NBA Chat With Lang Greene 2/6/13

keith

What do you think the Rockets and GSW will do before the deadline? Any players you think will fit their system?

Lang Greene

What’s up Hoop Freaks? The trade rumor mill is flowing stronger than ever. Don’t believe everything you hear in the media and don’t believe all the politically correct talk from the players and organizations either. Everyone has an agenda … and with human nature, you know everyone will act in their best interest. Let’s get to it.

The Rockets are looking for a power forward to put around their core group but aren’t likely to pull off a major blockbuster at the deadline. If the Rockets do make a splash it will be in the land of free agency where guys like Josh Smith, Carl Landry and David West will be available.

The Golden State Warriors have all but ruled out making a deal. Things change but I can’t see them messing around with that chemistry … that is such a tight knit group/

bay area fan!!

HI lange!! if curry and bogut can stays healthy.. what seed do you think the warriors will take into the playoffs?? ?personally id want them to see the clippers, utah, or houston bc wev’e been able to match up and beat those teams …we have trouble with denver and memphis!!

Lang Greene

At the high end the Warriors can get a four seed. With the way the Clippers are falling apart (injuries) maybe a three. No higher than that. If the Warriors get home court advantage in the first round I’m going with them … I don’t see a team 5-8 beating them at Oracle.

LA in LA

I don’t know how interested PHX is in Jsmoove, but if they’re serious could a trade based around Gortat and a first rnd pick or too for Jsmoove work? Horford gets the good center he wants, and Ferry frees up some more cap space to possibly go after a free agent (I’d go after Iggy).
Thoughts?

Lang Greene

From what I understand there is interest from Phoenix in Josh Smith. Exploratory interest. I mean, who wouldn’t want to add a potential All-Star entering his prime years. I think the move would really work for Atlanta, but not sure if Phoenix would get substantially better by adding Smoove all by his lonesome.

Deven

In the end Lang, does Boston pull the trigger by trading either KG or Pierce?

Lang Greene

My gut is telling me they don’t move either. KG has a no trade clause which makes moving him extremely difficult.

Deven

With Rudy Gay to the Raptors, which team makes the next biggest move?

Lang Greene

Keep an eye on Atlanta. Lots of expiring contracts there. Keep an eye on the Dallas Mavericks. You think Mark Cuban is going to sit around idle while the Mavs miss out on a playoff run? I think they are open for business from everything I hear.

Steve

I read your article about Kyle Lowry and I do agree that Raptors will keep him long term. But a name that’s been mentioned a lot is Andrea Bargnani, do you think he has value in a trade where Toronto could ship him out to? Which players are they eying?

Lang Greene

The Raptors want to move Andrea Bargnani, that is a fact. The problem is, the guy struggled earlier this season and then went out with the elbow injury. If Toronto moves him now they’ll get pennies on the dollar when they want at least some value in return. My thought would be to hold on to him a little bit. See if he can adjust to being a third guy. If he excels without the pressure they’ll be able to move him this summer.

Chris

Hi Lang. True or false. Tom Thibodeau and Joakim Noah are the front runners for Coach of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year?

Lang Greene

You can make an argument for this. Without a doubt. But my money is on Mark Jackson for coach of the year. Many doubted whether MJ could coach without paying dues as an assistant, but he has the Warriors rocking.

Colin

I’m sure you get a thousand ‘Trade Proposals’ a week at this time of year, many of which make no sense, so I hope I’m not another of those.
What do you think of;
Phoenix – Josh Smith
Atlanta – Gortat, Henderson, Pho 1st rd
Charlotte – Atl 1st rd
Seems to help everyone.

Lang Greene

I can get with this, but Charlotte needs players … not picks. Atlanta pick would likely be in the late teens or 20s … so for that value why give up Gerald Henderson?

Prismelk

Please name all the NBA superstars of today. Thanks!

Lang Greene

These type of questions usually get the comment section fired up. This is off the top of my head.

