NBA Chat With Lang Greene 5/23/12

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. Will

    What about a Johnson/Horford for Dwight/Jrich trade,Dwight goes to his hometown team?

    • Lang Greene

      What’s good Hoop Freaks? The Olympic torch flaming, we burn so sweet … the thrill of victory … the agony of defeat … Let’s go …

      I’ve been informed on multiple occasions by multiple clued in sources that Dwight Howard isn’t too high on his hometown of Atlanta. It’s not a situation like Deron Williams who has publicly stated the idea of playing back home in Dallas would interest him.

      Howard has never once, to my knowledge, spoke highly of coming back to Atlanta to play ball, even in the midst of his stretch earlier this season where he was saying he could envision playing in each city the Magic traveled to.

      Besides, can’t see Orlando taking on Joe Johnson’s contract, amongst other things stopping this from ever happening.

  2. Ballboy

    Lang, you think a team like Utah that really has no chance at a title, but has a ton of talent should blow it up? Let’s say Charlotte keeps the #1 pick, would a package of Hayward, Favors, Kanter, Burks, Millsap for the #1 pick (Davis) and taking on T.Thomas’ and Maggette’s contracts do the trick? Would it be smart for Utah? Would Charlotte accept it? The way I see it is Utah would be competetive with that team, but could not take out OKC or Miami, so if Davis the next Duncan, is it worth it?

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up man? I want you to reread the question you just submitted. Then think about it for a couple more seconds.

      You’re saying Utah has plenty of talent but not enough to seriously contend for a title.

      Then you want Charlotte, who blew up their team completely to eventually compete for a title, to take those same parts from Utah in a trade when the Bobcats could have the chance to select a franchise savior in Anthony Davis?

  3. Chris

    Hi Lang. Safe to say Lakers are stuck with the same core next year? Kobe and Pau’s age/contract size and lengths make them untradeable. Plus, since Bynum is nearing the end of his deal, teams like Orlando are uncertain he would resign if traded.

    • Lang Greene

      I’ve been reading comments from Lakers fans all week and they want Pau Gasol out of town. I know there is no loyalty in sports (or business), but the man did help guide the team to three straight finals appearances as Kobe’s chief sidekick – way before Bynum reached All-Star status.

      It will be hard for the Lakers to move Gasol. The guy is owed $38 million over the next two seasons and is coming off a campaign where I truly can’t remember good things consistently said about him.

      People think the Rockets would package Luis Scola and Kyle Lowry because they’re in desperate need of a star on the roster. But Houston won’t be that foolish. If they didn’t include Lowry in the deal back in December why on earth would they willingly package him now for Gasol? That makes no sense.

  4. Aristotle

    Heya Langy!

    Whether Miami wins it all this year, or loses in any of the next few series, Coach Spo sent packing and Phil to get the Big Three playing Triangle?

    Lovely weather, and another dynamic duo to base his next 3 peat around? Jordan/Pippen, Shaq/Kobe, Wade/LeBron…?

    • Lang Greene

      What’s good playboy? You can forget about Phil Jackson ever coaching in south beach. I was talknig about this with my man Jay-Clay the other day and he has a good point.

      You’d see Pat Riley back on the bench before you see that. Think about this. Phil Jackson is one of the only coaches whose legacy dwarfs Pat Riley’s … in terms of championships and playoff success. Plus Phil’s teams used to routinely eliminate Riley coached teams in the postseason back in the 90s. So I just don’t see Pat reaching out to Phil to “save” the big three experiment.

      This is just my opinion, but I believe egos would prevent it.

  5. calvinzero

    What can you say about Kobe now that the Lakers is already out of title contention? Do you think this is the proper time for him to think retirement? For me, 5 rings is enough most especially there are nothing significant in the roster and coaching changes,frankly speaking.Please answer me, Lang. Thank you

    • Lang Greene

      Kobe is definitely slowing down, but he isn’t retiring my man. Not even close. He is going to play until the wheels come off.

      Lastly, the guy is owed $58 million from the Lakers over the next two seasons. Coming off a year in which he finished as the league’s second leading scorer, why would he leave that on the table?

      That would make zero sense.

  6. Derek

    Hey Lang what up?

