NBA Chat With Lang Greene 4/18/12

1. Mark ryan

   If the Kings draft either MKG or Harrison Barnes or go sign a small forward in free agency but Still Keep Tyreke Evans does he Start over Marcus Thornton at SG or Isaiah Thomas at Point Guard and Why?

   • Lang Greene

     Hoop Freaks … can you believe the regular season is almost over and the playoffs are about to begin? Some teams are peaking; other squads are withering under the pressure. The bright lights have humbled many men over the years. Shout to Xi Psi 98 of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity … one two one two come through run through! Let’s get it, let’s go …

     The kings are likely to get a high pick, but I’d stay away from Harrison Barnes. I don’t think he’s a franchise changer for a lottery team. He’s the type of guy who would fit in perfectly fine on a team just about set …

     I don’t want to be too hard on the kid too soon but I just haven’t seen the fifth gear in his game.

     Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the best small forward in the draft. Hands down. I think the writing is on the wall for Tyreke actually. Not sure if he’s part of Sacramento’s long term plans despite their lip service saying he is …

2. Mike aldridge

   Why don’t you realize how good Austin Rivers is. He is the Only Lottery Pick who gets talked about most about the things he cant do rather than the things he can do. Of course he needs to get stronger and work on his shot selection but the kid is only 19 years old. Rivers is an Elite Prospect which made him the Number 1 recruit in High school. He has Elite NBA ready Ball handling Skills, Quickness and shooting ability. His size isn’t a big deal when 3 of the top 5 SG in the league are “undersized” in Dwyane wade, Monta Ellis and Eric Gordon. I will truly be shocked when its all said and done and hes not one of the top 5 players to come out of this draft.

   • Lang Greene

     Some Atlanta Hawks players were joking about Austin Rivers earlier this season. They said he was the first Duke player they had ever seen running isolation sets in Coach K’s system. So I checked out his next few games and sure enough he was out on the perimeter waving guys off and going one on one – playing isolation ball at times.

     To your question, I’ve never said the guy didn’t have the goodies. He absolutely does. But I’m not going to ignore Rivers averaging more turnovers than assists and shooting a subpar 65 percent from the free throw line in college.

     He was a strong prep and collegiate basketball player … but do you realize how many guys don’t translate that success to the pros?

     Didn’t think it was possible but draft-wise Rivers could slip into the teens. Jeremy Lamb and Beal are real deal prospects at SG.

3. Cain

   What do you think of Brandon Knights play lately? How good can he be in the future?

   • Lang Greene

     During the month of April, Knight is averaging 15.6 points, 4.4 assists and 3 rebounds per game.

     Good numbers, but I try not to put too much faith into late season explosions on non-playoff teams.

     If you’re really trying to get a read on Knight’s development, take a stroll to statistics land and evaluate his assist to turnover ratio. That’ll tell you a lot about how he’s developing as a point guard.

     Complete Season A/TO ratio: 1.59
     March-April A/TO ratio: 1.45

4. calvinzero

   What’s the latest on Al Horford?? Is he physically ready for the playoffs like you mention in the previous chat, almost a month ago.. Thanks Lang. Hope I can tweet with you someday

   • Lang Greene

     Jump on Twitter and hit me up @LangGreene …

     Horford was cleared for physical contact which basically raises the probability of a return for the playoffs. How effective he’ll be conditoning wise after missing all those games is another story.

5. AJ

   If you were an owner/GM, would you rather have a team with a few good pieces, a lot of mediocre talent, and some bad contracts (like the Pistons) or a team that just really does not have much talent, like the Bobcats?

   • Lang Greene

     As a coach I’d probably take the mediocre team because with the right adjustments and strategy you could possibly make a playoff run if you get some luck (i.e. teams above you in the standings suffering from injuries or under-performing).

     As a GM, no question I’d take Charlotte’s position. Financial flexibility and youthful assets are critical to a rebuilding team’s overall strategy.

6. Jim

   Mr. Lang,

   I am not a fan of either the heat or magic nor of dwade or d12 but what about the idea of those 2 being traded for each other. I think it can only happen if the heat fail to win the title again. They are already proving they don’t need wade to win. Plus what better piece do the magic get for dwight. What do you think?

