NBA Chat With Lang Greene 5/30/12

1. Lucas

   Hey Lang,

   Like your good analytical articles, kuddos on those. Couple questions for you, any chance the Magic hire Jerry West as their GM? With his pedigree, it should go a long way to convince Dwight to stay and he’s good at picking talents together.

   What do you think the Hawks need to add and change to become a championship contender?

   Thanks for your time.

   Take care.

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? Another day, another half dollar. Let’s bang this chat out and have some fun in the process. You down? Let’s go to work …

     Doubtful the Magic are going to land Jerry West. In fact, I haven’t heard his name mentioned in their GM candidate talks up until point. But yes, he does have “name” appeal. I just don’t see it happening.

     The Hawks are close. The biggest thing they need is a leap from Marvin Williams. If Teague keeps improving, Horford enters prime and Josh continues playing at a high level, coupled with Joe Johnson … the team will be back in the playoff mix. But if Williams can become a difference maker … the team will greatly benefit.

2. 2dogs

   Lang,many of your peers seem to thing that Boston will have a completely different roster next season–due to age, obviously. However, because they’ve been so competitive this year, don’t you think they’ll bring back Garnett and Pietrius (and maybe Hollins, Steemsma, and even Dooling)? If they add Jeff Green and two first-round picks, they could become young and athletic pretty quickly and still contend. That way, too, Ainge could still have salary cap room the next summer. What do you think?

   • Lang Greene

     Well, you have to talk money first. Secondly, you have to remove sentimental thoughts from the equation. The Celtics’ front office is led by Danny Ainge. Let me remind you, Ainge is a guy who witnessed firsthand the end of an era with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and the Chief losing a step. The failure of ownership to invest in youth back then really put the franchise in purgatory for a number of years.

     Ainge has gone on record constantly saying he will not make the same mistake. His goal is to keep the Celtics relevant and reload on the fly. Pierce and Rondo are under contract. The team has over $20 million in cap space. Maybe you bring back KG, but at what price? The guy is averaging 20/10 in the playoffs. Do you think he comes back at the vet min? I believe Brooklyn is going to throw big money his way this summer.

     To sum it up, I believe we are watching the Celtics’ last run together with the core of KG, Rondo, Ray-Ray and Pierce.

3. Kahari young

   Hey Lang,I think Jared Cunningham can be the steal of the draft.I have seen him play very well for Oregon state all year and trust me,Jared got game. He is explosive,efficient scorer,crafty defender and he has a silent assassin’s mentality. Since Derrick rose is going to miss most of next season,can the bulls use his help at the pg position?!keep up the good work Lang!check out jared’s hoopmixtapes on YouTube,you’ll be very impressed with his game.

   • Lang Greene

     Probably a question best suited for Yannis K, but I’m familiar with Jared Cunningham. He’s projected to be an early second round pick. I don’t think he can crack first round unless he looks good in workouts leading up to the draft. The thing about JC is his assist to turnover ratio of 1:1 is less than stellar.

     You guys know what I say about depending on rookies on title contenders … bad formula. It is just too much of an expectation to think JC could step in for Derrick Rose from day one. A mistake as well.

4. Robert

   Will the Atlantic Division be the most competitive division next year? Philly has shown they are a playoff team, if New Jersey keeps Dwill and land Howard they’ll be in the playoffs, New York is a playoff team, Toronto is poised to jump into contention with Valanciunas, the #8 pick and new free agents, and Boston will remain competitive if they bring back KG and Allen on cheap deals and surround them with young guys. It seems like all 5 teams have a chance at the playoffs next year.

   • Lang Greene

     Too many “ifs” right now to include Brooklyn in the playoff mix. You have to assume Deron Williams re-signs and they somehow can trade for Dwight Howard. That’s a lot to gamble on my man.

     Secondly, Toronto is still a season away from the playoffs even with the additions. They’re definitely at least 3 seasons away from “title contention” like you mentioned above.

     Agree as it stands today, I could see New York, Philadelphia and Boston returning to the postseason. But, yes, the Celtics have their own questions to answer.

5. Zeeshan

   Well as a Bulls fan I am heartbroken! There is nOthing we can do to bring glory next year:( So i wanna ask u, is it smarter for the Bulls to blow next year and get a top 10 pick or pickup a veteran pg and atleast try to compete next year?

   • Lang Greene

     The Bulls played without Rip Hamilton and Derrick Rose for the majority of the season and still finished with the league’s best record. Keep this in mind. I understand what you mean though, no D-Rose, no title. But my advice to you is instead of dreaming about tanking for unknown collegiate prospects … enjoy the winning while you can. The Bulls should make the playoffs again … a lot of franchise would change places in a heartbeat.

