NBA Chat With Lang Greene 11/28/12

1. Pete

   Hi, Lang:

   With Pau on the block, might the Pistons be interested? Perhaps the Lakers would take a package of Rodney Stuckey, Tayshaun Prince and Charlie Villenueva in return? That would be a great trio for the second unit.

   I think both sides would benefit…what do you think?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? Live from Philips Arena … Let’s do something epic tonight …

     First let me say this … it is a shame that Tayshaun Prince isn’t playing his last few years on a contender. He’s exactly what most playoff teams are looking for / need, sort of a missing piece.

     I don’t see why the Pistons would take this deal. Obviously it would make them better on the floor, but Pau Gasol is owed $40 million until the end of next season. The Pistons are growing through their youth movement.

     Equally, why would the Lakers consider this as well? While Gasol has lost a step, he’s still a borderline elite big man. Trade him and who will the Lakers start at power forward?

2. calvinzero

   I am sorry to ask this but I am very conscious regarding the ranking for the upcoming 2013 NBA Draft.

   Is there any chance that LA Lakers will grab a spot for 1st round in that draft?? Of course, you know that the Lakers giving their future picks for Howard and Nash,right??

   If you know how to answer my question, what specific rank of the Lakers in 2013 NBA Draft? It’s totally confuse me right now.Lakers needs fresh legs.

   • Lang Greene

     Don’t be sorry. I am here to answer your questions.

     It is way too early to discuss draft night positioning. But let me say this, the Lakers are trying to win right now. It is very rare to see a rookie contribute consistently on a title contending team. Think about it. I just don’t see the Lakers trading into the first round as a priority of theirs …

     Now, I could see Pau Gasol netting a draft pick if dealt …

3. Alvin

   In a chat during preseason, you stated you thought Damion James would be the starting small forward for the Atlanta Hawks this year. He is now struggling at the D-League level shooting only 31 percent from the field and 14 percent from long range. What do you think has contributed to his downfall? And do you still believe James can be a contributor at the NBA level?

   • Lang Greene

     I still believe D. James would have been a nice fit here in Atlanta. He played very well this preseason. I asked Hawks coach Larry Drew about this before and he said cutting James was an extremely tough choice to make.

     The thing about what James is doing in the D-League right now comes down to role. In Atlanta he was being asked to rebound, defend and bring energy. Those are his strengths. Not offense. In the D-League his role is slightly different. I think James can be a contributor. A 15-18 minute per night guy. Just needs to find the right fit. Atlanta, for him, would have been perfect to showcase his strengths and hide those weaknesses you pointed out above.

4. stephen

   As a lifelong nets fan I would like to set the record straight about Lopez… yes he’s an atrocious rebounder nubers wise. However, it is due to the fact Lopez leaves the paint to contest every shot, leaving the board fir hump… he averaged 8.4 his rookie season, soley because hump wasn’t there yet, so instead of contesting, and giving the board to hump, Lopez HAD to sink in to stay in position for rebounds.

   • Lang Greene

     I believe the Brook Lopez rebounding issue is totally overblown. I compare Brook Lopez to a guy like retired Pacers center Rik Smits … Not sure how old you are, but Smits was a solid big man back in the 1990s. Smits was 7’4 and never averaged more than 7.7 rebounds in a season. One of the reasons was he played with the “Davis Boys” … Antonio and Dale who carried the boards for Indiana.

     Since Lopez plays with Humphries and Gerald Wallace, I’m willing to give him a pass in the 6-8 per night range.

5. Radu

   Hi Lang,
   I can’t help but feel that Jonas Jerebko would be much more useful as a role player on a contending team. Would you see him contribute more on a team such as Indiana, Atlanta or OKC? Do you have any idea if Detroit would be open to moving him at all or is he in their long-term plans?

   • Lang Greene

     I was starting to get a real good feel for Jonas’ game after his rookie season, but I’m starting to think he may have lost a little something after Achilles injury which cost him the entire 2011 season.

     I like Jerebko, but it is hard to endorse a guy struggling to get minutes on a rebuilding team as an impact player on a true contender.

6. Papa Legba

   Love the chats, especially this one. You have the pulse of the league, my bruvah. Anywho, the league is coasting toward parity even with the super teams, will teams like Memphis, Utah, OKC dominate in the playoffs because of roster continuity?

   • Lang Greene

     Chemistry is such an underrated portion of the NBA game. The Grizzlies are an example of what can happen when you let a core group of guys stay together for 4-5 seasons and grow together. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are extremely close. Mike Conley and Rudy Gay are very close. Just a very positive situation.

     Now, I say all that to say chemistry isn’t everything. Memphis has three legitimate All-Star guys on their roster. Utah doesn’t have the same level of talent, although their young guys are promising.

