NBA Chat With Lang Greene 2/1/12

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

  1. Kevin

    Lang! Been missing your chats man, don’t leave us out to dry like that! Anywho good to have you back.

    Put on your hypothetical GM hat and pretend you work for the Hornets. Kaman is going and they want a 1st rounder back, think they’ll get it?

    Also what you think about shipping out Gordon? I know he’s a world class SG but he has some serious injury probs and can’t stay healthy? What about sending him out to Wizards for J Crawford and their unprotected 2012 1st? It’ll be a good pick. Wiz get a experienced back court mate to team up with Wall for the next couple years. Hornets get another good pick in a LOADED draft which hopefully they can turn into building blocks for the future

    • Lang Greene

      Next up … Yo, I believe that’s me … time for LG to light up this chat for the HOOPSWORLD family … let’s get it … let’s go. It feels good to be back on my chat game brother. Honestly, a first-rounder AND young player for Kaman is a stretch … but the availability of All-Star capable centers floating around is extremely slim. I mean if Kwame Brown and Samuel Dalembert are demanding (and getting) $8 million per season then I don’t blame New Orleans for setting the price high for Kaman.

      I just don’t see anyone giving New Orleans both of those pieces they’re requesting , but you know what they say … set your prices high so you can have flexibility and then make the buyer think they got a deal when your lower it a little – haha.

  2. Kevin

    Your Hawks are really missing a centre piece, think Kaman could be the missing link? Don’t know what they would have to give up, thinking williams, 2012 1st and filler or J Smith. But line up of Teague, Johnson, Horford, Kaman could be interested next year provided they could resign him.

    • Lang Greene

      The Hornets wouldn’t want to add Marv’s remaining years to the deal. New Orleans is looking for financial freedom …

      Kaman is not worth Josh Smith … have you been watching the games this season? That’s crazy talk …

  3. Rockets Fan On Strike till Morey is Fired.

    Lang, Javale McGee to the T’wolves. Adelman and Rubio make him an allstar, McGee makes the T’wolves a playoff team. I keep hearing what they want is a vet at the 2 the way Bynum shoved the ball down theirs throats Sunday proves my point. They need an athletic big dominate the paint. That ain’t Love. McGee is cheap and the Wiz got to be looking to make a change.

    • Lang Greene

      The Wizards aren’t going to deal JaVale and my sources tell me the T’Wolves aren’t actively in the market for big man help. McGee has loads of potential but right now if I’m Minny I don’t introduce him to my emerging team.

  4. Kevin

    What’s up big dawg. Westbrook gets a bad rap because he always seem angry. Have you ever seen that dude smile? He looks angry even before the tip off.

    • Lang Greene

      I like the aggression actually. Take no prisoners. We can be friends after the game. Too much smiling and “happy to be here” attitudes in the game today. I don’t recall Jordan, Barkley, Malone, Hakeem, Bird or Isiah smiling much in their primes. Anyone who is giving him a bad rap because of this has an agenda … Shout to Russell …

  5. Focus

    I ask this question in all chats. Is there any team that wants Tyrus Thomas yet? And would MIL take him for Gooden?

    • Lang Greene

      Let me hit on this …

      The Bobcats are a BAD team this year at the start of a long rebuilding journey. Tyrus Thomas is owed $31 million (including this season) … and he barely is averaging 7.5 points per game. This when guys like Gerald Henderson, DJ Augustin, Corey Maggette and Reggie Williams have all missed time to injury. Now you tell me why a team would invest in TT right now at his price tag …

      TT is one of the game’s most freakish athletes, but a mediocre basketball player.

  6. Matthew

    lang to the mfin greene sup bro? You hate on my rockets all the time lol ur the gm of houston give me the moves you make and y? Also talk to your boy bill ingram hes a rocket fan and he never has anything good to say bout us. Until next week take care bro

    • Lang Greene

      Matt! My man …

      Not hating on your Rockets bro … they’re just in a rough space right now. If I were pulling the strings for Houston I would make a play for Kaman – provided he would sign w/ us long term. Pair him with Scola, Lowry and K-mart. I’d also give up the draft pick and maybe Chase B to make it happen. If I give up the draft pick … I try like hell to ship T-Will and keep Chase (Hornets wouldn’t accept that though).