CP3, LeBron, Kobe, D-Wade, D12, Durant, D-Rose, Westbrook, Dirk, Melo and the old guys – Duncan, Pierce, KG.

The up and comers are Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Steph Curry.

Guys like Kevin Love, Tony Parker, Chris Bosh, Deron Williams and LaMarcus Aldridge, for example, are All-Stars but not strap a franchise to your back superstars

Landry Mountains

How come Heat are immune to playing against teams which have a strong center? Is that a testament to Chris Bosh or their game is tailored in such a way. I would have my bigs go full throtle aginst CB early in the game to get him to foul out but seams not many teams can do that, now what is the reason behind it?

Lang Greene

Simple. The elite big men of today aren’t on the same elite level as the big men 15-20 years ago. When Patrick Ewing, Hakeem, Shaq, David Robinson … heck even Rik SMits were roaming the paint you couldn’t get away with Chris Bosh at center. But the game has changed and Bosh’s skills and athleticism gives today’s “elite” big men all sorts of trouble.

He wouldn’t be able to get away with that with say Hakeem … the dream played PF a lot during the early part of his career. Shows you how versatile he was in his day.

LA in LA

I think you’ll dislike this but I’ll ask anyway: do you think Dwight’s afraid of pressure to a degree? At least fan/media pressure?
Early this summer he insisted he wanted to go to Brooklyn where he could start a legacy with Deron Williams and the fans would appreciate a ring, not ask how many he’d bring. All summer “sources” said he was afraid of the pressure of winning multiple titles in LA. You and others say he’s shown minimum interest in coming back home, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s afraid of failing a town full of people he knows.

Lang Greene

Howard wanted no parts of Atlanta in recent years because he didn’t feel the organization was truly committed to winning at a high level. I’m talking championships, not playoff appearances here. There’s a difference. Now, I’m not sure if his view has changed with Danny Ferry calling the shots in Atlanta. Can’t speculate on that.

I don’t think Dwight is scared of pressure. I think he wanted a big city but didn’t fully comprehend the day-to-day scrutiny guys like Carmelo and Kobe go through playing in NY and LA.

Jim in CyberSpace

Hey Lang…all time in-game “Trash Talk” team…One through Five. Gary Payton, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett, Moses Malone. What ya think?

Lang Greene

I like your list. Wouldn’t change anything at first glance. Solid.

Sammy V

What do you think about this. Garnett+Courtney Lee for Splitter,Jackson, danny green and patty mills. Spurs go all out for a championship and Boston gets to rebuild.

Lang Greene

I wouldn’t do this deal if I was Boston. A team like Denver, although KG has no desire to play there, has the right assets Boston needs to rebuild. They have three seven footers, plenty of young talent on rookie scale deals and an expiring contract who is a solid defensive presence (Corey Brewer).

d12 and smooth

i am really getting disappointed with smooth. he seems so out of it lately…especially the 2nd half of the bulls game. What can we get for him? is there anything out there yet?

Lang Greene

Trying to evaluate Smoove’s value is one of the hardest things to do. I don’t think he’s good enough to be your A-list guy, but I wouldn’t trade him for most number twos in the league because of his potential. He is a hard guy to put a value on.

Alex in Burbank

Lang, are the Lakers teasing us fans? Should we believe or is it too soon? And now we may lose Pau for some time. Or is this just not our year at all?

Lang Greene

I do think the Lakers can sneak into the playoffs this season . But if you’re thinking championship Alex, that train derailed over a month ago.

Eric123

Hello! Would you know why maggette is having a hard time cracking the rotation in detroit despite t.prince’ departure? Thanks!

Lang Greene

Detroit is going with a youth movement. Younger guys are getting the rotation minutes. Maggette’s body has also broken down in recent years. Little known fact is Maggette is a solid mentor and locker room guy. He really identifies with younger players and helps their transition into the league. Not a bad guy to have around your organization.

