NBA Chat With Lang Greene 12/19/12

1. Benjamin Gardner

   Why have the nets turned Kris Humphrey into a seldom used bench player when he was playing well this year

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? Coming to you live from Philips Arena tonight. So many storylines developing this season. The Lakers are in 11th place in the Western Conference. The Hawks are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The James Harden deal is working out for both parties, while the Dwight Howard deal hasn’t really panned out for Philly, LA or Denver. Still early though. Let’s talk shop.

     Brooklyn is in sort of a funk as of late and I think it’s just a matter of Avery Johnson believing Andray Blatche and Reggie Evans gives the team that edge. Humphries is still very productive but when the losses mount up and you’re not an All-Star type talent, then demotions so occur.

2. Corey

   Can the cavs make a deal for kevin love?

   • Lang Greene

     Sure, anything can happen. But the reality of this is that it takes two to tango and I don’t think you can even get Minnesota to the bargaining table if Kyrie Irving isn’t included somewhere in the deal. I mean, Kevin Love is an All-Star and Gold medalist. The Cavs are not going to acquire a guy like Kevin Love dangling Anderson Varejao as the headlining piece.

     Last point, this is just theory because Kevin Love is not on the trading block.

3. aussie kid

   Hey lang merry christmas man. Just wanted your thoughts on karl malone. I loved watchin that guy play but when people talk about the greats of the game he dont seem to get a mention.

   • Lang Greene

     Respect to you and your family. Enjoy your holidays. Karl Malone was a certified lunch money taker. Man, in his prime he was the absolute truth. He is arguably the greatest power forward to ever play the game. Period. He should be n everyone’s top three. The man averaged 25 points, 10 rebounds and close to four assists per game for his entire career on 52 percent shooting …. 25/10/4. Think about that for a second.

     What hurts Karl is playing in the shadow of Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Dr. J in the 80s and Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon in the 90s. Plus he wasn’t the most gracious guy with the media. And you know what they say about the “power of who holds the pen”

     Great question

4. Jazzfan

   Lang how are you man?
   Me and my buddy were discussing who D.Favors could be compared to in the future if he keeps improving, I’m thinking Ben Wallace (who’s my fav player of all time even tho he never played for the Jazz) a beast on defense who can do some work on offense when he needs to what you think man?

   • Lang Greene

     Doing good Jazzy. Hope you’re well. Not sure of the Ben Wallace comparison. Here’s why … Favors, in my opinion, is more dynamic offensively right now than Ben Wallace ever was. Also, Wallace was a complete disruptor on the defensive end.

     You know he kind of reminds me of Brian Grant from the 1994 draft class … during his prime (2000-01). He’s more athletically gifted than Grant was though. Seems like he’ll settle in at being a 16/8 type of guy during the prime of his career.

5. Jazzfan

   What do you think of this deal?
   Jazz trade Milsap and a 1st round pick to Detroit for Brandon Knight? Jazz giving up too much or not enough?

   • Lang Greene

     Giving up too much. I think Brandon is a good developing player but you can get more assets for Millsap and a first round pick.

6. Kenny

   What’s up Lang? Do you think the Blazers will do something before the deadline to improve their bench?

   • Lang Greene

     A lot depends on where they are in the standings come the trade deadline. If they’re in the playoff hunt the team might spring a deal. I wouldn’t expect anything major, dramatic or ground shattering, but maybe a veteran piece to help in the playoff push. I know Nolan Smith’s days out there appear to be numbered.

7. bynum style

   In the playoffs how many games will the best player cp3 and the best sidekick bg32 beat the weak 2nd wana be team in los angeles ,lakers? I see a sweep.. with me?
   Lastly who will be mvp at the end of the regular season?

   • Lang Greene

     I mean we can give the award to LeBron every year if we wanted to … but it is very hard to argue against Carmelo Anthony right now if the Knicks stay hot. He’s in beast mode, I mean, seek, pillage and destroy mode.

     Hard for me to say … because the Lakers you see now won’t be the team you see in April / May. They’ll get better. I think they’ve dug themselves to big of a hole to be a championship contender, but I continue to say this … they will be an EXTREMELY tough out for anyone in the postseason. So the Clippers could win in five games but it will be a hard fought series.

