NBA Chat With Lang Greene 12/27/12

Steve

Raptors are playing well without andrea and lowry, is it better to package lowry and bargnani in a trade to get a good sf or package barg and jose?

Lang Greene

What’s up Hoop Freaks? Hope the Santa man was good to you and the family for Christmas. Please send some positive energy to the Graham and Dillahunt families who were hit by adversity during this holiday season. Makes you put things in the proper perspective. Time to work. Watch me work.

The NBA trade market doesn’t work like that. Bargnani’s stock is at an all-time low right now. I’m quite sure Toronto could get something for him, but not what they want for a former No. 1 overall pick. Same w/ Lowry.

Joe

If the Kings do shop Cousins at some point, Marc Stein of ESPN.com believes the Heat could have interest, given team president Pat Riley’s prior success with troubled players, if this is true what possibly can the HEAT offer to get him back, salary wise Joel Anthony fits the needs but who else would need to go?

Lang Greene

The HEAT aren’t serious players for DeMarcus Cousins. The numbers don’t match up and Sacramento isn’t going to gift wrap a player who oozes All-Star talent for Joel Anthony, Norris Cole and Mario Chalmers. Maybe you can force the CPU into this deal on NBA 2k13, but the reality of it is the HEAT would need a third team to get involved to assist in the move and they’d definitely have to let go of a much bigger piece.

AJ

I am actually not a Boston fan at all (except when they play the Heat). Go Blazers (not even going to try and sell those cupcakes. Freeland, Jeffries, and Williams for Gortat? Lol.)

If the Suns are still desperate to be mediocre than I agree with you. But I guess that my trade assumes they decide they need to shake things up. Sans Nash, Gortat arguably hasn’t even been in the top half of starting centers.

Lang Greene

Gortat is a solid center and since these guys come at a premium you don’t see teams just trading those guys just for the heck of it. The box scores may not show his importance but Gortat is an asset that could eventually bring the Suns some talent if they decide to cash in.

LA in LA

What top 20 player who’s at least semi realistic would you add to the Hawks to take them to the next level?

Lang Greene

The Hawks aren’t too far off from being legitimate title contenders. Right now the need is at the small forward spot. Off the top of my head, a guy like Tayshaun Prince would be a very solid addition … but Detroit has no plans on moving the vet from what I understand.

Ismael

Lang, man I don’t know but I watched the Suns game and saw an agile, fast Jermaine Oneal.. then Grant and Nash leave and they get hurt after being healthy and very productive almost every year in phoenix.. they have something weird going on there! (looney toons SPACE Jam water!?) Would you think a player like Greg Oden should take a look at their staff? maybe they can help him get some Playing time

Lang Greene

The Phoenix Suns’ training staff have been one of the league’s best in keeping older guys fresh (remember they also got an extended prime year from Shaq not too long ago too). Not sure if Phoenix has Oden on their radar though.

I saw Jermaine O’Neal working out this summer at IMPACT basketball in Las Vegas and he looked sharp. I knew he’d look pretty good this season. Can’t give Phoenix’x staff all the props on J.O.

josh

Any update on Boguts return? and do you think Jacque Vaughn should be leading the coach of the year race so far?

Lang Greene

The Warriors are going to take it slow with Bogut and hope they can round him into form during the latter half of the schedule.

My coach of the year candidates are Mark Jackson, Larry Drew, Mike Woodson and Lionel Hollins. Talk to me when Vaughn has Orlando at least playing .500 ball.

Eric

Do you think a place like boston would be a good place for demarcus cousins to help him get “it”?

Lang Greene

Boston is trying to compete for titles … KG, Soc, Truth and all of those guys aren’t trying to babysit a grown man. Too much of a wildcard and I don’t think they take the chance.

Basosoy

Just a curious question.

Why is Tony Parker not included in most top 5 PGs conversations? Man, he is a solid scorer and passer, one of the quickest guards in the league, has good defense and basketball IQ, and most of all, a champion…

Your thoughts please? Thanks, and Merry Christmas.

