NBA Chat With Lang Greene 1/2/13

Lang Greene is a NBA Writer for HOOPSWORLD covering the Atlanta Hawks and Eastern Conference. Lang’s chat gets started at 8pm EST every Wednesday.

  1. Bob

    I know there is a lot of Cousins trade talk now, but I feel like Cleveland has the best deal out there for the Kings.

    Kings can get an all star level talent in Anderson Varejeo, an expiring contract in Gibson or Luke walton, a late first round pick, and could even dump a bad contract on Cleveland.

    So then Cleveland gets a possible future fellow all star with Kyrie and still can let them grow until lebron comes back in 2 years?! It seems like a win-win

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Hoop Freaks? Happy New Year to you and your family. We’ll kick off 2013 with some theme music from Lupe and Jill Scott … Daydream … I fell asleep beneath the flowers, for a couple of hours … such a beautiful day … such a beautiful day …. Daydream

      What’s good Bob? Hope all is well. I’m not of the opinion that LeBron James ever goes back to Cleveland. Not saying it can’t happen (see Allen Iverson returning to Philly), but I just wouldn’t put my hard earned dough on it.

      The word out of Sacramento is that Boogie is not available. Now, this doesn’t mean the Kings aren’t listening. From what I understand their phone has been ringing from teams across the league. A trade may be inevitable but the Kings are hoping Boogie eventually gets it. He’s such a talented player but he’s too caught up in the “emotion” aspect of the game. Coaches are going to push you hard. The media is going to ask silly questions and antagonize. Fans are going to boo. The referees are going to blow calls every night … but at the end of the day you have to be a professional.

      The trade you laid out isn’t bad, but I wouldn’t pull the trigger on it if I was Sacramento.

  2. ralph lawrence

    Hi Lang! lots of trade talks evolving around DMC.. In your own instincts do you think the kings would trade him this coming deadline? and if so which team do you think has a real shot at getting cousins and in doing so who do they have to give up in order to entice the kings in doing the deal?

    • Lang Greene

      I don’t think the Kings will trade DMC. My opinion. To get him a team will have to take a bad contract (Salmons) and provide an All-Star caliber type talent. The Kings aren’t getting anyone elite for him but they’d be able to bring in a nice batch of talent and picks.

  3. redyraptor

    I’m not fimiliar with the contracts. But do u think OKC will like the idea of moving Collison n the lottery pick to Toronto for A. Bargs. ? They don’t neccessarily need Bargs, but they have Ibaka. Perks n {Tibet} providing that grit inside. Bargs n Martin off the bench will def take them up another level.

    • Lang Greene

      Two things here. First, you’d have to assume that Toronto would part with Andrea Bargnani for the deal you offered and I’m not so sure they would. Secondly, bringing in a guy like Bargnani to OKC changes their dynamic to drastically. Collison is a guy who plays both center and power forward for the Thunder. He rebounds, takes charges, sets great screens, has his team’s trust and is a good locker room guy. Bargnani might be a better overall “talent” but he doesn’t fit what OKC needs.

      No deal.

  4. Aristotle

    Happy New Year to you and your family Lang. Hope 2013 is all that you desire.

    So with PJ overseeing the Nets, think he might call up Spree for an assistant role?

    On a serious note… should the NBA Draft be left to the lottery balls, or should the Lottery Teams play a mini tournament of home and away games during the NBA Playoffs? Would fans be interested in seeing their team play hard for the number 1 pick? Or would it still be seen unfair for a team that’s literally stinking for that season?

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks. Wishing you all the best to you as well my brother.

      Spree just got into a legal issue recently. Doubt you ever see him on a NBA sideline. But I see the humor in the PJ/Spree reference.

      Interesting concept on the lottery tournament … in theory. If I’m a free agent to be on those teams, what is the incentive for me to play in the extra games? Especially if I’m not in the team’s future going forward? Big injury risk. Secondly, if the playoffs started today a team like the Boston Celtics would miss the activities … would it really be fair to put that team in the squared circle with the Washington Wizards?