  7. Robert

    Why do some players like Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter lose their skills but players like Kobe Bryant and Ray Allen maintain it?

    • Lang Greene

      Good question, but a complex one to answer. Before I get into “basketball related reasons” let me just say the human body just varies from person to person. It’s the reason some people suffer from arthritis in their 30s while some 75 year olds are able to compete in triathlons.

      Now onto basketball …

      T-Mac recently admitted to not practicing as hard as he could have during his absolute prime years. He said he relied on his superior athleticism to dominate guys when he was younger and said he wished he worked harder when he came into the league. When he got hit with the injuries to his legs … his game changed. The explosiveness was gone. Teams were able to play him differently without worrying about the first step.

      Guys like Ray Allen and Kobe Bryant were fortunate not to suffer the career threatening injury … but more than that … their maniacal desire to remain in peak physical conditioning should be applauded. You never and I mean never will have to worry about those guys’ stamina.

  8. Robert

    Thoughts on this trade?

    To Orlando: Andrew Bynum, Goran Dragic,Andrew Goudelock, L.A. 2012 1st Rounder, Dallas 2012 1st Rounder

    To Lakers: Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, Luis Scola, Hasheem Thabeet

    To Houston: Pau Gasol, Derrick Caracter

    • Lang Greene

      This is obviously from a Mavs fan. Might work in NBA 2k12 where you can get your David Stern on and manually override trades, but in real life … NOT going to happen.

      You guys have to come stronger than this when you’re talking about acquiring truly ELITE guys like Dwight Howard.

      Let me get this straight … the Dallas Mavericks only have to give up a first-round pick (likely to be in the late 20s by the way) and land the best center on the planet?

  9. Raf

    Hi Lang!

    Seems to be a few teams on the East who’ll have big salary cap space in the off-season, some rising young talent and a thirst for winning instead of tanking for lottery picks: Cleveland and the Raptors, in particular. Any noise about those clubs lining up big free agents for next season?

    • Lang Greene

      It’s clear the Cavaliers want to win now and earn a playoff berth – this season. From what I’m hearing it doesn’t seem like the lottery is a place the team wants to be …

      Toronto will always have trouble attracting and retaining marquee free agents. T-Mac bolted. Vince Carter bolted. Chris Bosh bolted. It’s not the organization, but it just seems marquee guys want to stay in the states as their first priority. The majority of Toronto getting better usually revolves around thei utilization of their respective draft picks and guys they acquire via trade. I think you’ll see the Andrea Bargnani as franchise player experiment run through 2013 and after that the club has serious choices to make.

  10. Cain

    Hey Lang, what do you think of the Pacers play this season? In particular Hibbert and George now and going forward?

    • Lang Greene

      Impressed with both guys. More importantly as younger players they’re learning how to win in their early 20s as opposed to having to adjust to a winning culture as a 10 year veteran.
      Plenty of NBA players, who have toiled on losing teams, have told me the same tale about picking up a laundry list of bad habits in a losing environment. The culture of accepting losing and brushing it off.

      Hibbert will be a perennial All-Star eventually. Not sure if Paul George reaches those heights, but the kid can play.

  11. jim

    teague is in the top 10 pg, jj is a top 5 sg, smooth is a top 15 pf, and we have a great bench. What do the hawks need to go over the top? i believe in 2 years this will be teagues team.

    • Lang Greene

      I’m a Hawks guy. Love those guys man … happy to see they’re playing well this season despite the adversity of losing Al Horford.

      But …

      Teague is not a top ten point guard right now. Proving he’s a legit NBA player, yes. No question Teague belongs on the big stage. Agree, Joe Johnson is a top 5 shooting guard without question. Josh Smith … top 15 PF … agree.

      I think the Hawks need a guy who can consistently score in the post. Much of what Atlanta does is predicated on the perimeter jumper that they need a low post presence. Someone who can attract a double team on the inside once in a while and free up shooters. Teams do not double team Josh or Al inside

      In two years it will still be Joe’s team. Possibly Al’s.

  12. Cain

    Is the injury to Kidd a blessing in disguise for the Mavs? They seem more dynamic with Beaubois at the point.

    • Lang Greene

      The thing about injuries to veterans is that it forces head coaches to use younger players who would otherwise be getting splinters riding the pine.