Lang Greene

When it is all said and done Tony Parker will get Hall of Fame consideration. He was the floor general of numerous title teams, secured multiple All-Star appearances and his individual career stats will be decent enough.

You can make an argument for T-Parker to be top five. Here’s my top 3 right now … CP3, D-Rose and Russell Westbrook. Then you have guys like Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo, Parker, Steve Nash, Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, Jrue Holiday, etc.

Parker comes in at No. 4 on my list.

Robert

Hey Lang, would all four teams be buying these cup cakes?

Toronto Receives: Paul Millsap, C. Parsons, S. Machado
Houston Receives: Demarcus Cousins, John Salmons
Sacramento Receives: Al Jefferson, P. Patterson, D. Moniejunas
Utah Receives: Andrea Bargnani, J. Calderon, J, Fredette, and draft picks to be decided

Lang Greene

I do these chats off the top of my head … and this proposal would take a little more time for me to analyze properly.

But I think Utah hangs up the phone emphatically on this one … trading Paul Millsap AND Al Jefferson for Bargnani, Calderon, Jimmer Fredette and draft picks would be ridiculous

Lucas

Seasons Greetings sir Greene,

Hope you had a great Holiday, and wishing you nothing but the best in health, life ect… for 2013.

What do you think of Avery Johnson’s decision to bench K. Humphries? Was he promise a guest role on a VH1 reality show or a video appearance in an upcoming Kanye West video? Does that move makes any kind of sense to you? KH has been solid and since last year, the most consistent player on the team. To just have him sit down like that seems like a waste of talent & salary. What do you think.

Built has they are right now, do you see your Hawks make it to the ECF this year? If not, what do you feel is lacking or if yes what makes you confident that they can do it?

Finally, do you think the Celtics are still playing for rings, or are just a second round playoff team (a la Atl in recent yrs).

Thanks for your time as always.

Lang Greene

This is all for naught right now … since the Nets fired Avery Johnson earlier today.

The Celtics definitely see themselves as a title contender, but I don’t right now … hard for me to anoint as .500 team as a serious threat to Miami.

Aristotle

Hey Langy
First off Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Secondly I was reading Bill’s article on DMC possibly being traded. He mentions the HEAT as a possible destination because Pat Riley could maybe tame the beast but can Miami make a ploy for him via trade or signing him? I thought the $$$ are running low and there’s not much to trade.

Lang Greene

Thanks my man. Miami would be a solid destination for DMC, but the financials just don’t work without getting a third team involved. And I’m not sure the defending championns bring in a guy who could disrupt their chemistry. That’s a tough sell … no matter how talented Boogie is.

Aristotle

Hey Langy
Do you think NBA games should be played on Christmas day or should it be a day off for players to enjoy with their families?

Lang Greene

The NBA is a business. Christmas Day is an opportunity to showcase the league and keep the money machine rolling. I’m cool with it … primarily because I’m in a market where the NBA won’t put a Christmas Day game in … yet.

isaac

Hey Lang hope you had a merry christmas!!

With Mike D moving Kobe to the SF position it seems the Lakers are in need of a SG who can play defense and spread the floor what do you think of this deal.

Boston gets:
Jordan Hill+Earl Clark(1.2mil exp)

Lakers get:
Courtney Lee

Lang Greene

You are really overvaluing Jordan Hill here. Boston wouldn’t take this deal. Both guys would get zero burn with the Celtics.

hot wings

Wassup lang? Happy holidays.. just wana give credit to spippen. This dude might be top 5 defenders all time and couldve been better if he went to a team on his prime where he was the man. But my question is how come his ego remain in check? He never cried for the ball and let mj work even at their 6th title where he is at his strongest and mj is in a bit of decline? Was good mentoring from mj or good coaching staff, philjax? Salute to airpippen!

Lang Greene

Shout out to Pippen one of the greatest ever.

To answer your question, some guys are just wired that way. Pippen has the rings, got the money, trips to the Olympics, the women, the Hall of Fame call and he’s was acknowledged by the league as one the 50 best players EVER … why on earth would he complain?

