NBA Chat With Lang Greene 10/31/12

1. Steve

   Would you consider the hou,okc trade as a win win trade for both clubs or does there have to be a winner from the trade?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? Happy Halloween. My daughter suffered a minor knee injury trick or treating tonight, but I’m still here rocking for you … let’s bang it out. The NBA is back … yeah buddy.

     One of the most overrated things to do is deeply analyze trades (in a win-lose fashion) as soon as they happen. But I know what you’re getting at …
     My opinion is the Rockets gave up an awful lot for a sixth man. I mean, a lottery pick (Jeremy Lamb), a 20point scorer (Kevin Martin), first round draft picks (two) and a high second round pick.

     But on the flip side, the Rockets were in desperation mode for a big name. Harden can give you 20 a night as a featured guy and he has a following in their geographic footprint, not to mention he’s just 23 years old.

     I like Oklahoma City’s side in this, but they still took a risk. Who knows how K-Mart adapts from a chemistry standpoint. Who knows how Lamb pans out as a pro. Who knows what kind of value those draft picks actually turn out to be.

2. LA in LA

   Someone said James Harden had a choice. He could have been like Manu of the Spurs who stayed for less money and won multiple titles. Or he could leave for a bigger role and a lot more money and be on a mediocre team like Joe Johnson. And he choose the latter. Do you feel that is a fair statement of Harden’s situation?
   (BTW, this is not calling Harden evil for choosing money).

   • Lang Greene

     Man, listen. James Harden is 23 years old. Guys usually hit their prime around 27-28 and that’s when his new deal will expire. Think about this … he turned down a four year $54 million deal to eventually ink a five-year close to $80 million one. That my man is a $25 million swing and a business savvy move. I respect this move … he knew his market value and didn’t cave.

     This is what we used to call a “come up”

3. Homer

   Assuming Lou Williams is the 6th man, between Stevenson, Korver, Morrow and Jenkins, who starts and who plays Shooter #1 off the bench? Who is vulnerable to being traded?

   • Lang Greene

     Looks like Larry Drew is going to play DeShawn Stevenson at the two guard. Don’t be surprised to see Devin Harris get major minutes there as well.

     I spoke with coach Drew yesterday and he mentioned using Lou Williams at both guard spots and was very impressed with Lou’s passing ability. I don’t think any of these guys get traded as of right now … but I do like John Jenkins’ chances to get some burn this season as a rook.

4. Kevin Owens

   What’s up Lang? People need to stop comparing LeBron to MJ until he gets to Kobe’s stats. Why are people just overlooking Kobe and jumping right to comparing him to MJ? That’s insane right now. Right?

   • Lang Greene

     People love historical comparisons. I mean, I never invest too much energy in comparing a guy in his ninth season to a guy who played 15-16 years. Meaning, the Jordan we know and love today wasn’t THAT Jordan in his eighth or ninth season in the league. Those title runs cemented MJ as MJ.

5. mojart

   who do you prefer as your starting shooting guard a healthy eric gordon or james harden (both will play the 82 games schedule) and why?thanks

   • Lang Greene

     A year ago I would have said Eric Gordon without hesitation. But right now, I’m going with the beard. He seems to want it more. I know Eric has been hurt but … something about that situation in New Orleans has my eyebrows raised …

6. Big Z

   What up LG!

   Do you have an LG phone? Your initials are right on it!

   Anyway, would Pat Riley consider trading Lebron James for two Top 10 NBA talent? What do you think his worth is? I personally feel he is worth one Top 10 player and 2 in the 11-20 range.

   • Lang Greene

     Lol, you wild Big Z.

     Can’t buy those cupcakes my man. Before it’s all said and done, LeBron has a chance to be in the top five of all-time. You don’t trade that type of talent for two first-round picks.

7. Big Z

   Whats up Mr. Greene!

   Greetings from Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands.

   Let’s assume the players involved are signed on long-term contracts.

   Who says no?

   Clippers get:

   Lebron James
   Norris Cole
   Shane Battier

   Miami gets:

   Chris Paul
   Blake Griffin
   Matt Barnes

   • Lang Greene

     This would never happen, but I’d assume the Clippers would say no here …

     CP3 and Blake teaming with D-Wade and Chris Bosh would be crazy. LeBron would be a lone soldier in LA …

8. drop it like its hot

   7 game series who wins:

   Spurs vs heat?
   Thunder vs spurs?
   Heat thunder?
   Orlando vs houston?
   One on one who wins:
   Durant vs gAy?
   Lebron vs durant?
   Thanks!

