NBA Chat With Lang Greene 4/25/12

Lang Greene is a NBA Writer for HOOPSWORLD covering the Atlanta Hawks and Eastern Conference. Lang’s chat gets started at 8pm EST on Wednesday every week.

  1. James Gordon

    Lang the Hawks has had a good team for yrs. What do you think they need to do to take that next step? Make a trade or continue with what they have?

    • Lang Greene

      Hoop Freaks! Just got home from the office … dress shoes still on, but I’m about to rock this chat. Let’s go to work …

      The Hawks are the classic example of being so close but so far away. The squad is one more impact player away from being a title contender … the issue is how do you get that impact player to the team without giving up core pieces. As much as I love Marvin Williams, he’s not getting you that guy in a trade.

      It seems like they’ll need a stroke of luck.

      If I were Hawks management I’d have my medical staff all over a guy like Greg Oden trying to see if he can give me 15-20 minutes a night behind Al Horford and Josh Smith.

  2. Josh

    whos worse, this years bobcats, or last years cavs?

    • Lang Greene

      Man, listen. I’m going with the Bobcats on this one. I think last year’s Cavaliers beat this year’s Bobcats in five games if they had to play a seven game series.

      I’ve watched the Bobcats up close 3 times this season here in Atlanta. They are an awful team. Some of their guys have potential. But as a unit … not good.

  3. HoopsFreak!

    Lang my man! How’s it goin, greetings from Australia!

    Just a simple question for ya..

    Who do you see as the best international player to have played or playing in the NBA?
    Me and one of my friends are crazy about Dirk, and we’re very biased that he is.. We know Manu has the more silver wear in the cupboard but still, Dirk at 7ft shooting J’s and Trey’s all day and still hittin well over 50%??! Come on..
    Cheers for your reply.

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up family!!! Thanks for checking the kid.

      Dirk Nowitzki is the best international player I have ever seen. Yao Ming had a chance but his career was cut short because of injuries.

      Back in the 90s everyone was going crazy about Toni Kukoc, but ol’ Dirk McGirt would take all of Toni’s lunch today and his lunch money for the rest of the week too.

      I heard Sabonis was a terror before his injuries. I also admired Detlef’s game growing up … but man I agree with you, give me Dirk.

  4. Bjørn Simen Samdal

    I have always felt like people have been down on Robin Lopez and Jordan Hill. Now I read that “Lakers have found their third big”. What do you think of their potential and also which bigs do you think can be quality big men in the future?

    • Lang Greene

      I think Derrick Favors will be a quality big guy. I also think Greg Monroe will develop into a borderline All-Star in the future. People sleep on Kris Humphries because of the wedding drama but the guy is a solid forward. I think he’d fit next to Dwight Howard. All great centers need a garbage man next to them. David Robinson had Dennis Rodman for a little bit. Patrick Ewing had Charles Oakley. Hakeem had Otis Thorpe. Shaq had Horace Grant. Heck, even Rik Smith had the “Davis Boys” next to him inside.

  5. lolskiii

    Hey Lang love your chats mate! If you were the GM of Sac town would you trade thornton or Evans? Also what teams do you think Evans could be a good fit?/where would you like to see him traded ?

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks, bro.

      Personally, I think Evans is a little more dynamic than Thornton in terms of long term potential. I don’t think he’s a franchise guy, but he could develop into a solid 2-3 guy.

      But the reality of it is the Kings are likely to part ways with Tyreke soon. My guess is he’ll thrive in another system. He’s just never fit what Sacramento wanted him to be … whether it be at PG, SG or SF.

  6. lolskiii

    Do you think Miami should be targeting Fab Melo for this years draft? His roughly in their range 24-28. Also what do you think of the Turiaf acquisition?

    • Lang Greene

      I like the Turiaf acquisition. Anytime you can add veteran size and a guy who clearly knows his niche in the league it is a positive. And trust me, you don’t see Turiaf out there doing anything above his skill level. I liked the move.