Steve in Stumptown

Hi Lang,
Great chats here on HOOPSWORLD.
I’m excited to see what trades get done this month.
If you look around the League, where is the best fit in style of play, need, and tradeable assets for Josh Smith to land?

Also, does it feel like the new CBA has created too much upheavel, uncertainty, and discontent with the shorter contracts etc.??

Lang Greene

The new CBA is performing just how the owners wanted things to go. That’s all I’ll say about that.

If I was the Hawks, I would want Denver or Houston inquiring about Josh Smith. Those teams have a lot of different assets to offer. More so Denver like I stated earlier.

Matty D

Lang my man,

A few questions
Who is the biggest name likely to be moved at the trade deadline you think? Also what are your thoughts on the Rudy Gay trade and what moves do the Raps need to make to be a legit team?

Thanks!

Lang Greene

There are rumblings emerging about Al Jefferson being on the block. When I talked to him earlier this season he said he wasn’t concerned in the least about trade rumors. Utah, in my opinion, gave him a little assurance based on how confident he was talking – who knows.

I like the deal for Toronto. They got a guy with All-Star potential who had slipped to the No. 3 guy in Memphis. But even as a No. 3 guy he was still close to 20 per night and putting up decent numbers. Basically, Toronto traded for a guy that most likely wouldn’t have gave them a look in free agency.

Kelp Juice

Everybody is writing the Celtics off. My question is: why? The way the Celtics have been playing since Rondo got hurt proves my point that the Celtics can win without Rondo. They beat miami, then beat the Kings and Pistons, and then they beat the Clippers. Everybody says that the Clippers game didn’t count as a real win because Chris Paul was hurt, but everybody forgot that Rondo and Sully are out too. Chris Paul is just as good as Rondo, so if you think about it, the Celtics still should have lost, but they didn’t. The ball movement that the Celtics have exhibited is amazing, and they still should be a favorite in the east. Remember, last year they didn’t have Avery Bradley, Jeff Green, most of their current bench, and with an injured Pierce and Ray Allen, they took Miami to 7 games. This team is resilient, and they WILL find away to win.

Lang Greene

I see your point. I think the Celtics can win enough to get into the postseason. But when playoff time starts … the cream rises to the top. Guys aren’t resting or sitting out. The game becomes tighter. The benches get shorter. So instead of 34 minutes of LeBron you get 44 minutes of LeBron. There’s a difference my friend and that’s the reason why I believe the Celtics are what I call first round toast in the postseason.

Reggie

What should the Hawks do in the off season if they are unable to land Dwight Howard? What is a realistic option for them?

Lang Greene

Reggie – depending on price tag, I call a guy like Al Jefferson if we lost Josh Smith. Big Al allows Al Horford to slide to power forward and form a solid inside-out combo. Also allows Horford to become the lead dog. I think he can be a 20/10. He’s putting up 16/10 basically out there in his sleep.

Mr. Ballistik

Who would you target with the nearly $30m in cap space (amnesty > Villanueva) the Pistons could have this Summer?

Lang Greene

Look at a guy like JJ Redick to help extend the floor for those big men you’ve invested in – Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond. Sooner or later Detroit is going to have to get some long range shooting help to aid those guys’ development on the interior.

Alex

Is Dion Waiters the next Dwyane Wade or J.R Smith? I really like his potential.

Lang Greene

I don’t see D-Wade when I look at Dion, but I think he’s more heady than JR Smith. I’m thinking in the Wesley Matthews realm. A little better than that.

Ricky

I hope you can settle a debate between a few friends at work. Hypothetically – if Rudy Gay were to kill it in Toronto – leading them to the playoffs, high scoring average , etc. Would his jersey be a high seller?? One argument would be yes – as Toronto Raptor apparel actually has pretty good sales in Canada (Vince Carter was top #5 jersey seller for many years). The opposing argument (although initially sounds childish) says no – as the name on the back of the jersey would simply read “Gay.” Being honest, do you think Rudy’s last name negatively impacts jersey sales (did it in Memphis?) Or are we playing childish games and people are above any stigma associated with that word and it wouldn’t negatively impact jersey sales. Your thoughts.

