NBA Chat With Lang Greene 3/20/13

1. andrew squires

   Hey Lang we spoke on twitter about Teague, are you still taking Brandon Jennings John Wall and Kyle Lowry over a well proven Teague? He’s been showing he can score the ball at times, he dishes greatly andpenitrates amazingly!

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? March Madness is here … good luck in your bracket pools. Playoffs almost here. Lets get after it …

     What’s up bro? Good to hear from you again. Jeff Teague should be in the Most Improved Player discussion but since his numbers haven’t dramatically increased this season he won’t be considered. But I see the change in him. Last season, in 66 games, Teague had only three games with 10+ assists. This season in 66 games he already has 13 games with double-digit dimes. Respect to Jeff.

     I still think he’s a step behind those guys in terms of overall talent … that’s not a slight. Still early in each of those guys’ careers … Teague is definitely carving out his place in the league though.

2. Henderson

   Greetings from Cambridge, ON Canada Lang! Huge hawks fan here. Playing well under the injury bug think we can creep up and get a home court seed in playoffs? Harris and Teague have played so well in the backcourt. And Korver can seem not to miss

   • Lang Greene

     Canada in the building. Yes, indeed.

     Not sure the Hawks can catch Brooklyn to grab the fourth seed. I think they’ll play Brooklyn tough in the playoffs and are more than capable of pulling off an upset. But you know, the Hawks are one of those teams that when you get to high on them they tend to hurt your feelings but when you doubt them they make you eat crow. So we’ll see.

3. Chris

   Hi Lang. A surprising number of Eastern Conf. teams are shorthanded. How much has this factored into the Heat’s current streak? Not exactly prime competition for a healthy team comprised of two superstars and three great role players (Bosh, Allen, Battier).

   • Lang Greene

     My man … As a basketball fan I just want to enjoy the streak as its happening. I mean how many streaks like this do we get to see and how often? They’ll be plenty of time to look up the advanced stats, opponents faced, team injuries and scheduling quirks to discredit it in the future.

     But for now, I’m just enjoying LeBron James entering his prime years and playing with that Bruce Lee-Roy glow. My old school movie heads know what I’m talking about there.

4. Kevin Owens

   Man, I love how you give it straight with no chaser. lol. Every decent player thinks he deserves max money. Do you think John Wall deserves a max contract?

   • Lang Greene

     KO … the powers that be here told me this was my hour to vibe w/ the Hoop Freaks so I’m just having fun man. I like to handle this chat like I’m just hanging w/ my brothers. Appreciate the love … and I appreciate you rocking with me man.

     No. I don’t think John Wall is a MAX player as it stands today. Is he a MAX talent? Yes, he is. But the talent hasn’t translated into wins and therefore I’m not giving a guy top dollar until he produces top flight. Look at Kevin Durant. MAX guy. Team started steadily winning upon his arrival. Same w/ Chris Paul n his early years. Blake Griffin really kick started a new era in Clipper-Land before CP3 got there.

     But what has John Wall done in Washington. The Wizards are still a bad team and don’t show many signs of momentum. The current CBA will likely ensure Wall gets his MAX but his on court play hasn’t been on par with his “talent” … my opinion.

5. phil

   whats up lang appeciate y chats 2questions with eric gordon finally getting healthy and a year coming off his max what are hearing is his value is around the league.also i know vasquez is 3rd in assist but he is a liability on defense he gives up to much penetration causig others to have to help the main reason the pelicans are giving up the most 3s in the league so my question is what available pg draft or trade best fits the pelicans thanx

   • Lang Greene

     Long story short on EG … teams are still wary of the knee. Big chance to take on a guy with problematic wheels.

     Not sure the Hornets have to go PG in the draft because of Vasquez’s weaknesses. Most NBA squads play team defense which doesn’t involve trying to one-on-one lock a guy down. He needs to tighten up this area of his game but I have seen teams get by with far worse … like, Mike Bibby in his last seasons in Atlanta.

6. Anthony

   Lang,if the lakers make the playoff and get bounce in the first round which i believe they will.DHoward,resign what changes do they make in the off season?Please,tell me they get rid of Mike D’antoni.

   • Lang Greene

     If the Lakers make the playoffs, which is looking like a certainty, D’Antoni isn’t going anywhere. The postseason will strengthen the team’s chances of securing Dwight Howard’s autograph too. At this point, despite the earl speculation, I just don’t see Dwight leaving Los Angeles.

