NBA Chat With Lang Greene 2/15/12

1. Marvelous Marv

   LG,

   Can a NBA team open up a roster spot by sending a player on their current roster down to their D-league affilate?

   Oh by the way you are so wrong about J-Lin. You play ball. He’s that guy you play against and you can’t figure out for the life of you, how he’s kicking your butt — when in your head you think you’re better than him. You walk off the court game-after-game wondering “how is this guy bustin my butt.”

   • Lang Greene

     Called up the hoop freaks and I’m asking y’all … which park are y’all playing basketball? Get me on the court and I’m trouble … last week messed around dropped a triple-double … turn the music up, turn the lights down … I’m in my zone … I’m going in

     My man, the marvelous one. … the answer to the first question is no that’s isn’t possible.

     Secondly, I don’t believe I’m wrong on Jeremy Lin. He’s not an elite guy. He’s definitely not a top 10 point guard in the league right now. He’s also not going to be flirting with All-Star appearances on a perennial basis (unless fans vote him in). He’s just not that type of talent. He is, however, a very good player.

     I’m definitely not going to change my opinion because a guy rolls up numbers against a “defensive murderer’s row” like Derek Fisher, Ricky Rubio and Jose Calderon.

     Call me a homer but I think what Jeff Teague accomplished in games 1-5 against the Bulls (and league MVP D-Rose) during the second round of the playoffs last season was also impressive.

     But I get what you’re saying though and I like your analogy. Lol, I’ve been there … trust me. There was this kid who dropped 16-18 points on me back in middle school (I mean that’s a lot in middle school). He played for St. Gerald’s Catholic School in NJ. He wasn’t faster than me. He couldn’t shoot very well. But man, there was something subtle and quirky about that kid’s body rhythm on his dribble penetration that I couldn’t handle.

2. Brooks

   Sup Lang! Love your chats man. What do you think of this upcoming draft? The draft is my favorite thing to watch and I look forward to it all year. As a huge LAL fan, you think any top prospects could fall to one of the Lakers two first-rounders because it is so deep of a draft?

   • Lang Greene

     Thanks! Growing up when I was younger I used to record the draft each year on those old VHS tapes … I still have the ’92 draft class video handy.

     Sadly, the Lakers are just too good and it will impact their draft order. They’ll pick in the 20s as usal. I can see the team landing a Kendall Marshall (PG – UNC) type of talent … or maybe someone like the Jeff Taylor young man from Vandy. However, the top shelf guys will be long gone.

3. Jazzfan

   Do you think Ty Corbin is legitmate candidate for Coach Of The Year? considering he took over for Jerry Sloan unexpectdly in mid season last year then loses DWill almost immediatly after, then there’s the lockout and the shortened training camp with little time to implement his system, they get off to a horrible start with the blowout losses and then turns it around and has us in playoff contention and were doing better than most “experts” expected us to.

   • Lang Greene

     I’m sure you can make an argument for Coach Ty. He has surprised a lot of people as you mention. But at the end of the day if I had a vote … I’d give it to Doug Collins. The work he’s doing out there in Philadelphia with a young 76ers team should be receiving much more love on the daily …

4. John

   Hey Lang is there any possibility of lakers getting either Rondo Or Josh Smith with out trading Bynum Or gasol? maybe Draft Picks + tpe or a 3 way team deal?

   • Lang Greene

     Not a chance. To get talent you have to give up talent. That’s the beauty of taking calculated risks …

5. Jimmy

   Lang,
   Great trade proposal: Nelson, JJ,Duhon for Steven Jax, Livingston, Udrih. bucks get pg in case BJ leaves with a spot up SG. Orlando gets a pg whos a great shooter and some heart in SJAX.what do you think.

   • Lang Greene

     Bucks would be absolute fools to make this deal as things stand right now. Have you seen Jameer play basketball this season? My man reminds me of a lost puppy. I don’t think any team is lining up for him.

     Livingston has played very well in a backup role and Udrih is a very solid pro (and capable starter) to have around in case BJ gets injured or bolts.

     Even if BJ [Brandon Jennings] leaves, there’s no need to hit the panic button with Udrih and Livingston there … and even so, Jameer and Duhon are far from franchise saviors.

6. Hudsen

   If jr smith signs with the knicks he will get a starting spot with plenty of minutes and the green light to shoot the three. The knicks style of play allows him to excel. Where do you think he signs? And how soon will it happen considering he’ll be back in the US by wednesday.

   • Lang Greene

     If this was NBA 2K12 I’d break the bank and sign JR if I was playing with the Knicks. But in reality, the Knicks don’t need another mouth to feed offensively on their roster. Carmelo, Amar’e, Lin, BD (when healthy), Shumpert …. If the team is looking for help in the backcourt at shooting guard, a guy like Dahntay Jones would be idea if he were on the market.

