NBA Chat With Lang Greene 11/1/11

1. Dong of Dayton

   Hey Lang,

   With Mark Jackson in Golden State what should we expect out of his first year? Is he a players coach like Adelman or a stiff system coach like McMillan?

   • Lang Greene

     “Mama there goes that man” …. Lol …

     Mark Jackson has been promising playoffs in year one and says defense is going to be the factor that gets them there. Whew, that’s going to be tough in a stacked Western Conference.

     I think Mark will be a players coach but one who commands respect. He played PG in the league for a long time … that’s one position where guys on the squads must trust and respect your decisions. I think his ability to lead carries over to his coaching career as well. I’m in the minority on this one though.

2. Manny

   What’s up my man, you know I have to get at you for your top 5 college players, sullinger #1, c’mon homie, i’m not feeling that! You think he’s a better prospect then Barnes, Davis and Drummond? Call me Ray Charles because I can’t see it!

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Manny? Love when you guys hit me up and challenge.

     Sullinger put up an outstanding season. Barnes failed to live up to the hype. Drummond is a question mark as a frosh. So is Davis. Over the years, I’ve witnessed so many guys come into the NCAA with the hype machine in full force … only to see them fadeaway like MJ’s patented jumper.

     Josh Selby, Joe Forte, JamesOn Curry, Felipe Lopez, etc. Man I could go on and on ….

     When Drummond, Davis and Barnes start putting up the numbers “consistently” I’d have no problem giving them their due. You know how I roll.

3. shawn

   if luke retires from basketball and lakers use the amnesty on blake will the laker have a good shot at landing a good free agent when lock out is over do they got a shot at jamal, chuck hayes, jr smith when realeased by china

   • Lang Greene

     I’m not sure if my man Jamal Crawford is a good fit for the Lakers. He’s an offensive force, but LA needs speed and athleticism in its backcourt. I also don’t think JR Smith will be getting released by his Chinese club. Heard he’s playing great over there.

4. tony

   Hey lang man you are a stud! Hey, so to extend this lockout much longer essentially over 2 percent of bri will soon get past ridiculous. Because they will lose more money fighting over those two percent then playing. Every writer I have asked has agreed the nba lockout will be over in the next two or three weeks. Do u agree?

   • Lang Greene

     Tony- here’s my deal. We may view it as a small deal, but when you’re looking at the grand scheme of things I don’t think it is.

     Let’s rewind to the 1999 lockout … roll with me.Keep in mind the expired CBA players had a 57/43 split.

     Say the players settled and accepted a 54/46 split back in 1999 from the owners. Then all hell breaks loose in the world, 9/11, two wars, financial crisis, corporate bailouts, skyrocketing unemployment etc …

     You with me? What would the owners’ proposal be in 2011 (right now) based on this? I believe it would be less than 50/50. More like 53/47 (favoring the owners).

     Fast forward to 2020 when this CBA would expire … what will the owners’ proposal be then?

     My point is you have to stop giving up your baseline BRI split eventually because the owners are never going to let the players get those points back …. even if the economy gets better. My opinion.

5. Aristotle

   G’Day Lang, thought Id try get in early.
   So here’s my question… the big thing in Atlanta is to have Horford play PF, right? Can’t Atlanta just give both Johnson & Smith plus pieces for Dwight and pieces? Or maybe trade them to NOLA for CP3 & Okafor? Then you get something like Okafor, Horford, Williams, Crawford, Paul? Or even Dwight, Horford, give the keys to Teague and go for gold?
   If Atlanta don’t start doing something bout Horford, Id like to see him take over Duncan in San Antonio (Can see him playing with a John Wall).

   • Lang Greene

     My man Aristotle … thanks for hitting me …

     I see where you’re going from a talent standpoint, but I don’t see NOLA or Orlando biting on Joe Johnson and his contract. He’s owed a lot of money at an age where most SG’s start to break down physically.

     Atlanta has Horford locked up for another five seasons. I seriously doubt they even consider trading him.

6. Cain

   Would Marcus Thornton be a good fit in Indiana? What about adding Carl Landry as well?

   • Lang Greene

     I wouldn’t overpay for Carl Landry if I were Indiana. I’d make a run for David West but if I couldn’t get him I’d pass on Carl.

     He’s a very talented player but he’s not the guy to get Indiana back into the ranks of the elite. David West would be …

7. Alec

   Hey lang, I was wondering why did they take Bradley a year back? Is he going to replace Allen when he retires or something? Looking at his highlights, he looks like a beast. What exactly are they trying to do with him? Backup 1 or small 2? How much potential are we looking at for him? Thanks

   • Lang Greene

     Bradley is a solid talent, but asking him to replace a Hall of Famer is a big time stretch at this point. I see Celtics head coach Doc Rivers using him in both backcourt slots this year because of depth issues.