Deven

How do the Thunder get to the free throw line so much? What’s their secret?

Lang Greene

Aggressiveness to the basket. Those guys are fearless going to the paint.

Deven

Will the Hawks be a Top 4 seed by season’s end in your mind, Lang?

Lang Greene

Yes. The Hawks are no fluke. They will be a top four team in the Eastern Conference barring a major injury. Can they beat the HEAT or Knicks in a seven game series is a different question.

Jim in CyberSpace

Lang, do you like the NBA’ Christmas Day uniforms…Kind of a stealth look? On TV, I could hardly see the Clipper’s Number’s/Names?
I guess Denver’s Uni’s were okay? The Knick’s looked like Clemson on steroids…HARD on the eyes. Who thought this up?

Lang Greene

Loved the Christmas unis.

Deven

What will it take for the superstars to participate in the dunk contest this year?

Lang Greene

There just isn’t enough incentive for the top guys to do so. It used to be a badge of honor back in the 80s early 90s … but now with the explosion of social media guys are concerned with their brand if they freeze under the glare of the bright lights. Nobody wants to be turned into a trending topic on Twitter or go viral on YouTube for a misstep in a dunk contest.

Tony in Indy, Indy

The Pacers could really use better play from the backup PG position and more scoring. Do you think Jimmer Fredette fills the bill? If so, what do you think it would take to acquire him?

Lang Greene

My man Tony … Jimmer Fredette is not the answer to any question for a team looking to contend. Stay on the same team for a moment and let me ask you … why not try to acquire Aaron Brooks from the Kings instead of Fredette?
Lang Greene

My man Tony … Jimmer Fredette is not the answer to any question for a team looking to contend. Stay on the same team for a moment and let me ask you … why not try to acquire Aaron Brooks from the Kings instead of Fredette? fff

JM

Marry Christmas Lang!
If you are the Raptors what do you do about their new “PG controversy”?
Trade Jose? Trade Lowry? Keep both and try to play with a 2 PG lineup while taking away minutes from Terrance Rose?

Lang Greene

Well, Calderon is a free agent at the end of the season and I believe there is zero chance he’s playing in Toronto next year so I’d look to trade him and bring in an asset or two. Kyle Lowry is the guy coach Casey brought in to be his floor general. He basically gave Kyle the starting job during summer league.

Reggie

It seems as if Tyreke Evans needs a fresh start. I can see him flourishing on a different team. Being that the Hawks could use some help on the wing, what do you think about them pursuing Tyreke?

Lang Greene

The Hawks love to shoot the three-ball. Tyreke’s preimter game needs some work. Not a good fit with the current system.

mandon

hey lang love your chats Q what are the chances steve kerr robert horry and derek fisher get into the hall of fame and do you think tyreke evens or jennings going to boston has any weight and would they be a good fit
thanks for your time

Lang Greene

I think Steve Kerr, Robert Horry and Derek Fisher deserve a section in the Hall for their ability to hit big shots time and time again under the glare of the big lights. But their careers aren’t strong enough to argue for individual bids. If I had to argue one, I’d go Horry but again I don’t think he has the credentials.

Word is Danny ainge is high (was high) on Tyreke … but Sacramento is not letting him go for peanuts and that’s where things fall apart because I don’t see the Celtics breaking the bank to bring him … midseason at least.

The Boss Of Hoopsworld

Hello Sir….my question is, can and will my Blazers make the playoffs? Are you surprised they a game over 500? What you think of Damian Lillard?

Lang Greene

Damian Lillard is impressive. We’ll see how he finishes the season. Rookies tend to hit the rookie wall after the All-Star break. I don’t think he’ll hit it for too long because he’s so talented but if hits for a prolonged period the Blazers’ playoff chances go down with him.

Sven

Hi Lang, how about a shout out to J-Kidd ?
I hope Cuban forgives him for not wanting to coast to his retirement in Dallas but will NY into a contending team.

Lang Greene

Always got love for Jason Kidd. One of the best to ever lace up the high tops.