    How do you like this trade?
    Toronto/Utah/Atlanta/Memphis
    Toronto gets:Rudy Gay
    Utah gets:Marvin Williams and ATL first rounder
    ATL gets:Paul Millsapp
    Mem gets:James Johnson, Ed Davis and Tor first rd pick

    • Lang Greene

      Not feeling this.

      Memphis gives up Rudy Gay to get James Johnson, Ed Davis and a first round pick? This doesn’t make Memphis better.

      Atlanta gives up Marvin Williams and their late first round pick for Paul Millsap? Creates logjam for Atlanta at power forward and takes away the team’s only small forward.

      Can’t co-sign this one, bro.

  7. emai

    Do the C’s tetain Garnett and Allen or do they leave?

    • Lang Greene

      Depends on how much money Garnett is asking for this summer. With the way he’s playing in the playoffs, the team has to at least look at bringing him back. But I believe Ray Allen is gone. I don’t see him back in a Celtics uniform.

  8. Matthew

    ooooooooo yea its Lang Greene <<<<macho man voice ok bro two questions if u had to trade pieces of the hawks who would u trade and for who? and I saw Houston is talking about renting Howard who would u trade for him and y? ill my response next week lol

    • Lang Greene

      My man Matt! The Hawks are missing a true post presence. Josh Smith and Al Horford both possess All-Star talent, but they prefer to shoot midrange buckets. From Utah I like Al Jefferson. I think he’d help Atlanta on the interior. But Utah wouldn’t want Josh Smith with Derrick Favors and Paul Millsap already on the roster. And I don’t think Atlanta would trade Horford for Jefferson (too much risk).

      If you’re Houston and truly serious, you tell Orlando take their pick. Literally, the first round draft pick, Scola, Lowry and one of the young guns (Budinger / Parsons).

  9. Kiki V.

    Why havent the Blazers considered me yet for the Gm job? I have experience and I’m good for PR there as well

    • Lang Greene

      In my opinion, Vandeweghe had a very uninspiring stint in the front office. Name me one significant move he made. From what I hear Portland is pursuing guys with very strong track records and “big” name appeal.

  10. Jeff (Toronto)

    There has been talk about a NOH possible amnesty for Okafor. I dont understand. He is still a pretty solid player, defends, rebounds, no? A player like that has value. I realize his is overpaid, but some team would surely trade for him. Am i missing something?

    • Lang Greene

      I hear the “amnesty” talk thrown around so loose, but I don’t believe everyone gets what it means. The Hornets would STILL have to pay Okafor for the remainder of his deal. That’s $28 million over the next season just to watch him take a vet minimum with a team like the HEAT (who would love him at the cheap) and make playoff runs.

      I think teams should only use amnesty to create room to sign a key target (like Knicks did to Chauncey Billups for Tyson chandler) or if a player is hurt (like Portland did to Brandon Roy).

      Paying a guy $28 million who is still capable of providing nightly double-doubles to walk away isn’t smart business.

  11. Kahari Young

    Hey Lang, where do you see Jeremy Lin going this season, I think he will be a good complementary player next to Kobe. Since Derrick Rose is going to be out for most of the season, can you see Lin going to Chicago?I think Lin would fit in with Chicago Bulls because he is that type of b-ball player that will play his heart out for the team and he is verty humble.After Lin sleeping on his brother’s couch, I am pretty sure that he will be thankful to get a mid-level exception.What is your thoughts on this Lang?!

    • Lang Greene

      Jeremy Lin is going where he can get paid bro and the Los Angeles Lakers don’t have the cash flow to secure the Lin-Sanity show.

      Pretty sure he is back in New York unless a team gets foolish with the type of money they throw at him.

  12. Kid

    Hey Lang, if Brooklyn gets the number one pick, do you see both Josh Smith going there this summer, he did mention the Nets being one of his preferred destinations? I can see Brooklyn becoming the a team to look out for in the upcoming seasons if they can pull this off.Can you see Jason Kidd returning to the nets and becoming the backup point guard, because I believe Jason can have a derek fisher-like presence in the Nets locker room. On a scale 1-10, can you see Dwight Howard getting traded to the Nets this summer/ Because I know the magic management are not going to let the fans and team stress over irrelevant actions by on Dwight?

    • Lang Greene

      Lots going on in this question … lol. I’ll try to hit as much as I can.

