NBA Chat With Lang Greene 5/16/12

1. Matt

   What happens with Memphis next? Is there a shake up coming or do they stick to what they have? Will they be a luxury tax team? Is one of Randolph or Gay likely to go?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? Spurs looking like surgeons in the playoffs so far. Kevin Garnett has turned back the hands of time. Are the HEAT in trouble versus the Pacers? Will Blake Griffin step up for the Clippers? 76ers to the Eastern Conference Finals? Lots to talk about, let’s go …

     The Memphis Grizzlies should be embarrassed by their performance in their first round loss to the Clippers. But I don’t think major changes are in order. Their owner just came outr and said they will NOT be a luxury tax paying team, so I’d expect O.J. Mayo to be gone at the end of the season. Maybe they’ll even look to offload Mike Conley at point guard to create even more room. I’d think Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are the safe ones for now.

2. Aristotle

   Lang what’s happening! Sorry bout your Hawks.
   Wanting your opinion on the following…
   Everyone knows how good the Suns medical staff is with what they’ve done for players who should of been retired from some very ugly injuries (e.g Grant Hill, Michael Redd) but have prolonged their NBA careers. Should Oden and/or BRoy(if he is serious contemplating coming out of retirement) be on Phoenix’s list if the price is right and they can play as back ups for limited minutes?

   • Lang Greene

     My man Aristotle …

     Don’t feel bad for me? I’m pretty far removed from being a fan. I respect the Atlanta Hawks because I’m around them so much during the year and I see their frustration after losses and the work they put into their craft.

     Honestly, I think Brandon Roy and Greg Oden are done. If I had to bet on anyone coming back to the league it would be Oden out of the two because of his size. But with the recent revelations of some of his off the court behavior, not sure if he can pull it off.

3. Aristotle

   KG and RayRay to hit free agency, and Pierce apparently contemplating retirement after this season? Is Rondo’s play enough to make him the new face of Boston, and just who do you put around him to contemplate his game?

   • Lang Greene

     In my opinion Rajon Rondo is not a franchise player. I don’t think you can build a team around a point guard who struggles on the perimeter, hitting free throws consistently and can be a bit moody with coaches …

     He’s still an outstanding player and one who can cause havoc to opposing teams without shooting a high percentage. I love watching him play. But he’s not elite in the Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant sense, no.

4. jim

   mr. lang,

   as a hawks fan i just want to get rid of jj’s contract. what about jj to orlando for q-rich, j-rich and jj redick. Its a salary dump that helps us in the future. Maybe it helps d12 stay in orlando?

   • Lang Greene

     Orlando wouldn’t want any piece of Joe Johnson’s contract. The Hawks wouldn’t want any piece of the guys you named. No deal.

5. NOLA Fan

   The New Orleans Hornets select __________ with the 2nd overall pick in the NBA draft.
   Robinson? MKG? Would love either next to Commissioner Gordon

   • Lang Greene

     Probably Andre Drummond from UCONN. He’s a project for sure, but his upside has earned the scouts’ respect.

6. AJ

   Lately, the topic of whether the Thunder will have to give up Harden or Ibaka. I don’t think that them breaking the team up is a foregone conclusion. But if they do, can you see them trading Perkins in a deal involving an expiring contract next year to save them money and re-sign Harden and Ibaka?

   • Lang Greene

     Tommy Beer went in good detail on this topic, laying out various scenarios … give it a read … LINK

7. Philip Fletcher

   Lang, after watching last night Spurs game. What does a healthy Tim Duncan mean for the Spurs?

   • Lang Greene

     Duncan has upped his game in the playoffs. Everyone has talked about Tim’s age (me included), but the man’s Per 36 averages this year are impressive. 19.7 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2 blocks. Maybe his slippage has been overstated somewhat. The man is still balling. I hope Blake Griffin is taking good notes, because he is being taken to school this round.