      Sure, take a look at Melo that late in the draft but the true reality of it is … rookies very rarely make strong contributions on title teams. Look back at the last few title teams and show me a rookie playing big rotation minutes consistently.

      Sounds good in theory, but Fab would be end of bench in Miami as he learns the ropes. Miami just doesn’t have the room for him to learn on the job like say an Atlanta or Houston.

  7. Kevin

    Wasup Lang!

    Your the GM of the Hawks, Josh Smith demands to be traded in the offseason what do you do? I’m gonna assume you keep him, if you were forced to trade him tho, who would you want to come back to your Hawks in a realistic trade?

    • Lang Greene

      No way I trade Josh Smith this summer regardless of demand. The only way I trade Josh is if he won’t sign the contract extension. So I think next year’s deadline will be an interesting time for Hawks management. Surely, you can’t let him walk for zero in return.

      I would want a big (Chris Kaman type) or a very strong talent on the wing (Danny Granger type) for starters as the headliners in a deal for Smoove.

  8. Cain

    Where will DJ Augustin be next season? I’m a big fan of his and want to see him out of Charlotte. Can he be a starter of play-off team?

    • Lang Greene

      Looking around the league at who needs point guards (and have cap room) … off the top of my head maybe a Portland, Sacramento or New Orleans.

  9. Mark

    Ok Lang: From what I have seen of the Hawks, we should bring everyone back except for Dampier and Hinrich. Use the draft pick in the first and find a cheaper replacement for Hinrich. I think we gotta bring back Pargo, Green, Ivan and even TMAC. What do you think? With a healthy Horford and the emergence of Teague we are pretty good.

    • Lang Greene

      My man Mark …

      If you see T-Mac back in Atlanta next season he will be wearing another team’s uniform. I’m quite sure he doesn’t get re-signed for another run. I agree with Willie Green and Ivan Johnson … but you may be able to get an upgrade over Pargo in free agency on the minimum rack.

  10. ralph lawrence

    Let us presume that the bobcats win the lottery, do you think there’s a chance they will trade their #1 overall pick? will they be interested in a deal like tyreke evans and kings first round pick for the bobcats first overall pick? in that way bobcats would have a good core of evans, walker and henderson plus the draft pick and on the other hand kings get anthony davis and will now have a good front court.. your thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      Ralph, you make an interesting point.

      But there’s no way the Bobcats, from a public relations standpoint at the very least, trade away the number one pick of the draft for Tyreke and the Kings pick.

      Not after all the hype Anthony Davis has received, coupled with the awful season from a win-loss point of view.

      I see where you’re going, but Michael Jordan couldn’t take that risk on Tyreke. A.D. is the clear top pick.

  11. Mutang

    Where is the talk about Corbin for COY???!!!! Once again, because its’ Utah , a coach gets no respect for what he’s done. Utah was picked to finish BELOW such teams as Portland, GS, Minnesota and Phoenix and be a lottery dweller. Instead, they are in the playoffs and Ty Corbin has convinced a group of baby players to play defense and come at everyone. Youngest team going and in the playoffs. Corbin for COY EASY!!!!

    • Lang Greene

      Give coach Ty credit. Most had Utah floundering this season, but they made it to the postseason. Not sure if he gets enough love to win the award though. If he doesn’t win, I wouldn’t blame it on a conspiracy. In my view it wouldn’t be highway robbery. There are a few solid candidates out there this year.

  12. Aristotle

    What’s happening Langy!
    Who do you think will go through in the 1st round matchups and who do you see as MVP of each playoff series?

    • Lang Greene

      I don’t see any of the lower seeds in the East swinging the upset. I got Chicago, Miami, Indiana and Boston advancing. Tough for me to pick against the Hawks though, but Boston is a really tough match-up for them without Al Horford.

      In the West …I wouldn’t count out the defending champion Dallas Mavericks from at least putting a small scare into OKC. In the end, Durant, Westbrook and Associates LLC will probably be too much for Dallas.

      Don’t sleep on Memphis. I think they’ll take out the Clippers in the opening round. Last year’s Spurs team was much better than this Clippers team and the Grizzlies were able to dominate. Wouldn’t surprise me to see CP3 and Blake going home early to prepare for Team USA.

