NBA Chat With Lang Greene 3/7/12

1. Marvelous Marv

   What up LG!!

   What team might be willing to give the Knicks a 2012 or 2014 late first round draft pick for Toney Douglas?

   If not,would SAC be willing to trade Hickson for Douglas? Amar’e explosiveness is gone and NYK will need a athletic power forward in the waiting. Thoughts?

   LG, you got some pull down in the ATL…Amar’e for J Smith — Help a NY brother out?

   • Lang Greene

     Turn the lights down, turn my headphones up … I’m about to enter my zone … let’s work …

     First up tonight is the Marvelous one.

     My man … I think Toney Douglas has played like 13 minutes in the last 13 games. I can’t see any of the teams I expect to be active in the trade market actually investing a first round pick on him.

     As for the Sacramento theory, JJ Hickson may be struggling but he at least has a significant amount of game tape averaging like 17 points and 9 boards for an extended stretch. I expected more from him this year but his value hasn’t sunk to the Toney Douglas level – yet.

     The way Josh Smith is playing right now there are only about 4-5 power forwards I’d give up for him. He’s been that good for the Hawks this season.

2. cj

   what do you think of these trades?
   l.ridenour, a.randolph, and a pick for j.crawford
   b.udrih and a 1st for j.crawford
   s.jaxson and b.jennings for j.crawford, r.felton and a pick
   j.crawford and a pick for p.milsap

   • Lang Greene

     1. Might not be enough for Portland.
     2. Might be too much for Milwaukee to give up for Jamal … the Bucks are terrible and figure to be in the lottery. Jamal can opt out at the end of the season. Not sure you take that risk
     3. Milwaukee says no again. Not enough value.
     4. Interesting idea, but LaMarcus is already at PF … doesn’t fill Portland’s need.

3. Kevin

   I hate that Nash won’t ask for a trade. I think loyality’s overrated. I love Nash and hate to see him just fade away in Phoenix. Your thoughts?

   • Lang Greene

     Loyalty in pro sports only goes so far. The Spurs love Tim Duncan but if the big fella started hinting around that he was going to try to play until he was 45, they’d eventually cut him loose too. With me?

     Nash enjoys the Phoenix vibe, has had a remarkable run there and is a class act. He’s not going to demand a trade.

     As crazy as it may sound, I’d rather see him fade away in Phoenix than to see him spend the last 2-3 seasons of his career on vet minimum contracts trying to chase a title.

4. Kahari young

   Hey Lang, I am impressed with Kenneth faried, dude is a stud!how do think his career will plan out? I believe Kyle Lowry should win most improved player, especially since Houston are in the top 7 teams of the west.what is your take on lowry’s improvement?

   • Lang Greene

     I’m equally impressed with Kenneth Faried. New Jersey in the building representing! The more I see him play, the more I like. I’m not going to go overboard so soon, but if he can keep overcoming his lack of size he’ll be around for a good number of years.

     Here’s my stance on Lowry. I categorize him as a gatekeeper. He’ll always be a guy in the hunt for an All-Star selection but most of the time he’ll miss out behind the elite guys like CP3, Westbrook, Deron Williams (who may end up in Dallas), Tony Parker etc.

     But he’s a cut above the Ray Felton, Devin Harris group and right on the Ty Lawson, Stephen Curry level.

     So that’s why I call him a gatekeeper because if I wanted to evaluate my PG I’d stack him against Lowry and see where they land. For example, where would you put Jeff Teague two years down the line? Lowry would be my benchmark.

     Hope you’re with me.

5. Mike

   Hey Lang,
   What do you think of Derrick Favors? Has he improved much and is his potential still high? I ask because I haven’t heard really anything about him. I think he’d make an interesting article.
   Btw seeing as the Jazz have so many bigs, what would it take for the Kings to acquire Favors? I think he’d be a great fit next to Demarcus Cousins.

   • Lang Greene

     Favors is right where I expected him to be, production wise, playing behind Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson. If he received more minutes he’d produce a lot more. I’m going to show Derrick some love when the Jazz visit Atlanta and try to get an interview. Thanks for the idea.

6. Aristotle

   Langyyy!!! Not sure man if you saw the interview with Shawn Kemp, but the debate is who is the better dunker: Reign Man or Blake Show? REIGN MAN for me. His ferocious style and dunks got me buying his jersey as my first ever. Also where would you rate Kemp & the Glove in dynamic duos?

   • Lang Greene

     My man from Greece! I didn’t see the interview. I hate to sound like one of those old timers who always talk about “their era” but I have to go with Shawn Kemp. Don’t get me wrong Blake is building his credentials, but in terms of dunking Kemp has a much more stacked resume.