8. jim

   is there any scenario that makes a team WANT joe johnson? god i would take a bag of balls just to dump his salary? how bout the matrix and odom? okafor and jarrett jack? monta ellis and drew gooden? korver, rip, and brewer? maggette, diop, and pick? anything please!!!!!!

   • Lang Greene

     I wouldn’t say no one can’t be dealt in the NBA … I’ve witnessed seemingly immovable contracts such as Rashard Lewis and Gilbert Arenas get swapped in recent years. But I don’t expect Johnson dealt anytime soon.

9. Chris Guest

   Langers.
   Did u chek that line backer shoulder wade game collison in the back? I don’t get why fans arnt blowing up about that. If that was metta, we know how the reaction would be.
   What’s your thought on the move??

   Also, your averages this season are better than pau gasols during this post season. You should show it to the lakers and take his spot.

   • Lang Greene

     My man Chris … yes, there is a double standard when it comes to Metta, but I can’t cry too many tears for him because HE helped establish the reputation.

     I think the Dwyane Wade foul was good hard playoff basketball. Flagrant foul. No need for further action in my view.

     Gasol needs to step up. Period. If the Lakers have any shot at winning a title, Gasol needs to step on the gas. IF he keeps playing at a low level, I wouldn’t expect him to be wearing a Lakers uniform next season.

10. RapsFan

    Hey Lang, whats up bro? What SF do you think the raps are going to taget this summer via trade? I think they will have their eye on Iggy and Granger. Also think they are planning on moving Bargnani this offseaon? I think its time to cut the cord

    • Lang Greene

      What’s good Raps Fan? I think the Raptors are going to give Bargnani one more run from everything I hear. So, I wouldn’t expect him dealt.

11. Jazzfan

    Lang thanks for your time man I really appreciate you all at HOOPSWORLD for these chats, What do you think Derrick Favors ceiling is? All Star? Super Star?, I see super star written all over this kid.

    • Lang Greene

      No problem. We do it for you guys … the hoop freaks.

      I don’t see superstar in his future. He’s not going to be a top 15 talent in the game at any point of his career. If he can replicate Paul Millsap’s body of work for 7-8 seasons, then the young man would have had a solid career. I think he can do that … but won’t predict All-NBA teams for him just yet.

12. Mac

    In Jason Flemmings response about flopping in the NBA, he is quoted “You can’t blame the players for being smart enough to trick the refs.” Will have to respectfully disagree with this statement and the use of the word “smart.” Attempting to deceive the referees about the amount of contact made is borderline cheating and most definitely constitutes “unsportsmanlike” behavior (not a shrewd, intelligent way to manipulate the rules). Who’s viewpoint do you favor? Mr. Flemming and players can’t be blamed for being smart to flop to get calls. Or flopping can be blamed on the players as this represents unsportsmanlike behaviour.

    • Lang Greene

      You don’t really want me to answer this do you?

      I’m tired of all this flopping talk. Do guys flop … of course they do. Should the league start handing out fines and suspensions for it, heck no! Ultimately, the referee has the whistle. It is his call to make. That’s why those guys are paid over $100,000 per year.

      Answer me this, if you hit me on the elbow as I go up for a layup attempt and I add a little english to swipe, did you not hit me on the elbow in the first place?

      The name of the game is winning. If you can earn a possession for your team, an extra free throw, a momentum boost … do it. I have no problem with it and I view the issue as a media creation once the mainstream media who were following the NFL finally started paying attention to the NBA playoffs.

13. paprika

    I was watchin the dan patrick show and they touch on lebron too much passing on the last minutes of the game. I think tha lbj just did the right play but d.patrick said great players should make the last play or even the last shot. Like nowitzki way back being labeled soft and he removed that label last year by taking over the championship game. Do u think lebron is scared or soft? I think he just is too smart that he always do the right play. Jordan ,kobe are labelled ball hugs… Even tho they could have pass the ball ,they take it. And that made them great. Im still confuse man. Whats your take?