Lang Greene

I would like to think as a species we are above trivial things like this … but every now and then I am reminded just how far we must come as humans. I don’t have an answer for you. I don’t personally where jerseys … but if he’s killing it like you say above then I think fans will pay for the merchandise.

Randy

The Memphis Grizzlies coach came out and criticized the fact he has no center to put in the line-up when Marc Gasol gets in foul trouble (as Mo Speights and Ed Davis are not 5′s). This is why it is interesting the Grizz included Hamed Haddidi in the Rudy Gay trade. Toronto has no use for him, and will most likely not play for the rest of the season. Was Hamed the only contract they could add to the trade to make the salaries match? Didn’t management figure out they had no back-up center?? Or is this franchise only concerned about the almighty dollar and are not driven by basketball decisions. Your thoughts.

Lang Greene

Keep an eye on the Lionel Hollins situation out there in Memphis … things are going to get interesting.

David from Portland

Lang, my man. Thanks for the chat again!

I want my Blazers to get Pekovic but his rumored $12 mil a year might be tough to swallow. What do you think a plan B consisting of getting (1 out of the pair) Dalembert/Zaza, Devin Harris/D.J. Augustin, and resigning JJ Hickson and rolling with Meyers Leonard as our future center

Lang Greene

Portland proved last year that they are willing to pay for a center. They offered a MAX deal to Roy Hibbert. Man, I can see them offering $12 million to Pek.

Jon

Do you see Shawn Marion or Vince Carter being moved? What teams would benefit from a solid vet over the next couple years?

Lang Greene

Actually, I don’t. Marion is a Carlisle favorite and the Mavericks like Vince. I think they’ll look to move other parts to surround Dirk.

Pat

Long suffering Sixers fan here, tell me something good about Bynum? Do you see him playing this year? Where do you see him signing this offseason & what type of contract do you see him getting? Can the Sixers afford to not offer him 6yrs/100 million? Is insurance available for a deal like this if Bynum can’t stay healthy?

Lang Greene

PAt, wish I could ease your fears but there are no guarantees with Bynum and those knees man. Best case, he’s able to extend himself like Amar’e did … worst case he sturggles like Brandon Roy and has to retire early.

LouPip

Hey there, honestly what is your opinion on the cavs young core going forward? Kyrie is a stud hands down and Thompson is turning into a double double machine. Even waiters has shown glimpses of greatness. Zeller has been doing OK, better lately but OK overall. I’m thinking were a piece or two away from a return to basketball prevalence. Thoughts?

Lang Greene

Agree. The Cavaliers need a solid small forward to complete the development. I like Alonzo Gee but they need someone more skilled on the wing around Kyrie. So if you can get a guy of Gee’s caliber coming off the bench as a sixth man … you’re in business. The better teams in the league usually have 1 or 2 guys capable of starting for most teams in the league coming off the bench.

Naptown Sethford

You have to make a choice between keeping Granger or David West. Who do you choose?

Lang Greene

David West. I do not trust the knees of Danny Granger going forward. Plus you have Paul George. The Pacers don’t have a PF ready to step into Mr. West’s shoes.

James

What could Detroit offer to land Monta Ellis? Would Stuckey be a good deal?

Lang Greene

Can’t buy those cupcakes without the icing. Milwaukee doesn’t even answer the phone here. Stuckey for Monta as the headline piece gets zero traction.

Marcello Robertson

As for the all trash talk team, i have to go with Shaq over moses.
The man dropped ridiculous numbers on you and told you and your team about it. Heck, you had to break the rules (hack a shaq) to stop him

Lang Greene

Won’t get an argument from me here. Shaq used to put that thing on you and then hit the media with the quotes too. But Moses was always working guys’ ear man … his talk game was strong.