6. Nick

   Pau Gasol for Iggy? Pau Gasol for Deng?

   • Lang Greene

     I believe Lakers can get more for Gasol than Iguodala. Same with the Chicago deal you proposed.

7. devonte

   whats a greater need for the knicks pg or sg? who would they gladly take with the 48th pick in the draft if he’s there: orlando johnson, tyshawn taylor, kevin murphy, scott machado, alex young, jared cuningham

   • Lang Greene

     Biggest need for the Knicks is at point guard, depending on if they can re-sign Jeremy Lin or not. I’d go Tyshawn Taylor probably … because the team needs a pass-first guy running the offense. They already have too many guys concerned with their scoring numbers.

8. Rick

   Do you think that the Delay in the Blazers GM hire, hinges on what Mitch Kupchak decides in LA? Is Mitch really worth the wait? he isnt good in the draft and hands out bad contracts

   • Lang Greene

     Say what you will about Kupchak, the guy has a championship pedigree. I’m hearing Portland wants to make a “big splash” in terms of a GM hire … so yes, I’d play the waiting game for Mitch too.

9. Nery

   If your Portland would you risk it and Draft Meyers Leonard at 11? He has more upside then Zeller and can be a force in 2 years

   • Lang Greene

     I’d probably go Zeller. Like an Atlanta Hawks player told me, Zeller has a hook shot out to 15 feet already, lol. I think the kid is more polished.

10. Renee

    Where does Nate McMillan end up coaching? A contender like Clips? Magic? or Project Wizards? Bobcats?

    • Lang Greene

      Won’t be the Clippers since they’ve decided to bring back Vinny Del Negro for another season. I think Nate would be a good fit in Orlando out of all the choices you provided.

11. Bryant

    I’m really starting to like Damian Lillard. hes got a nice handle and a good looking shoot as well not to mention his speed. I think he would look pretty good in a blazer uni next year, whats your take on him? is he the black Jimmer or will he actually be a good pro?

    • Lang Greene

      I don’t evaluate these guys based on race. Can you rock or not is my question. I like Lillard … he will be the first point guard off the board in the draft. Bank on it.

12. Franz Kafka

    Does anyone in their right mind think Kevin freaking durant is anywhere near as good as a healthy Ginobli? Durant has had like 2 good games the entire postseason and has been outplayed by Westbrook. Why did Ginobli never get the media love?

    • Lang Greene

      Oh, the Kevin Durant haters are back at it … I noticed how quiet these guys were during the first two rounds of the playoffs … now the Thunder are down 0-2 versus the Spurs and they’ve decided to come out of hiding.

      Franz, whatever it is you’ve been drinking please tell me because I want to stay 100 miles away from it.

13. Kostas

    Hi from Greece….2 questions….1st:Do you see the Celtics 12/13 with Rondo,Mayo,J.Green,Garnett and let’s say Fab Melo and Pierce,Bass,Bradley from the bench?Because the situation of Green and the not so good postseason of Mayo i think they take about 7,5 mil. and KG resigns about 10 mil. Is it realistic?And 2nd:The same team in 13/14 but without KG and Pierce(retirement both).How could be possible to sign one or both Al Jefferson and/or Josh Smith?They are both free agents in a year and i think they match the salary’s…I hope for answer

    • Lang Greene

      1. You must remember Memphis will likely be able to match any offer for OJ in free agency. I also don’t think Jeff Green has the goodies to push Paul Pierce to the bench as you state. The scenario is realistic, but I don’t see Ainge paying KG $10m next season.

      2. I don’t see Pierce retiring in 2013-14, but his deal is non-guaranteed. Remember, Boston traded Al Jefferson in the past. Not sure if that is realistic. And Josh Smith isn’t too much of a reach but it depends on the Celtics’ squad at the time. Smoove wants to win. Hard to say.

14. Deven

    Another Question about the Spurs: Tim Duncan is arguably the greatest PF ever. Would you consider him “Perfect?”

    • Lang Greene

      The Spurs are far from perfect but they are rolling right now working cats in the process. Tim Duncan has my vote for greatest PF ever. But, no he isn’t a perfect player … there are things he never quite mastered as well.

15. Wil

    Hi Lang, quick trade for you, LA sends Pau and 1st round pick to ATL for Smith and Williams. ATL needs to do something as they are at best second round fodder and LA wants to get younger and have more flexibility. What do you think?