      To be perfectly clear, Beaubois is not a better option than Jason Kidd, but what Kidd’s injury does is provide coach Carlisle a chance to build a level of faith in utilizing different lineups.

  13. obye

    Hi , does OKC need another forntcourt scoring big man !? – OKC has assets (young men and picks)

    • Lang Greene

      The money men for OKC are Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Book those guys for 20 shots a night apiece. Throw in another 10-12 shots for James Harden. Scoring isn’t the problem.

      So no, I don’t think adding another scoring big man is necessary. You add a guy like Glen Davis who wants to shoot frequently to that lineup and it just messes up the dynamic.

      Perkins and Ibaka are going to be a strong defensive force. I say let them continue building chemistry and policing the paint.

  14. jay

    My man Lang,whats going on..George Hill is out for the Pacers,this would realy expose our lack of depth in the 1 and 2 spot..do you see the Pacers make a trade??how about O.J Mayo??heard Memphis wants a first rounder for him..how about Jeff Pendergraph or Lou Amundson,A.J Price and Pacers 1st rounder for Mayo?a big a small and a draft,sounds enough??tnx brother..

    • Lang Greene

      Jay … no secret Indiana had interest in OJ Mayo. If you remember, the Pacers tried to acquire him at the trade deadline last season but the paperwork got in too late … as the story goes.

      It takes two to tangle and it seems like Memphis is just uncertain whether to deal Mayo or not.

      One thing is for sure … Mayo is playing well.

      There was a report not long ago saying the Pacers were interested in joining the Eric Gordon bonanza this summer (provided he hits free agency).

  15. Zac

    hey lang whats up with my blazers they seem to be stuck in mediocrody right now sort of like a slightly better version of the rockets is it time to blow things up and go big with a trade?

    • Lang Greene

      I think the Blazers are one piece away from being a true contender. Center is the position which sticks out to me. The guard tandem of Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford haven’t exactly set the world on fire but those guys are proven pros that will eventually round into form … and in Felton’s case … shape as well.

      They’re not under the same pressure as say the Lakers and HEAT are … so the sense of urgency isn’t there for Portland to make major moves.

  16. Leslie

    Hello Lang. Do you think the Knicks will be able to land JR Smith and Kenyon Martin? Thanks

    • Lang Greene

      So much depends on when these guys get released from their deals in China. Hard to say right now.

  17. Mark

    Lang, the Hawks need one more big…..why are they so hesitant. I can’t see Martin coming. Right now, I would not trade Hinrich or Marvin, seriously. Are they waiting to catch someone off waiver like a Brad Miller????

    • Lang Greene

      Thought Brad Miller was still with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Even if he was available, he does absolutely nothing to help the Hawks get further in the playoffs. He has been done as a difference maker since 2008. Hawks would be better off playing Zaza, Twin and Ivan Johnson instead of introducing Brad into the mix.

      Shout to BM .. solid career though.

  18. j. Bizz

    Hey LG, not my style to ask fantasy related questions but I’m in need of an opinion. I have D. Rose and I am being offered any 3 of the following R. Anderson, C. Butler, R. Rubio and N. Young. Would you do this deal? Who of the 3 would you take? 3 for 1 sounds like a winner to me but I am hesitant as this will give the other team the combination of Wade & Rose? Your help would be much appreciated. Thanks bruh!

    • Lang Greene

      I am no longer an upper tier fantasy basketball player. I used to be, but I am now past my prime in that regard – capable of dominating a box score here and there … but also capable of being shutdown (think T-Mac). So warning you upfront about taking this advice.

      Although he’s tearing up the league, I wouldn’t touch Ryan Anderson. He’s doing his thing but the common denominator is Dwight Howard. There’s a legit chance Dwight Howard is gone within the next 45 days and if so, those wide open looks are DONE SON.

      So out of the four I’d go Rubio (assists), Butler (3PTs and some scoring) and Nick Young (scoring).

      But I don’t know you’re squad. If Butler and Young would be buried on your bench … why give up a fantasy force in D-Rose? Shoot Tommy Beer an e-mail tbeer-at-hoopsworld.com … he has the pulse of the fantasy street.

