NBA Chat With Lang Greene 2/8/12

1. Chosen One

   If the 76ers, Jazz, Pacers, or Nuggets won, who do you think would get the Finals MVP ?

   • Lang Greene

     Closing the show for HW tonight, rocking it live from Philips Arena. I’m ready for everything the Hoop Freaks have tonight … so bring it. Don’t let me enter my zone … I’m definitely in my zone …
     What’s good my man? Let’s see, all of those squads are extremely balanced. The 76ers are easy … give me Andre Iguodala. The Pacers go as far as the man in the middle Roy Hibbert takes them. Denver, give me Gallo. The Jazz are the toughest for me … probably Paul Millsap. Al Jefferson puts up better numbers, but I think Millsap is the key in their attack.

2. Mike

   Hey Lang,
   I have read the Pacers are very interested in signing Eric Gordon in the offseason. I think Eric Gordon is a great young player at an important position for the Pacers. However because of his cost and how injury prone he is, I think Ray Allen would be a better signing. He’d be cheaper and Ray is in incredible shape. He’s almost never injured and is still one of the league’s best 2 guards, the best shooter, and so clutch. The Pacers could sign him to a one year deal too. What do you think?

   • Lang Greene

     I have also heard chirping about Indiana’s interest in Eric Gordon. But remember even if EG hits the market he’ll likely do so as a restricted free agent with New Orleans having the right to match any offer. And once you factor that in, I just can’t see the Hornets not ponying up the dough AFTER trading CP3 for him.

     Indiana is strongly driven to only add high character guys to their lineup, so EG and Ray Allen certainly fit the bill and make sense.

     Here’s my view on Ray taking short money to play one more season. If he takes the minimum I’m more apt to believe it’s to re-up in Boston because of what he’s already built there. He already has a ring, so there’s no need for him to take short money just to chase a title in Indiana.

3. jullia

   if your d hornets and u have lets say the 1st pick overall and another pick at let say 10…who r u selecting and why?thanks..

   • Lang Greene

     First overall right now I’d go with the Anthony Davis kid at UK. I was talking to my man Jerel from Hoops Addict about this tonight here at the arena … I think the kid is either going to be really good … or another Anthony Randolph. I don’t see an in-between. I’m leaning heavily toward Davis coming into the league like a young Kevin Garnett. He’s not as good as KG … but his game is the truth. The truth.
     At the tenth pick, I’d look at a kid like Jeremy Lamb to back up Eric Gordon for a few seasons as sort of an apprenticeship.

     Both of these guys are underclassmen so they’d have to declare.

4. Kevin

   Isn’t it funny how everyone say LeBron is the greatest player on earth, but if they had to choose one player to take the last shot, everyone says Kobe? That’s funny to me.

   • Lang Greene

     I’m still not ready to anoint LeBron James as the best player in the game … yet.

     I guess I’m going to ride the Kobe Bryant train until the wheels fall off. Something about the class of 1996 will always be near and dear to the soul.

     But honestly I have no problem with people saying LeBron is the best in the game. I say he’s number two. His resume is stacked and he’s no fluke. Taking a mediocre Cavs team to the Finals at 22 years old cannot be discredited. Two MVPs … another final appearance last year. Dude is legit. Just needs the hardware.

     But I’ll throw you a curve. I say he’s the number 2 guy in the game … but I’d give the rock to his teammate D-Wade in the clutch to take the last shot if I had a choice.

5. Jonathan C

   Rajon Rondo + Brandon Bass for Pau Gasol & maybe a second round pick. Who says no?

   • Lang Greene

     You would hope the Celtics would say no to this. Avery Bradley is not ready for the light of the primetime.

6. kevin

   LG, The C’s seem to be turning things around, do you think they can make some noise in the playoffs? People forget that before Rondo’s injuries and poor form towards the end of the season, the Heat couldnt touch them in their first 3 meetings.

   • Lang Greene

     I tell everyone who will listen that Boston will be hell for any team in the playoffs this season. They’re like a dying star in the solar system … no doubt they go out with a HUGE bang. Quite simply with KG, Pierce, Rondo and Ray-Ray they’re going to be a very tough out for anyone.