      Josh Smith is under contract with the Hawks for the 2013 season so he’s not going anywhere unless traded.

      Jason Kidd is looking to get paid. He’s not taking a veteran minimum deal according to numerous reports. SO I don’t see it happening for a rebuilding team. Maybe he takes short money to play for a contender, but he already has his ring. He’s trying to cash out and I don’t blame him one bit. He’s put in his work.

      Not sure on Dwight. Ask me next week once we know draft lottery positions. Things start to become much clearer when that’s settled.

  13. 123Eric

    hi! re: your NBA AM article, how much of a factor do you think sloan’s interest to coach the cats is contingent on them winning this year’s lottery?

    read elsewhere that sloan would be interested in the magic job. your thoughts on that please. Thanks!

    • Lang Greene

      My gut tells me Jerry Sloan doesn’t have the patience at his age to take on a massive rebuilding project like the Charlotte Bobcats. I know Hubie Brown came out of retirement a few years back to coach Memphis and really did a good job there, but Brown and Sloan have different mental approaches. One is laid back. One is fiery.

      I truly think he misses the guys, the fans, preparing game strategy, etc … so I think he’s genuinely interested regardless if the team wins the draft lottery.

      I just don’t see him as the best fit, given everything Charlotte needs to do in the next few years.

  14. Joe

    I could provide a long list of injury prone players signing huge multi year contracts,many effectively killing teams ability to be competitive for years,but rather I will just say Eric Gordon.Why would a team pay multi millions to an undersized SG that could injure himself playing a rowdy game of tiddly winks?

    • Lang Greene

      Eric Gordon has game. I can name a few guys who were injured early in their careers and then stayed relatively healthy. We can approach it from various angles. But there just aren’t many legit 20+ point per game shooting guards hitting the market … therefore he will get big money. Not max money … but big money.

  15. RapsFan

    Hey Lang, Whats good? Memphis are currently in jeopardy of being a lux tax team. Think they move Gay? and if they do think the Raps could have a shot at landing him

    • Lang Greene

      I honestly think Mike Conley would be the guy moved if they could return the right pieces.

  16. Joe

    IMHO Portland should draft Zeller at #11 that would fill the role next to L.A. if they didn’t get a center in F.A. this O.S.

    • Lang Greene

      Hope you’re willing to wait on Tyler to develop. It will take him a few years. Not sure if he’s ready to contribute at a high clip right out of the box.

  17. Reggie

    Based on what you’ve seen now from this Hawks team, would you have still given Joe Johnson that large contract? What would you have done differently?

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up bro? Hindsight is 20/20 so I probably would have taken a different approach, yeas. But looking at it from the eyes of summer 2010 … Yes, I would have still paid Joe … wouldn’t have offered the sixth year though. Remember the Bulls and Knicks also had offers on the table so it’s not like Atlanta overbid against themselves. There were buyers.

      What I would have done differently was not re-sign Marvin to such a huge deal. The Hawks basically were the only ones in the market for him and they could have set the price. When you look at what’s holding back the Hawks from a salary standpoint it’s Marvin’s deal based on the production he’s given you.

  18. Reggie

    What player out there could be a good fit for the Hawks that they could realistically get in a trade or in free agency?

    • Lang Greene

      Team needs big men so I say a guy like Kenyon Martin who actually considered Atlanta before deciding on Clipper-Land. He would provide toughness.

      Maybe even a veteran like Antawn Jamison if he’s willing to play for the vet minimum (has a house in Charlotte, NC). He would provide scoring off the bench. Inside, with the ability to knock down perimeter shots as well.

      Would also love to see a utility guy like Lou Amundson banging cats in the post.

  19. Jazzfan

    Lang thanks for your time man, better move for the Jazz try and sign Dragic, Trade for Calderon, or if the lottery balls bounce GS way try to trade back into the first round to get Marshall or Lillard?

    • Lang Greene

      Lillard kid from Weber State would be ideal scenario. One thing is for sure, Devin Harris isn’t the guy for the job.

  20. Jason

    If you were Chicago would you deal Deng for a package like Dudley and the 13th pick or another deal involving a lottery pick and a lower salary player? I think the time to grab some youth and get ready for 2013 is now with Rose out so long. Thanks.

