NBA Chat With Lang Greene 1/3/12

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

  1. Jamaal

    Any chance Dwight would be willing to move south to join Wade and LeBron? A Bosh, Haslem, Cole, Battier, Chalmers for Dwight, Turk, QRich, Duhon, Hughes trade works nicely for both squads.

    • Lang Greene

      Not happening. My belief from what I hear is that Dwight wants to be “the man” wherever he goes. In Miami, he might be running third fiddle.
      Your proposed deal doesn’t happen.

      But a deal centered on Chris Bosh would not have been that farfetched if the Magic still had a guy like Marcin Gortat inside. A center like Gortat shields Bosh’s weaknesses on the interior.

  2. jullia

    how abt okafor to the kings for demarcus cousins…kings has d cap space to get him?

    • Lang Greene

      We already know Emeka Okafor’s ceiling. He’s a 13 point 10 rebound guy. But we don’t know DeMarcus Cousins’ ceiling. He could be a perennial 20/10 threat, a multiple time All-Star selection or an All-NBA type talent. And for that reason, the Kings never make this deal.

  3. mateo

    can orlando just terminate otis smith for them to have a chance of retaining howard? i think he’s one reason why howard demands a trade.
    are the celtics done signing? if no, is nate robinson a candidate? who are posible candidates?

    • Lang Greene

      Terminate Otis Smith and hire who midseason? It’s not that simple. Might work in NBA 2K12, but the Howard situation goes much deeper.

      The Celtics need a difference maker on their bench right now. Is Nate Robinson a difference maker? My money says no. Plus the rumor is he’s headed to Golden State

  4. Knicks1

    Worried about the Knicks, Zero ball movement when Melo and Stat is in the game together. Is it possible to have those two play together with there teams

    • Lang Greene

      No surprise the lack of a true floor general is hurting the Knicks right now. And when I say floor general I’m not suggesting the Knicks need an elite level point guard. They don’t. The team just needs a veteran guy who can hit guys in their spots, create easy offense and have the mental strength to “look off” Melo and/or Amar’e if it better serves the team for someone else to receive the rock.

      A guy like Baron Davis, based on his production with Cleveland toward the end of last season, could be that guy … but risky to bank all of your hopes on him right now.

  5. Jimmy

    LG it seems like the whole world has written off the Celtics for being too old. But Ray doesnt age, Pierce has never relied on speed or power to do what he does, the only one who is declining slowly is KG and he is still productive especially defensivley. Whats your take on them? I think the heat would much rather face the Bulls than a healthy Celtic team.

    • Lang Greene

      I may be in the minority, but I haven’t written the Celtics off from the realm of legitimate title contenders. The problem surrounding the Celtics honestly is their bench depth. Losing Jeff Green was a huge blow to the team. It puts Brandon Bass (who has been fitting in well) in more of an expanded role than the team likely anticipated. Relying on Jermaine O’Neal to give you big minutes at center at this phase of his career is a huge gamble. Remember, the team has lost Green, Nate Robinson, Shaq and Nenad Krstic from their depth chart over the past year.

      The Celtics are still going to be a tough out for anyone in the playoffs. It is going to be tough to put this veteran squad in the trunk in a seven game series – barring injury.

  6. Chad

    Seems like the Pacers are still missing a piece or two. It would have been nice to land J Crawford. In your opinion, what do they need to do? Make a trade? Wait until next summer to add more pieces?

    • Lang Greene

      Jamal would have been a solid edition for sure, but the team is off to a 4-1 start so it’s not like they’re struggling by any means. Sometimes you just have to take your hand off the transaction button and let a team gel together. Both Danny Granger and David West have struggled from the field to start the season. No way those trends continue long term. Trust me on that. Things are looking up in Indiana. Larry Bird for executive of the year?

  7. ejhay

    do you see any big guy like demarcus cousin fall in miami? because i think they really need a guy who wants to get rebound and crushes the board….. the second question is that can miami get steve nash in the next free agency?

    • Lang Greene

      Let me fill you in on something. Younger guys don’t leave large sums of money on the table to pursue championships. It sounds good in theory but is hardly ever a reality. Plus with the restricted free agency system and the current team able to match offers it becomes downright impossible anyway — especially for strong talents like Cousins. So … no dice.

