NBA Chat With Lang Greene 11/8/11

1. Kevin

   What up Lang? I think it’s unfair for them to not let the players vote on the current deal, rather than letting the season cancel without their input. Where’s the democracy?

   • Lang Greene

     I see where you’re going with this … good question.

     The National Basketball Players Association’s job is to present the BEST deal possible to their constituents. I’m guessing they’re keeping the latest league proposal away from the players outside the executive committee because they don’t deem it the BEST deal to present their clients.

     Another reason and this one just comes down to common sense is that a large majority of the “rank and file” players would accept a 55-45 deal favoring the owners right now because they want their money right now and could care less about future BRI splits, sign and trade inclusions, amnesty provisions and mid-level exceptions.

2. Riz

   Why these players not excepting thr deal. its a fair deal and I do agree with stern methology how he wants the system to be competitve among 30 teams. these players make milliions and they are crying over 1 % ??? they are who they are becasue of Fans like us. they forget that ? If all Fans united not watch any game or buy any item, NBA be closed period. get this message out there to NBA AND its Players. please they need to know that Fans are pist off and if thet become united and not watch games at all, they will make 0 money period.

   • Lang Greene

     I want to see basketball this season just about as much as the most hardcore fan. But I draw the line short of taking this stuff so personally … it’s business.

     The majority of people feel the same way you do … they believe the players are “crying” over 1 percent and think it’s ludicrous. But let me ask you … why aren’t you directing the same venom toward the owners who are “crying” over the same 1 percent? Logic says the owners are much more financially stable … so why are they putting the squeeze on things for 1 percent.

     To your other point, if there ever was a time in which fans could show the league how fed up they are about hearing about negotiating CBAs every ten years … now is it … let your money do the talking.

     As you can see by this prolonged lockout … both sides care about the green.

3. sump

   I’ve been a fan of Indiana and I enjoy watching their young core grow together much like I hope for my Raptors. Do you really think D-West takes them over the hump though? I don’t think overpaying which imo any team would be doing for D-West is not the solution. How will he play without CP3? How will he play post-injury? Too many variables but it might make some sense to woo a team like the Clippers or Cavs into giving up a player+draft picks for Danny Granger and give George the keys to the car. What you think Lang my man?

   • Lang Greene

     Danny Granger isn’t on the market. I believe the Pacers will eventually trade him once Paul George is ready to handle the keys … much like the Pacers traded Ron Artest when Granger was ready a few years back.

     But right now … George isn’t ready for that type of role.

     I do think David West gets them over the hump. Well, out of the 7-8 seed mix and into the discussion for a 4-5 playoff seed. David West is no creation of CP3. He’s the real deal. The only knock on the guy is he doesn’t grab rebounds at crazy clips … but hey the guy is an All-Star who would help contribute to the growth of Roy Hibbert.

4. Andrew

   With the additions of Kemba Walker and Biyumbo (spelling?), I think they’re heading in the right direction. Where do you think they rank amongst the other Eastern Conference teams? I still think they need lots of help in all areas and more depth. It looks like they’ll be the Clippers of the East..

   • Lang Greene

     The Bobcats started the rebuilding process on a pretty good note with Kemba and Biyombo. But both have questions.

     Can Biyombo get released from his international deal in time for the 2012 season? And how will Kemba adjust to the NBA game as an undersized guard prospect.

     I think it’s going to be a long year in the Queen City. If that team sniffs .400 they’d be playing over their heads.

5. Manny

   Lang,

   What’s up homie, man I’m sick of talking bout/reading all this lockout talk, they go get it settled when they get it settled, let’s talk about the guys who’ll be really hooping. I know your a pro guy, so am I, but for now, im rolling with the younginz, who you got in the final four? Who raising the banner? I’m rolling with UNC all day, twice on Sundays!

   • Lang Greene

     My main man Manny … thanks for the change of pace question.

     UNC is the favorite, but you know teams like PITT, Duke, Louisville, Ohio State, ‘Cuse, UK and UCONN will be in the mix.

     But yeah, right now give me the Tar Heels all day everyday and twice on Sundays!!!!

6. Gil

   Maybe crazy but I was wondering if there is any scenarios where all current contracts would become void allow teams to fill their roster from scratch and offer contracts to anyone. Lebron in Dallas, Kobe in New York, KD in Orlando… ? Basketball chaos !

   • Lang Greene

     Can’t think of any scenarios like this unless the players were to start their own league – which isn’t happening.

7. Trevor

   Hey Lang do you think there’s anything the Clipps can offer besides Gordon, BG or Jordan to get Nic Batum? Would he be a good fit?

   • Lang Greene

     Hey Trevor …

     Maybe Kaman who has been rumored in most of the “Clippers need to acquire a small forward” trade rumors.

     But I think the big fellow commands more than Batum in a trade scenario. I do think Batum would be a good fit out in LA …he can hit the three, shoots a high percentage from the floor, rebounds and he’s young to go along with the core of Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin.

8. Jackie

   I saw some youtube highlights of Derrick Favors & man he was a beast. Do you see enough minutes for him in Utah’s crowded frontcourt to make good on his skills next season?

   • Lang Greene

     Favors has tremendous potential. No one doubts his athleticism. But he needs to prove he has a professional motor to maximize those skills.

     However I think you’re asking for a lot expecting him to emerge in Utah’s crowded frontcourt receiving the lion share of minutes. At least for the 2012 season.