     JR wants to showcase his talents man … he put it down in China and wants to prove he’s a premier talent. He’s third or fourth fiddle on the Knicks.

7. Tony

   When Kobe loses to Detroit and Boston in the finals or gets swept by Dallas the Jordan comparisons die. When he has a streak of scoring 40 plus points they return. Jordan is 6-0 on the biggest stage. That alone should bury the comparison forever regardless of what else Kobe accomplishes. Thoughts?

   • Lang Greene

     Man, you make an interesting point – a very strong one. Let me throw a boxing analogy at you … Muhammad Ali was never brutally KO’d in his prime by any of his peers. Yet I saw Mike Tyson get viciously KO’d by guys during his prime years. Therefore I’d never put Tyson above Ali in rankings while some people choose to do so.

     Kobe isn’t better than Jordan, but bro he’s clearly in the same household. You also can’t forget those old school Pistons squads humbled Jordan and routinely KO’d him in the playoffs too.

     As Aerosmith once famously belted … “Sometimes you have to lose to learn how to win” … it’s all about responding to the adversity you face my man and Kobe typically responds very well

8. Mateo

   After watching moneyball, is it good to suggest that nba should give award, in the level of mvp or most improve award, to players that are most at par to the level of their performance to the salaries they are getting? I think most nba players are overpaid. What’s your thought? And to add most overpaid player award?

   • Lang Greene

     Stop with the overpaid athlete laziness and following the herd theory.

     Do you realize how much money professional sports generate in society – even during down economic times? Do you know how much bread the Knicks have made off of Jeremy Lin’s six game explosion? How much the league has made during this same run? How much ESPN makes off of this stuff? I guarantee you Lin’s take is much smaller. I don’t buy into the overpaid hype … those guys are specialized workers in a growing industry.

9. Sweet Dee

   In a tweet, you said “do you find it odd (and backwards) media members are asking Carmelo how “HE” can fit in with Jeremy Lin?” Two questions: How do you think Melo will fit back in the offense now that Lin is running the show? And how do you think Anthony feels when asked these type of questions – proud of the success of his teammate or shocked fans are forgetting their max player.

   • Lang Greene

     I do think the media coverage was backwards. I mean you’re asking a multiple time All-Star and the team’s franchise player how is he going to adjust to an undrafted kid with 6 stellar games under his belt.

     Read that sentence again. It’s like the Goudelock kid in Los Angeles starring while Kobe is out and the media asking Kobe how HE is going to adjust to the youngster – ha!

     I don’t think Melo takes it personally. He’s just glad guys are stepping up on his team. He knows when it hits the fan, and it will, he’s the guy all New York fans will look to provide strength and leadership.

10. Keefe

    What’s your take on Jeremy Lin and Melo playing together? I was watching some tapes of Melo and AI playing together few years back and they worked out okay, do you think melo will benefit playing more off the ball?

    • Lang Greene

      I think Melo will be fine. This isn’t his first rodeo. I ultimately believe Lin’s success alleviates some of the pressure off of Melo and STAT … and most importantly gives them much needed help at the point.

11. Nashty

    Hey Lang, thoughts on whether Jeremy Lin will repay the faith to the New York Knicks and sign with them long term (provided he keeps up this level of play) for below the average market price considering how they’ve brought him up to stardom out of nowhere and based on the premise that some team may well throw a lot of cash at him? Cheers bro

    • Lang Greene

      Guys don’t take less cash bro … especially guys like Lin who was likely just one cut away from working a 9-to-5 like the rest of us. If the Knicks want to retain him, provided he keeps playing strong, then they’ll have to pony up the green my man. Cheers, brother.

12. BBaller

    What’s up Lang, I’m a Life long Spurs(35 years) and this is the first time i’ve asked a Q. Though been on the site for a year or two( you da best).I know Duncan made the ALL Star team last year mainly because Pops was coach and i have to agree maybe got there on past achievements. This year though if you base it on minutes played i think Sir Duncan deserves to be there. Was it a snub?Considering Dirk and Nash got selected!

    • Lang Greene

      I appreciate your kind words. I’m nowhere close to the best but man I’m working hard on my craft and taking it very serious. Little known fact about me is I grew up a huge Spurs fan. Huge.

      With that being said, I sadly and truly believe in my heart Tim Duncan’s All-Star days are rightly over. No snub. He’s an old man now – a 13 and 8 guy. He put in his work though. The Hall of Fame awaits. Legendary status. Respect to Timmy D, sometimes the game just passes you by … but his place in history is sealed.

13. jay

    My man Lang..if you’re the Pacers,would you do a Rajon Rondo for Darren Collison plus fillers and picks trade??Rondo is been on and off the trading talks..i think Indiana has the most to offer for Boston..and i think Rondo will make Indy much better..tnx brother,good stuff keep it up..