      Don’t see Steve Nash ever signing in Miami. I could see him returning to Dallas with his friend Dirk if the Mavericks can secure a talent like Dwight Howard.

  8. Brandon

    Do think there’s a possibility that the Sixers try to make a move for Cousins? What could that deal possibly look like?

    • Lang Greene

      From what I hear teams were burning up the Sacramento Kings’ phone lines inquiring about DeMarcus Cousins, but the organization has no intention on trading the big guy. None at all.

  9. B-Man

    what type of center do you feel is more ideal for the hawks? would you go with taller, slimmer, but longer center like biedrins? or do you feel they would be better a non seven footer but has the proper built of a center like okafor? or do you stay put given the start they have with the season and how marvin williams is playing right now as the starting small forward?

    • Lang Greene

      I get asked this all of the time. The Hawks don’t need a Andrew Bynum, Andrew Bogut, Roy Hibbert or Marc Gasol type of center on their roster. Of course those type of guys would be nice, but at the end of the day Atlanta just needs a serviceable guy who would be able to play close to 30 minutes a night at center and allow Al Horford to move to power forward.

      Honestly, if Emeka Okafor wasn’t owed so much on his current deal he’d be the perfect fit. Another guy who would work given Atlanta’s perimeter oriented style of play is Spencer Hawes.

      Doesn’t surprise me at all my man Marvin is balling this season. He isn’t an All-Star caliber talent, but he puts in his work year in and year out. The only reason the guy catches flack is because the Hawks selected him before Chris Paul in 2005. You can’t control where you’re drafted.

  10. B-Man

    do you see minny overpaying to get spencer hawes in the off-season as an unrestricted free agent? he seems like an adelman type player who can pass and has good vision of the court and the motion of the offense.

    • Lang Greene

      Teams routinely overpay for centers in this era. Answer this … is Samuel Dalembert a $9 million a year player if he plays any other position but center? Back to your question, if Spencer Hawes continues playing like he is right now he’s going to generate a boatload of interest around the league.

  11. B-Man

    if you were phoenix, would you accept a deal of michael beasley for jared dudley? knowing you already have on the books for several years Frye, Childress, Warrick, and Morris still in his rookie deal?

    • Lang Greene

      Easiest question I’ll get all night … of course you make the deal. But absolutely no way this EVER happens.

  12. Sump

    There’s 2 coaches right now that really should be worried about their job security, Vinny Del Negro and Mike D’Antoni. Teams with multiple stars but a coach who just can’t get the job done and the other who refuses to instil defense. How long until they are fired and we can see some winning basketball.

    • Lang Greene

      Don’t hold your breath on Vinnie getting the chop this season. The Clippers haven’t looked that bad considering there are plenty of new pieces on the roster, no training camp and an early season injury to Chauncey Billups.

      However, I do think Mike D’Antoni is feeling a little heat in New York. The Big Apple is a notoriously hard place to coach (or play) when a team is winning, let alone struggling. That is fact, no opinion needed. New York media outlets are a brutal bunch.

      But here’s what’s saving Mike for right now. Amar’e has been hurt. That’s a 20 point per game hit. Iman Shumpert went down and he’s expected to play solid minutes in the team’s backcourt rotation this season. The team waived Billups to sign Tyson Chandler so everyone knew leadership would be lost at the point guard position.

      D’Antoni may indeed get the chop after the season, but I’m at least hoping the guy goes down, if he does down, with a full hand (injury free, Baron Davis hopping at PG).

  13. RJJR

    Who say no D. Howard & Turkoglu to the Hawks for Joe Johnson & Horford

    • Lang Greene

      The Magic have no interest in this deal, likely driven by Joe’s contract as he passes his prime.

  14. Casey

    As a Blazer fan, I’m really optimistic about our chances of finally getting out of the first round, and possibly the second with OKC being the only team that really worries me. However, Without a young big to play long minutes and be able to do the job on D and score easy buckets close to the rim,(Greg Oden=?) I can’t see us actually contending for a title. Is there a trade we could make to get us a guy like that without gutting the talent we’ve amassed so far? Gerald Wallace for Cousins? Ideas?

