave them a frontcourt option who could stretch opposing defenses and open up driving lanes for the guards. His absence will hurt Phoenix. But yes, they are an intriguing roster especially after losing Steve Nash. They will pull off some upsets this year, I’m sure of it. Playoffs … we shall see.

14. Old Timer

    Who has the worse P.R handlers, Lebron’s of 2010 or D. Howard’s?

    • Lang Greene

      I am in the minority on this … but I’m not and never was to up in arms about LeBron’s decision special. I mean, it wasn’t like LeBron’s free agency decision didn’t dominant the NBA landscape for 2-3 years. Plus the donation to charity was cool. People watched. And the special created a villain in the Miami HEAT which helped drive the league to the highest levels of popularity … EVER.

      How great would it be if the NBA transitioned this format into a weekly free agency show where guys came from backstage with their new team’s hat on … I think that would be cool, but then again I know I’m different and a lot of people take things so seriously that it would be shot down.

15. Mac

    1.) How do you like the Charlotte Bobcat’s core of young players moving forward?

    2.) How does their roster compare to other rebuilding teams in terms of long term success? Good, bad, fair??

    3.) With Biyombo & MKG does it appears that they’re trying to establish a defense first identity?

    4.) Lastly, how would Cody Zeller fit in with these guys? Thanks,

    • Lang Greene

      1. Kemba Walker, Mullens, MKG, Biyombo … there is talent in Charlotte.
      2. The Bobcats really gutted the roster prior to last season. The team will be much better this season from a competitive standpoint, although the w-in-loss column won’t show huge improvement
      3. What the Bobcats are trying to establish is high motor guys who compete hard.
      4. Not sure if the Bobcats need more young talent. Time to bring in some veterans to help these young guys learn what it takes to win in the league.

16. Ding Dong: It's the Ayon Lady

    Gustavo Ayon got diagnosed with a thumb injury that will keep him out for 2 weeks. Since he’s got a non guaranteed contract, does that put his roster spot in jeopardy and open the door for a guy like E’Twaun Moore to make the team?

    • Lang Greene

      Doubt it. Would say Gustavo Ayon is a lock to make opening night roster.

17. Zach

    This seems to be the year Gallo might have put it all together. His preseason numbers have been pretty outstanding and with less than a week before the season starts do you think that Gallo could be ready to lead the Nuggets and make that jump from good to great? Also how far do you think the Nuggets could go this year? Thanks!

    • Lang Greene

      The Nuggets are stacked on the wing with Danilo, Wilson Chandler, Andre Iguodala, Corey Brewer and Jordan Hamilton. The Nuggets have the talent to finish in the top in the Western Conference this year. I’d call them a disappointment if the reached the playoffs with anything lower than a five seed.

18. Lucas

    Sir Greene, how have you been? Can you give me your opinion on (your) Hawks and on the 76ers this upcoming season? Do you see them make the playoffs and being competitive this year.

    As always, thanks for your time. Be well.

    • Lang Greene

      I see the Atlanta Hawks making the postseason. Lower seed. 7-8 spot. But it will be a battle for those guys and the postseason isn’t a lock.

      I definitely see the 76ers in the playoffs as well. I believe they should rest Bynum a little more. They need the big guy for the April, May, June push … more than the October, November and December early season slate. With me?

19. Papa Legba

    I’m a HUGE Bobcats fan but I hate seeing them play. No go to scorer, no 3 pt shooter to stretch the floor, overpassing, and poor rebounding. Is Dunlap in over his head with the talent assembled and why can’t my boy MKG get more playing time?

    • Lang Greene

      I think Dunlap was the right hire. Raised my eyebrows at first, but saw the man putting in work during summer league and talked to the guys he’s coaching and they have bought in completely.

      In regards to MKG playing time. keep in mind it’s only preseason. And he’s a rookie. Coaches are notorious for making rookies earn their way early on … there is something to be said, a sense of accomplishment, about going out and earning a starting spot than someone just handing it over to you within five games. It’s called paying dues. Builds character.

20. Akbar sanchez

    Hey Lang
    HOW BOUT THIS DEAL FOR MY LAKERS
    Lakers get; Lebron and Norris cole
    Heat get; jordan hill, steve blake, Metta world peace
    Great deal? Who says no?

    • Lang Greene

      Help me understand … when does one decide to start trolling?

21. ChowMein

    Should Zaza be a starting C?

    • Lang Greene

      Zaza is my guy but for the Hawks’current roster he’s better suited coming off the bench. Now if Smoove could handle playing the three full-time then Zaza starting and moving Al Horford to power forward would make sense.

22. dime in a dozen

    Im hearing u lang but cwebb’s career is good but not that great for a talented big guy like cousins to be able to over take. Remember,he is only a sophomore, cwebb never won a ring. Demarcus can be the man and win one.but alright, i heard that mj will never be greater than bird n magic untill he became the best player in history. Although im not saying dc is jordan,but never say never….. Lin is a great example and he wasnt even considered nba material at first.. all i saw was a much improve leaner, good temepered,good mid range,foot speed dcousins this summer. And i am a laker fan watching lal vs kings that day. Anyways,thanks for the time bro.peace

    • Lang Greene

      Man you are persistent, I’ll give you that and I hear your argument. But you can’t compare DMC to C-Webb right now. It would be like comparing C-Webb in year two to Karl Malone. Give DMC some time to mature. Lead a team to the playoffs. Earn a playoff spot. Maybe a All-NBA team selection. But right now you’re too focused on POTENTIAL and not RESULTS. I’m speaking from a RESULTS point of view. DMC has work to do before being compared to C-Webb.

23. AJ in hawaii but from cali

    I know horford is ur boy but I think he needs A LOT of help een if he gets to play PF and smoove leaves. And a decent center comes in. He looked terrible against USA over the summerand its not like they were doubling him

    • Lang Greene

      AL Horford’s biggest weakness is his unselfish style of play. Sometimes he becomes passive on the offensive end, but make no mistake the guy is a goodie monster with the talent to eventually flirt with 20/10 nightly.

24. Len(Oakland,Ca)

    Mr. Lang enjoy your Chats Bro..
    I’m reading all these experts saying my Warriors will be terrible this year. I think people are sleeping on how deep we are 1st and 2nd String are deep. Minnesota took a step back with injury’s . I’m thinking we can be Top 6 in the West yea i know it depends on health Bogut and Curry but we are way better then last year. Thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      Golden State shouldn’t be slept on. Klay Thompson is that dude. Watch him work this season. The problem is, Steph Curry and Andrew Bogut are the team’s anchors … and those guys are both hobbled right now. As the leaders goes, so does the team …

      They need Bogut and Curry playing at least 60-65 games this season to stay relevant.

25. Nuggets fan

    Trade Josh Smith to my nuggets? We’ve got a plethora of wing players to choose from and a mozgov and/or pick to sweeten the deal. Chandler could be the starting sf the hawks are looking for.

    • Lang Greene

      Hawks can get more value for Josh Smith. You don’t trade an All-Star caliber talent and not get close to one in return. I like Wilson Chandler but his name shouldn’t be mentioned as a headline asset in a trade for Smoove.

26. Aristotle

    Hey there Langy!

    How do you see Minnesota starting off in the regular season with the injuries to Love and Rubio? Can Roy and AK47 pick up where they left off until Love and Rubio return? I think Pekovic will be their X factor this season

    • Lang Greene

      Last question</strong

      My man …

      I see a slow start to the season. The numbers K-Love puts up every night. Who is going to replace that? The rebounding? The scoring? I tell you what B-Roy and AK47 better be ready to ball or the T'Wolves will have some ground to make up to get back into the playoff chase.