NBA Chat With Lang Greene 11/29/11

1. matt from Oz

   Hey Lang,
   Loved the chat, and stoked to here that BBall is (pretty much) back!

   i’ve asked previously about possibility of Josh Smith to the Nets, with D12 to sign there next season (because of their friendship).

   Could something similar be possible with the Wizards? with sign and trades possible for the next 2 seasons, could the Wizards possibly make a package of around JaAvale McGee, a s&t player and picks for D-12? are the Wizards a big enough market for Dwight? or could they instead trade JaVale + Player for Josh Smith and sign D-12 as a free agent?

   a lot of questions, i know, just a thought.

   cheers Lang.

   • Lang Greene

     Thanks man. You guys know I try to be as honest as possible in this space each week … so here goes.

     You can forget about seeing Dwight Howard don a Washington Wizards’ jersey during his prime years. It’s not going to happen. As for Josh Smith to the Wizards for JaVale McGee and a pick / player … not going to happen either. As a perennial playoff team I don’t think it would be wise for the Hawks to trade for a guy like JaVale. The reason is maturity … or should I say a lack of it.

     As for Smith to the Nets, there is no way the Hawks s&t Smoove for a guy like Kris Humphries, which means the Nets would have to possibly offer Brook Lopez DURING the 2012 season with the “hope” they can sign Dwight in the summer of 2012?

     If the Nets are able to secure Dwight Howard, the order of events would be different. They would sign Howard in the summer of 2012 and then possibly offer a package to Atlanta for Smith using Lopez. You don’t put the cart (Smith) before the horse (Howard).

2. Kevin

   Why non-Laker fans can’t see that Fisher is not a good point-guard? Is it just because he’s a good person at heart? His assists are too low and he doesn’t score and it takes him FOREVER go get off this shot. He has to be wide-open to shoot. We need an upgrade!

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up brother? I can’t let you drown Derek Fisher like that. Let me ask you something … what do Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook all have in common besides being the top point guards in the game? You guessed it … ZERO championship rings. Derek has five as a consistent key contributor. Now, historically Fisher is nowhere close to those guys skill wise but the man has put in enough playoff work during big pressure filled moments on the biggest stages to deserve a little respect. Give him credit.

     Also you have to remember that the triangle offense has never produced prolific assist studs. So yeah, he’s not a 7-9 assist a game guy, but the offense really restricts it. A slightly past his prime Gary Payton averaged 5.5 in the system in 2004.

     I agree with you that the Lakers need an upgrade at the point as Fisher is clearly past his prime at this point. But I also see they have taken small steps to reduce Fisher’s workload (steve blake signing / 2011 draft choice). I just can’t let you drop a hammer on a guy who has put in their work and paid their dues.

3. Andrew

   Lang, my man.
   How u?
   Who do you think the jazz should trade in order to clear up the frontcourt rotation? Al Jefferson or Milsap? What kind of package would they have to put together to get a quality player? Who could they get in return?

   • Lang Greene

     Here’s the deal. Both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap have pretty good market value around the league. Both guys put up numbers when given minutes. So why rush to trade either of them? It’s not like the youngsters behind them are fully developed and ready to roll. As talented as the Favors kid is, he’s probably not ready for 35+ minutes per night with heavy expectations.

     If I’m the Jazz, I take my time and don’t make a hasty trade just because the frontcourt is “temporarily crowded” … let the dynamic shake out first.

4. tony

   Lang!!!! we have basketball real nba basketball!! anyways love your chats. Hey do you think the jazz will make a trade or just ride this year with their plethora of big men? thanks and what do you think of alec burks?

   • Lang Greene

     With a shortened season and slimmer training camps, etc … I’m really not expecting an onslaught of trades amongst teams who feel they can compete for a playoff spot. Continuity leads to sustained success.

5. Chuck roark

   Whats the perdict on ATL season this year

   • Lang Greene

     As constructed right now, I’d have to say another second round playoff exit. Ask me after free agency or once the final rosters are set.

6. devonte

   if your the new orleans hornets do you take a chancey billups/turiaf and a future first round draft pick and maybe some cash for chris paul its certainly more than nothing right

   • Lang Greene

     Man, you guys are seriously undervaluing some of the game’s best players …. I’d take my chance not trading CP3 and losing him in free agency before accepting what you proposed.

     Could you imagine how irate and disgruntled the fan base would be to lose CP3 for that package? If the team had trouble selling tickets before ….

     I have the utmost respect for Chauncey Billups … but what does he have left … one maybe two years? Turiaf? He’s not not even top 25 at his respective position. Future first round pick? Man, you know how those ping pongs fall … no guarantees there.

     Can’t roll with you on this one.

7. jimmy

   ATL gets mo williams and kris kaman, ORL gets josh smith, deandre jordan and 1st round minny pick, CLIPPERS get howard and ryan anderson, it works and everybody is happy, right?

   • Lang Greene

     My man Jimmy!

     So let me get this straight … Atlanta gives up a non-All-Star in Josh Smith for two former All-Stars (Williams, Kaman)? Ok, Atlanta would be down.