   • Lang Greene

     HEAT
     Thunder
     HEAT
     Houston
     Durant
     LeBron

9. Badax33

   Lang

   What’s happening good buddy?

   Do you have an idea why Ray is dissing the Celtics now?! During our debate, we both agreed that it was his right to leave and that he was a key contributor to their success. We disagreed that he had done enough and that his departure really hurt his chances of having his number retired. I’ve read his interviews and he makes it sound like Miami offered him a better contract. THEY DIDN’T. I really thought Ray was classy enough to say that he left for a new beginning, better use of his talents, win a ring, or even that he was frustrated about being shopped. I think he just killed any chance that he will have his number retired

   • Lang Greene

     My man …

     Well, since you want to talk about bad form … what about Rajon Rondo’s neck grab flagrant on D-Wade or Kevin Garnett refusing to shake Ray-Ray’s hand before last night’s game? See we can all play the game of discrediting people and seeing only what we want to see.

     One of the truest statements I grew up hearing from my grandmother was “time heals all wounds” … once some years pass and the smoke clears or a new front office arrives in Boston things will be forgotten and stuff will become water under the bridge. Think about it … who would have ever thought Allen Iverson would ever play for the 76ers again? Or be asked to lead their pep rally last season? New management in Philly … they embrace the AI years. I think the same will happen in Boston and he’ll have the number raised … eventually.

10. Badax33

    Lang

    Don’t usually send in 2 comments to one chat, but couldn’t resist.

    First, Jared Sullinger what are your impressions so far. He going to start some/many games this year and be a real contributor to the Celtics this year.
    I’m really excited about him and his potential.
    Second, what a trade by OKC. I don’t think that Harden is a Max player and they got great value for him, and cheap players except for KMart. I think KMart can adequately replace Harden and it keeps OKC balanced where they don’t have to Amnesty a Perkins or someone else to stay below or close to the tax limit.

    • Lang Greene

      No problem.

      1. Sully is going to ball, no doubt. If he gives them 8 points and 4-5 rebounds this season then everyone will likely be happy.
      2. I don’t think Harden is a MAX player. The new CBA dictates this market value to a degree … I think OKC did very well replacing him. They get K-Mart who can produce right now and if his price tag is too high in free agency, Jeremy Lamb with a year of experience may be able to jump in a fill the void somewhat.

11. Cain

    How does Granger’s injury affect Indiana? If George and Green get the Pacers off to a great start will Danny have to fight to start again?

    • Lang Greene

      Don’t worry about Granger. When he comes back, he’ll be back in the starting lineup in short order. He doesn’t have to worry about Gerald Green.

12. Jim in Cyber Space

    Me thinks James Harden is suffering from buyer’s remorse? As Darnell Marberry of the Daily Oklahoman pointed out a few days ago….Now Harden goes from a team playing on National TV the league Max 25 times to a team playing twice on National TV.
    Those cute footlocker commercials will dry up without the National exposure. There is your difference in 1.3 Mil per year.
    I’m sure Harden’s Agent “Assured” him that Presti would give-in at the end of the day???? Bad advice.
    On the flip side Kevin Martin is doing great NOW.

    http://newsok.com/kevin-martin-thrilled-with-a-chance-to-play-for-championship-caliber-team/article/3723651

    • Lang Greene

      Obviously you sent this question in before news of Harden’s extension came through. Harden made an additional $25 million here. Not bad at all. He’ll go to Houston average 22-24 points per game for a few seasons, build his profile and then hit free agency at 28 years old and will have plenty of options. Harden will be fine … his NBA championships hopes though are gone for the foreseeable future.

13. Papa Legba

    Ok, so the Miami small ball, switch everything, swarming defense dismantled the Boston C’s to the tune of giving up 107 points. How will the Heat fair against real centers? I think Brook Lopez or any center with a nice post up game will destroy small ball…your thoughts

    • Lang Greene

      The Miami HEAT will be a tough out for ANY team in the league. Sure, some of the better centers in the league will put up big numbers against them … but so what. Someone on the opposing team has to score.

      As long as their big three are humming … sky is the limit.

14. Chris

    Hi Lang. 1st impressions of Nash as a Laker? The Lakers seem kind of like the guy who buys a ferrari but only uses it to drive to the grocery store. If you’re not going to allow Nash to be the floor general like he was in Phoenix and expect him to cough the ball up to Kobe every time they cross half court, the whole acquisition comes off as overkill.