    • Lang Greene

      LeBron averages 7 assists per game for his career. In high school scouts thought he had the court vision of Magic Johnson. He’s gone on record numerous times saying he could lead the league in scoring every year, but he would prefer not to because it isn’t his preferred style of play. He’s finished in the top 10 in assists per game four times since 2005.

      The guy is not a cold blooded (scoring) killer in the clutch. And that’s okay … everyone isn’t built to be. Not being a LeBron apologist, but if all guys were clutch then we wouldn’t have a need to celebrate guys like Kobe, MJ and Reggie Miller.

14. Mark

    Lang, 3 questions.

    Should the Hawks trade Smoove?
    Should they amnesty Marvin?
    Should LD be replace by another coach?

    For some reason, I say bring them all back for one more run…..we are right there if healthy.

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Mark?

      1. One of the core three (Johnson, Horford or Smith) has to be dealt to bring in more talent. The Hawks can’t afford to let Josh Smith leave in free agency in 2013 for nothing in return.
      2. No. I think they should continue looking for deals to bring in talent for him. He’s very productive for a guy who has ZERO plays called for him.
      3. I think LD has done a solid job. But this summer has a lot of SOLID coaches on the market such as Nate McMillan, Mike D’Antoni and possibly Stan Van Gundy. Might have to test the crop and see if you can find someone who can spark the roster in a different way.

15. Jeremy

    let say you hold the first pick, and there are two prospects. both are centers, about 7ft tall, and can be considered as franchise player. one is a senior with old school move with limited potential but proven, and the other one is a high school who is raw but athletic and have huge potential. who will you pick?

    • Lang Greene

      No such thing as a franchise player with limited potential … but to answer your question the proven kid gets my nod. I don’t care about old school moves and flash. A guy like Tim Duncan even at his advanced age is going to outperform Blake Griffin in their playoff series because of fundamentals and attention to detail.

      I saw Blake pass up four or five 15 foot jumpers last night because he isn’t confident enough in his stroke yet … so I always go with a proven guy.

16. soup number5

    Do u see a josh smith pau gasol trade next season? And if the lakers loose this year a dwith and bynum trade? Anyways hope all is good with u and atlanta! Thanks for the time

    • Lang Greene

      No. Atlanta doesn’t want to absorb Gasol’s long term salary. And expecting them to want Gasol after his disappointing year when Josh is on the verge of becoming a 20/10 guy just wouldn’t be smart business.

17. Q-Man

    “Nature Boy” Lang, How’s it going? I have three quick one’s for you
    1. Will Larry Drew be coaching the hawks next year
    2. Do the hawks extend Josh and give him along with Big Al and Teague the keys under a new coaching staff (I Know the hawks are tight on cash but you got to do something)
    3.Trade Joe to knicks for Shump and Amare (keep Shump for your 2 then trade Amare for your starting 3, a role player and cap space) What you think

    • Lang Greene

      Wooooooooooooosh

      1. Depends on if Rick Sund is back. If so, I’d give it a 75 percent chance you see LD’s option get picked up.
      2. Josh doesn’t want a contract extension. He wants to test free agency next summer and that’s the scary part for the Hawks because they could potentially lose him for nothing in return.
      3. Amar’e does nothing for Atlanta but create a logjam in the frontcourt. Al Horford and Josh Smith are guys expecting to play 35+ minutes per night.

18. Mac

    If Lang Greene was a player in a tied Game 7 of the NBA Finals and are given the choice of two possible outcomes. Scenario A: You can blatantly flop on the final play of the game, get the call, and win the title Scenario B: Play defense like a real man on the final possession of the game, but you only have a 50-50 chance of making a stop and winning the game. Which scenario do you choose and why?

    • Lang Greene

      Scenario A … give me my ring. I wouldn’t lose any sleep at night since I didn’t do anything illegal. And I’d still feel like a “real man”

19. Sweet Dee

    Lang Greene, you tweeted “For two straight seasons Kevin Durant has entered the season as MVP favorite, but has come up short both … will 2013 be his year?” Will have to respectfully disagree with this statement. Although Durant put up a very solid year, the numbers and PER of Lebron James this year were nearly unprecedented in NBA history (with both teams finishing in the #2 conference seed). Justify your statement that Durant was the favorite pre-voting and who would you have voted for as MVP?