8. Zac

   Is their anyway that Portland could get dj Augustine from Indiana with their expiring contracts and 3 second round draft picks? I feel like he woul be a solid guy off the bench that would bring some scoring and would be able to play the off guard with Lillard

   • Lang Greene

     It is totally clear that DJ Augustin doesn’t fit in well with the Indiana Pacers, but by trading him the Pacers get much weaker in the backcourt. As bad as DJ has been he’s still a spot starter caliber talent in the league. While Nolan Smith is expendable out in Portland, he just doesn’t have the experience to assume that role in Indiana.

9. Kevin

   Hey Lang wasup?

   Just got back from watching PHO v SAC, wow DMC was awful. Stupid fouls, terrible body language, no hustle and some of those passes… damm. He just dosnt seem to try. I know he has the potential to be a franchise changer but potential only goes so far. Reckon they should be holding onto him? or flipping him for someone else whos going to put in a bit more effort?

   • Lang Greene

     You have to hold on to a guy like DMC. He is so good but on the other hand also so inconsistent.

     I’ve always been wary of guys who wear their emotions on their sleeves no matter how under control they say they are. When guys can read what’s frustrating you by your facial expressions or body language, I don’t care who you are … other people will exploit and take advantage of you.

     Still too early in his career to give up on him though. But the time is definitely ticking.

10. AJ

    Gotta defend my trade idea from last week… You don’t have to buy these cupcakes but I at least think they are better than the cupcakes others are trying to sell you

    Gortat for Lee, Melo, and a 1st rounder… Sure Gortat is a legit starting center which makes him valuable but he I don’t think he is a top-10 center putting up 11 and 7 on a bad team.

    Lee is a pretty good player just entering his prime on a decent contract. Sure, Melo hasn’t done anything but he has potential and big men take awhile to develop. And the pick won’t be lottery, but picks are valuable for a team that needs rebuilding like the Suns.

    • Lang Greene

      Lol. Welcome back.

      You clearly are a Celtics fan. So get out of the realm of fanhood and put yourself in Phoenix’s position for a moment and ask yourself, why would I trade my starting center who has fringe All-Star level ability for Fab Melo, a pick in the 20s and Courtney Lee. It doesn’t make sense unless want to compete for the top spot in the draft lottery. That isn’t where Phoenix is mentally right now. They believe they can compete for a playoff spot.

      Can’t buy these cupcakes — haha

11. AJ

    Any word from Michael Redd? Their are a lot of teams that could use his shooting, starting with the Grizzlies.

    Also, is Kenyon Martin considered a cancer in the locker room? I had thought that he was past that but the lack of a team indicates otherwise.

    • Lang Greene

      Surprised teams haven’t reached out to Michael Redd or Kenyon Martin yet. I spoke to a league executive at the end of last season and they told me that Redd is done as a strong contributor in the league. I think he can provide spot minutes and be a good locker room guy, but I have to agree with the execs statement … he’s no longer a difference maker.

      I think the locker room cancer angle is way overblown on Kenyon Martin. I talked with Andrew Miller and he said K-Mart was an outstanding teammate. I also spoke with George Karl a couple weeks ago and he said there was no doubt in his mind Kenyon should be on a NBA roster. But he also noted that teams are starting to go young. That’s the league front office trend and another reason why he’s home on the couch.

12. Joel from down under

    Love the chats Lang….2 quick ones.
    1 – All the talk before the draft last year was that Thomas Robinson was one of the most NBA ready in the draft. Given the Kings are horrible why is it he can only get 10mins a night. Surely he should be given more of a chance to develop than what is?
    2 – Beasley this kid is too talented to be playing as few mins as he is. Does he desrve more? if not Phoenix, where does he fit?

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks Joel. Tanks for rocking with me.

      1. Much like Carmelo and Amar’e in New York, I just don’t think DeMarcus Cousins and Thomas Robinson mesh well together.
      2. Beasley’s problem is that he’s too damn inconsistent. He would best suited to have some structure like he did in Miami. He had some solid years there. Notice in his last two stops without much structure and how erratic his play has been. Beasley loves playing with younger teams, but it might be in his best interest to be in a structured situation.