  5. Deven

    Are the Hawks for real this year? Can they really overtake Miami and New York in the standings?

    • Lang Greene

      The Atlanta Hawks are for real in the sense that they’re not going to experience some rapid free fall in the standings (barring major injury). They should win 50-53 games and have home court advantage in the first round. I think Miami has too many horses to overtake but I feel Atlanta can make a run at New York for sure.

      The question that surrounds Atlanta, which seems to be the case every year, is can they make noise in the playoffs and finally get to the Eastern Conference Finals. That’s a question I need more time to assess accurately.

  6. Deven

    What’s your New Year’s Resolution, Lang?

    • Lang Greene

      To be the best man I can be … fatherhood, husband, professionally, physically, emotionally, friend, etc … same as my everyday life. I typically don’t wait to January 1 to enact this stuff … year round, baby.

  7. T.J. Wilson

    How is it that no one is talking about Greivis Vasquez?…..In my opinion, he’s one of the more underrated point guards. He can score, create his own shot, great court vision, great playmaker, he makes his teammates better and he gets everyone involved. He’s definitely a true PG at 6’6.

    • Lang Greene

      Depends on what circle or sites you’re rolling around with? I know we’ve covered Greivis (and his solid play) a few times here on HOOPSWORLD this season. I’ve also heard him mentioned a lot from fans I encounter. Now, if you’re waiting for ESPN to make him a household name, then you’ll surely be disappointed. But Vasquez is definitely starting to get respect amongst the hardcore crowd. He’ll be in the Most Improved Player award race.

  8. bigkennykane

    Happy new year sir! I’m gonna start it…..can we please trade worthless dwight howard to ANYBODY for anyone else & play Jameson in place of somebody? Peace owt!

    • Lang Greene

      HNY to you too! Dwight Howard is a great player. I’m not going to change that tune due to what I’ve seen this season so far … you have to remember that he’s also recovering from back surgery which has sapped some of his explosiveness. A lot of his game is predicated on his athleticism. He’s also adjusting from being “the man” to being a 2-3 option and that takes some time to adjust to mentally.

      Dwight Howard is a dominant center in today’s NBA but he won’t ever be as dominant in the Shaq, Hakeem or David Robinson sense. Those guys put up 25/12/2 in their sleep.

  9. LA in LA

    What do you think about this post from your co-worker Ingram: “Does LA need D12, or
    would they be just as good with Gasol starting at center and Jamison at the four? Hard to see how this is a long-term marriage between Dwight and the Lakers, especially at his price tag.”

    • Lang Greene

      I see exactly what Bill is saying here, although I don’t completely agree with his stance. What Bill is saying is, before the Lakers invest $100 million in Howard next summer and tie themselves up financially for years to come, maybe someone in the organization needs to ask a hard question and see if the fit is right and whether it is a marriage worth saving. Very logical question even if it ventures from the mainstream thought process.

      I think you’ll see Dwight get much better as the season winds down. If I was Lakers management I would re-sign him. But yes, like Bill, I have my questions on whether he’s a guy who can lead you to a title.

  10. Jim in CyberSpace

    I’m starting to wonder about the Knick’s staying power? They are in Gotham City.. Huge Market. A huge payroll… Melo is pouring in points…but…I don’t think they will make it past the second round.
    What would Steinbrenner do, fire Dolan? It’s not Zeke’s fault anymore.
    When did the Knicks last go to the finals or Win a Championship????….It seems like I can’t even find it on google. They play in MSG…for goodness sake.

    Truly Lang….all fun aside….What do you think Urber Knick Fan Spike Lee and other’s think about this sustained middle of the road performance?….The Deep Pockets expect results…the Knicks keep reloading…nothing changes. Maybe I’m a little harsh? The Knicks are part of “have” group, not the “have-not’s”.

    • Lang Greene

      If this question hit the e-mail bag during the playoffs last season it would have had a head of steam. As it stands right now, the Knicks are one of the league’s elite teams and are title contenders. Give them credit. This e-mail is a little off base. There’s no reason why this team shouldn’t make an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals.