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Casey? The Blazers will be fun to watch this season, but like you said they’re missing a few pieces to really be considered title contenders.

      Let’s see … a young big man … how about a guy like Jason Thompson in Sacramento. Very productive when given minutes. Can play both PF and center.

  15. Marvelous Marv

    Why do people have D’Antoni losing his job? He had a crappy team the first few years; then last year just as he starts winning the trade gives him a brand new team (love Melo). This year again, he has a new team with no training camp or preseason to boot.

    Dolan needs to make a statement and give him a two year extension now just for that alone. His offense is exciting and fun to watch and now he’s adding some defense to the equation. Next year when has a training camp, a point guard (and a bench) it’s going to be rocking at MSG. Thoughts? Also, how bad is the NYK second unit? Please take M Bibby back!!!

    • Lang Greene

      I’m with you. The shortened training camp, lack of full preseason and roster turnover could be excuses for D’Antoni if he falters this season … but honestly, all other teams have had to endure the same obstacles.

      With Carmelo and Amar’e on the roster the expectations are going to remain sky high … and rightfully so …

  16. Matthew

    Guess who’s back back again sup Lang my man? Been a long time so with my rockets having alot of trade bait do u seem them making a move for a big name ? I like the scrappy team we have now and Kyle lowry will be an all star this year

    • Lang Greene

      What’s good Matt? What you got a new job or something? New girlfriend? Man, show your boy some love and check me weekly! Lol …

      Kyle Lowry … All-Star? I tell you what, if the guy can continue averaging 12 assists per game he’s going to get some love for a spot. I think Westbrook, CP3, Ty Lawson and Steve Nash would get nods over him right now though.

  17. Dennis

    The Toronto Raptors have started Jose Calderon over Jarred Bayless so far this season to showcase Jose before the trade deadline. Calderon has done exactly that averaging 12 points and 10 assists over the first five games. Think a team will take on that salary (2 years / 20 million) to acquire a low turnover point guard for a playoff push?

    • Lang Greene

      I agree with you in analysis that Toronto may be involved in a little showcasing … but at $10 million per season that deal isn’t attractive at all. I don’t think any of the contenders will bite for Calderon.

  18. Mac

    Which Minnesota Timberwolves rookie is the more promising prospect: Ricky Rubio or Derrick Williams?

    • Lang Greene

      IF Ricard Rubio is indeed the real deal … then I’m always going to go with the point guard over the small forward.

  19. Charlie

    David Khan was the brunt of a ton of jokes from fans and writers alike over the past few years. “How many point guards is he going to draft this year?” I know its only 5 games in, but is the play of Ricky Rubio silencing the sideline chirpers? Does his play ensure Khan keeps his job this year and possibly next?

    • Lang Greene

      Kahn has done a pretty good job actually. One of the most underrated things he’s done in my opinion was the Darko Milicic signing. You see most laughed at that initially, but he’s paying Darko what $4-5 million per year.

      Look at his production and compare it to what this year’s center crop took home in free agency … Kwame Brown ($7.5 million) and Samuel Dalembert ($8 million). Doesn’t look so bad now does it?

      On to Rubio, you guys know I’m not going to anoint anyone after 5 games, but the kid is showing tremendous poise down the stretch of games. Got to give the kid some credit and love there.

  20. Will Sevidal

    My main man Lang! I know it’s still early in the season, but am I crazy to think the Hawks are the third best team in the East?

    • Lang Greene

      Big Will! What’s good playboy? I tell people all the time … the Hawks can beat ANY team in the league on any given night and I’m excluding no one this statement. Where it gets dicey for Atlanta is beating an elite team in a seven game series. That’s what separates the good teams from the upper class squads. With me?

      I truly believe the Hawks can lock down a top five seed in the Eastern Conference. Not sold on top 3 though. Most experts picked them to be 7 or 8 this season. One ESPN analyst picked them to miss the playoffs entirely — which was insane.

  21. keeweekid

    Manu out for 5-6 weeks. Shortened season, where did you initially see the Spurs coming in seed wise for the playoffs and where do you see them now with Manu out for a month+?

    • Lang Greene

      Spurs are in trouble if this lingers long term. I worte a column about it today … check it out HERE

  22. keeweekid

    Any word on New Orleans ownership? Someone in the wings ready to go and there just waiting to make it official or do they got nothing?