7. Bill ml

   HEAT are 10-3 need they need a more solid center and better pg what can they get by dumping joel Anthony maybe throw in chalmers

   • Lang Greene

     We know what the weaknesses of the Miami HEAT are, but they won a title with those same deficiencies. Until someone in the league can stop them in a seven game series, not sure Miami feels as rushed as you to make any big changes to their winning formula.

8. justin

   Would you trade Teague, Hortford for a package of Millsap, Kanter

   • Lang Greene

     Absolutely not. Horford is a two-time All-Star at center. Teague continues to improve and in a few years could become a top 10-12 point guard in the league.

9. Deven

   Are the Hawks better off without Joe Johnson in your mind, Lang?

   • Lang Greene

     On the court this year, I say no. In terms of future financial flexibility, I say heck yes.

10. Deven

    What do you like about the Hawks start so far? Pros and Cons?

    • Lang Greene

      Pros: strong start despite trading a six-time All-Star and a major roster overhaul
      Cons: need to play better on road …

11. Tyler

    Wouldn’t have the heat been smarter pursuing Lamar odom this summer then have rashard Lewis why not trade Joel Anthony for Lamar odom when hey had the chance

    • Lang Greene

      You’re putting a lot of trust in Lamar Odom. LO has always been a favorite of mine to watch since his days at Rhode Island due to his versatility. But, this version of LO is a shell of his former self. He’s no longer a 14/7 type of player. For how the Miami HEAT play the game, I say Rashard Lewis was the smart move.

12. Trevor

    Its crazy I just read a tweet that basically said Philly traded Iggy/Vucevic/Harkless/1st for JRich! Thats insane! well for thoses who say Orlando got the worse of that deal need to take another look cause Philly got burned with the Bynum knee issues.

    • Lang Greene

      Let’s not rush to judgment. Trades are a marathon not a sprint. I know we like instant analysis, but it takes years for these things to play out.

13. The Philippine Eagle

    Hi Mr. Lang! Where will Coach Phil Jackson lands? Do you know any other team aside from the Lakers where Coach Phil can maximize his use of the triangle offense?

    • Lang Greene

      Slim-to-none you see Phil Jackson on the sidelines ever again

14. Jim in Cyber Space

    Ray Allen…Trust me on this one…I have a few Pro Darts player friends in SE Asia..We have been talking about it for awhile. A pure stroke. When he retires from the NBA, he should Focus on PRO Darts. It’s the same stroke…same follow through…and Pro Dart players make BIG MONEY in front of BIG crowds.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvnP2VwQb6E

    • Lang Greene

      Jim, I’ll have to take your word on this my man. I’m not as well versed on the professional dart circuit.

15. dennis

    Which team is the worst in the southeast: charlotte, washington(assuming wall is healthy) or orlando?

    I think that atlanta needs to win 10+ games against these teams. What do you think? Thanks!

    • Lang Greene

      Don’t include Charlotte in that assessment. They are playing exponentially better than last season. Orlando isn’t a playoff team, but teams will have to put in work to beat them on most nights. Washington has been without two of their best players with John Wall and Nene wearing suits.

      But I see what you’re saying, the SE division is much weaker than recent years.

16. Blake

    Do you think either team (Raptors & Kings) would consider a Cousins for Bargnani swap? Maybe with some pieces sprinkled in.

    • Lang Greene

      No, I think the Kings wouldn’t agree to the swap. We know Bargnani isn’t a franchise player or All-Star … while the jury is still out on Cousins on both areas. I definitely can see Cousins getting an All-Star nod … provided he stays in control.

17. Caio from Brazil

    Hey Lang, how are you? Do you think a Gasol+Meeks-for-Smith+Harris trade is possible and would be positive for both teams? Gasol as a center would help move Horford to PF and Smith in the run and gun offense the Lakers are trying to implement seems more suitable. Thanks!

    • Lang Greene

      In theory the trade makes sense. I’ve always believed that. Gasol at center and Horford at power forward. Makes more sense now with Mike D’Antoni out in LA … could you imagine Steve Nash pushing the rock and dishing to Josh Smith on the break?

      But it all falls apart financially. The Hawks are not going to invest in Gasol at 2 years and $40 million. That’s a tough sell for an aging big man, especially after trading away Joe Johnson to create the cap space.

18. Cain

    Will the win over Lakers spark something for Indiana? I still have hope PG can put up 17-18ppg if his shot will just drop.

    • Lang Greene

      I expect the Pacers to hover around .500 until Danny Granger comes back. Paul George is averaging a career-high 15 points per night, but shooting a career-low 41 percent. The Key for the Pacers is to stay around the .500 mark and hope Granger comes back ready to ball.

19. David from Portland

    Lang, still loving your work man.