      You’re being too harsh, based on their start to this season. Especially without Amar’e or Shump in the lineup.

  11. badax33

    Hey Lang – Happy New Year

    With all the trade rumors out there -Cousins, Gortat etc. I’d like to throw a suggetion at you for my Celtics – Bass, Lee and filler to Wash for Emeka. Not glamorous, but Emeka fits what we need – Defense, Rebounding and Size. Has 2 years left at around 14M. What do you think?

    • Lang Greene

      While Emeka provides size, defense and rebounding … I question whether his mentality would fit into Boston’s locker room. They have a culture there … and not everyone fits. The return of Avery Bradley (if he can stay healthy) makes Courtney Lee a bit more expendable.

      At the price tag ($13-14 million per season), Emeka’s continued declining production over the past few years would worry me.

  12. Reggie

    What player out there that the Hawks could realistically get in either free agency or trade that could fit their needs to get to the next level?

    • Lang Greene

      The Hawks are looking for a defensive wing. I’ve said it before … a guy like Tayshaun Prince would be perfect. A veteran with championship pedigree, decent range on the jumper and can defend at a strong level.

      But here’s the thing … Detroit covets Prince and he’s not actively being shopped. But that’s the type of player the Hawks need on the wing in my opinion – if they had to make a deal.

  13. Jay

    I have heard of players having big egos in the later part of their career and not wanting to accept being role players. Do you think some coaches are the same way when they have spent serval years beeing a head coach. Do you think they have ego problems by not wanting to be an assistant?

    • Lang Greene

      Sure there’s ego involved. These guys are human. Doubt you’d ever see Phil Jackson holding an assistant’s clipboard. It’s like the CEO of a fortune 500 company that loses his job. You might see him downgrade to a director or vice president position but you won’t see him flipping burgers or dropping french fries in the grease.

      Guy who carve out a strong reputation as head coaches can typically avoid the assistant route, while guys who flame out as the head man typically need to regain their footing using that method.

  14. Dave

    Lang, what do you think of a Rondo for Favors trade (other parts, too, of course)? The C’s need to return to their defensive roots, and with Favors at the 4 and Bradley at the point (hybrid point with Lee at the 2), the green could be dominating–at one end of the floor, anyway. Could this happen?

  15. Joe Shafer

    Happy New Year’s man what piece do you think my rockets need to take the next step to be a playoff contender?

    • Lang Greene

      Happy New Year’s my man …

      As the Rockets are currently constructed they should be in the playoff hunt. If you’re asking what would make the team a title contender … I’d say they need to improve the power forward position. Definitely need an upgrade there. Pretty good free agency class at the position … Josh Smith, Carl Landry, Paul Millsap and David West will all be available.

  16. Costas

    Hi Lang. Love your chats. Why is everyone considering Duncan as the best PF ever played the game. This title belongs clearly to Karl Malone. He was unlucky as MJ was at his stellar and the Stern not promoting him. Everyone remembers the 2007 “weird” referee decisions

    • Lang Greene

      I lived through both of their respective primes and my money is with Tim Duncan because of his contributions on both ends of the floor. This isn’t a landslide vote by any means; because it is a tough decision. Karl Malone was an absolute truth machine … but I’m rolling with Tim-Maaaaayyy Duncan here.

  17. clipperela

    so the clippers win streak finaly ended, do you think the clippers are peaking to early or do you think it was just the team taking advantage of an easy portion of the schedule… how much better do you think chauncy and hill make the team

    • Lang Greene

      I talk to veterans all the time and they always say they’d rather peak late than peak too early. But, answer me this, when is pulling off a 16 game winning streak ever a bad move? The name of the game is winning.

      Chauncey and Hill will add more depth and veteran leadership. Just makes them deeper and tougher to defend. The goal for the Clippers is to have those guys ready to go for the playoffs.