     But here’s the deal, being a tough ‘out’ and winning playoff series are two separate things entirely. They can’t beat the HEAT or Bulls, let’s make that clear right now. Their experience may allow them to overwhelm a young team like Philadelphia. I think the Hawks and Pacers are too much for them at this point … but they’d push those teams 6 or 7 games.

7. keo

   Please tell me my celtics are not actually thinking of tradeing rondo for gasol…it doesn’t make sense…we should keep rondo and build around him….this would only favor L.A

   • Lang Greene

     Man, what I think we’re seeing is that Danny Ainge truly doesn’t believe Rondo is a legit franchise player. If he really thought Rondo is a guy he could build a title team around … all this trade stuff would be nonexistent … just my opinion.

8. Kevin

   Hi Lang,

   Everything I’ve read on the Hawks recent struggles seems to be the offensive system, which was happening at the end of last season too. Is Larry Drew just drawing those types of plays up? Or is it an issue with execution? Or have the players just stopped responding like last season??

   • Lang Greene

     For the stat geeks … Al Horford was rated as one of the NBA’s top shooters from 15-17 feet last season. Missing him and his 13 shot attempts per game is a huge blow considering he shoots close to 60 percent from the field when healthy. That’s a huge loss to overcome.

     I spoke with some Hawks players tonight and they all told me the team needs to get out and run more … create easy baskets when the jumpers (the Hawks just love to shoot) aren’t falling.

9. Jazzfan

   Obviously the Jazz ran into a guy by the name of Jeremy Lin you may have heard that name once or twice by now lol, but it also seems like the Jazz play to the level of the competition they beat the Lakers, have close games against the Mav’s, Clippers and now Indiana etc.. and then lose badly to teams like Golden State and the Knicks (minus Melo AND STAT), How hard is this type of issue for a coach to correct?, it’s obvious Corbin knows its an issue but seems like he’s having a hard time gettin the team to correct it.

   • Lang Greene

     Simple explanation … the Jazz are playing WAY above their heads and it shows. The telling trait of a team not ready for the prime stage is their ability to beat elite teams and then turn around the next night and lose to a lottery team.

10. zac

    hey lang crazy question… what do you think about the blazers extending a contract to jr smith and waiving luke babbitt or trying to dump him? jr would atleast bring a bit more of a finisher than portland has now

    • Lang Greene

      First off the Blazers don’t have the money this season that JR Smith is looking for as a free agent. Secondly they’re not waving Luke.
      From what I understand Smith is not looking for a veteran’s minimum deal – at all.

      Plus you have to remember the Blazers signed Jamal Crawford and already have Wesley Matthews at the two guard. I don’t see Smith signing in Portland at all. He wants playing time to showcase his skills.

11. FocusLJA

    I Gerald Henderson the type of SG that Minny is looking for? And if you were CHARLOTTE would you make the trade if offered a 1st Rd pick?

    • Lang Greene

      According to my sources around the Bobcats organization, Gerald is a player Charlotte wants to be a part of their rebuilding process. I’ve heard that DJ Augustin could be had at the right price, but Minny has ZERO need for another point guard right now.

12. FocusLJA

    Is DJ Augustin’s trade value officially dead? How do you feel about CHA and the whole Cory Higgins signed by his dad situation? Positive/Negative?

    • Lang Greene

      No. Augustin is a legit starting point guard. Not an All-Star guy … but a capable starter for most teams in the league. As far as Higgins situation goes … man, in life it always comes down to who you know and who can vouch for you. It’ life. I can’t act like it’s a new thing just because it happened in the NBA. Congrats to CH …

13. Vlad

    I think Rubio deserves a spot on All-star team this year. People just need to watch the Wolves when Rubio sits down. It is a totally different team. While Oklahoma is not even loosing that much with Westbrook resting. Also Rubio is a superb PG defender! He doesn’t gamble for steals. He gets then within the defensive team flow. Ricky would make the all-star game a lot more fun. Your thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      Ricard Rubio is not an All-Star this season. Great story, yes. All-Star, nope.