    • Lang Greene

      There are rumors circulating that there are serious candidates, but nothing firm has been announced as of yet.

  23. druhouse

    How much effect do you think Lawrence Frank (as well as a little positional balance) can have on the Pistons?

    Its been a small sample, but these Pistons seem to have a motor.

    Are they just catching some good teams by surprise? Over/Under: 30 wins

    • Lang Greene

      I think new coaches can have a significant impact on a team’s fortunes. Look at the 76ers from last year. Every guy I talked to in that locker room last season felt re-energized by Doug Collins’ positive approach. Elton Brand played well, Spencer Hawes is playing great now and Jrue Holiday continues to develop.

      I don’t see the Pistons being in the hunt for the playoffs, so I go under 30 games. But things may be turning around in Motown …

  24. Steve

    Hello Lang, two questions about all of the Dwight Howard-to-Atlanta buzz in Atlanta. I can’t see Orlando wanting any part of Joe Johnson’s contract as part of any realistic deal. Can you? Also, trading major pieces (Josh, Al Horford) for a DH12 rental, and no assurances for next year, strikes me as beyond insane. Agree?

    • Lang Greene

      If we were talking about the 2008 Joe Johnson I don’t think Orlando would laugh off the deal as much. But as it stands now Joe is owed a boatload of money toward the end of his deal and when that kicks in his franchise player days will likely be over.

      I just don’t see Dwight Howard wearing a Hawks uniform, but I definitely think Hawks management reached out to test interest in one of their packages.

  25. Adam K

    Any chance the Knicks can upgrade the bench? I like TD but he’s clearly a SG in a PGs body. Is there a way to move him for a Jarred Dudley type player or someone similar? Or should us Knick fans just be patient until the injuries are cleared up?

    • Lang Greene

      Adam … it’s all about patience. Baron Davis could be the guy to solve the your Knicks’ woes at point guard. While I wasn’t a fan of the signing, you must remember BD didn’t embarrass himself down the stretch in Cleveland last season (around 14 points and 6 assists per). He can still play IF in shape and IF healthy. For the money though it is a low risk signing, which can pay a very high reward.

  26. matt

    Will Houston make a run at Cousins. They have assets that SAK might find interesting and Houston would like DC’s injection of talent.

    • Lang Greene

      I mean the Rockets have been trying EVERYTHING to get a top tier center on the roster once it became apparent Yao was done. But Sacramento has no intention of trading DC at this point. None at all from what I’m hearing.

  27. nilbog

    What in the world is wrong with dorell Wright? He was a 3 point machine last year but this year he NEVER scores. What’s the problem?

    • Lang Greene

      Three things: New head coach, new offensive system to adapt to and new role within the team’s framework. It’s not uncommon for role guys to suffer through early season slumps when faced with those issues. The lack of a training camp, due to the lockout, really hurt a guy like Wright here.

  28. Steve

    What’s up with my Lakers anything on a trade or signing rumor

  29. moe

    hey lang…do you think the Raps should offer Valanciunas to the Kings for Cousins and a 1st…I think him and Bargs would be a great inside out combo

    • Lang Greene

      Lots of love for DeMarcus Cousins tonight, but he isn’t going anywhere at the moment.

  30. gene

    Will Gil Arenas play hoops this season ?

    • Lang Greene

      I don’t see it … won’t say it’s impossible though. All it takes is a major injury on a contending team and he just might get a call.

  31. Kevin in Tokyo

    Why is everyone putting the onus on Rondo to score? That isn’t his job. He is up in almost every statistical category so far this year. His percentages are up across the board, especially in FT%, FG%, and 3PT%. He has proven in the past and even already this season that he can put up 30+ points, but why should he when he’s got Ray Allen and The Truth, two HOF-level scorers?

    • Lang Greene

      I agree with you to an extent. Rondo’s game isn’t about being a prolific scorer. He’s more of a disruptive force who creates offense opportunities from his defensive tenacity, speed and athleticism. But with Boston’s weakened bench depth this season he’s going to be asked to put up a FEW more points this season to compensate. I think that’s fair.

      Expecting him to become a 20 point per game performer isn’t …