    • Lang Greene

      I was on ESPN Radio Honolulu today … and I said if you trade me Steve Nash, I want the floppy hair Steve Nash. I want the Steve Nash zipping up and down the court at frenetic pace. But the Lakers will play a more measured pace and Nash has a new haircut.

      But seriously, Nash will be fine. He’s a future Hall of Famer and he’ll eventually figure out how to groove in the Princeton offense.

15. Wil

    Hi Lang, ok I know it is on the “left” coast for you but let’s talk Lakers. What a mess! I am tired of the ‘we have new players to incorporate excuse’. Really? How many new players did Dallas have to incorporate last night…oh yea, basically the entire team without their best player and they just smoked LA! Time to panic? As an aside, I like Coach Brown, but is there any coach other than Phil that could bring this group together?

    • Lang Greene

      Why panic? It’s just one game. Lakers lost by just eight points but MISSED 19 FREE THROWS last night. Kobe Bryant didn’t even get to the free throw line. The Lakers will be fine. The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint.

16. Steve

    Hey Lang,
    Don’t you think the Heat look spooky?

    • Lang Greene

      Spooky, good yes. They seem to have that Bruce Lee-Roy glow.

17. Trevor

    What do you think of the deals given to Curry and Eric Gordon, with the injury history of the 2 it feels like a Grant Hill magic situation to me, I thought the new CBA was trying to curb these type of deals, it only seems to have killed the middle class players of the league. Thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      I like the deal Golden State signed Curry to last night. It seems like a decent risk and saves them a little dough from him hitting restricted free agency and some team overbids (like Portland did with Roy Hibbert this past summer).

      I also liked the Gordon deal at the time even with the knee issues. The knee didn’t seem to be that serious … but ….

18. Jason M.

    What’s up GOAT?

    What are your thoughts on Draymond Green and his prospects this season and long-term? Does he project as a future starter to you? He reminds me of Carl Landry but I think he gets his hands a little dirtier in the paint.

    • Lang Greene

      What’s good JM?

      Draymond Green knows how to play the game of basketball and is a solid guy to have in the locker room. I don’t ever seem him being a full-time starter, but I think he could develop into a Jared Dudley / Matt Barnes type of guy who is highly productive and part of positive teams.

19. Aristotle

    Heya Langy, got to ask another Q now since the battle of NY has been postponed as I was expecting. I think these teams will have to wait till next year to have that dagger to the enemies heart mentality with what happened.

    Anyways, my question is this…last night due to cramps LeBron was subbed off & didnt come back. If it wasn’t a blow out at that time would Spo have put him back in? I’m asking because I think if Miami want to take that extra step this year, the rest of the squad needs to see what they can do without LeBron (especially after Bosh’s scare last season). LeBron I think will cramp up a lot this year due to the non-stop schedule he had with the Olympics thrown in. He needs to rest as much as he can for play-off time again.

    • Lang Greene

      First game of the season. Coach Spo made the right call. You rest your thoroughbred. I do believe the HEAT will sneak LeBron rest when they can. I know fans across the league on lottery teams don’t want to hear that … but in those games expect him to play less. All about saving those legs for the postseason.

20. Anthony

    what is da bucks doing not paying bj??? and will monta stay or do they trade him??

    • Lang Greene

      Looking at this from afar and I think the marriage between Brandon Jennings and Milwaukee is slowly coming to an end. BJ, I believe, is looking forward to free agency. In a way I don’t blame the Bucks for not breaking the bank on him early. I mean, potential is good … but if we’re going to MAX you out then I need to see team improvement on the court each year and your game taking huge strides in development.

21. Ethan in Boone

    Lang, how’s it going boss?
    I have a question about your hawks. How do you feel about coach Drew?
    If it were me, I would fire him and hire anyone who is well-versed in the Spurs system, because you have the potential Tim Duncan 2.0 (Big Al) who has been used poorly since he has joined the team. Your thoughts?
    Much love man!

    • Lang Greene

      My man Ethan. Hope school is treating you well.

      I like coach Drew. I think he’s underrated. Think about this … the Hawks won 40 games last season in a lockout shortened campaign, without Al Horford in the lineup. Sure, Josh Smith played out of his mind and Joe Johnson is a top NBA talent, but it is also a credit to the coaching of Drew and his staff.

      But who knows, new execs like bringing in their own guys, so in the end Danny Ferry could opt to being in someone he chooses …