13. LA in LA

    What do you think about this tweet:
    “I’ve heard whispers that CP3 isn’t as enamored with the Clippers — or playing with Blake — as advertised, but since it has come from execs on other teams, I’m a little wary about how much credence to give it. They’re still very thin on the front line, particularly when it comes to scoring in half-court sets. If they get to the conference finals, it would be a significant accomplishment.”
    I find that believable, but I also don’t see a better destination (via FA) Paul could go to if it was true.

    • Lang Greene

      I haven’t read that tweet and not sure who wrote it.

      From everything I’ve heard from my source, CP3 is likely to remain in Los Angeles. He likes the situation.

14. Aristotle

    End of the World must be coming when Knicks are playing NY Basketball and Lakers are struggling like the Knicks were few seasons ago? Haha

    • Lang Greene

      Lol. Good to see New York basketball back in the respectability group. At least Los Angeles also has the Clippers to watch.

15. Aristotle

    Langy a few more…

    Kirilenko to be voted in by coaches to an All-Star spot?

    Will we see Prince get traded from Detroit to a contender? He deserves that much!

    • Lang Greene

      Tayshaun Prince deserves to end his career on a contender. A team like the Spurs would be great. But the Pistons love Prince and his leadership.

      Kirilenko has been balling this season. The guy looks like its 2006 again. Not sure if All-Star is in the future, but he is smoking.

16. Aristotle

    With the cap space created by sending Johnson to Brooklyn, would it be a risk worth taking moving Josh to SF if you could sign Jefferson at Center and Iguodala at SG with what they bring to go with Horford and Teague? Harris 6th man?

    • Lang Greene

      Josh is not a SF and can’t play it full-time. He just can’t do it for a full 82. He plays well there in spots, but it is a difference doing it night in and night out.

17. Jim in CyberSpace

    Some one is fibbing? LBJ is “listed” at 6-8 KD is “listed” at 6-9.

    Yet you see them standing next to each other…and KD is something like 3-4 inches taller. The eye doesn’t lie. KD is noticeably taller than 6-10 Ibaka.

    A couple years ago, Kobe claimed that KD is “nearly” 7 ft tall…remember that? Maybe that 7-5 wing span has something to do with it?

    I still think KD is closer to 6-11 than he is 6-9 as NBA players are normally measured.

    • Lang Greene

      Spent time with Kevin Durant today here in Atlanta. I’d say he’s in the 6’10 / 6’11 range.

18. Badax

    Lang,my man – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

    I agree with you on the proposed deals for Gortat and Varejao. I don’t think we have enough to get AJ.

    But how about Lee, Sullinger and 1st Rd pick for Gortat?

    Also seems to be some rumblings about Jason Thompson and Tyreke Evans. Would that be a good for the Celts and what would it take to get that done?

    Thanks

    • Lang Greene

      My man! Happy Holidays to you and yours.

      We’re getting warmer here, but I still believe Gortat’s value is much higher that that.

      Word is Danny Ainge is enamored with Tyreke Evans. But have you seen Tyreke play this year? Between the confidence and his ailing knee, I wouldn’t take a risk on Evans right now (in season).

19. badax

    Lang

    What are your impressions of Jeff Green so far? I see him being more aggreesive and not as tentative, but I think he’s still recovering from the year off? tough to take a year off at that level. I’m not sure he’ll be a star but a solid starter.

    • Lang Greene

      I liked Jeff Green’s game in OKC, but he doesn’t fit in Boston – my opinion. He just hasn’t looked good as a Celtic and sometimes things like that happen.

      For example, I remember Charles Smith putting up strong numbers as a Clipper back in the day but when he got to New York he struggled to adjust playing alongside Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley. He declined in New York each year.

      So while I think Jeff is talented, I think Boston is all wrong for him.

20. keo

    i watch TNT Overtime and its hard to believe that sir charles was a dominate player because ive never watched him. when i looked at his bio he is undersized and not alot of muscle but ( he has the paul pierce body) but yet avg like 13 reb a game and dominated the 4 spot.. how did he do that? my question is would he be a dominate player in todays game and how do you remember him?

    • Lang Greene

      I think Charles Barkley would find a way to get it done in any era.