      I admit I was sleeping so much on this kid entering the season I got bed burns … but he has awoken the big man. I freely admit when I’m wrong. The kid is serious and has the poise of a 30 year old ten year veteran. But he’s no All-Star right now.

      Westbrook takes his lunch. Tony Parker should get a nod based on how he’s kept a past its prime Spurs team relevant. Steve Nash is still better than Ricard right now. CP3 is well .. CP3. I just can’t put him in, but I predict multiple appaerances in his future.

14. andrea

    Bargnani and Calderon to lakers for gasol?
    i think that Bargnani must to be trade if he want try to win something,in which team you see him better ???

    • Lang Greene

      Andrea … I see you trying to trade yourself to Hollywood … but this deal doesn’t make the Lakers any better at all.

      Kobe wants ring number six … if LA makes this deal the only way he gets No. 6 is if he joins someone’s coaching staff after he retires.

15. chicken adobo

    Hi laker fan here wishing for speed n athleticism without loosing alot of players. Im thinking d-league, any guys u can recomend who can fly like lebron and block shots like biyombo who just needs a break and will do good with d lakers from d dleague? Thanks ,love ur chat by the way!

    • Lang Greene

      No.

16. Cricket

    f you were starting a team from scratch, which player do you choose and why: Greg Monroe, David Lee, Roy Hibbert , or Joakim Noah

    • Lang Greene

      Roy Hibbert. He has an extremely strong work ethic. Great size. Good citizen. I choose him over Monroe slightly because I believe Hibbert wants to be an elite player, he told me that last year. I feel it the way he approaches his game.

      Monroe fits the same profile as Hibbert but I just don’t see the extra gear … yet. It’s still early.

17. pinakbet

    I just wana say that wesly johnson with dwith howard is like kobe n shaq. I hope bobcats trade for wes so mj23 can mentor him. He just look scared to handle d ball due to too much talent in sota right now. And how come javale is not given a big man coach who could make him a star? And why is any team not hiring hakeem as a coach ?he is the coach of d stars during summer breaks right… Just imagine a josh smith with d dream shake but instead of the hook for the points it will be an exciting dunk. Common gm’s hope u get this message

    • Lang Greene

      Honestly, I had to stop reading your question after you compared Wesley Johnson to a prime Kobe and Shaq …

18. Charlie

    Which new up and coming team has a greater chance to win a first round playoff series this year: the Philadelphia 76ers or the Denver Nuggets

    • Lang Greene

      If the playoffs started today the 76ers would face the Orlando Magic … the Nuggets would face the Blazers. It wouldn’t come as a shock to me if both teams got the job done.

      I think Philly knocking off the Magic would be a bigger story because of Orlando’s star power (not because of team). But not a shock and definitely shouldn’t be considered an upset.

19. tapsilog

    If u would start a team who would u take as ur man. Penny hardaway or charlws barkley. And please set aside penny getting injured. Who would u take? And name 4 top basketball sneakers u ever had hehe thanks

    • Lang Greene

      Not a sneaker guy at all … never have been. I did buy some Nike Hyper Dunks to play in my rec league season a couple months ago. First time I ever paid over $100 bucks for a sneaker.

      Charles Barkley all day long … just historically a better player than Penny … and yes, I remember Penny was a beast before the injuries. Barkley though … no question.

20. Cain

    Is the omly thing stopping Paul George from being a Star staying out of early foul trouble and staying on the court? When he gets 11-13points he has usually got in early foul touble and his 20+ points he plays clean.

    • Lang Greene

      My man Cain … You know what’s stopping Paul George from truly breaking out? The presence of Danny Granger. As long as Granger is one the roster you’ll see George playing out of position at certain spots and deferring to the more established veteran.