  18. Kid

    Happy new years Lang’!! How come Larry Hughes is not with an NBA team? A couple of years ago he is was a premiere defender and a good slasher.

    • Lang Greene

      HNY Kid …

      Sometimes the game passes you by … it’s a young man’s game. I think Larry probably could give a team 10-12 minutes right now but it has been a while since we’ve seen him play at a high level and teams aren’t going to invest blindly.

      I spoke w/ Nuggets head coach Goerge Karl earlier this season and he said the trend in the league is to go younger. Meaning, league execs are looking to develop and discover younger guys hungry for a chance. That’s why it has been tough for some veterans who can still ball to find employment

  19. Justin

    Kings trade Cousins, Garcia, Evans, Jimmer for Millsap, Jefferson, Carol, Evans, G.S. pick & Money. Sac gets some potential pieces plus cap space. Utah gets to audition Evans or Jimmer at P.g while creating a Favors, Kanter, Cousins big man rotation.

    • Lang Greene

      So you want the Jazz to give up BOTH Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap for DeMarcus Cousins? Nah bro … can’t buy those cupcakes.

  20. DAVE

    With boguts return still a bit away with his return do u see golden state taking another leap forward and competing with the likes of clips and spurs for west top 2?

    • Lang Greene

      As good as Golden State is and I’m very high on the unit, I just feel that the Clippers, Thunder and Spurs are a notch above them. They need Bogut back and playing at a high level to reach the ranks of the elite.

  21. Q-Man

    Lang! Happy New Year to you and your Family my friend. I have Three more for you.

    1. In the past i’ve always asked about James Harden with Hawks b4 he got traded. If he played with the Hawks with Smoove, Jeff and Al would the Hawks be the top team in the East
    2. Joe Johnson is having a ruff go in NY, is this who he is now, because Joe was a hell of player with Hawks( No credit though)
    3. Who are we trading at the deadline

    It 2013 people time for personal growth

    • Lang Greene

      3Q … Happy New Year man … hope all is well

      1. With Harden the Hawks would be tough … not sure if he could get them past Miami in the standings. The HEAT, when focused, are an extremely tough team to beat. But the Hawks, with Harden, would be favorites most nights they stepped on the court.
      2. I think Joe has more in the gas tank than he’s showed this season, but he’s at that age where shooting guards production usually falls completely off the map … think Michael Redd and Tracy McGrady … so it could be some signs of age starting to seep in
      3. I don’t see the Hawks making any drastic moves. This season is just icing on the cake … the major play will be the free agent market with all the cap space created.

      2013 people … strive for greatness …

  22. Mr. Ballistik

    Should Detroit offer up anyone not named Greg Monroe for Cousins? Perhaps a package involving Drummond, Tayshaun, Stuckey, and/or Spaghetti Maggette’s expiring?

    • Lang Greene

      Monroe and Cousins would be an interesting frontcourt …

      But I don’t know if Sacramento would bite on this deal. Rodney Stuckey is that combo guard like Tyreke Evans. Tayshaun would probably seek a buyout so he could join a contender. Maggette would be a good locker room guy but his best days are past him on the court.

  23. Joseph Sunga

    Most analysts out there have been ragging on Kobe for taking more shots than other player on the Lakers. However, I as a Lakers fan can sometimes cringe at each jumpshot he takes. Kobe has a motive when shooting all these jumpshots. He needs to take his 21 or 25 shots per game because going back to the game yesterday a fan cannot help but notice his teammates bricking every shot they put up save for Steve Nash.
    What do you think is the best case scenario for the Lakers going forward? Slow the game and dump it to the bigs or keep pushing for D’antoni’s system of fast pace?

    • Lang Greene

      Let the Black Mamba cook … let that man sizzle. What we are seeing from Kobe this season is the death of a star. If you’re into studying the solar system you know that as a star dies (declines) it goes through a phase of expansion and becomes a “red giant” …

      This is grown man basketball Kobe is playing. Controlled, efficient and busting guys up. His work in the post is a thing of beauty. I mean, the guy is posting guys up as soon as he crosses halfcourt, man … lol …

  24. Blake

    If nothing decent can be returned for Bargnani, If you were BC would you amnesty him? Rids of him while taking his big contract off of the books.