    • Lang Greene

      I don’t have to justify my statement, because you’re interpreting it the wrong way … re-read my tweet brother. I said Kevin Durant ENTERED the season as a favorite to win the award … I didn’t say LeBron didn’t deserve to win it … difference.

20. pat

    Hey lang I have a question would this be a good trade bulls trade boozer to Sacramento for tyreke Evans chuck Hayes and future first rounder I think it would give the bulls a good young shooting guard a good back up center in Hayes and for the kings a great power toward in boozer to team up with cousins

    • Lang Greene

      With Derrick Rose expected to miss the 2013 season, wouldn’t make sense to trade Carlos Boozer. Especially for Tyreke Evans and Chuck Hayes. Even as currently constructed, the Bulls will have a very solid regular season … they just won’t compete for a title.

21. Mark

    What’s good Lang? Can we get your opinion on the Nets’ new colors? Some say it’s bold, others say it’s bland. I think it’s dope personally. How about you?

    • Lang Greene

      Black and White … I’m a fan. Not complaining one bit.

22. Alex

    Where do you see OJ mayo landing?

    • Lang Greene

      http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-am-o-j-mayos-free-agency-value-rising

23. JD

    Do you believe that the Hawks will try to trade Josh Smith and/ammesty Marvin Williams?

    • Lang Greene

      Hawks wouldn’t be smart if they didn’t at least see the market for Josh given that he has issued a trade demand which hasn’t been publicly retracted as of yet.

24. balut

    Fantasy question lang, if you are the bobcAts,who would you draft for your team assuming you dont have a starting pg. Lawson or lou williams? Why? Thanks

    • Lang Greene

      Easy, I’m going with Ty Lawson. Just a more dynamic player with more potential.

25. STOPLOOKANDLISTEN

    How good do you think Golden State is going to be next year. Also, lets say that Bogut and Curry can stay healthy with no set backs, how good do you think this team can be….. Playoff Contender or bust

    • Lang Greene

      That’s the big IF … so I hope you guys aren’t really putting too much faith in Andrew Bogut and Stephen Curry playing 90 percent of their games next season. Hope is okay, expecting it is something totally different.

26. luis

    What did Larry Bird do to get Executive of the Year? I think the Clippers GM did a little Better.

    • Lang Greene

      Good argument can be made for Clippers exec as well … K-Mart, Chauncey Billups, Nick Young, CP3, etc …

      But David West, George Hill and Barbosa isn’t anything to sniff at.

27. luis

    You think the Clippers should put Bledsoe in the starting unit and put Paul as the off guard? That way E. Bled can break the defense and pass it up to Paul and not be double team.

    And also should they just stay on the three point line and let Duncan try to beat them?

    • Lang Greene

      Man, listen. Don’t ever talk about taking away the point guard reigns from CP3 for Eric Bledsoe.

28. Jj

    what do you think will happen in Orlando ?

    if d-12 stays will other free agents come Orlando has big cap space soon ?

    • Lang Greene

      Possibly Josh Smith and Monta Ellis … that has to be the goal.

29. mike in warren,ohio

    Lang is lebron as mentally fragile as he appears? At what point does espn jump ship on the Miami lovefest?

    • Lang Greene

      Last question …

      I don’t think LeBron is mentally fragile. I think he can make the big shots but justbisn’t the guy raising his hand to take them. Just like as a writer I wouldn’t be the FIRST guy raising my hand to draft the CBA detail website like Larry Coon does … it doesn’t mean I couldn’t do it if I had to … With me?

      Some things just aren’t your primary strengths. Doesn’t make him any less of a ball player, doesn’t make me any less of a writer.

      Have a good one everyone.