NBA Chat With Lang Greene 12/6/11

1. matt from Oz

   Hi Lang,
   assuming the lakers do manage to pull the D12 deal, would they not possibly explore the option of then trading Pau??

   e.g. Trade Pau to the Hawks for Josh Smith and Kirk Hinrich/or Jeff Teague.

   would this scenario if come into the lakers thoughts at all? would definitely set the Lakers up with some younger players.

   mike brown would definitely like Josh Smiths defensive skill set.

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Matt? I’m quite sure the Lakers are evaluating all of their options to bring Dwight Howard to town. That’s a 100 percent fact. Adding Atlanta to this scenario is a wild card no one can predict. But my question to you is … does Pau Gasol push the Atlanta Hawks into the realm of contention? I don’t think so. Losing Josh would take the toughness out of the Hawks’ lineup and Gasol’s presence doesn’t provide Al Horford any relief from playing center. The deal would also mean giving up a young promising point guard in Jeff Teague … I say Atlanta passes.

2. Darius Frink

   How’s it going Lang been a minute. What do you see the Hawks doing these next couple of weeks, as far as trades and free agency. I believe they should make a push for Howard.

   • Lang Greene

     It has been indeed Fink!

     Let me be completely honest. I don’t want to disappoint Hawks nation but I see Atlanta being relatively quiet this offseason. I expect them to make an offer to Jamal Crawford as a courtesy but he’ll find more lucrative options elsewhere. I also fully expect Jason Collins to be re-signed for frontcourt depth.

     I do anticipate the Hawks making a run at some veteran guys who can provide offense since Crawford is likely gone. Expect to hear rumors about Tracy McGrady, Michael Redd and Vince Carter to start circulating soon.

3. Kevin in Tokyo

   Would YOU trade Rondo for a year of CP3?

   • Lang Greene

     Rajon Rondo is a special talent so I wouldn’t deal him for CP3 on a one-year rental. For two seasons, I probably would if the team I was leading was a true contender needing the final piece. Two years would also give me enough time to make a trade or two and or become active in free agency.

     Guys like CP3 don’t come around often. As good as Rondo is / will become he’s not in the same weight class.

4. Keefe

   Hey Lang, I am not too sure why everyone is saying that the Raptors need to add another big in Chandler/ Gasol.. They already have Amir, Davis, Bargnani,and Alabi right now and have just drafted Valaciunas recently. I believe Bargnani will be very good with the right frontcourt partner. They should focus more on PG and SF needs, agree?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Keefe? I think people fall in love with the “transaction” game. You know … Who can my team trade for? What free agent can we sign? Who are we going to amnesty? All of that stuff. It’s fun to speculate and I get it … but the building of a winner for smaller market teams is a slow process.

     Let me touch on Tyson Chandler. He’s not the center for a team rebuilding. He’s the perfect piece for a squad right at the cusp of the playoff ladder. He’d add toughness and defensive respectability, but not sold he’s the guy Toronto should be targeting.

     I believe Toronto should let the Bayless kid go to work this season at point guard. Give him the rock and see if you have a pony or a stallion. You already know what you’ll get with Calderon. See if you have the point guard of the future under your nose or whether you’ll need to target that in the 2012 draft / free agency.

5. SenseiOfSoul - Chicago

   What’s good my main man Lang? I really dig your chats and respect your analysis. Usually, I drop in a Bulls question, but with all the rumors circulating and perculating about CP3, I couldn’t resist the topic.

   What do you think about this trade: NOH gets J-Smoove, Chris Kaman, Mo Williams, Foye, Aminu and the Minny pick. LAC gets CP3 and Marvin Williams, and ATL gets Okafor and Ariza.

   http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7bwjvln

   • Lang Greene

     Actually a decent proposal. Interesting.

6. Nick

   Will Cavs trade ramon sessions or amnesty Baron Davis? What can cavs get for him?

   • Lang Greene

     It is rumored the Knicks are more than a little interested in Sessions to play PG. But Sessions doesn’t shoot the three so I don’t know how he would fit in Mike D’Antoni’s fast paced offensive system. The three ball is a prerequisite in that system, so not sure if he’s the guy.

     If the Cavs used amnesty on Baron, I’d fully expect Miami to give him a call immediately.

7. EMilio (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

   Let´s say Lakers do not use the Amnesty tool this season, they keep it for 2 more seasons, and then they use it on OLD Kobe.
   I know he has a not trade clause, so if some team picks him and offers lakers some money, will he be able to use that clause, or he will obligate to play for his new team?
   Thanks.

   • Lang Greene

     Man listen, amnesty and Kobe should and never will be in the same sentence … ever.

8. Shay

   Whats up Lang?

   What do you hear about the Celtics willing to trade Rondo, Green, and 2 first round picks for Paul? What are the chances of that going through and it is viable? Thanks Bro!