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks Jay … Rondo is one of those personalities that I wouldn’t touch unless I was sure he wanted to play for my franchise. Secondly, the Pacers are a team on the rise, why ruin that dynamic? Darren Collison is not a slouch. Would it be worth it? I don’t think so.

14. Reggie

    Hey Lang

    To me it seems like the one thing that this Hawks team lacks is another scorer that can take pressure off Joe Johnson. Josh Smith & Al Horford (when healthy) are very good players, but neither are really great scorers. Thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      Totally agree. But I think Horford can be a 20 point scorer right now, but the guy just isn’t aggressive enough offensively. Being too unselfish plus being armed with a coaching staff who doesn’t force him to be more assertive equals you having to submit your question above.

15. i am houston

    What it do Lang?Do you see the Rockets making any big moves at or before the trade deadline?Do the Rockets have any chance at a player like D-Howard or is the wholesale of the team for Gasol our only option?

    • Lang Greene

      The Rockets are open for business from everything I hear close to the organization. They just can’t find a willing dance partner to do business. I can’t see Dwight Howard going to Houston; mainly because it’s not on his preferred list (I don’t believe). Not sure why he wouldn’t consider Houston as a destination … Hakeem and Yao were able to flourish there and are very popular players to this day.

16. devonte

    say the knicks win tonight against the kings then they have the hornets next and if they win that, they would go on a 8 game winning streak, things are looking up in nyc is there a chance that we past teams like the celtics, pacers or the hawks in the eastern conference?

    • Lang Greene

      I don’t think so. A lot of ground to make up. Plus the Pacers, Celtics and Hawks are just flat out better teams.

17. Leslie

    Hello Lang.
    Where will JR Smith land? Thanks

    • Lang Greene

      According to his Twitter bio he lists New York, Los Angeles (Clippers, Lakers), Chicago, Orlando or Indiana as possibilities.

      Check it out http://twitter.com/therealjrsmith

      Maybe the T’Wolves emerge as another option because of their youth, playing time opportunity and struggles at two guard? I need to get with my T’Wolves peeps and see if that option is viable.

18. Jerry

    Nash & Gortat for Rondo & J.O. (maybe phx adds picks/filler??)

    Any chance the HEAT can acquire a center like Mcgee, Cousins or Birdman? Does Norris Cole have enough trade value around the league to get one of the first two I mentioned? (most likely in a 3 team trade since neither need a PG)

    • Lang Greene

      Jerry … I don’t see any of this happening. Too much value on Rondo in the first deal. Not sure a guy like McGee is what the HEAT need. McGee has never been in a winning environment and you want to throw him into the middle of a title chase in a shortened season?

      Norris Cole has impressed, but it’s highly unlikely a decent PG ever gets an emerging big man straight up in a deal.

19. Baywarrior

    Sup? Your the best writer herr pimpin keep it up! Who says no/Y Pau + 1st/2ND rd pick FOR ELLIS, D LEE?

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks for the kind words … we have a very strong team here. Golden State says no all day and I don’t believe it works within the salary guidelines of the CBA.

20. Baywarrior

    How about J Smith, M Williams, TMAC, for Pau and Ebanks what do you think? gives ATL size to pai with Horford next year and help for this year. Teague JJ PAU HORFORD NOT BAD START RIGHT?

    • Lang Greene

      Maybe a Josh Smith and Hinrich deal for Pau Gasol and Ebanks would work. But I don’t see Atlanta taking on that salary.

21. pinasfun

    Wassup lang.. aint it the year of the dragon… How about the year of d DragLin? I see him with a rondo skill set., they move the same, what do u think. And i feel for mellow. People bashing on him. Stephen a. Of espn said that before the linsanity he was the one telling coach D to play lin. He is a professional. And i believe 2 talented players can co exist tru time.whats ur take man?

    • Lang Greene

      Honestly, I need to see more of Jeremy before I go comparing him to established guys. I do think he’s here to stay though. Not sure why people think great players can’t co-exist … it’s totally media driven. because history is littered with title teams who have had extremely strong talent being able to unite as one.

22. Sun

    J.Calderon to Portland for Felton n 1st or 2nd pick
    Or Jose to pacers for tp n g.hill pacers r under cap

    • Lang Greene

      Can’t get down with either of these deals Sun. Calderon is just owed too much bread to absorb for what he brings to the table.

23. Charlie

    Rick Barry has the top 5 highest free throw percentage in NBA history. He did it by using the “grannystyle/underhanded” method. This success has always made me wonder why players such as Shaq or Dwight Howard didn’t use this technique. I can almost guarantee with some practice and repetition they would improve upon their current rate of”lucky to hit 60%.” Question: Do you think a big man with little touch will ever resort to the granny style or does self-respect trump a few percentage points?