     But Orlando trading away the most dominant big man in the game today for Josh Smith, DeAndre Jordan and a draft pick? Nah, bro … that isn’t happening. There is absolutely no way you can trade away a perennial MVP candidate and future Hall of Famer and not get at least one All-Star in return.

     Look at all the talent Denver received for Carmelo Anthony (Felton, Chandler, GALLO, etc). Don’t you feel Howard commands even more?

     No deal. Orlando hangs up the phone immediately.

8. Tbadfw

   If Boston really is open to moving Rondo, and Utah is shopping Millsap and don’t really seem set on Harris, wouldn’t Millsap and Harris for Rondo and filler help both teams?

   • Lang Greene

     Not at all. Maybe in NBA 2K12 but not in reality. Rondo really stepped up as the fourth wheel and helped push Boston’s big three to new heights. I can tell you that the Miami HEAT were hoping for such a jump from Mario Chalmers last season to go along with their big three (didn’t happen).

     Back to your scenario. If Boston put Rondo on the market you better believe it will be for a an “A” list guy. While Harris and Millsap have game, you may be undervaluing Rondo’s value around the league.

9. AK

   Whats up, great job with the chats man.
   I have couple of questions concerning the Lakers.
   Did Shannon Brown sign with some other team? Evereyone is writing him off the lakers all ready.
   Also concerning the meltdown the lakers had in the playoffs, some locker room tension, did they solve it? can it happen again?

   • Lang Greene

     I just think most people are making the assumption that the Lakers won’t invest in bringing Shannon back – especially with the more punitive luxury tax penalties in the new CBA.

     I also hear Shannon wants an opportunity to play huge minutes and potentially start … and that wouldn’t be possible in Los Angeles.

10. Aristotle

    G’Day Langy! Hope all is going well for you. Finally we can smile again. Question wise though… suprisingly it’s a nice historical WHAT IF!
    I got to catch ESPN’s 30 for 30(something like that), and it was about Len Bias…
    Seriously was that kid just that special? The footage shown of him just left me in awe… hungry, dedicated, finesse, raw power, team player… like you could see how he would of fit with the C’s.
    So I guess my question would be, was Bias meant to be that one rival that Jordan missed out on? That whole Bird V Magic in the 80′s, which should of transpired to Jordan V Bias in the 90′s? And do you think that rivalry would of taken the NBA even further globally when you have 2 guys like that?

    • Lang Greene

      For the young hoop freaks who don’t know anything about Len Bias … this is a mandatory history lesson Take 2 minutes and check this highlight reel.

      Now, I don’t know if I’d go the MJ route because in the history of the sport there are only about 5 or 6 people (if that) that you can make an argument for picking over Jordan when it comes to greatness.

      But I will say Bias was truly something special. If he would have joined that Celtics squad I’m quite sure he would have helped extend the careers of Larry Bird and Kevin McHale.

      Respect to Len Bias … he was a goodie monster, the type to take your snacks and eat them right in front of you. RIP.

11. Steve

    Lang Greene,
    I do enjoy your chats.
    On which team could J Smooth really optimize his skills and become an All-Star caliber player? If Wilson Chandler can score 40 points in the Chinese league, how bad is that league? Should Portland amnesty Roy’s bad knees and horrible contract?

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Steve? I combined your questions. Next time put them all in one … you’ll have a better shot with most of the team in terms of getting them answered.

      I’ve always said Josh Smith would thrive in an up tempo offense with guards willing to push the rock and run the floor. Out in Phoenix with Steve Nash would be a good fit, though Nash has slowed considerably. I believe Josh would put up beastly numbers in Mike D’Antoni’s system.

      Most importantly Josh needs a point guard who can hit him with the rock where he can score easy buckets. If you watch the Hawks play he either always works too hard for his shots or settles for long range jumpers.

      I just believe ATL is too half court oriented to really maximize his offensive skills.

      China may not be oozing with top talent, but Wilson Chandler is the truth. Kid has skills. Don’t sleep.

      I don’t think Portland should amnesty Roy before seeing him play and evaluating how his knee responds. But I believe it’s totally a money motivated move by ownership anyway … all about avoiding those luxury tax penalties.

12. Ryan

    hey,I havent heard anything about ending of the lockout since the tenative agreement? Is it going to end officially soon?

    • Lang Greene

      Patience … both sides are working through the legalities before officially lifting the lockout. From everything I hear free agency is still slated to begin around Dec 9 and the first games of the season will be played on Christmas Day.

13. Mike Clay

    What’s happening Lang, my first question ever on the site. I manage my own blog and I’ve been dropping knowledge about the NBA scene for at least a year now. I was the first to predict the demise of the Lake show last year (did it in Feb – they need a Point!). But back to my fav team, the Bulls. Anyway we get an upgrade over Boozer at the four? Any credence to a Boozer for Jefferson swap with the Jazz… We need a domineering post player so Rose can do his thing… Thanks for the respone my man.

