NBA Chat With Lang Greene 3/13/13

1. TCD

   What’s shakin’ Langopotamus? Was wondering your thoughts on Thunder’s chance this year? Also, a purely hypothetical. Let’s say the Thunder traded Westbrook and kept Harden for the same package. How do you think it would’ve impacted their season and in their future? Better, worse, different?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? Lakers are Hawks are jockeying for playoff positioning and I’m here working the circuit for you … my peoples. Let’s do something epic tonight. Come strong.

     I think the NBA Finals are the Miami HEAT’s to lose … but they are not unbeatable. They’ve been playing great basketball but they’re not overpowering everyone they’ve faced. They’ve beaten teams in a mixture of methods, which is very impressive, but they’re not running roughshod like the Four Horseman in the 80s (that’s for my man Matt – woooo).

     One of the few teams who could beat the HEAT in a series is the Oklahoma City Thunder. History would have you believing that Miami outclassed OKC last year, but it was a very competitive scrap in most games.

     I think Presti made the right call. Westbrook over Harden. I think Russell is exactly what Durant needs on his side. No disrespect to the beard … he is a man.

2. Ted Doo

   Laaaaaaaaang! Like them or hate them, do you remember any other teams in any sport that keep the drama as interesting at the Lakers constantly do? I mean it’s a pretty thrilling rollercoaster just to see if they’ll make the playoffs to potentially get waxed in the first round. What’s your prediction on how the rest of their season unfolds?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s good bro? The Lakers will get in the playoffs. They even have the potential to make a run at the No. 6 spot strange as it may sound. I think the Lakers are first round toast if they have to play OKC or San Antonio. But I could see them getting hot and scoring a first round upset versus the Clippers or Grizzlies. Not saying I would put any of my hard earned money on them but don’t doubt a motivated Kobe Bryant.

3. Tony in Naptown

   Larry Johnson UNLV squad vs. Chris Webber Michigan squad. Who wins?

   • Lang Greene

     Great question! That UNLV squad was a beast. Larry Johnson, David Butler, Greg Anthony, Anderson Hunt and the boys put in work … but I have to go with the Fab 5. I think the combination of Chris Webber and Juwan Howard would have been too much inside for the Rebels in a hell of a game. Whoa.

4. Cain

   The Pacers still aren’t ready for Miami. What areas of development or change to they need? What do you think they will get?

   • Lang Greene

     Not sure if they ever get “ready” for Miami without another star player. If Danny Granger was still the Danny Granger of two seasons ago they would have a much better chance at an upset … but right now the Pacers are positioned strong enough to play Miami extremely tough in a series. Who knows … an ankle sprain here or there could change things dramatically.

     I’ll throw a boxing analogy at you … the Pacers are to the HEAT what Ken Norton was to Muhammad Ali.

5. Cain

   How good will Paul George become? I know it is a tough question to answer, he seems to be a very dedicated student of the game.

   • Lang Greene

     A multiple time All-Star. I can see him having the same type of trajectory Ron Artest had … maybe a defensive player of the year, all-stars, 20+ point seasons, etc.

6. Prismelk

   Which of the four (4) San Antonio Spurs championship squad is the best?

   Your thoughts, please? Thanks!

   • Lang Greene

     Even though my favorite player ever (David Robinson wasn’t on the team), I have to go with the 2005 squad. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili were in their primes. Tony Parker was coming into his own.

7. Prismelk

   Just curious.

   Do you think LeBron James will average more than 25 ppg under Coach Pop’s system?

   Your thoughts, please?! Thanks!

   • Lang Greene

     I’ll keep this simple … LeBron James, if he wanted too, could average 25 per game in any era of basketball under any head coach. Coach Pop is a smart man … he’d give LeBron the rock offensively and ride him to a championship.

8. Tyler

   What do you think about the Hawks letting Smith go and offering Al Jefferson a 4year 48 million deal and offering Mayo the same thing. 4year 48mil. Teams have to overpay to get talent to come, but having a starting lineup consisting of Teague, Mayo, Horford, and Jefferson looks good.

   • Lang Greene

     I’ve been saying for a while that Al Jefferson would be a good option for Atlanta. I think $12 million per season is just too much for O.J. Mayo. I bet you could find similar production for a fraction of the price.

     Also a lot will depend on the Hawks’ coach next season. Still up in the air on if Larry Drew will be Danny Ferry’s choice.

9. Tyler

   Would the Hawks rather go after Milsap or Jefferson? I am a big fan of Mislap, but Jefferson would allow Horford to play PF.

   • Lang Greene

     Not sure the Hawks go after either guy, but Jefferson would be the better fit if you’re rolling with Al Horford over Josh Smith.

10. Alex in Burbank

    (All-Lakers stars)
    Kareem, Howard, Worthy, Kobe, Magic
    4 Bench: Shaq, Wilt, Baylor, West
    vs
    (NBA non-Laker stars)
    Olajuwon, Duncan, LeBron, Jordan, Stockton
    4 Bench: Russel, Bird, Malone, Wade

    Obviously a team with LeBron & Jordan will be tough to beat. However, if we had a time machine and brought each of these players to 2013 at the age of 25. How many games does a 7 game series go to and who wins?

    • Lang Greene

      Man, you can’t do this to me in a timed chat man. Lol. But one thing I can see here is that, man, the Lakers have had some star power in their organization over the years. I don’t think Dwight Howard is a starer on that team by any stretch.

      I just can’t call this. Jordan would abuse anyone who guarded him. Russell won more than Wilt even though Wilt use to go beast mode on him head to head. Olajuwon dominated Shaq and swept him out of the Finals. Bird vs. Magic … Worthy couldn’t guard LeBron.