     CHECK THIS LINK OUT!

     Payton and Kemp were one of the best duos of their generations.No question. Their Finals appearance clinched their spot in history. My opinion.

7. Gerald

   I’ve looked at every roster and concluded that Mareese Speights, Aaron Gray & Birdman are the three most realistic trade options for the HEAT to fill the hole at the 5 without blowing the team up. My question to you is: Do you think Memphis would take Joel Anthony and Terrel Harris (sweetener) for Speights and Pondexter (cap sweetener)? If that fell thru, how about Joel for Birdman straight up? And lastly, Aaron Gray, Magloire & Anthony Carter for Joel Anthony, T. Harris & Pittman. Thanks for the time.

   • Lang Greene

     Gerald, with all due respect I don’t make any of these moves. The HEAT have the third best record in the league with Joel Anthony. Speights and Gray are too unproven for me to throw them into the mix of a title run. Birdman is a banger but I’m not giving up key pieces for him.

     Can’t co-sign these bro. Thanks for the que!

8. Hassan

   Do you think the Bulls should sign Arenas, given the fact that Rip can’t stay healthy and also sign Rasheed Wallace for more big man depth in the playoffs? I think that combination would put the Bulls over the top and make them very tough to beat.

   • Lang Greene

     I know you guys are looking for any edge possible to get your respective team over the hump … but sometimes you just can’t make a move just to make a move.

     Last time I saw Rasheed hooping was game seven of the 2010 NBA Finals. He was shot then. Totally past it. Two years removed from the game after sitting on the couch and being asked to be a contributor on a title contending team, in a shortened season with little rest and no practice time? Too much to ask.

     I believe Arenas has some pop left in his game, but he just doesn’t fit in Chicago.

9. alan

   Bulls trade Asik and Korver to portland for Jamal Crawford. who says no?

   • Lang Greene

     Bulls. I don’t see them giving up their size for JC.

10. alan

    can the bulls trade omer Asik and Kyle Korver to portland for Jamal Crawford and Kurt Thomas? Portland gets a young big an expiring deal. bulls get scoring and a tough veteran who knows the team in fits in.

    • Lang Greene

      Let me say this first. I like Jamal on the T’Wolves, Pacers, Hawks (again) and maybe the Clippers … but him wearing a Bulls jersey just isn’t something I see. The Bulls lay their hat on defense. Jamal lays his hat on offense. When Jamal’s shot isn’t going, he’s a liability depending on the matchup. Can’t see it.

11. marcus

    in your own opinion,who are the players that will be possibly traded before the deadline? Is their a sign of imminent or still exploratory?

    • Lang Greene

      Off the top of my head … I can see guys like Kirk Hinrich, Ray Felton, Kevin Martin, JJ Redick, Chris Kaman, JJ Hickson and DJ Augustin being moved. My opinion.

12. Jay

    My man Lang..love your chats brother!!did you see the Pacers game against the Bulls and the Hawks??As i was pointing out before..Darren Collison struggles aginst bigger guard,sometimes he doesnt even show up at all like the game against the Bulls..do you think Indy should trade him??or maybe put him on the second unit and let George Hill start?I think Hill is a better defender and scorer..your thoughts??keep it up bro!!

    • Lang Greene

      I mean, name me a point guard who doesn’t struggle with Derrick Rose. I’ll wait right here. The guy was a MVP just last season. Earlier this season D-Rose put it on CP3 something fierce. By the way, I think CP3 is the best PG in the game. So expecting D-Collison to go toe to toe and blow for blow with D-Rose is just a bad starting point mentally. D-Collison is not an elite PG. He’s a very solid one. I do get your concern since DC is averaging just 5.5 points on 23 percent shooting against the bulls this season … but trust me, George Hill isn’t going to stop the D-Rose show … matter of fact no one is stopping D-Rose from getting his stats.

      Thanks for supporting me each week!

13. Cain

    The Pacers clearly are not ready for big time yet right? I still feel George would be far better at SF and we need an above average and constant scorer, what can they do before deadline to get better?

    • Lang Greene

      I’ve been saying this for the past year and I still believe it. The Pacers will eventually trade Granger to allow Paul George to play his natural position (small forward). Much like the team traded Ron Artest so Granger could flourish in the past.

      But right now George is just too green for them to make a deal moving Granger. You don’t want to move Granger and put George in a predicament where he HAS to be the man this early and ruin the young man’s confidence.

      Granger in some sorts is George’s security blanket.

14. Deven

    Does Josh Smith get traded before the deadline?