  13. Seth

    With Al Jefferson a catalyst to the Jazz’s unlikely playoff appearance, can we stop referring to him as a non-winner?

  14. Chris

    Better option for the T-Wolves OJ Mayo or Courtney Lee? And why?

    • Lang Greene

      Give me the talent in this instance – OJ Mayo.

      The T’Wolves are going to have to get Kevin Love a bona fide second scorer since Rubio is more of a distributor. I think Mayo can score big if needed. I think the T’Wolves already have a lot of guys like C-Lee … role players. They need another impact player or two.

  15. Matthew

    If it isn’t limousine riding jet flying styling and profiling Mr Lang Greene sup bro? Ight ur the GM of my rockets do u resign dragic and lee? Trade lowry and martin? I love lowry but dragic has alot of potential I like lee but my first option is dragic. Take care bro

    • Lang Greene

      Well if it isn’t my man Matt, the limousine ridin’, jet flyin’, kiss stealin’, wheelin’ dealin’ son of a gun. WOOOO!!”

      What’s up playboy?

      I don’t know Matt honestly. I got asked this question a couple of times. Dragic is averaging 17 points and 8 assists as a starter. But is it the good old contract year explosion?

      I think you might have to roll with Lowry who will be a bit less expensive. And then try to re-sign Lee.

      Dragic has game, but you can’t keep everyone.

      Ask me again next week, I’d probably have a different take. It’s that close of a call.

  16. Robert

    How do you feel about this trade?

    Toronto Trades: Jose Calderon, DeMar DeRozan, 2012 First Round Pick, 2012 Second Round Pick
    Boston Trades: Rajon Rondo

    • Lang Greene

      Three months ago I bet Danny Ainge would have entertained this offer with a little more sweetener (youth, or third team involvement). Don’t think he would today.

  17. Lazeric

    What’s the good word Lang? I got 2 NJ questions for u:

    1. Say the Gods for some reason aligned in NJ favor and they end up with the #1 pick in the draft, do the keep the pick or they to package it with say Lopez for DH12 the indecisive giant?

    2. With the uncertain future of the Kings in SacTown would NJ be a desirable destination for them to move 2? A bigger market, and beautiful building, and a large fan base would seem to make the NJ area a great place to move to rite?

    • Lang Greene

      Lazeric-

      Very interesting questions.

      1. I say you keep the pick. Lopez and Anthony Davis on the front line. Get Gerald Wallace to opt in … surely would do a lot to convince Deron Williams to stay. D-Will, Brooks, Wallace, Davis and Lopez as starters. Not a bad start.
      2. I grew up in New Jersey. I love my roots, but pro basketball in NJ wasn’t a big item. People always sided with the Knicks. At one point the Nets had plenty of spark, but the death of Drazen really curbed the momentum.

  18. paprika

    Yo man wassup? Lets talk match ups! Who wins the dal okc match up? spurs utah? This buttom seed teams can give an upset…

    • Lang Greene

      I think Dallas has enough to put a scare into OKC, but not enough to pull out a victory. Spurs will be all over Utah like a cheap suit.

      Memphis is my pick to unseat a “higher” seed. I think they can beat the Clippers.

  19. raps4ever

    Hi Mr. Lang, I can’t understand why everyone is so high on Harrison Barnes. I have been watching BB for over 40 years and personally I think he is not an impact player in the NBA. How can he be a top 5 pick in the mock draft. I see more chances for Royce White, to be a successful NBA player, just look at his body,( he is like a poor man’s Blake Griffin). I just hope the Raptors don’t pick him.

    • Lang Greene

      Please, call me Lang. I keep the atmosphere informal for all of the hoop freaks.

      I don’t think Harrison Barnes is a franchise player type of talent either. But franchise player isn’t the only role available on NBA rosters. I do differ from you and think Barnes would fit in great on a team like Toronto – a team that won’t ask him to do too much.