  19. j. Bizz

    LG Blake’s dunk was amazing as we all saw then nba.com talked about some of the best dunks of all time. There’s a dunk that no 1 talks about which was ridiculous but didn’t even make the top ten dunks of the year that year and that’s Kirk Snyder over Von Wafer. I’m sorry but that dunk was insane. Does it get no love cause Kirk is a nobody? Thoughts on Kirk’s dunk?

    • Lang Greene

      Snyder over Wafer was insane! But top ten ever? I can’t co-sign. In fact, there are just too many dunks over the history of the game to try and compile a top ten list. It would be almost impossible to satisfy everyone with it.

      But yes, I agree … name recognition does play a factor in the lifespan of a dunk to the public. It totally does.

  20. Kenny V

    will nelson play better after the concusion?jk.Do you think orlando was wrong giving up on Pietrus, Barns and Gortat who were besides D12 the only defensive oriented guys on the team?

    • Lang Greene

      What I’m seeing from Jameer, a former All-Star, is troubling. Hate to say it … but he doesn’t play better until Dwight leaves town. Either he’s hurt and not letting on … or this Dwight “wants more talent around him” stuff has got into his head.

      Very easy to play Tuesday afternoon point guard and question Orlando’s moves the past few years. Obviously, they didn’t pan out … but no one can question the fact the team went ALL IN trying to win a championship. Just didn’t work out.

  21. De'suan

    Hey man,

    What do u thing about Chris Kaman fitting in with Hawks? What can they give New Orlean for him?

    • Lang Greene

      I heard from a couple sources the Hornets want a young player AND a first round draft pick for Kaman. The price tag is just too much for the Hawks to take on … especially since he’s a free agent at season’s end.

  22. Papa Legba

    I hear everyone talking about players getting into game shape or condition. How long does it take to get in game shape and is it easier for a guard or for a forward/center?

    • Lang Greene

      After the All-Star break I expect all that “in-shape” talk to cease. The conversation will then turn toward rest and rejuvenation during a grueling 66 game schedule.
      I think it’s harder for big men to get into prime shape … BUT easier for them to mask it on the court.

      With me? Let me break it down … big men like Eddy Curry, Oliver Miller, Derrick Coleman, Rasheed Wallace (his last season) and Michael Sweetney all played with a little extra meat on their frames … but were all productive at some point regardless of it.

      When is the last time you’ve seen a completely out of shape point guard? Remember Khalid El-Amin from UCONN? … that kid was serious … but NBA guys couldn’t get over the fact he was a pudgy guard.

      So while big men have a tougher time getting in shape they’re able to hide it somewhat.

  23. Joe Shafer

    Glad to see you back! Best chat IMO!! Should the rocket’s be pursuing a veteran or draft picks to reload with? They are stuck in the middle as is.

    • Lang Greene

      Good to be back. Thanks for rolling with me man. I appreciate you. The Rockets are interested in Chris Kaman and certainly have the pieces to get it done. They also tried to get Pau Gasol before the season.

      Houston from what I’m seeing is definitely trying to leave Mediocrity Boulevard … but the houses in Elite Square just haven’t been made available yet.

  24. Niraj

    What player do you think of this generation sets the bar for everyone else that is up and coming?

    • Lang Greene

      LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul.

      Obviously, Kobe Bryant (Tim Duncan too) is in a class by himself in terms of “legacy” of active players

  25. Geoffrey

    Wuts up bro, thanks for always getting back at me on twitter, anyways do you think the Hawks will be looking to make moves, and what do they need in return? Also, I’m a kings fan and a trade I’ve thought of:Tyreke/JT/Salmons for Millsap/Harris/Alec Burks 1st rd pick, what ya think? Have a good day man

    • Lang Greene

      No problem brother. Anytime you got a question … hit me. I’m here for the Hoop Freaks!

      I don’t see the Hawks making moves since they’ve been playing so well without Al Horford. The team has been open to dealing Marvin Williams for the right price for some time … but I don’t see Rick Sund making a deal just to make a deal. Not the Hawks’ style.

      Sacramento says no … don’t see them giving up on Reke … not for Millsap …

  26. Tony

    Lang! I know you don’t have a crystal ball but pretend you do: where is Dwight going to end up? I am sick of waiting.

    • Lang Greene

      I’m so glad I don’t have to cover the daily beat of the Orlando Magic right now. I’m still thinking New Jersey once Brook Lopez returns to the lineup and gets back to posting 20 points per game.