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Mike … welcome to the community of what I like to call true Hoop Freaks …

      My opinion is this … the Bulls just went to the Eastern Conference Finals with a banged up Carlos Boozer not playing his best basketball. Not sure why’d you be willing to deal him away after a very successful season – team wise.

      I’m equally puzzled at who you’d want to replace him in the lineup. Big Al Jefferson looks the part and his numbers scream the real deal … but his actual team results never live up to the hype. For the past few seasons Jefferson always seems makes writers’ “players on the verge of All-Star” columns and every season he fails get over the hump.

      Not trying to down the guy, but until I see him contributing on a team consistently winning I’ll keep calling him a box score bandit on losing teams.
      Last note, look at season averages … Boozer in an off year put up just about the same production.

14. Alec

    ok, since you said the Rondo has alot of value..I am a C’s fan by the way, how about a sign and trade? Resign Green then ship him off with Rondo for Paul. Or Rondo,Green and Clips 1st rounder plus someone else for Paul and Okafor?

    • Lang Greene

      I believe Rondo has value, but let me be clear he’s not in Chris Paul’s weight class.

      My point was the only way the Celtics entertain trade offers for Rondo this season is if it would net an “A-List” guy in return … I am by no means implying Rondo is enough to headline a trade to get an A-List guy (CP3, Dwight, Durant, Melo, Bron, Wade, Dirk, D-Rose, etc) … just stating Boston would entertain those type of offers.

15. Hudsen

    Do you think Chris Paul can force a trade to ny and if the trade doesn’t happen do you think he would just sign with the Knicks during the off season.

    If the Knicks aren’t able to get Chris Paul do you think they can get deron Williams by trade or sign he out right during free agency?

    • Lang Greene

      I don’t see Chris forcing a trade. I also think he’ll handle this situation better than Carmelo Anthony did last season. I believe CP3 is the type of guy who would honor his contract with the Hornets and then bolt in free agency …

      CP3 really loves New Orleans, but the guy wants to compete yearly for titles against his peers at the highest level. Sadly, New Orleans may not be able to offer that consistently … we shall see.

16. john

    who gets overpaid and who gets underpaid in this off season?

    • Lang Greene

      The market may seem hot for my man Jamal Crawford, but if certain things fall out of pattern he could easily see his potential earnings suffer a bit. Also Marcus Thornton will likely get a contract far below what he brings to the court.

      On the other hand, I think Tyson Chandler is primed to be overpaid coming of the championship run with the Mavericks. He helped push Dallas over the proverbial hump to be sure … but can he bring it every year on a five-year deal? Hasn’t done it yet and he’s been in the league 10 years.

17. LL cool jon

    lang whats good bro…few questions for u…
    1) what free agent big man do u think the knicks can get for a 1 year contract that can grab boards n block shots??
    2) do u think phil jackson would consider coming out of retirement to coach the team he once played for ny??

    • Lang Greene

      1. Don’t laugh … but Kwame Brown. He’s an underrated interior defender, grabs boards, can bang and he’d come relatively cheap on a one-year deal.
      2. I truly believe Phil is completely done coaching, but it wouldn’t shock me at all if he was hired as some type of special consultant for the franchise – given his rich history there.

18. Dylan

    Its been reported D Howard’s preferred destination is LAL and Chris Paul’s is NYK. Chances of either of these happening?

    • Lang Greene

      I’m not so sure about Dwight with the Lakers. I think it’s a strong possibility that Chris Paul wants to play in New York when you evaluate the entire picture. I’m not ready to make the call just yet.

19. Dylan

    How many of these blockbuster trades actually catch you off-guard? Has a source ever told you to keep a trade rumor under wraps until after it either dies or actually happens?

    • Lang Greene

      The Deron Williams trade last season caught me completely off guard. Indiana almost stealing OJ Mayo for peanuts (sorry J-Mac) was another one that shocked me.

20. matt

    Please answer this. Who gets dealt first: Granger or P.George? George is a SF, not a SG. However, it looks like they want to win now with all that cap space? So does that mean Granger stays? I’d love for my raps to get George for Bargnani.

    • Lang Greene

      Neither guy gets traded this year. If I had to choose I’d say Granger gets dealt once (if) Paul George starts to emerge as an All-Star type of performer.

      Sort of how the Pacers traded Ron Artest when Danny Granger was starting to come into his own a few years back.

21. Von (LA)

    Lakers will use their amnesty clause? Metta World Peace or Luke?

    • Lang Greene

      Eric Pincus is the authority on the Lakers … so he may disagree, but I say Luke Walton.

      Artest still produces at least, albeit at a much smaller scale than in the past. Luke is basically done due to his injuries and will retire soon.

22. Adrián

    hy lang, how are you man? the future of andres nocioni is…?

    • Lang Greene

      My man I’m doing well and yourself?

      the future of Andres Nocioni is somewhere playing professionally overseas.

      I’ve always been a fan of Nocioni … I love how hard he plays, but when I saw him close up last season I just think he’s lost a little off his game which will prevent him from returning to the double-digit scoring ranks of the NBA. So I see him eventually heading overseas to round out his career.