    • Lang Greene

      Nope. In this day and age of Twitter, 24/7 coverage, social networking, blogs, etc … no guy at the professional level is gonig to go “granny” …. the name itself will scare guys away. I know 7 footers who don’t work on the “sky hook” because of the name itself.

      Just talking reality.

24. Deven

    Mr. Greene, other than the Dwight Saga, do you see any big name players being moved before the NBA trade deadline? If so, who are they and why.

    • Lang Greene

      Off the top of my head … besides Dwight Howard … I say Stephen Jackson in Milwaukee gets dealt. The relationship got off on the wrong foot and hasn’t gotten any better from what I hear.

25. dyrese

    jeremy lin has been a media frenzy worldwide the knicks and the nba itself is seeing alot of revenue off the kid he doesnt even a have contract for more than a 1mil should he be getting some type of bonus check from the league ?

    • Lang Greene

      Nah man. He’ll get his money as long as he keeps ballin and stays healthy. It all balances out.

26. KNICKS FAN

    what happens when davis returns the knicks will have a logjam at gaurd what players you think could get moved before the deadline?(not just guards)

    • Lang Greene

      The Knicks don’t have the luxury of being able to move guys in their backcourt. They would be best served rolling with the guys they have back there for depth as opposed to trying to wheel and deal at the deadline.

      Let Baron Davis return and backup Lin at point guard. Let Shumpert and Fields roll at the SG spot. Toney Douglas has fallen off but you keep him in case of injury. He has proven he can play meaningful minutes in the past. And he plays both PG and SG.

27. Mitch

    What is going on with the Kevin’s (Martin and McHale) in Houston? Is it enough to trade Martin?

    • Lang Greene

      The Rockets are open to trading K-Mart and Scola for the right deal. The playing time issue is getting publicity but in all honesty its a storyline we can write about almost every night all around the league. Sometimes guys don’t get the minutes they expect. Coaches roll with their hunches and makes decisions on the fly. NBA players are competitive and hate when their playing time fluctuate. Most will tell you that honestly ON record.

28. eddy

    Who says no?
    Hawks Give: Horford
    Nets Give: Lopez and James

    • Lang Greene

      Both teams. Both franchises think they’d be able to get more for those guys.

29. boomshakalacka

    How was vday for u man? Anyways hey man do u think a major trade like a 3 team trade would surprise us soon ? Not involving lakers mavs and the nets?

    • Lang Greene

      My money is on the yes side of your question. Just don’t have a feel on who the parties are just yet. I do think Houston is going to be active … very active.

30. Derek

    Can Lakers trade MWP for a bag of potatoes? How can he suck so much?

    • Lang Greene

      Metta World Peace’s play has fallen off a cliff dramatically but how can Lakers fans so quickly forget about his game 7 performance in 2010? Without that clutch 3 and some other players … no title and Boston is the team celabrating.

31. Dustin

    Will the Pacers pursue someone to shore up their shooting and defense or wait until offseason and just sit on the money? Also… Where do you think they will end up in East with recent 4 game slide and injuries to DG33, Hill, Foster?

    • Lang Greene

      Offseason. There have been reports surfacing of their interest in Eric Gordon but it will be extremely hard to get him from New Orleans. The Hornets can offer him the most money under the new CBA and you know what I say about young guys … they don’t leave money on the table.

      I still have Indiana as a 4-5 seed type of team. They surely have the talent level.

32. George

    Why havent the Lakers offered CLE a 1st round pick for Sessions yet?

    • Lang Greene

      Lakers’ draft pick in the 20s just doesn’t have the value you’re thinking it does. The Lakers are trying to remain financially flexible long term … and Sessions has more years left on his deal. Might throw off their future plans for roster improvement.

33. Steve

    Dwight wants svg to let him close out games…Kobe style. What do you think is going through Dwight’s mind?! & is this a sign he may stay with Orlando??

    • Lang Greene

      I don’t know what’s going on with Dwight and his thought process. If he truly wants to become a closer he’s going to have to get those free throw percentages under control. In the clutch he’s still a liability at times.

34. T-Wayne in the Nap

    Would the Pacers benefit by making a trade for Jose Calderon? Our offense seems to lack orchestration, and a pure shooting, high quality passing pg would likely do wonders for the team.

    • Lang Greene

      Not at all. I take a young (and relatively inexpensive) Darren Collison over Jose Calderon seven days a week ….

      Calderon is not the answer. Most of the struggles you speak of are likely due to the new faces in the lineup and the lack of practice time to get those guys truly comfortable.

35. CAS

    Lang, with the deadline around the corner, what do the Lakers do and who do they get?

    • Lang Greene

      Just my opinion … I think possibly bringing in Gilbert Arenas as reported … I don’t see much in the way of trades on the horizon.