    • Lang Greene

      Can never say never, but no sir. Like I said earlier, there are only 4-5 power forwards I’d trade Smoove for right now with the way he’s playing this season. Hawks are still winning without key pieces and the reason has been the play of Smoove.

15. Alex in Burbank

    Humor me please…Lets say the Lakers land Howard without giving up Gasol. Whatever Orlando wants to make it work minus Gasol/Kobe. Then they trade the Lamar Odom $8.9 million exception to Cleveland for Ramon Sessions or Blake to Portland for Raymond Felton. (I heard Portland was somewhat interested in this) Then you bring Beasly here from Minny for what they had asked not too long ago. (a first round pick) Amnesty MWP and our new line up is:

    Sessions/Felton
    Kobe
    Beasly
    Pau
    Howard

    Can we win the Championship over Miami/OKC/Chicago yes or no?

    • Lang Greene

      Ok, I’ll take the bait and I’ll humor you, lol.

      If the Lakers were to get D12 in a trade they’d give up Andrew Bynum. Not Gasol. So I can see Kobe, Gasol and D12 as a core. But word is Orlando isn’t trading the big fella. Secondly, you guys really like Sessions. Maybe Cleveland would want to offload some salary with Kyrie balling the way he is. Portland isn’t going to trade Felton for Steve Blake straight up. Lastly, the T’Wolves can get way more value for Beasley than a Lakers first round pick. And you can’t amnesty guys (MWP) once the season starts.

      Even if LA pulled all that off they’re still NOT winning a title over the teams you mentioned this season. You can’t infuse that many parts in a condensed season and expect them to just be a cohesive unit. This isn’t NBA 2k12.

16. Tony

    Do you think that Indy and NO will revisit the Kaman trade before the deadline? Unfortunately Foster is totally broken down physically, Amundson is performing admirably but I think Kaman makes Hansbrough much more effective on the second unit.

    • Lang Greene

      Yes, I think Kaman discussion are open for business from everything I’ve heard. I don’tg think Indiana is at the core of those discussions. The chirpring I’ve heard abnout the Pacers recently have all revolved around shooting guard help … not another center.

17. Kam

    Hey Lang how you doing… just wanted to throw a quick trade proposal out there see how you felt about it me and my friends have been having a heated debate about it

    Lin chandler fields and a pick for deron Williams. Nets are going to lose him to Dallas anyway. Moving to Brooklyn with a marketable player like Lin nets would be in great position to steal knick fans which is probably why Knicks would never do this trade. I know this trade will never happen but imagine a big three of stat melo and dwill. What’s your thoughts. Thanks in advance

    • Lang Greene

      The Nets are moving to Brooklyn, but make no mistake they are trying to acquire big names to win NOW … not just recognizable names for temporary profit. So while Lin is a good, young and developing player he’s not in Deron Williams’ weight class.

      With Brook Lopez already at center, no need to bring in another $12m+ per year guy at the sane position.

      Lastly, adding Landry Fields just crowds shooting guard more with Morrow and Marshon Brooks.

      The Knicks would be instant title contenders with D-Will running the point for Melo and STAT, but the only way you see this is in fantasy basketball or a video game.

18. Mark

    What do you think of this trade – Bucks get Gasol, Lakers get Jackson, Udrih and Ilyasova. Saleries match up and both teams get pieces that upgrade problem positions? Thanks for your time

    • Lang Greene

      I can tell the trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Beno is my guy and I think he’d fit in and help the Lakers if they used their TPE. Beno would welcome a trade where he can play more, but everyone I talk to close to the situation in Lakerland tell me the team has no interest.

      Secondly, part of what makes the Lakers so good is their interior length. You give up Gasol for Ilyasova and you seriously get weaker in the paint and lose an advantage. Can’t see this happening.

19. Matthew

    Will the real Lang Greene plaza stand up sup bro? What big deals do u see going down? Anf what trade would u make for my rockets that makes sense? Also ur a boxing writer who u got in salido and Lopez 2 I got salido again this time by ko I’m also following u on twitter so u better hit me back bro lol

    • Lang Greene

      My man Matt! I don’t think this season will be as splashy as last season in terms of big names on the move. I see teams making subtle tweaks, little tune-ups, as they get ready for their playoff runs.

      I think the Rockets can get Kaman from New Orleans but they’ll have to give up some young talent to do so. They may not want to and just decide to make a run for him in free agency.

      What’s your Twitter handle so I can give you a followback … you were one of the first Hoop Freaks.

      Give me Salido … I don’t think Lopez can take his power and his chin will be tested again. Don’t know about a KO because I think Lopez will fight more cautious … but another victory will be the result. Salido all day.