    • Lang Greene

      No. The man can still play. He’s just no longer “the man” in Toronto. He’ll have to adjust to a different role. What’s so troubling about Bargnani to me is his rebounding rate. Look at the work Byron Mullens is doing in Charlotte this season. He plays similar to Bargs but has developed into a consistent rebounder. Which should be applauded.

  25. will

    happy new year i want to know if you think andy verajo will be traded and maybe will it be to the lakers in a 3 team trade. thx.

    • Lang Greene

      The Lakers don’t have the pieces needed for Varejao.

  26. Len(Oakland,Ca)

    What’s Up Lang,

    How good can my Warriors be once Bogut get’s back? I can only imagine if BRush was healthy we could challenge anyone with or depth and bench play. Future is definitely bright in The Bay

    • Lang Greene

      Future is bright, but getting Bogut back healthy is a IF … he’s the piece they need on the inside playing at a high level. Here’s the thing as well … Carl Landry can opt out. Jarrett Jack is a free agent. It’s going to be tough for the team to keep this unit together next summer.

  27. Jordan

    What trades do you see working for the Jazz that would help build around that core of young players? And do you see them contending like the Jazz men of the late 90′s in the upcoming years?

    • Lang Greene

      Favors is a big time talent, but he has to make the jump. Only so far raw talent and potential can take you. For all of Al Jefferson’s shortcomings the guy puts up numbers night in and night out. Same with Paul Millsap. Once those guys are gone, Favors won’t have a safety net to rely on if he struggles.

  28. Kris Willis

    Lang what about the Hawks? 20-10 and Larry Drew named NBA Coach of the Month for December. Is this the most enjoyable Hawks’ team we have watched in the last few seasons?

    • Lang Greene

      K-Dub … I’ve been a Larry Drew defender for quite some time as you know … it’s good to see the man get some mainstream respect. And with the way this team is playing it is definitely well deserved. This is the best Hawks team I have covered. Great group of guys ….

  29. Matt DiMartino

    Lang, Happy New Year!

    I’m a big Raptors fan and I know they need to trade Bargnani. My question is what do the Raptors need/what can they get for him?

    Thanks

    • Lang Greene

      Happy New Year Matt!

      I wouldn’t be in a big rush to trade an 18-20 point scorer. It’s clear his role needs to change as he’s clearly not the franchise guy but since his trade value is at a very low point I’d be patient working the market trying to deal him.

  30. dave

    i get why people are praising Anderson Varejeo for this season, but why is it that people thing a trade for him would yield a star in return, do people honestly thing adding him to your roster would mean championship? he is playing great yes, but his stats are bloated cause his terrible roster. cavs selling high on him is great option but i dont get why teams would move the heavens and earth to get him, beyond this year he has been solid but unspectacular

    • Lang Greene

      Only the delusional think he makes an average club a title contender. But if you put Varejao on a team like the HEAT, Spurs, Thunder or Hawks it will greatly enhance their chances in the postseason. He’d be a veteran team’s dream to get gearing up for the playoffs. He wouldn’t be a savior to a team like the Bobcats or Wizards.

  31. LayHee

    If you were GM of the Lakers and Bryan Colengelo called you and offered Andrei Bargnani and Jose Calderon for Pau Gasol plus a pick (if they have any left). Do you accept? Why or why not.

    • Lang Greene

      Last question. Thanks for rolling with me every week … all the best

      I wouldn’t do it. I know that’s giving up a lot of talent but man, if the Lakers give up Pau they lose their secondary rebounder and Bargnani grabbing only 4 per game isn’t going to cut it at playoff time. It would put too much pressure on Dwight Howard, still recovering from back surgery, to be a 22/15 type guy in the paint. I’m quite sure some would disagree, but if I’m the Lakers I wouldn’t pursue this one at all …