  27. Dennis

    Hi Lang,

    In order to contend, should Indiana sign a back-up center and a 2 guard now that George Hill may be sidelined indefinitely and who are your choices?

    • Lang Greene

      Backup center options are slim. I say you might as well use Jeff Foster instead of trying to sign someone off the couch.

      Two guard is the next area for Indiana to address, but Paul George played it last season decently and Lance Stephenson is available. So is Dahntay Jones. I wouldn’t go into panic mode because of losing Hill .

  28. Beans from augusta

    R you surprised about the hawks play and at the trade deadline the hawks will look like what ?

    • Lang Greene

      Basically the same. I don’t see any moves … but that doesn’t mean something isn’t brewing under the surface. A lot of guys on the Hawks are playing great basketball (Josh Smith, Jeff Teague and Marvin Williams) so who knows … Rick Sund may strike something … but he isn’t enamored with making lateral trades.

  29. Reggie

    Hello, I appreciate you taking time to help us with our questions. As a woeful Bobcats fan I would like your ideas on what the Bobcats should do this season and who they should move/trade to help this total re build they are in. Any other musings on Bobcats ideas to improve and whether you are optimistic? Fans not in big markets don’t get any analysis so this is appreciated.

    • Lang Greene

      Reggie … you’re going to have to ride this out. Play Kemba Walker 35+ minutes and let him gain experience. Try to shop DJ for a pick. Try to get from under Boris Diaw and Diop’s massive contracts for financial freedom in the future.

      But everyone expected this from the Bobcats this season. There are no quick fixes. This is going to be a grueling 3 year process before things start turning around.

  30. Andrew

    What do you think? Are the clippers for real?

    • Lang Greene

      The Clippers aren’t title contenders yet. Sure, they’ll win a boat load of games this season, but I see them going home earlier than expected in the playoffs.

      As AeroSmith once said … sometimes you’ve got to lose to learn how to win.

      All great teams take their lumps before winning the big one (see Miami last season). Exception would be the 2008 Celtics.

  31. Saulo

    How far do you think Rubio and Love can take a team? Love has looked like he wants to be THE guy, and CAN be THE guy.. I’ve heard comparisons to Stockton and Malone, obviously I’m not gonna jump to that, but how far do you think they can go?

    • Lang Greene

      I’m not sold on Kevin Love being a guy to lead a team to 50+ wins year in and year out. I see him in a Pau Gasol type role. Pau took Memphis to the playoffs, but really excelled as a No. 2 guy behind Kobe.

      I slept on Rubio, but the kid is good. The kid can play.

      The Stockton and Malone talk is foolish right now but it’s going to be so so fun to watch these guys grow together.

  32. adrian

    About time you brought your chat back, would you trade gasol & bynum for amare and chandler???

    • Lang Greene

      Haha … had some things to handle brother. I was grinding though. Don’t just read the chats … bang the columns too!

      No way Lakers ever make this deal.

  33. Andrew

    Who is the next “can’t miss” guy hitting the draft (I.e. Blake, durant, rose, etc.)? I’m a laker fan and I’d like us not to trade that years number one pick for ram on sessions because we still have Kobe. Mahalo.

    • Lang Greene

      Anthony Davis seems like the most all around guy … but I need to see more of him before I anoint him the “next big thing”

      I really think Michael Gilchrist is the real deal. I love his physicality and he doesn’t shrink in big moments. You can see that already. He’s a player.

  34. geneticray

    what will houston give up to get kaman as long as it doesnt include scola, martin, lowry, and dalembart then rockets should do the trade

    • Lang Greene

      Last question of the night … good stuff … check me next week … and hit me on Twitter @LangGreene

      The Rockets have been trying to land a strong center for the longest. If Kaman is available and willing to commit long term to what the team is building and the price tag is just a mid first rounder and Chase Budinger …. man it’s time for them to pull the trigger … and I mean right now … POW POW

  35. mike in warren,ohio

    Hey lang first time I’ve checked in with you, who do u think in this upcoming draft is the best fit for the cavaliers? I love Perry Jones and think he’s gonna be dominate in the pros

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Mike? Hope you have enjoyed your ride with me so far tonight.

      I go center if I’m the Cavs. Definitely center … then flip Anderson Varejao for some cap relief and younger players.