LA in LA

Wow, firing Avery already? I am surprised. Didn’t think he’d be there longer than this year but surprised it happened now. Are you surprised?

In the future, I’d suggest Avery avoids going To a team or letting his team acquire Stackhouse, who was on both teams that fired him. Surely the media will blame this on Stackhoue and not Deron William?

Lang Greene

Lol. Man, the Nets fired Avery and replaced him with PJ Carlesimo … my goodness. Major shout to PJ who has been able to stay in the league this long because he hasn’t put in serious work since his days at Seton Hall.

Papa Legba

Ok, 2 fired coaches after multiple complaints. Can we now call Deron Williams a coach killer? The diva finally got his last evening gown.

Lang Greene

Don’t know if I’ll label Deron a coach killer but he does have a reputation of being sort of high maintenance to deal with. There’s a difference. But I’ll tell you this … the pressure is now on HIM to get it done. Gut check time for D-Will. You don’t hear the game’s best complaining about offenses … they just go out and do it. I’m watching how the team responds now …. and more importantly my eye is on whether D-Will is truly a franchise player as advertised.

Wil

Hi Lang, so when can we start firing GMs and Owners? Avery Johnson, really? I am not saying Brown and Johnson were blameless, but two black coaches, with suspect supporting casts, and unreal expectations were fired at the first sign of trouble with their teams missing key players is just plain wrong. Sorry, had to say it.

Lang Greene

The Brown firing I though and still think was ridiculous. I mean if you bring in Phil Jackson I say cool … but Mike D’Antoni? That was laughable.

I can see the Avery firing a little clearer. He had over 25 games this season and the squad looked bad last season. Plus the team invested over $300 million in player salaries … while playing in the most pessimistic media market known to mankind (New York) and I knew he was on borrowed time.

Philip Fletcher

Tony Parker has 3 rings, Rando with 1, Rose none, Paul none, Westbrook none, Williams none, Tony plays well against these players, yet they are all considered better points then him. How can this be,Lang. I know you can give a fair reason for this. thanks

Lang Greene

Philip … Tony Parker played with arguably the best power forward in league history (Tim Duncan) for the majority of his career. Rondo got a past his prime KG. D-Rose has a past his prime Carlos Boozer. Westbrook plays with a yet to reach his true prime Kevin Durant.

Shabbir

What’s up Lang,

What’s your feelings about Avery Johnson losing his job because of the Nets’ poor performance? How much do you feel is attributed to Deron Williams & Joe Johnson? I think it’s a huge mistake

Lang Greene

Could be a huge mistake for sure, but when an organization invests $330 million on player salaries and another $1 billion for a new stadium rest assured being mediocre isn’t going to cut it. Add in the mediocrity was in the New York market and you just had to know (singing Sam Cooke) “a change was gonna come”

BlaQue Thought

Where will Avery Johnson land this season and will Phil Jackson seriously consider a flawed team such as Brooklyn?

Lang Greene

Que … don’t think Avery lands anywhere this season but the TV booth.

In regards to Phil, depends on who you want to believe. David Aldridge says Phil has no interest but other outlets say he’s contemplating. My money is on we’ll never see Phil back on the sidelines. The Lakers had the best shot.

Midtown

Happy Holidays,

Knicks seem to be surprising me as they continue this consistent run . I keep fearing the injury bug is going to bite due to the age of many players . Do you think when STAT and SHUMP are back ,+ if all 100% , do they have a shot at a title? Thanks

Lang Greene

Last question … thanks to all …

The Knicks look to be the real deal and I am eating crow. I pegged them to finish last in their division when training camps opened. I own my preseason pick because I thought that situation was combustible. So many older players. Bringing a point guard who was out of shape and looked horrible last season. And injuries to Amar’e and Shumpert.

But they’ve overcome all this and you know what … they should be in the Eastern Conference Finals this season as the very least. Carmelo versus LeBron … when it matters … FINALLY

Sean

Kyrie Irving needs to be higher on your PG list than “etc.”

Lang Greene

Knew I was forgetting someone. Kyrie is No. 6 on my list and rising quickly.