20. Jim Methu in mil town, WI

    Hey Lang whats up? What do you think we need to do to get the Milwaukee Bucks on the right track? Trade who? Fire skiles and the GM??

    • Lang Greene

      Spent time in the Milwaukee locker room recently and it’s just not a happy place. If you look at Skiles’ track record throughout his NBA journey you’ll notice the familiar pattern of him eventually wearing out his welcome. You’re seeing the same thing developing in Milwaukee right now before your eyes. He turns teams around and has everyone thinking happy thoughts about the future and then BAM … his strong personality wears thin on the players and back to mediocrity the club sinks.

21. Ryan

    A lot of talk about Dallas wanting to move the Matrix to clear more cap space (then amnesty haywood). Do you think the opposite could happen? Any takers for Haywood?
    His contract isn’t terrible for a 7 footer who can play passable d.

    • Lang Greene

      Haywood is a decent player, but on the wrong side of 30 and that contract … ugh. I don’t see a surprise investor emerging here.

22. Dubs fan

    What do you think of Monta Ellis for either Al Jefferson, Andrew Bogut, or Josh Smith?

    And, is there ANY CHANCE this could happen?

    • Lang Greene

      Here we go …

      Josh Smith: Not happening. Hawks don’t need Ellis and Joe Johnson at SG.
      Andrew Bogut: Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis in the same backcourt? I say no here as well.
      Al Jefferson: Ellis just doesn’t fit with what Utah is trying to do …

23. aaron

    Hey lang i know a lot of people are discussing who is the best pf in the nba, but let’s be honest–if you want to win in the postseason a 33 year old dirk on one leg is still far better than anyone else and without question–agree?

    • Lang Greene

      Kevin Love has recently won my vote for best power forward in the game … yeah, for whatever that’s worth.

      But game 7, title on the line … I’m still going with Dirk. Yes, it’s a contradiction but you understand what I mean.

24. superproxy

    Wassup lang, what happened to jamario moon. 2 years ago he has glimpse of being a pippen-ish type. And now where is he? Is he done? I think he is better than matt barnes tho. Your thoughts sir?

    • Lang Greene

      Bro- please don’t mention Moon and Pip in the same chapter of the same book you’re reading.

      I see what you’re trying to say though … but the NBA is a minutes game. More minutes, better numbers. Moon just isn’t getting the minutes he used to get when he first started getting some shine.

25. spagetti in my burger

    Hi lang how good would be andrew bynum given his team like for example d nets or magics where he is the top player… What would be his stats?

    • Lang Greene

      Not sold he could carry a team by his lonesome as the main guy. But if forced to be in that role I’d say he can go for 18-19 points and 12 boards consistently.

26. paprika

    Would kevin love be greater than dirk nowitzki when its all said and done? And do u see blake griffin being shawn kemp all dunk career or a karl malone all around guy with a deadly mid range jumper?

    • Lang Greene

      Let’s not get carried away. Dirk Nowitzki is an all-time GREAT … Kevin Love is 2010-12 great. Big difference. Way too early to start comparing him to big Dirk.

      Blake’s work ethic alone leads me to believe he takes the Karl Malone route at the fork in the road once the athleticism starts to decline.

27. Slim

    What kind of value could the Hawks get for Al Horford?

    • Lang Greene

      No one talks about this, but Horford may be able to get the Hawks their missing piece for title contention in a trade. A couple guys close to the Hawks organization have told me this privately.

      But when you hear Hawks trade rumors it’s usually revolving around Josh and Marv. But Horford may be the guy who nets the most. They’re proving this year they can win without him.

      Trading Horford would be the “dare to be great, but huge risk” decision.
      Trading Smoove would be the “safe” choice on a mainstream level.

28. Papa Legba

    Ok, the Bobcats finally got another win after Paul Silas was ejected. Now, can we please eject MJ? Seriously, you go to the playoffs and then trash the team and start over from dirt bottom. Who does dat?

    • Lang Greene

      MJ says he wanted to get out of the “middle of the pack” … those in NBA circles understand that being stuck in this pack is a death sentence. The draft picks usually don’t result in studs and the salary cap space needed to stay in that realm makes acquiring key guys very hard.

      So, MJ decided to blow it up. Kemba is going to be a good player. Looks like Biyombo will be solid defensively at least. I’m going to wait and see how they handle the trade deadline (shipping DJ Augustin?) and the upcoming draft / free agency before riding MJ too tough.

29. Deven

    Hey Lang. Any predictions of where players, that are on the block, might end up by the deadline?