      YouTube him. You won’t be disappointed. One of the greatest power forwards, ever.

21. Devonte

    If brandon Jennings does get traded which contending team could use him the most? ( nyk, okc, Mia, spurs)

    • Lang Greene

      If Brandon Jennings gets traded I’d look at teams who aren’t contenders to be the ones making a move. A team like Charlotte or Sacramento would love to bring in a guy like that.

22. ryan

    What’s your take on D’Antoni? Do you think he’ll go before Gasol?

    • Lang Greene

      Respect to the work D’Antoni put in out in Phoenix. But the fact he failed in New York and is struggling mightily in Los Angeles might be telling us all something. Some guys are great for a few seasons. Some are able to translate that greatness to different teams. Some guys have a good run and then their time comes to an end. I feel like D’Antoni fits the last bucket. A guy who had an awesome run with players he developed to play his style of ball. But not a guy able to just arrive in the middle of a situation and produce.

23. John Smith

    Who would win a 5 on 5 7 game series (all in their Prime)

    Cp3
    kobe
    Lebron
    Tim Duncan
    Shaq

    Vs
    Magic
    Jordan
    Bird
    Barkley
    olajuwon

    • Lang Greene

      My money is on team two, but it would be a tight series. Definitely going 7.

24. John Smith

    Do you think its about time for Jsmoove to win DPOY

    • Lang Greene

      No. I think his best chance at the award was in 2010 or 2011.

25. Lucas

    How are you sir Greene,

    Hope you’ve been keeping well and enjoying the season so far.

    What’s you take on Ama’re’s role with the Knicks? Do you see him as an asset for the team or a liability? Personally I think he’s a huge plus for us.

    J.J Redick has been playing great for the Magic, I don’t understand the rumors floating around about his trade. Why would Orlando do that?

    Finally, who’s your borough’s favorites: Knicks or Nets, Lakers or Clippers.

    Thank you sir Greene, until next time.

    • Lang Greene

      Hey Lucas …. I’m definitely enjoying the season …

      1. Amar’e definitely needs to come back off the bench. For the simple fact of not disrupting chemistry.
      2. Redick would bring in assets. Plus he’s a free agent at end of the season. Good chance he walks away and the team gets nothing in return. A rebuilding needs assets for growth … Redick would return some pieces.
      3. Nets and Clippers if I had to make a choice. Rebel as you can see.

26. Connor C

    I’m watching the Thunder vs. Hawks game. It looks like there are tons of empty seats. Are Atlanta’s games always like this? Why?

    • Lang Greene

      Yes. Atlanta is a weird sports town. You have to be here to understand it. And it’s not just basketball. The Falcons are the only team which consistently draws strong numbers.

27. BlazerFAN

    Hey Do you think My Blazers have exceeded expectation so far this season??
    Also do you think Wesely Matthews, Myers Leonard and 3 second rounders can get Marcin Gortat and Shannon Brown from PHO??

    Thanks man I love your and Dereks Pages Chats the BEST

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks for the love my man …

      I don’t think Phoenix will trade Gortat and not get a serviceable big in return. I think the Blazers are right on pace. They can make a playoff push and coming off of last season’s disastrous finish you have to call this start to the season a win.

28. Nuggets fan

    Any trade news on the Denver front? I hear mozgov is being shopped.

    • Lang Greene

      Nothing concrete. The Nuggets from a pure salary cap space position have some decisions to make about Mozgov and whether they can afford him. I think that’s where the rumors are starting from … but the team isn’t actively working the phones trying to unload him, right now.

29. Roon

    Lang,

    Is it a no brainer that the Cats should go back to the Hornets? Jordan would easily make back his money by changing the name in his first couple of years in merchandise sales alone. I could see a lot of people repping the teal and purple of the Charlotte Hornets right now!

    • Lang Greene

      Charlotte was on fire as the Hornets during the early years. The city loved them, supported them and the home crowd was always live. Having crowd favorites like Mugsy Bogues, Alonzo Mourning and Larry “Grand Ma-Ma” Johnson didn’t hurt. The Bobcats just don’t have that talent right now and I’m not sure a name change will automatically spark a renaissance …

      Great questions Hoop Freaks … until next week … and Merry Christmas