   • Lang Greene

     Shay, the Boston Celtics have come out recently vehemently denying the rumor of Rajon Rondo being available. So I don’t think you’ll see him moved. Of course if Chris Paul was interested in extending in Boston long term, I totally think the Celtics’ message would be different.

9. Nick

   What’s your best guess on who the Pacers end up with by the end of the weekend?

   • Lang Greene

     David West or bust. He’s the guy that could potentially push the Pacers into the 4-6 seed in the Eastern Conference discussion.

10. vince

    Lang my man, blessed with another day. Closer to the 9th, what do you think the Kings need to be lookin at for the next move? Maybe a S&T Dally n J. Thompson for J smoove an Hinrich. Or a move to get Calderon to throw pinpoint passes to our bigs n shooter? Reke for Rondo, something I’ve had under my sleeve? Wut u think my man??

    • Lang Greene

      My man Vince! Let me refresh your memory … the Kings offered Jason Thompson for Jeff Teague last season. The Hawks emphatically said “no thank you.” So there’s no way they would part ways with Josh Smith for JT. Not going to happen.

      Calderon is a solid guy who puts up decent numbers, but he’s owed a lot of dough for what he provides. I think the Kings look for younger help at PG.

      The Tyreke Evans for Rondo deal would be a steal for the Kings on NBA 2k12, but in reality Boston takes two steps back losing their floor general making this deal.

11. Captain Obvious

    I hear word that Crawford does s/t with Chicago for Brewer (and maybe someone else) and TMac fills in for Atlanta. Thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      You guys know I keep it honest in here … you can’t replace Jamal Crawford with T-Mac.

      T-Mac was the absolute truth in his prime, but those times are long gone friends. If you sign T-Mac with the expectation he’ll give you 8-10 points in 20-22 minutes per game you won’t be disappointed. But so many people will expect more from him because of the old memories.

      I’m also not sure T-Mac comes to Atlanta and agrees to back up Marvin Williams at small forward. It’s one thing to take a seat to Tayshaun Prince … ti’s another for a former scoring champion to willingly take one for Marvin Williams.

12. Steve

    Lang,
    Do you think the Warriors will land a prominent Big like Chandler or Nene, with Chandler being the preference because of his defense and rebounding and the Warriors lack thereof. Does the addition of a Tyson Chandler make the W’s a playoff team? Also, is there any truth to these rumors of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson for CP3?

    • Lang Greene

      I haven’t heard the Curry and Thompson for CP3 trade rumors, so I’m leaning to it just being speculation.

      I’ve always maintained that I believe the undersized backcourt of Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry can work in today’s NBA. What that backcourt needs is a tough a– enforcer on the interior protecting them.

      Chandler fits the bill perfectly. I mean he helped the Bobcats to their first ever playoff appearance. Then helped the Dallas Mavericks win the championship. But Chandler wants to get paid as he starts to enter/leave his prime. My only question about Chandler is can he bringt it every year of a 4-5 year deal? He hasn’t done it yet in 10 seasons.

      My man Jason Fleming here at HOOPSWORLD believes the Warriors are a playoff team this season with or without Chandler. I’m on the fence. I think they can but a lot things need to break in their favor. With chandler though, they get in without question.

13. greg

    Hey Lang,

    WHat is more likely to happen Howard or Paul to land with the Lakers?

    • Lang Greene

      If I had to put my last dollar on this earth on this wager … Dwight Howard is the most likely to end up in LA … all day everyday. Throughout history the Lakers have always seemed to get the top guys. If they really want Dwight, they’d get him you’d have to think.

      We know Dwight is looking for a bigger market. CP3 may be looking for one as well, but his preference is probably NYC.

14. Brian

    What do you think the Wolves should do? Move Beasley? Low trade value, so why?! I think they should go hard after Mayo, but what to give up?

    • Lang Greene

      Honestly, I don’t think the T’Wolves need to make any major moves. They have a team full of young pups that truly need to keep building chemistry with one another. People have been making fun of Kahn for a long time now, but I seriously think things are looking up for Minny.

15. vince

    Wuts up strange Lang, what do you think of C. Butler on the Kings, we have a lot of money we need to spend to get to the minimum that’s why I proposed that trade with Smith n Hinrich because that’s about the amount of salary we need to get to the minimum? Wut should they do?

    • Lang Greene

      Caron Butler is rumored to be closing in on a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. The two parties have already met twice and the interest is apparently mutual.

16. Wayne aka Rawston George

    What’s up bro? So, I been reading all week how Clippers shouldn’t offer Gordon in a Paul trade. Then today it leaks that they have indeed included Gordon in a trade offer. Are they serious? Seems like a mistake to me. What do you think?

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up my man (HWK)? According to Eric Pincus he’s been told that Eric Gordon isn’t being moved unless the Clippers could get multiple stars back in return.