    I really like my Blazers starting 5 but the bench is just horrible. Do you think we should make a play at Gortat next season or make Leonard our future C? I would love Hickson’s hustle and energy off the bench and breath some life into it

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks for reading me (and the rest of the guys at HW) David. I appreciate you.

      I agree. A solid center would definitely push the Blazers back into the playoff mix. Gortat would be a good fit. And yes, I believe Hickson, while productive, is better suited to be an anchor off the bench.

20. Silassie

    Hey Lang

    My Clippers have had a serious slide for the last 4 games, what’s your take on the situation there? And how do you rate VDN?

    • Lang Greene

      Simple … tough losses on the road. OKC, Brooklyn and Atlanta. Those are acceptable. The recent New Orleans loss s tough to swallow.

      I’m indifferent on VDN. Everyone I talk to in the NBA circle says he’s a terrible coach. I just don’t think he had a lot of assistant coaching experience to learn the subtle nuisances of the coaching profession. So even though he had a long playing career … he’s still essentially learning on the job.

21. KdubTdot

    Hi Lang,
    It’s panic time for my Toronto Raps. Clearly Bargnani is not the saviour the Raps need to take the next step, I think it’s time for Colangelo to finally swallow his pride and make a move that shows the fanbase that he sees the flaws in this roster and is going to make a change. Namely, Pau Gasol. Wait, dont stop reading. A pairing of Gasol and Valanciunas would be a formidable frontcourt. I know Gasol’s numbers are retreating this year but this is due to him having to play further away from the net to accommodate Dwight Howard. The Lakers need a scorer who can operate in the mid range(long 2) area out to 3 point and Bargnani is exactly that player. The Raps need a stronger player in the post and to bolster their defence around the rim and I believe this pairing would be beneficial to the Raps. If the Raptors are able to swing a trade that sends Bargs, Kleiza and scraps for Gasol while still retaining Calderon I think its a steal. An added plus would be pairing Jose and Gasol.

    Whaddya think??

    • Lang Greene

      Gasol would be a great for the Raptors. Bargnani would not be a great fit for Los Angeles. You take away Gasol’s reboundng and replace it with Bargnani’s 4.7 rebounds per game and you double the pressure on Dwight Howard to control the glass by himself.

      You have to protect your big men. Bargnani’s shooting is elite, but D12 needs a guy next to him who has some sort of post presence – offensively and defensively.

22. Bertie

    Lang:
    I really like this new look Hawks team. The immediate need I see is a big Center to help in rebounding and prevent Al from wearing down. Do you think Denver will trade Mozgov for a 2nd rd pick and Petro?

    • Lang Greene

      Denver doesn’t even answer the phone.

23. Dave

    Lang, since Rondo and Josh Smith are friends and their games seem to be a great match, what would Atlanta want in a trade of Smith to the C’s? I wouldn’t want to include Avery Bradley, by the way.

    • Lang Greene

      Then we wouldn’t have a deal. I just don’t think the Celtics have the pieces needed to pry Josh Smith away from Atlanta without a third team getting involved.

24. Julian

    What do you think about the Bulls roster and lack of scoring ability? do you think they need a move or stay put and wait for Rose? I think their bench mob clearly outperformed the new bench players and they depend too much on the PG to score. Would like to se something change… something fresh!

    • Lang Greene

      I mean, you lose Derrick Rose who is guaranteed 23 points per game and you’re going to struggle. You add in drastically reshaping your bench and you raise the probability of more struggling. The Bulls are well coached and will start playing better, but no contention without a healthy D-Rose.

25. Anthony

    Is it time to trade Pau Gasol?

    • Lang Greene

      No. It’s time for Pau Gasol to play up to his potential and stop thinking about all these advanced stats (spots on the floor, etc) and just play ball.

26. Ward Burton

    Hey Lang my dude, a little help in Warrior Land! Just Heard Bogut’s out 3 months! Would a David Lee and throw in for Gasol work for both teams? Pau can play center next to Landry until Drew comes back, and Lee next to Dwight would be a nice fit in Mike D’s system. As a due hard Dubs fan since 89 show us some love.

    • Lang Greene

      David Lee just too much long term salary for the Lakers to absorb. Still owed close to $60 million. Can’t see it happening, but I see where you’re going.

27. Lang Greene

    3Q! Glad to hear school is going well for you brother. Almost time for winter break. I remember those days.

    1. Yes. Teague is growing before our eyes. His confidence is through the roof and he’s producing. Not sure if he is a future All-Star or anything, but he is a bona fide starting point in this league
    2. I don’t think it can be effective long term. Josh Smith is not a small forward and while he can play it there in spots, he’s better off at the four spot. Of course, Al Horford loves the big lineup because he doesn’t have to play center.
    3. Not sure about a star. The Hawks likely aren’t going to get Chris Paul or Dwight Howard, but a guy like Al Jefferson isn’t a stretch by any means