   • Lang Greene

     Don’t count on it Jim. If the HEAT were to remove anyone from their big three I’m quite sure it would be Chris Bosh as the odd man out. Wade and James have become almost inseparable … do you mess that chemistry up? I mean, shipping one out would have the other sulking.

7. JT

   Do you think there is a chance Rondo could catch john stockton for most career assists?

8. Deven

   Hey Lang, what’s up? Can my Knicks still win the division title over the Cs after last night’s win against them? What are your thoughts?

   • Lang Greene

     Let’s not get ahead of ourselves … solid win last night but the Knicks would have to make up 3.5 games with 5 games remaining. Not happening.

     Good news for NY though is Amar’e is set to return to the lineup on Friday if he emerges from practice Thursday pain free. The Knicks hopes rely on Amar’e being at close to full strength if they’re going to make any noise in the playoffs.

9. john

   Hi Lang,

   I feel like a surprising number of people are sleeping on Perry Jones and Jeremy Lamb. Why do people question the “intensity” of 19 year olds? Perry Jones hears the same criticisms Lamarcus Aldridge faced (softness)but Jones has much higher upside. Would you agree that people are being silly in their denigration? Thanks

   • Lang Greene

     Listen when you have a bunch of 50 year old men evaluating 18-19 year old kids there will be a lot lost in translation. Heck, I can’t relate to some of the stuff teenagers are doing these days. Nor can they relate to what I have going on. All throughout history the elders have looked at the youth with a raised eyebrow and skepticism … and vice versa.

     So don’t get caught up in all that hoopla.

     Folks in the know look past that stuff and focus on the player. Perry isn’t getting knocked by the true talent scounts for on court emotions … he just hasn’t produced like a surefire lottery pick. He hasn’t commanded the stage. He underwhelmed in big moments. So I don’t expect people to anoint him like say an Anthony Davis – who we all saw put in work.

10. Joe Shafer

    It looks fairly obvious that the rockets can’t keep Lowry and Dragic (both want and deserve to start). Should they trade Lowry with one of their other role players for a star wing/post player and roll with Dragic as the pg (I like his play style better)?

    • Lang Greene

      I think Lowry is the PG I’d roll with if I’m Houston. But yes, Lowry returns the most value in a trade.

      I’m not sold Portland re-signs Ray Felton … I think they’ll be in the market for a guy like Dragic or Aaron Brooks.

11. Kahari Young

    what’s up lang!!who do you see having a greater legacy, derrick rose or allen iverson!both are once in a generation talents and have unique personalities, do you think the fans will ever witness a legend like allen iverson(from the way he presents himself, the flamboyant speeches that he gives,meaningful commercials, the crazy anklebreaking moves, and last but not least, the heart and warrior-like mentality of allen iverson)

    • Lang Greene

      As of right now, Allen Iverson’s legacy shines much brighter than Derrick Rose’s. Allen was such a great talent and I think some people are forgetting about his contributions to the sport. What he did for the 76ers franchise cannot be denied. I also think some journalists are using his current economic situation as a way to take jabs at him.

      But AI was the goodie monster. The best 6′ or under player ever.

      D-Rose has a long way to go to measure up to the Answer.

12. devonte

    is tyshawn taylor good enough to be picked in the first round or is he a sound rounder? what exactly does he do well? and can you see the knicks trading up if he goes in the first round to select him? they might need a point guard thats more durable then jeremy lin?

    • Lang Greene

      No, I don’t see the Knicks trading up for Tyshawn.

      I hope the kid gets a shot and sticks with a team. He’s a NJ product and you guys know I always pull for my home state guys. But as of right now he’s likely a second round guy.

13. Jazzfan

    Lang how’s everything? thanks for your time as always, The Jazz have a lot of solid veterans and promising youngsters but no real current all stars/superstars, if you could pick 1 player from the Jazz and put on any team you want who do you pick?

    • Lang Greene

      I’d take Al Jefferson. I know his numbers don’t translate into victories but surrounding him with Josh Smith and Joe Johnson … I think he’d fit right in with the Hawks.