    • Lang Greene

      No need for Chicago to panic at all. I understand from a fans perspective 2013 may not be great as Rose will be out … but the future is still bright. The team is right there …

  21. Na warrior

    Sup Lang thoughts on two trade ides for each team. LAL trades Blake and Bynum to atl for Smoove and Zaza.
    Lal trade Pau and eyenga for Beasley Randolph and Pekovic? Save Lal like 11 million and they get younger athletics and cap flexibility.

    • Lang Greene

      1. Not happening. Lakers fans would revolt.
      2. Minny would have to really want Gasol … his value isn’t the highest right now after his postseason showing especially.

  22. Mark

    Lang, I think the Hawks and Magic should discuss a Zaza, Horford and Teague (or something like that) for Howard? Smoove and Howard would both be happy to play in the ATL one would think.

    Or if Smoove has to go what about for Iguodala?

    • Lang Greene

      Howard has no desire to play in Atlanta. None. Would be good story, but coming home isn’t in the big man’s agenda.

      I think you can get much more for Smith than Iguodala.

  23. air mamba 45 24

    If u r lakers gm lang, wont u be excited because of the chip they put on your shoulder saying that this team is old and done? How would u do summer free agency? And is it crazy if the heat loses and the lake show offer pau and session ,goudlocke for bosh and chalmers? Anyways hope all is good with u bro? Any summer leagues coming for u?

    • Lang Greene

      There is a rumor out there I may be hitting summer league. Stay tuned.

      I don’t see the HEAT breaking up their core, especially if they make another finals appearance and that’s looking more likely by the day.

  24. jay

    Hey big boss mang Lang!!
    I’m not sure if you heard kenny the jet smith after the IND-MIA game. He said something like ” whomever commits a flagrant foul should be suspended as long as the victim is injured for” he said it differently, but you know what I mean bro. I’m all for it. Let’s say that flagrant Pittman made on Stephenson actually fractured his collarbone and he needed surgery, Pittman would be suspended without pay until Stephenson had recovered. If it takes a year or two, then so be it. Like every grown person knows, ” you got to learn from your mistakes”. Thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      I see where Kenny is coming from but I disagree. What Pittman did was malicious and shouldn’t be condoned. But there are other cases where guys land awkwardly after a flagrant foul … where the fouler isn’t trying to maim or injure.

      Can’t co-sign this.

  25. the punisher

    Hey lang have u seen the heat pacers game.? What do u think of the new nicknames i got , for juwan the body guard howard and dexter hitman pittman? This series reminds me of the jordan days! Hard fouls ! Now thats good ole play off basketball!

    • Lang Greene

      I’m truly loving the competitive spirit of the Indiana-Miami series. The Pacers came into the series with the right mindset and are proving to be a tough out. The HEAT took the early barrage of punches and now have turned the tide back in their favor. The jawing. Big shots. Guys emerging. Injuries. Sideline drama. Etc. This has been really good stuff. Hope people are taking the time to enjoy a trip down memory lane.

  26. paprika

    Lang what do u think of the new tough playoffs? They say ron artest is a dirty player. For me if u play basketball and u dont wana be hurt then stopbplaying and go play chess instead. I love the hard fouls. Greatness is built in this kind of stage. Larry legend didnt have any problems with the fouls in game 5 of the pacers heat game. He even called out his pacer team! He said they are SOFT! Wow ,whats ur take lang?

    • Lang Greene

      There is a difference between good hard fouling and viciousness. We all know the difference. Well most of us do.

      I can take anything rough, because I’m a man. But trying to injure people I just can’t tolerate. Growing up I played on twelfth avenue courts and at Montgomery Park in New Jersey. There were no referees … and foul calls weren’t honored. It was a honor system out there. If you ventured into the paint, you did so at your own risk and better damn well have gone in their strong … you may get fouled hard, but no one was trying to hurt you on purpose. It was just physical play.

      With me?

  27. adobo kid

    Hi, im a laker fan but i think andrew bynum is over rated. I like javale mcghee more. He is athlethic and showed some weird but effective post moves in the playoffs ,im saying back down then reverse scoop?! Come on man! With a good coach like karl,popovich or larry brown which i think should be the laker coach could be a superstar. Who wouod u rather have if u get the choice, bynum or javale? Why?