      I think EG is part of their foundation for the future, so I don’t believe the CP3 rumors have merit.

17. Bobby

    Dexter Pittman and Joel Anthony for Oden (s&t). Who says no?

    • Lang Greene

      Portland. No question. They’ve invested so much time and resources in Oden … no way they trade him for D-Pitt and J-Ant.

18. Matthew

    Wsup Lang.. i think this whole d12 and cp3 going to lakers is a lil bit far fetched.. two franchise players coming to LA. and i dont get why hornets would trade cp3 for gasol.. doesnt make sense for the hornets. your thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      It is far fetched. The media is running wild with this but it’s highly unlikely the Lakers wind up with both guys. I can see D12 in LA if that’s the direction he wants to pursue.

19. Alpha

    Hey Lang,
    Do you see Mario Chalmers staying with my HEAT. I felt last season that he wasn’t given enough playing time as Coach Spo was insisting on starting Bibby. However I think he performed noticeably well against the Mavs in the finals. I hope they keep him and give him a chance this season.

    • Lang Greene

      Can’t jump on Coach Spo on this one. Chalmers got hurt early in the year and then was outplayed by Carlos Arroyo … I said Carlos Arroyo.

      Chalmers got new life in the playoffs once Mike Bibby’s lateral quickness deficiency was exposed. He made the most of his opportunity and I fully expect him back in Miami this season unless a team offers him something crazy – salary wise.

20. PAUL

    Wouldn’t a trade between Chris Paul and Westbrook be good for both teams?

    • Lang Greene

      On paper, but this scenario has been put to bed. Expect OKC to offer an extension to Westbrook. He’s part of their long term nucleus.

21. Keefe

    Hey lang its me again,
    who do you think has the higher ceiling between Mayo and Derozan? Will Mayo ever live up his hype (From his HS years) to become a cornerstone of a franchise under the right situation?

    • Lang Greene

      If you asked me this last year my response would have been different.

      Mayo has more potential, but I think DeRozan will have the better career. overall.

      When I look at OJ I see a guy struggling with the mental aspects of being a professional, not his physical skills. With DeMar I just see a guy without the mainstream fanfare who continues to constantly improve his game and push it to another level.

      So … give me DeRozan.

      Also, beware of the high school hype machine bro, it’s like the seeing the “hot” girl from your senior class 10 – years later after you traveled the world a little bit. You come to realize, maybe she wasn’t all that hot in the first place. Solid yes, but worthy of all the drooling back then … Nope.

22. Big Tito

    Whats uppp bro listen why is it hard to bring good player to orlando to play with D12

    • Lang Greene

      Tito … I disagree, it’s not hard to bring guys to Orlando. The franchise has lured T-Mac and Grant Hill there in the past. To a lesser extent you can say the same about Rashard Lewis. Talented guys have ventured into Magic land.

      The problem hasn’t been attracting talent, it’s been the recent moves the team has made. Not re-signing Hedo after the Finals run. Deciding to invest in Vince Carter instead. Taking a huge gamble on Gilbert Arenas. Re-signing Redick instead of working oout some kind of S&T with Chicago, etc.

      Their risky personnel moves just haven’t paid off and not surprisingly Dwight Howard is questioning whether the team’s front office is caspable of making the “smart” moves going forward.

23. Wayne aka Rawston George

    What do the Griz do w Mayo?

    • Lang Greene

      If the Grizzlies break the bank on Marc Gasol in free agency (as expected) then I fully expect Mayo to be traded. There’s no way Memphis pays big money for Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley AND OJ Mayo.

      OJ looks to be the odd man out, in my opinion.

24. Luke

    What do you think Cleveland will do this season? As in win/loss record etc?

    • Lang Greene

      17-49

25. James

    Whats up big homie I had a question I’ve heard CP3 has the same knee problems as Roy have u heard that?

    • Lang Greene

      Haven’t hear that one.

      Will tell you that I expect CP3 to come out of the gate this season beasting. I’ve been told by numerous NBA players that the second year back after knee surgery is when the game fully comes back to true form. Last season was all about gaining confidence back in the rehabbed knee.

26. James

    Will the player ratification vote still take place tomorrow? Is the new CBA nearly done?

    • Lang Greene

      It is being reported the players will vote on the new labor deal tomorrow. We’re almost there.

27. Shawn

    I hear all these rumors about Orlando giving up Howard (for garbage) but I haven’t heard anything about Orlando making moves to keep Howard. Have you heard anything about Orlando making a play for CP3 or DWill?

    • Lang Greene

      Shawn, I don’t think Orlando even needs to shoot that high. Haven’t heard Dwight wants a super team.

      From what I hear Dwight would love to play with guys like Andre Iguodala, Glen “Big Baby” Davis and Josh Smith among others.