8. Dylan Stevenson

   I bet $5 in Las Vegas that the Lakers would win the championship this year. If you are a betting man, would you take that bet? Would Baron Davis interest the Lakers if Cleveland cuts him? who do you think the Lakers should target as Amnesty Cut acquisitions?

   • Lang Greene

     Five bucks? Five bucks? Don’t break the 401k account ponying up those funds bro lol …

     Despite being dismantled by the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs we’d be silly not to include the Lakers as part of the elite squads truly contending for a title this season. I remember when the Orlando Magic dominated MJ’s Bulls and how Chicago came back the next year kicking a—and taking names. Not saying this Lakers club is anywhere close to that Bulls team but hopefully you get my point … sometimes teams need wake up calls.

     I don’t see the Lakers being interested in Baron Davis at all after his stint as a Clipper.

     Lakers need guys who can defend or possess speed in their backcourt. I say a guy like Dahntay Jones or maybe Leandro Barbosa if they were to become available because of Amnesty (off the top of my head).

9. mateo

   do u think celtics is really a contender or they’re just want to pass by this season for them to re-group? and how can they sign a quality free agent if they’re facing a hard cap this season?

   • Lang Greene

     Yes I think they’re a legit title contender, but the Celtics have a lot of question marks to address before the season begins. Their top four of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo hold their own against any team in the league with no exceptions; however Boston has absolutely no depth on the interior. KG is old, Big Baby may depart in free agency and Jermaine O’Neal can’t be depended on to provide 30 minutes every night.

     As it stands right now Boston needs Avery Bradley to step up to the plate and contribute in the backcourt and Danny Ainge is going to need to use all of his veteran guile to lure in some serviceable depth on the cheap. Can’t forget about Jeff Green needing to break out his funk – provided he re-signs.

10. Sam

    Do you think JJ Redick can be a legitimate starter at the 2 spot for Orlando if J-Rich leaves via free agency?

    • Lang Greene

      He sure is getting paid like it. Since the Magic are residing in luxury taxville they paid a dollar-for-dollar match on his $7 million salary last season … that’s $14 million for a guy Orlando has basically acquired two shooting guards (Arenas, RIchardson) not to start him full-time.

      If J-Rich leaves in free agency I’d see Arenas getting those minutes at the two in sort of an undersized backcourt mix.

11. vince

    Which trade do you like better, Cousins and Salmons for Teague and Horford or J. Thompson/Hickson and Salmons for J Smith and Teague?

    • Lang Greene

      I like the second trade. Cousins has huge potential but no way I give up an All-Star player banking on him to develop 2-3 years down the line.

12. Sensei Of Soul - Chicago

    My main man, Lang – Love your chats. What’s good, bruh? Do you think this deal would go down – The Spurs send TP to the Jazz for Devin Harris and Favors. Jazz get an upgrade at PG and break up their logjam of bigs. The Spurs get a decent PG and Favors. TD can mentor him, and Favors can take some pressure off of TD in the paint.

    • Lang Greene

      Brother Soul …

      Man you know the Jazz aren’t buying those cupcakes. Tony Parker is a solid pro but he’s not worth Devin Harris AND Derrick Favors. Especially since his game has started to slip a bit. Can’t see Utah ever entertaining this one. But I do agree … Favors getting mentored by Tim Duncan would be a blessing for him/

13. Daniel

    If you ever meet him, will you please punch Billy Hunter in the face for me? Thanks man.

    • Lang Greene

      I will do nothing of the sort bro, respectfully. Billy has gone to war over the years for the players’ best interests and has done remarkably well. Guys like Charlie Bell are in much better positions financially than the Haywood Workman’s from yesteryear. He’s just doing his job.

      The only thing I disagree with how Billy Hunter is handling this situation is how much Derek Fisher has been front and center in the media. You don’t see David Stern letting anyone from the league control their message … I think Fisher has been out in front a little too much for my taste.

14. tony

    Jeff green and big baby for cris kaman …LA gets a small forward and a backup for Blake and the celtics get a center ..who says no?

    • Lang Greene

      My man Tony … did you see Jeff Green play at the end of last season? I think you may be referring to Green’s value as it stood at the end of the 2010 season. I can see that. He was balling. But his stock is seriously deflated right now after arriving in Boston and we all know the NBA is a what have you done for me lately type of league.

      I know the guy is playing behind a Hall of Fame trio, but he was ineffective and marginal at best during the team’s playoff run.