      What’s hurting Royce is the prior incidents of character. But as he showed in the NCAA Tournament he can clearly rumble with the elite talents out there.

  20. Roger

    Which duo would be better in this era, Kobe and Shaq or MJ and Pip? In their primes of course.

    • Lang Greene

      I’m going to get slammed for this, but give me Kobe and Shaq.

      Reason is simple …

      Shaq in this era without elite centers to make him worry about defense … he’d be unstoppable. And we already know Kobe is easily one of the top 15 ever in his own right … so, yeah … Kobe and Shaq.

  21. manila jeepney

    Hi lang love the way u do your chats… U just speak your mind and wow us with ur analysis.keep it up ! Anyways love the way the hawks won the clipper game and i just hate they woyld be against the celtics in the first round. My question is… Whats the real juice on billy and dfish!? As a laker fan im a lil bias and ill stick with my boy dfish.whats ur take on this story? Thanks!!!

    • Lang Greene

      Manila!

      Thanks for the kind words. HOOPSWORLD has been around for almost 20 years. Kyler and Ingram have a solid system in place. Guys adjust to the system and the formula has worked. Shout to those guys man …

      But when Kyler told me he was giving me my own chat slot, he told me “it’s all yours, let the readers connect to the true you” … so that’s what I’m doing. Some like it, others don’t … but the hour slot every week is mine lol …

      I have no other juice other than what’s out there on the net. Things are getting ugly. I would ask HOOPSWORLD’s Alex Kennedy. I think he may have a little more insight.

  22. paprika

    Coach larry brown said in an interview that he dont like the people surrounding mj and once u decide to counter mj’s decision making it goes bad for u so people just please jordan. I guess coach brown didnt thats why he said he was sad to be fired by his hero. If jordan is so stubborn and just wants his way then why the need of people around him and a gm? He seems like he just wants his ways. And yes if the cats dont get first this draft then another bad season??? Whats your opinion lang?

    • Lang Greene

      Most successful guys have a team of “yes men” around them. That’s a fact. You can’t get around it. The fear of going against the grain holds people in check. Think about it … even at your place of work there are probably people scared to speak up out of some type of fear of losing their spot on the gravy train.

      Jordan fired back at Brown today. Check it below.

      http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-pm-michael-jordan-responds-to-larry-brown

  23. John

    Which rookie are you the most excited to watch next season and how will you remember Nash, Dirk, Duncan, and Kobe on and off the court when they retire?

    • Lang Greene

      Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. I remember this kid used to tear up my alma mater back in New Jersey high school hoops.

      Nash – presenting him with the 2011 Tweeter of the Year award. Ultra classy and cool
      Dirk – defeating the big 3 on sheer will, best international player in NBA history
      Duncan – no flash, all business, champion
      Kobe – if I had 20% of his confidence. The guy has a self belief that very few can rival.

  24. Ben Aldridge

    If D-Will foes to dallas next Summer who makes the All Star team Kyrie Irving, John wall or Brandon Jennings and Why?

    Who has most potential out of them

    • Lang Greene

      Kyrie out of those three.

      The Wizards will not be good so that eliminates Wall and Jennings just isn’t there consistently yet.

  25. John

    Which team do you think should take a chance on Andre Drummond when he enters?

  26. Macedonian

    Greetings Lang! Who do you think deserves to be DPOY, 6th man, and most improved this year? Mine would be Tyson Chandler, James Harden and Ersan Ilyasova.

    Thanks

    • Lang Greene

      DPOY: Tyson Chandler or my man Josh Smith
      6th Man: James Harden (had Lou Williams earlier in the year)
      MIP: Andrew Bynum / Ilyasova

  27. Bushnewspaper

    Hey bud, what’s good man?

    Watching the Sixers play, Evan Turner always seems to thrive when starting or when Iggy is out. What’s the solution? He seems too talented to play 20 minutes a night.

    Maybe next year when Lou bolts he will have a bigger role off the bench.

    • Lang Greene

      My man! I think Evan has some pop to his game, but please somebody tell Doug Collins he is a not a point guard. I agree there is a logjam.