9. Darrell

   Hey Lang great chats man! 2 quick questions.. I’m a big Wes Johnson fan and I think he’s playing out of position in Minny. Do you think a trade is in his future potentially for a starting 5? Also, what do you think his upside is as a 2nd or 3rd option at SF? Thanks

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up D-Jack? Appreciate the love.

     I agree with you. Wes is a natural small forward but is being forced to play more SG because of the presence of Beasley. I don’t anticipate the situation changing with Derrick Williams being introduced into the mix.

     But on the flip side, Wes is gaining valuable on court experience which can’t be underestimated.

     I don’t believe his value is anywhere close to fetching a starting center in a trade straight up. I think Wes has solid potential. I don’t see him emerging into a perennial All-Star but I think he’ll be a solid pro.

10. Ruben

    My man Lang how are you this evening?With the small changes to the cap as proposed do see it favoring teams like the Thunder and the Rockets; or are the changes proposed just to insignificant to help them at all?

    • Lang Greene

      I think a lot of the new CBA won’t be transparent on the court. I believe the CBA proposal the owners are pushing is more about putting their franchises in a better position to turn a profit on their substantial investment.

      One of the official slants has been made using “league parity” on the floor as the primary objective but I’m not buying that.

      Try as you may but if Dwight Howard becomes a free agent tomorrow the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors or Sacramento Kings, etc. have little to no shot at signing him …

11. Mike green

    If ur magic gm. What moved would u make to keep in contention

    • Lang Greene

      Mike … hard to know which way to turn without a new CBA. But as it stands today the Magic’s key bargaining chips in a trade would be JJ Redick and Jameer Nelson.

      I’m talking movable pieces.

      Jameer is a former All-Star who still plays at a solid level. JJ has showed he can handle minutes when given the opportunity.

      If I’m Otis Smith I focus on trying to move one of those two guys first and foremost (note Magic ownership loves Jameer).

12. Earl

    You seem to be the last sports writer here who hasn’t traded his soul for a collection of owners scratch and sniffs. Now for a basketball question. I want to trade the Maloof’s for a Burkle and a first round draft pick, who sez no?

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Earl? I wouldn’t say it like you’ve phrased it but …

      As each day of this lockout goes on I continue to lose a lot of respect for some of the veteran sportswriters I grew up admiring.

      A couple weeks ago a writer wrote that Derek Fisher was in David Stern’s pocket. But I tell you what; the majority of the media are in the owners’ pocket.

      The owners can very well be losing big time dough. I mean the losses can be real. I don’t doubt there are losses at all. I believe some of these players contracts are ridiculous. Some of the systems issues need to be reworked, etc.

      But I ask everyone … how are we supposed to know that the owners are losing money theory is true?

      The owners have not opened their books! How can so many people assume the owners are telling the truth based on David Stern’s (who works for the owners) comments?
      When the lockout began, the internationally respected Forbes Magazine released a detailed report which poked significant holes in the way owners could be calculating losses.

      But when Stern emerged with the “we use the GAAP rules” the media retreated faster than Cobra Commander used to when G.I. Joe arrived on the scene.

      The very foundation of the league’s case is contained within those finance documents and they remain off limits. The way I was raised is I try not to assume things just because everyone believes it to be true. I’m not saying the owners are lying … I just haven’t seen the proof that 22 of the league’s 30 teams are truly facing yearly losses … and that my friends is the crux of the league’s case.

13. Andrew

    Why can’t the hawks get over the 2nd round hump? To me (I’m from Cali, and root for–unfortunately–GSW), I think it’s just not being able to consistently bring their offense.

    • Lang Greene

      The Hawks have a myriad of problems hindering them from getting over the hump. Some mental (Al Horford openly campaigning to play PF despite already being an All-Star center). Some physical (Joe Johnson’s inability to rise to occasion in playoff basketball games every year and Josh Smith’s insistence on proving he’s a three-point threat). Some coaching (how was Jeff Teague, who was ballin in the playoffs, a forgotten man all season? Some front office (maintaining a subtle win by team chemistry approach instead of trading core members)

14. Andrew

    Do you think GSW still have intentions on trading Ellis (though they’ve said that they love to have him around)? If so, which trade/players makes sense to you?

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Andrew? For now the Warriors continue to maintain that Monta Ellis is part of their future. But I’ve lived to see Shaquille O’Neal traded multiple times and Michael Jordan come off the bench as a Washington Wizard in a sixth man role.

      So anything is possible despite the statements of euphoria flowing from the Warriors’ front office.

      I think Mark Jackson will honestly attempt to make the Curry/Ellis pair work, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a deal if the team is 10 games below .500 at the mid-point of the season.

15. luis

    Kaman for Beasley?

    • Lang Greene

      No deal if I’m the Clippers.

      Beasley is a phenomenal talent but he has issues man. Do you want him anywhere close to Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon or DeAndre Jordan at this moment?

16. luis

    amnesty Kaman giving clippers 20 million. sign Jordan to a Nick Collison contract so that 2012-2013 the clippers can sign cp3 the the first round pick, basically no signings for 2011.

    • Lang Greene

      You’re assuming CP3 wants to head out west. He seems to be an east coast type of cat from everything I hear and been told … so your scenario could be wishful thinking. But CP3, Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin … Whew-Lawd.

17. John

    Where do u think brooks ends up and what sort of numbers are you expecting from him this year

    • Lang Greene

      Aaron Brooks told HOOPSWORLD’s Alex Kennedy earlier this summer that he plans to stay in Phoenix. He likes the way the team embraced him after the midseason trade and he is comfortable backing up future Hall of Famer Steve Nash.

      I say 9 points and 3 assists is where he’ll land.