    • Lang Greene

      I’ve discussed this deal in the past among my colleagues. Atlanta wouldn’t take on Pau’s salary burden and the Lakers would want more than Smith for Gasol. I don’t think it works.

16. jayjay

    I know draft order will change as I write this, but I don’t understand why teams would take Beal over the top bigs in the upcoming draft. Is he really better than Robinson and Drummond? Aren’t there several 2s out in FA, such as Lee and Mayo? Don’t they say never trade a big for a little….shouldn’t that philospohy apply in the draft

    • Lang Greene

      Jay you have to understand … Lee and Mayo will come with a pricey free agent price tag. A guy like Beal will be on the rookie scale. That’s the first thing. Second item is that while Thomas Robinson is a solid player, the thought is he isn’t a “special” kind of athlete. Drummond is projected higher than Beal a lot of mock drafts I’ve seen up unto this point.

      95 percent of the time I’d take a dominant big man over a dominant little man, but ask yourself … are Robinson and Drummond “dominant” guys?

17. Curtis (portland)

    Who is more respected around the NBA as a coach. Nate McMillan or VDN? And is Portland in the playoffs next season?

    • Lang Greene

      I think Nate McMillan has much more respect than VDN from things I hear, but who knows if a lot of that is group think. I think Nate has proved more in his coaching career thus far, in my opinion.

18. Q-man

    “Nature Boy” Lang, Whats good with you.
    1. If you’re the GM of the Hawks who do you build around honestly
    2. At 6’11 F/C with a soild game would you consider drafting Arnett Moultrie if you’re the Hawks
    3. I feel as though the Hawks needs an athlete on the wing (Starting 2 or 3) who drives to basket and create contact and I feel they need a couple of new asist. Coaches (Whats your honest thoughts on my opinion)

    • Lang Greene

      1. Putting me on the spot, but I say Al Horford. He’s the youngest and he’s under contract long term. Josh Smith is coming into his prime but appears to have one foot out of the door.
      2. Yes. He falls right into that slot range and I think Atlanta should be taking a hard look at him come draft time. The Hawks need size and rebounding depth off the bench. I think he fits … on paper at least.
      3. A productive wing like Danny Granger would push Atlanta to the next level. I don’t have a problem w/ Atlanta’s assistants. Good guys.

19. JD

    Ur the GM of the MAVS in this years’ draft who do u take in the first round and why?

    • Lang Greene

      I look at Terrence Ross, Austin Rivers and Quincy Miller … in that order.

20. Franz Kafka

    So you were impressed by Durant’s 37% shooting for the series vs Dallas??? Quite dominant!

    • Lang Greene

      Don’t play the “stats” game with me. We can all use numbers and manipulate for our advantage.

      But to answer your question, I’m much more impressed with his 61 percent shooting (20-for-33) in games three and four of the Mavericks series (ON THE ROAD) in closing out and sweeping the defending champions.

      See what I did there? Quite dominant indeed.

21. CB

    Hearing anything about the Sixers? An Elton Brand amnesty or free agent targets?

    • Lang Greene

      I’ve heard Elton may consider opting out of the last year of his deal ($18 million) if he can get a multi-year deal with Philadelphia. But that’s all I heard on Elton’s front. Also hearing a lot of talk surrounding Andre Iguodala. Teams are interested. Just not sure the Sixers are ready to deal their All-Star.

22. Pete

    Do you think the Pistons should trade down? I think they should try.. I dont like any of the prospects for them at 9th(Zeller, Meyers too high) Sullinger(below the rim player and undersized) Henson(too skinny) and PJIII(motor)…

    • Lang Greene

      Too early to tell right now. But I think if Harrison Barnes slips to No. 9 … he’d be a good pick at that spot.

23. Barry

    Now that New Orleans has the first pick, what will the Bobcats do now that they won’t get Anthony Davis?

    • Lang Greene

      Ugh, I just feel for the Bobcats organization. I heard their fans gasp in horror at getting the second pick all the way here in Atlanta.

      They have to nail this pick. I think they have to select Michael Kidd-Gilchrist … they can’t afford to “wait” 2-3 years for Andre Drummond to develop.

24. jay from the uk

    Yo Lang hope your good bro.

    Now the Nets don’t have a pick in the lottery do you see Dwight staying with the Magic? Surely D Will goes so that ends the whole trade scenario with the Nets? Your thoughts….

    • Lang Greene

      D-Will continues to say he isn’t even close to making up his mind yet … I think he does have a way he’s leaning, we’re all human. But I don’t think D-Will staying in Brooklyn is contingent on Dwight Howard coming.