21. sinigang

    Laker fan here but my question is. Who do u see winning in a best of 7. Celtics champ roster with kg vs the prime of bad boys champ team of detroit with rodman n isiah. Lets say late 80′s rules with alot of physicality ? Teams way back were tougher in my opinion. Whats ur take on it?have a good day

    • Lang Greene

      Very good question. Give me the Bad Boys in five. Too much manhood. Too much grit. Just too dang mentally tough.

      Isiah Lord Thomas III takes Rondo’s lunch money … Joe Dumars was credited by Michael Jordan as his toughest defender … so he’d do well against Ray Allen. The combination of a prime Rodman, Laimbeer and John Salley banging on KG in the post would be tough to overcome.

      I saw the 2008 Atlanta Hawks, who finished sub .500, push the Celtics to seven games in the first round of the playoffs during Boston’s title year. Now ask yourself, does that Atlanta team extend the Bad Boys to seven games?

22. Jeremy Mercer

    With the injury to Billups would LAC accept a trade of Barbosa for Bledsoe/Foye. Salaries work, gives clippers a proven scorer and gives toronto a very good point guard prospect which the clips no longer need.

    • Lang Greene

      I don’t get the sense the Clippers are hitting the panic button. Mo Williams and Randy Foye are solid NBA players to help compensate for the loss of Chauncey.

23. Nick Mercer

    Would TOR accept a trade of Jimmer/Thompson for Calderon? He’s a true pg allowing reke to play off the ball.

    • Lang Greene

      Quite sure Toronto would accept this deal to get from under Calderon’s expensive salary … but Sacramento wouldn’t.

24. Luis Isidro

    Who do you feel will land JR Smith?

    • Lang Greene

      Honestly … somewhere like Milwaukee, Golden State or Washington.

25. SenseiOfSoul - Chicago

    What’s good Brother Lang? Is it just me, or does Lionel Hollins look like a young John Witherspoon?

    • Lang Greene

      Lol, I’m not messing with you tonight SOS … haha

26. John

    hey lang, what will you remember the most about nash on and off the court when he hangs it up?

    • Lang Greene

      A point guard who gets it … one of the last of a dying breed. Love his game …

27. adrian

    Lang the Man, would you trade Amare? The knicks look better without there All Stars!

    • Lang Greene

      I’d be open to trading Amar’e for the right deal, but who is going to take on that salary with the injury concerns? I probably wouldn’t be able to get enough in return on the trade market to pull the trigger ultimately.

      More than likely I’d ride with Melo and STAT … two elite guys in their primes. Things will break for them eventually.

28. John

    hey lang do you see harrison barnes to be a safe draft pick with no risk or rewards and whats your take on andre drummond so far, you think he is going to be a stud or a dud in the nba?

    • Lang Greene

      Drummond will be okay. Averaging 10/8 as a frosh isn’t terrible. He just got swept up in the new age hype machine which doesn’t allow guys time to truly develop their games. He definitely has NBA talent, just has to put the whole package together.

29. JD

    What do you think of the MAVS point guard situation? I like Roddy B but I think this team is going to stunt this guys’ growth because he’s young and they have so many vets. I say let him and D Jones play, what’s your thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      From what I see with Roddy … leads me to believe he is not the long term solution at point guard for Dallas … I don’t think he’s a legit starting PG option as it stands right now.

30. RC

    Why do I have a feeling that UNC’s Harrison Barnes is carbon copy of Marvin Williams?

    • Lang Greene

      First let me say this … Marvin gets a bad rap because he got drafted ahead of CP3 and D-Will, but the guy is a solid NBA performer. He has been a key contribnutor on four straight playoff teams while remaining in the starting lineup. Not an All-Star guy, but only a select group of players are my man …

      I think Barnes’ game is a little more polished right now than Marvin when he came out after a freshman. If you draft Barnes expecting a solid contributor who can score and break the starting lineup you will be satisfied. If you draft Barnes expecting LeBron or Carmelo … you’ll be disappointed – for sure.

31. benny

    do u think jeremy lin will be an all-star one day?

    • Lang Greene

      Not trying to slam the kid, but Jeremy isn’t that type of talent. I hope he has a long career, but he’s not an elite player.