      Closing my eyes here … give me the Lakers team.

11. The Man

    Langostino, what franchises do you think are most stuck in the mud, going nowhere for the next 2-3 years? I have trouble seeing how Detroit, Phoenix, Toronto, or Charlotte improve, for example. But I feel like Orlando and Cleveland have plans. Which of these lower teams do you think stay stuck and which do you see improving?

    • Lang Greene

      Stuck in the mud … I’ll go in a different direction. Washington. Is John Wall the guy to lead them long term? Who is their coach? I look at that team and just don’t see lots of wins coming. Minnesota is another team. I know injuries have slowed them down … but is Kevin Love and Rubio enough to get them not only into the playoffs but into the upper echelon of the league.

12. JC

    Do you think Toronto is crazy enough to extend Rudy at close to what he is making now? That’s worse than the Joe Johnson deal.

    • Lang Greene

      Toronto has routinely had to overpay for some of the talent they get long term. I don’t think they’ll go crazy with Rudy because of how the new CBA is structured. Teams are being extremely cautious with their checkbooks.

13. Cole

    1. I love your chats. You are far and away the best on Hoopsworld. (No offense to your compatriots)
    2. What’s Tristan Thompson’s ceiling? NBA Journeyman floating from team-to-team? Solid Contributor on a contender? Borderline All-Star? Higher?

    • Lang Greene

      My man Cole …

      1. There is so much talent on this HW roster, I’m just glad I have a spot in the weekly rotation. It’s been fun. Good group of guys (and my home girl Susan B).
      2. Let’s go with a solid contributor on a contender. I’m thinking in the Donyell Marshall range if you can go back that far.

14. Judy

    Lang, it’s been a while:
    1. What is wrong with Josh Smith, is he this dense – why is he just jacking up 3 point shot after 3 point shot, taking 5 a game. Is he really trying to shoot his way out of Atlanta?
    2. Why does LD insist on running the offense through Josh espically when Teague and AL is playing well – like the Boston game.
    3. Who would you like to see Ferry sign as a free agent this offseaso (besides D12 and CP3)?
    4. What kind of contract will Jeff Teague command?

    • Lang Greene

      Hey Judy- long time. You have to stop by more often.

      1. Josh is confident in his stroke and he has the green light from coach Drew. I believe if Josh was in a faster paced offense he would shoot less three, but in Atlanta in a predominantly half court set … he often finds himself on the perimeter and Josh isn’t bashful in the least
      2. Running joke I have with several members on press row … how many times will Josh look off Jeff Teague to bring the ball up the court. Part of it is Jeff has to be more demanding as the floor general.
      3. This won’t be on anyone’s radar, but I would like to see a Tony Allen or Corey Brewer type. A defensive wing talent to go with their shooters. Hawks are small on the wing and a little undersized.
      4. Some team will pay Jeff $7-8 million per year. I think he’s looking for a four-year $40 million deal …

15. Q-Man

    Whats good Lang, I hope all is well my friend.

    1. Next time you’re around Josh Smith, can you ask him if he ever asked any players from another team about what their coaching staff think his weakness are
    2. I think kover should be the hawks shooter of the bench next season if we can sign him, I just think we need some athletic wings because we have none(your thoughts)
    3. To follow up on question 2 who would put in the backcourt to coplete Teague style and please not John Jekins (another shooter)I need someone who’s going to drive that rock and create contact for some easy points

    • Lang Greene

      My man 3Q … things are great. How are you my brother?

      1. You trying to get me smacked by an athletic 6’9 man in his physical prime?
      2. If Korver is commanding a similar contract like he’s making now, then let’s talk business. He’s been an exceptional locker room presence, defensive communicator and dead eye shooter. I have been thoroughly impressed.
      3. If Monta Ellis was three inches taller he would be perfect. The Hawks need someone at the two who can get into the lane. Lou Williams can do it, but he hasn’t been able to become a full-time starter yet in the league

16. Jeff Durham

    Is it just me, or does anybody else think that Boston can easily start a dynasty once KG and Pierce retire? Every NBA wants to shoot the ball. So all Boston really needs to do is use Rondo to their advantage. They basically tell players that if the come to Boston, Rondo will get you the ball, and you will score. Boston can easily get players to come their once Pierce and KG retire. Do you agree?

    • Lang Greene

      You’re basing this off a belief guys want to come and play with Rajon Rondo. There are plenty of guys who like him, but from what I hear there are also plenty of guys turned completely off by his attitude.

17. LA in LA

    You misunderstood me last week, I wasn’t saying I disliked Lebron, I was just saying I was amazed at how quick he bounces back from what look like potentially serious injury and it makes me almost ignore anytime he gets hurt.

    Anyway, would you rather the Hawks get Al Jefferson (Jsmoove leaves in FA) or trade Jsmoove for Marcin Gortat and a wing (i.e. Dudley)?
    (Just pretend the trade is on the table).

    • Lang Greene

      True. I understand now. He does bounce back quickly. I jumped down, don’t ask me why, four steps earlier this week and hit the ground in a tumble. I stayed down for a moment … thought I had broke my ankle. I then got up to run a mile without any pain. Lol

      The Suns deal was on the table from what I hear and the Hakws passed. J-Smoove will now hit free agency and the Hawks don’t have much bargaining power in the process – other than ponying up more money.

18. phil

    ive heard you say your not as high on anthony davis as other can you be specific as to what concerns you because i think hes going to be a stud

    • Lang Greene

      Not going to comment on this one … yet. Like I said before, there is still time before I start issuing opinions on guys. He’s a rookie, so there will be mistakes made here and there.

      And I’m not talking about his on court game because I think he will be a difference maker for years.