      I have to believe the Clippers would say no to this. Kaman is just one season removed from being a 19/9 (and All-Star).

15. luvabull

    So how can you fix the hawks?

    • Lang Greene

      Compiled this with HOOPSWORLD’s Bill Ingram a couple weeks ago. Check it out (Atlanta Hawks Trade Fix)

      I’d also put the ball in the hands of Joe Johnson more and let him go to work. I believe the motion offense coach Larry Drew installed has helped overall, but it also has taken away a little from JJ since it limits his isolations.

      I’d also restrict Josh Smith from launching three-pointers unless he tries to create by attacking as his primary offense. And give those 2-3 three-point attempts to Al Horford, who really is underutilized offensively. He needs more touches and also coach instruction to stop deferring to the team’s non All-Star players.

16. vince

    Wuuusssuup Lang. The Kings have TALENT. Cousins, Reke, Hickson, Thornton is a beast, Jimmer and the most cap space. What do they need to bring this altogether and who should they use that cap space on

    • Lang Greene

      The Kings definitely have pieces. Not hating on Jimmer but I’d want to see him against NBA competition before I anoint him.

      Sacramento needs leadership. True leadership. Most would think it’s the youth of the players restricting them, but there are a lot of respected minds who feel coach Westphal isn’t thriving in his leadership role out there. I asked Beno Udrih last season when the Kings came to Atlanta if the rumors were true about Westphal losing control of the team … he denied it and said it was just media speculation. But two lockers down I overheard a player questioning the coach to a reporter a few moments later.

      They need a veteran guy out there who can show the youngsters what it takes to win … not just game time, but solid practice habits, eating right, studying film, etc.

17. BallizLife

    What will the best position battles be whenever the season starts? Beasley/Williams, Lawson/Miller, Calderon/Bayless, Thorton Fredette?

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up family? I think the Beasley / Williams battle would have been more competitive if Williams had summer league and normal training camp to prepare for his rookie season.

      The Nuggets are totally invested in Ty Lawson as their starter so I don’t see Andre Miller threatening his starting job – at all.

      I’d go with Thornton over Jimmer for the same reason I think WIlliams may come out of the gate slowly.

      I believe the Raptors need to go with Bayless, but Calderon is owed $20 million over the next two seasons so I fully expect Toronto to be showcasing him so they can convince a team to take him off their books.

18. James

    What can Magic do to improve with stretch and amnesty. What players can they get to keep d-12 happy

    • Lang Greene

      got you covered right here James (bang the link)

19. Todd

    Have you seen any clips of the Gator’s top recruit Brad Beal? I haven’t seen a sweeter J since Ray Allen was drafted in 96

    • Lang Greene

      I actually have. Ray Allen is some lofty praise bro. Too early. Way too early. I mean you’re talking one of the top three shooters ever to lace them up … I don’t know if I’d go that far, but he can stroke it.

      I’m also impressed by his athleticism. Here’s a link to his goodies … by the way … what he did to the kid at the 2:20 mark is criminal!!!

20. Dave

    HEAT win it all next season?

    What kind of trade value does Chris Bosh have?

    • Lang Greene

      If you believe the HEAT will be NBA champions this season … then you’re not alone. A lot of people feel its inevitable. They came very close in year one together and were minutes away from pulling a Finals SWEEP.

      After the playoff run Chris Bosh had, I believe his value is pretty high. Could you imagine him playing alongside a guy like Marcin Gortat who could handle all of the grunt work in the paint? But he is NOT on the trade market, contrary to speculation.

21. Jared

    Who do you think will be the surprise team of the Eastern Conference?

    • Lang Greene

      Give me the 76ers. I tihnk Jrue Holiday continues to emerge … I’m sure of that. I also think Evan Turner will come out balling harder after a frustrating rookie year. I’m going with Philadelphia continuing to play above their talent level.

22. Charlie

    Earlier in the chat, you said, “I witnessed so many guys come into the NCAA with the hype machine in full force only to see them fadeaway.” Can you give a few recent examples of guys who were superhyped in college but never panned out in the pros?

    • Lang Greene

      I listed a few in the answer … off the top of my head … Terrence Morris, Felipe Lopez, JamesOn Curry, Khalid Reaves, Shawn Respert (health issues) etc …

23. Ted

    I haven’t been this excited about college hoops in a long time. Is it because of the lockout or are the Freshman just that good?

    • Lang Greene

      It’s not the lockout. NCAA college hoops appears to have a strong year in store. I’m hoping my alma maters (Winthop University and South Carolina St) continue to be bracket busters!!!!