    • Lang Greene

      I was tempted to stop reading after you said JaVale McGee was better than Andrew Bynum …

      Bynum is the better player. McGee is flashier, but Kobe doesn’t get rings 4 and 5 with McGee in the middle during 2009 and 2010.

  28. Chris

    Hi Lang. With Rose possibly out all next season, do you see the Bulls finally cashing in their chips for Howard in the off-season? Best case: Rose & Howard form a legendary 1 – 2 punch. Worst case: Howard leaves, Bulls amnesty Boozer in 2014 and are left with a bunch of money for free agency.

    • Lang Greene

      No. The Bulls are NOT going to hit the panic button. They finished with the best record in the league missing D-Rose 30 percent of the time. They’ll make the playoffs easily in 2013 again, just won’t be competing for a title. They’ll be back in legit contender status in 2014 once D-Rose is fully healthy.

  29. Roger

    How much better careers would have Kobe & Lebron had if they went to college and stayed at least 2 years?

    • Lang Greene

      Those guys didn’t need college. They are one of a kind. It’s like asking how much greater Steve Jobs could have been if he went to go get his doctorate.

  30. Dan

    What are your thoughts on Jordan Crawford and did the hawks know how good he was when they traded him? Did you know how good he was and that he could score the way he does?

    Whats his potential and upside?

    Could he replace Dwyane Wade or Joe Johnson on the All Star team in a few years as they get older?

    • Lang Greene

      No. Jordan Crawford isn’t an All-Star type of player.

      Here’s the thing with Jordan … if you have 17-18 shots available per game in your offense then he can get you 19-21 points. But the Hawks just didn’t have that kind of need. The Wizards did, so that’s why you see him thriving.

      He’d put up big numbers on most bad teams (Washington, Charlotte, etc.), but on true contenders he’s a bench guy.

  31. Lebron Jim

    G’day Lang! Greetings from down under. Have you heard how long chris bosh will be out of action and secondly where do u think Miami needs to improve most to firstly close out the series against the pacers and go all the way to getting the “King a Ring”

    • Lang Greene

      Chris Bosh is likely out to the NBA Finals, provided Miami can survive. They are literally now a sprained LeBron or D-Wade ankle away from getting sent home by the Pacers.

  32. Mookie Blaylock

    Is Josh Smith to New Orleans for Jason Smith, G.Vasquez/Al Farouq Aminu & the #10 pick in the draft a reasonable trade for both sides? That’s Vasquez or Aminu, not both.

    • Lang Greene

      No. Don’t see either party seriously pursuing this.

  33. derel

    Lang…ray felton to Miami as a free agent?

    • Lang Greene

      I’ve talked to Ray multiple times on this. Ray wants to start … and Ray wants to get paid. The HEAT don’t have the money. Don’t see it happening. I like Chalmers better because he plays off the ball pretty well. Not sure if Ray can thrive in that system.

  34. Beans

    Whats good bro,
    What do you think about the hawks bringing back Larry Drew and do you think the hawks we keep the team together again for another run ?

    • Lang Greene

      I’m indifferent. I thought they would at least take a look at the 2012 coaching crop which is pretty strong, but Drew has done a good job with the team the past two seasons. It didn’t shock me.

  35. Jackson

    With DRose out possibly for half of the season next year, what would you do if you were running the Bulls? Do you think they should try to grab a Steve Nash or Andre Miller to hold down the PG spot till Rose returns? Or maybe tank the season to grab a lottery pick next year and go all in for 13′-14′?

    • Lang Greene

      No. Like I said earlier, no need for the Bulls to panic. Come back in 2014 ready to roll. They will still be a playoff team next season even without Rose. Why start blowing stuff up. You can’t recreate good chemistry. See the 2010 Orlando Magic.

  36. Mikel

    Will ATL move Josh Smith this summer? It doesn’t seem like he’s interested in re-signing next year

    • Lang Greene

      Last question … sorry I couldn’t get to everyone, but I still almost dropped 40 tonight … e-mail me and I’ll get back to you LGreene-at-hoopsworld-dot-com

      I don’t think he gets moved this summer. But my gut feeling tells me if Smoove keeps his trade demand in effect and won’t talk about extending with the team … then they’ll pull the trigger at the trade deadline. No way they let Smoove walk out the door in free agency for nothing in return.

      Peace, family …