    • Lang Greene

      I can see Felton in LA. He’s a free agent so the Lakers could use the TPE and still maintain their cap for 2013. Question is does Portland make that deal with the Lakers … probably not … especially not in the middle of a playoff run themselves.

30. JC

    What’s up Lang! Help me understand why so much attention is given to filling in roster gaps with run down old stars like sheed, bibby, arenas, and AI instead of young D-league or European standouts. It seems like a few teams have been really successful at sifting for talent in those places.

    • Lang Greene

      You go with the devil you know … not the one you don’t.

      You have plenty of NBA game footage of guys like Sheed and Arenas in action. If you’re a veteran team trying to win a title … who you roll with? Gilbert Arenas attempting a comeback or Joe Killingsworth who is averaging 12 points a game in the D-League?

31. Allan

    What”s good Bro! What rumors are you hearing regarding the Hawks?Are Jsmoove and D12 talking about hooking up in the Atl?

    • Lang Greene

      I’ve heard that D12 and Smoove want to play with each other as pros, but not once have I heard that Atlanta would be the destination.

      Hinrich and Marv are available for the right offer.

32. Judy

    Any chance Joe is traded? Who would take him?

    • Lang Greene

      There was a rumor the Warriors were interested in Joe Johnson but that was quickly shot down. Seems as though they believe Monta is the better player.

33. Jasmine

    Thoughts on Zaza’s game since he has been starting?

    • Lang Greene

      Zaza is my guy. I think he has stepped up tremendously. He answered the call when Al Horford went down. No question.

34. Jayden

    The Hawks have beat Orl, OKC and Ind without Joe Johnson. I see a lot of fans saying the Hawks don’t need Joe. Please tell me they are crazy, right?

    • Lang Greene

      Crazy talk. Hawks need Joe. When it hits the fan (and it will hit the fan) in the playoffs, Joe has to be the money guy to close the show.

      Hawks aren’t going anywhere without Joe this season – even though Josh has been their best player in 2012.

35. Clinton

    Other than the magic, what other team is most likely to make a deal at the deadline?

    • Lang Greene

      Houston, New Orleans, Minnesota and Portland.

      Maybe … New Jersey, Indiana, Philadelphia, Los Angeles (Clippers)

36. Will

    If the Magic aren’t trading D12,why don’t they just come out and tell everyone their keeping him for the rest of the season?

    • Lang Greene

      You never show your hand. Not good businessto let your competition know exactly what you’re thinking.

37. nyk

    what is ricky rubio potential?

    • Lang Greene

      Very early … but in terms of potentinal … high end … Steve Nash / Jason Kidd …

      He certainly has the court vision. Not sure if he has the offense. He’s a strong talent, but way to early to worry about labels.

38. Steve

    Lang,
    No Kyler today as scheduled.
    Does that indicate Howard will be traded tomorrow for Monta Ellis and Biedrins? LOL

    • Lang Greene

      You got it wrong bro, Kyler rocks on Thursdays. Nothing new on the D12 front I’m aware of …

39. frank

    My question is this. Why are players like McGuire, Robinson & Rush playing more minutes than Klay in Golden State?

    • Lang Greene

      Klay is a rookie so I’m guessing Mark Jackson is trying to rely on guys with more experience. Not uncommon for coaches to ride veterans a little harder in their first seasons as head coach.

      When the Warriors were in Atlanta, Jackson said he wanted Thompson to be a little more aggressive putting the ball on the floor. One thing Robinson and Rush aren’t is passive on offense.

40. Slam

    Hi again! Do you think if the celtics didnt trade K-Perk and Nate they cudve won the championship last year?

    • Lang Greene

      Possibly. But it is very easy to second guess now. Perk wanted to get paid. Shaq and Jermaine O’Neal were both part-time players. I think they were losing a bit of their edge as a unit … I know folks don’t want to see it that way … but I’m not down on Ainge’s gamble. Just didn’t work out.

41. Joshua True Blue

    Sup Greene,

    Honestly, can my Magic get something done before the trade deadline? I’m hearing a lot of bs saying we have NO assets whatsoever, but the way JJ is playing along with a few role players & draft picks why do people say its not possible?

    & why in gods name does Otis Smith & Stan still have jobs??

    Thanks

    • Lang Greene

      I’m part of those folks … lol. I believe the Magic just don’t have a lot of attractive assets to get anty elite guys. Who is gooing to give a top tier talent for Hedo, Duhon, Nelson, Anderson or J-Rich?

      Alright I dropped 41 tonight … got to bounce. Get your questions in early next week. Last note … what is the guy (LuckyMeGuy) in the comment section talking about? Kobe is one of my favorite players ever … he’s just not making any sense … I’m out … hit me on Twitter @LangGreene