7. alexander

   When do you think Heat’s winning streak will end ? Thanks Lang

   • Lang Greene

     Man, I have no clue. But the San Antonio game at the end of the month looks like a tough one at the end of a four game road trip.

8. NY in NY

   Are the Celtics the only team who can beat Miami (or at least take them to 6 or 7 games)? I have to go with yes. They are the only team who will not back down to Miami. If Miami goes on a 15-5 run, they retaliate by going on 10-2 run or something like that. Do you agree or disagree?

   • Lang Greene

     In the Eastern Conference? I disagree. I think Indiana has the personnel to push the HEAT to six games. Out in the West, the Spurs and Thunder are capable. The Nuggets wouldn’t be easy work either. Those guys are extremely tough to beat at the Pepsi Center.

9. mark

   What do you think of isaiah thomas? i dont believe he will an all star but will be a solid starter. do u think he will be the kings pg of the future?

   • Lang Greene

     I don’t see him being an All-Star either. But he’ll be a starter / sixth man type for the majority of his career. I love the way he pushes the tempo and changes pace in the open court. Playing at different speeds is one of his strong suits.

10. wade

    tyreke evans will be playing for………. next season?????

    • Lang Greene

      Dallas ….

11. gavin

    what about toney douglas? playing well in sac. could this be his team?

    • Lang Greene

      Let’s not get carried away Gavin. TD has played well in Sacramento … but not that well.

12. Aristotle

    Langy! Hope all’s well.

    Q: How important was that away win for Denver over OKC? Just another regular game or is it a sign that Denver is entering the dance now?

    • Lang Greene

      My man … I think it was important for Denver’s confidence. I think OKC was able to shrug off the loss. The Thunder know how good they can be, while Denver is still searching and finding out who they are under the bright lights.

13. Jim in CyberSpace

    NBA Draft. I’m all over Marcus Smart. Ben McLemore is smooth, but he’s not the prototype 2. That was/is MJ at 6-6, McLemore is little undersized.

    On the other hand, Smart is a beast of PG at 6-4 with a JuCo Linebacker’s body?

    He’s a winner, natural leader, he’s just got a certain edge that can’t be coached, and it’s contagious with his team mates.

    I’ll give you two to one odd’s that he’s ROY next season, whoever drafts him, barring injury?

    • Lang Greene

      Jim … love your passion on Marcus Smart. Sometimes Rookie of the Year races come down to opportunity and situation a guy lands in so its too early too tell at the moment. I like Ben McLemore. He’s a little undersized by MJ standards, but he’s about D-Wade’s size. I love his game. Smooth jumper … good hops … can get into the lane. I would roll with him … not a landslide but that’s where my vote is. Let’s see how this pans out over the years, I’ll be calling you out (or you will be calling me out – haha)

14. Jimmy

    Hello LG,

    As dominant as Miami are Boston still seem to give them pain. They pushed them to an elimination game 6 last season with a depleted roster, and pushed them to the brink the other night without KG, Rondo and Sully. Whilst I think it will be nearly impossible for my C’s to take them in 7 games, do you think the C’s are the team the Heat want to play the least?

    • Lang Greene

      If the HEAT had to pick a team not to face in the East I still think it would be Indiana. Boston won’t get blown out the water because they play disciplined basketball and are mentally tough at the top of the lineup. That matters. But at the end of the day, they just don’t have that extra gear to extend the HEAT anymore. The games would be competitive to around the 9 minute mark of the fourth quarter and then you’d see the separation on full display.

15. mark

    good evening lang if we accept the logic that stars aspire to play in big markets and referees give stars special calls isnt theleague admitting the games are rigged for a handful of teams is the 100 bucks i spend in new orleans worth less than the same amount spent in say boston if not how cant the league not see this as disrespectful

    • Lang Greene

      NBA games aren’t rigged. With the new CBA and punitive taxes for straying into the luxury for too long I fully expect to see more parity in the next 3-5 years.

16. Mr. Ballistik

    Kobe and Shaq against Kareem and Magic. All men in their primes. Who you got?

    • Lang Greene

      Kareem and Magic.

      Kareem in his prime was an absolute monster. I think Kobe gets buckets all day against Magic, but in the end the old-timers would have their hands raised.