      Would likely have to send Horford out … and that isn’t happening.

14. Deven

    Lang, Yahoo reported Bobcats coach Paul Slias shoved Tyrus Thomas after a postgame screaming match Sunday night. Any truth to that?

    • Lang Greene

      Yes it has been confirmed.

      That tells you what kind of season it has been for Charlotte. Silas is one of the classiest guys in the game, but the losing takes it toll on everyone.

      On another note, it’s time for Tyrus to start living up to the huge investment the Bobcats put in him. This was a prime year for him to step up and be a leader of the team … and he didn’t. He’s actually regressed. Freakish athlete, not a great basketball player.

15. Peter

    Hey what’s up Lang!If Bulls come up short this year do you think we make a big trade with your Atlanta Hawks. Noah and Boozer for Johnson and Smith. Bulls take the terrible Joe contract to get an all star power forward who would go to another level under Thibs. Plus he could be like Ray Allen he’s only 31 and can spread the floor for Rose for the next 4 years till he is an expiring contract. Hawks get a potential all star and former Gator teammate of Horford to allow him to move to his more natural 4 position. while definitely giving serious hope for the future of Hawks basketball. You can flip Boozer for another contract for a better fit somewhere else like shooting guard or a point. Also creates massive cap space to sign another contract to play with Noah and Horford duo. Thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      Peter, love the optimism, but no … the Hawks would want no part of that deal. Boozer is nowhere near the player he used to be. He’s becoming an old man right before our eyes. Plus the Hawks already have Horford on the inside … getting Boozer AND Noah creates a Utah Jazz like logjam in ther frontcourt.

      You can have all of the talent in the world on a roster, but only two guys can play forward and center at a time.

      The Bulls make out like bandits in this deal. A threesome of Joe, D-Rose and Smoove? Yeah, no way Hawks even consider it.

16. Matt O

    The Hornets could have 2 lottery picks. I would love to see them take Thomas Robinson or Jared Sullinger with the first pick (around pic 3-6) and Kendall Marshall with the TWolves pick (around 10-14). Would a lineup of Marshall, Gordon, Ariza, Sullinger/Robinson & Okafor cause some damage in a few years?

    • Lang Greene

      The draft pick received from the CP3 deal MUST pay dividends for the franchise.

      I know a lot of people are high on Marshall, but I’m not completely sold. I can see a No. 16-20 pick on the kid. But top 12 selection may be a reach.

17. Hone

    I dont often hear people talking about t-mac dropping 13 points on the spurs in 40 odd seconds for the win as one of the greatest individual moments in NBA history. Never a tickets fan, but i could watch that all day. How dop you think it ranks in the individual moments category?

    • Lang Greene

      Tracy McGrady in his absolute prime goes for 20+ per night in any era … the guy wasn’t a fluke.

      As for the performance you mention … all I can say is COLD BLOODED …

      Check it out HERE

18. Dave

    A few question Lang. 1.) Are the Clippers Contenders or Pretenders? 2.) Will Al make it back in time for the playoffs? The Hawks need him if they want to make a deep playoff push! 3.) Who wins GM of the year? 4.)Which realistic 1st round playoff matchup would you be most excited to watch?

    • Lang Greene

      Dave-

      1. Pretenders. Blake Griffin isn’t ready yet.
      2. Al has been cleared for contact. It is my understanding the Hawks may attempt to give him a go in the postseason. I still say round two the earliest.
      3. Neil Olshey, LA Clippers. He’s made great moves. RC Buford should be in the mix. I also hope Hawks EVP and GM Rick Sund snags a few votes.
      4. Knicks vs HEAT would be an exciting series. So much talent. Melo doesn’t shy away from LeBron one bit …

19. Dennis

    Hi Lang,

    Pacers, contenders or pretenders? What’s their ceiling for this season? Thanks.

    • Lang Greene

      Pretenders. I’m very impressed with Indiana and it’s been great to see the team evolve from a lottery position to a nightly favorite to win …

      But San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Chicago and Miami are a cut above the field. You can never discount the Lakers, but even they are on the outside looking in at the top four true contenders.