17. LA in LA

    If it was up to you would you rather pair Al Horford up with an elite PG like D.Rose, a wing scorer like Carmelo, a traditional big like Marc Gasol, or a hybrid PF/C like Chris Bosh?

    For the question only think of all-star caliber players, and you can NOT pick or use Lebron.

    • Lang Greene

      Tough question because the rest of the roster and how it is comprised makes a difference. I think Al would flourish with a guy like Marc Gasol handling the tough work inside.

18. Jon

    What do you see happening this off-season with Jeff Teague? Poison pill offer?

    • Lang Greene

      Not sure Teague gets that type of offer from a team. I think the Hawks will match anything within reason … but if a team starts talking $11 or $12 million per season I don’t think the Hawks would jump into those waters.

19. Q-Man

    What good my friend, how’s life treating you! every Wed is Lang Time.

    1. Would Evans from the Kings be a good 2 for the hawks
    2. Would you bring back Harris in a back up role for the right price, I actually like his play
    3. what do you think about Glen Robinson III, Tim Hardaway jr., Tony Mitchell or Kentavious Caldweld-Pope being drafted and developed by the hawks this year

    • Lang Greene

      3Q in the building!

      1. Depends on who the coach will be next season. This current Hawks group loves the three ball and that isn’t an area where Tyreke excels.
      2. Hawks head coach Larry Drew is very high on Devin Harris. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Devin back if Drew is running the show again next season … but if a team offers Devin good money he’s not taking a discount to remain in Atlanta.
      3. Draft Express currently has the Hawks selecting Michigan point guard Trey Burke in the first round which isn’t a bad look. Hawks have been happy with Teague’s development but also lack quality guard depth at PG too

20. blazerbeardo

    finally love my blazers, east coast streetball transplant, and there was some lack of heart put here. but this year mathews, batum stepped it up. damien is the man, barring injury, yearly all star talks. lamarcus had grown on me but stoll soft in the 4th. ok is hickson for real or this a contract showcase? love his energy but will it be there another year, and can he be cpnvinced to cpme of the bench ego wise? if we can coup pelovic, grab a tweener bench scorer, resign maynor, and get hickson of the bench we are a poss 4 to 8 seef. thanks long questipn, but youre my man

    • Lang Greene

      Personally disappointed with how the Blazers fell apart down the stretch this season. They have enough veterans on the roster where that type of collapse shouldn’t have happened (Batum, Aldridge, Matthews). Nonetheless the future is still bright. Hickson has played strong but has disappointed in all other stops in his journey so you can’t put away the thoughts that this is a contract year boogie down.

      Love Lillard too. I definitely think the Blazers will target a ready to play center this summer. Remember, last year they tried to snatch Roy Hibbert. It shows you where their minds are leaning.

21. Mr. Ballistik

    What was your path to the gig you’ve got with Hoopsworld?

    • Lang Greene

      I started my writing path as a boxing scribe for numerous publications during the early 2000s. Had a good run doing it too. Boxing is a big passion of mine and my father was a pro once upon a time. After he passed away, I lost the desire to write full-time about the sweet science. So I started focusing on basketball more and more. I had always kept up with sport but I started to make connections, guest write on blogs, etc. Built a decent profile and started covering Bobcats and Hawks games for Lindy’s Sports (s/o to Ben Cook). Then got recruited to cover the Hawks exclusively for Examiner. That was an excellent opportunity.

      One day I saw a tweet from Alex Kennedy about HOOPSWORLD looking for an Atlanta based writer, so I sent him a message. He told me to apply and Steve Kyler would eventually put me on the payroll.

      Let me paraphrase RUN DMC (Sucker MCs) about my journey

      Three years ago, a friend of mine (Kennedy)
      Asked me to create some basketball lines
      So I wrote this rhyme I’m about to say
      The column was Def and it went this way
      Took a test to become an MC
      And HOOPSWORLD became amazed at me
      So Steve Kyler put me inside his Cadillac
      His chauffeur drove off and I never came back
      Bill Ingram edited my stuff down to the bone
      And now they got me interviewing NBA stars on the microphone
      In the locker room and hearing the laughs
      Just three years ago I was asking for those dudes autographs …
      But see, that’s the life, that I lead …and those sucker MCs out there can feel my breeze

      LOL … yeah, I’ll stick to writing about bball