NBA Chat With Lang Greene 6/13/12

1. ralph lawrence

   wazzup lang? heard the rumors about cavs selecting barnes as their 4th pick, in that case who do you think the KINGS will select with their 5TH PICK? thinking davis, robinson and mkg would be gone by that time.. It would leave between drummond or beal.. Im thinking of taking drummond because both would compliment each others game talking about cousins and drummond.. your thoughts?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? The queue is wide open tonight. Hit me with your best.
     
     Based on your scenario above and if I was selecting for the Kings I’d probably go with Andre Drummond over Beal. It’s a huge risk because the Drummond kid is a hit or miss type. And as you know UCONN big men as of late haven’t been tearing up the league … I reference Hilton Armstrong, Josh Boone, Jeff Adrien, Hasheem Thabeet, etc as examples to illustrate my point.

     But I can’t see Sac selecting Beal with Thornton, Fredette and Evans on the roster. But I think Beal is the better prospect right now for my money.

2. Zee

   Good or bad move if the bulls trade up for barnes or beal for deng?

   • Lang Greene

     Can’t see a team dealing their top five pick for Luol Deng as the headliner. The move would be bad for the Bulls because Barnes isn’t ready to play the championship contention level basketball Deng has been playing the last two seasons. Hard to incorporate a rookie into a meaningful role on a team EXPECTED to win nightly.

3. Zee

   Wat veteran pg is willing to plsy for the bulls?? I like Andre Miller?!

   • Lang Greene

     Andre Miller is a solid pro, but will likely be out of the Bulls’ price range. I say a reunion with the still serviceable Kirk Hinrich wouldn’t be a bad pickup.

4. Kahari Young

   what’s up lang, what kind of season do you think josh smith will have next season? i really believed he should of made the all-star team, because he was the heart and soul of the atl hawks and put up big numbers. do you think the hawks should target somebody like royce white or tyshawn taylor in this years draft? we need ballers with high motors, because that will benefit the hawks perfectly.

   • Lang Greene

     Don’t even get me started about the Josh Smith All-Star snub issue. I felt he deserved the nod over both Luol Deng and Deron Williams … and I was vocal about it at the time. Most didn’t agree with my inclusion of Deng, but I think Josh was a little more vital and consistently better. But such is life. I do know the snub bothered the h—out of him. With Horford back in the lineup I think you see Josh back in the 17.5 point and 8.2 rebounds per game realm.

     Hawks need interior size off the bench and it wouldn’t hurt if the legs they bring in are young. Guys like Fab Melo, Arnett Moultrie and Royce White should get looks in the first round. A guy I like late in the second round is big man Kyle O’Quinn from Norfolk State.

5. A

   Whete do kg and ray end up?

   • Lang Greene

     The situation is very fluid right now, meaning nothing is a given at this point. But if I had to place a wager on this … I’d say Kevin Garnett returns and Ray Allen is the first member of the big three to be displaced.

6. Chosen O

   Lets say the Thunder win the finals (not saying that they will), and RW averages like 35-8-8, compared to KD’s 30-10-3. Would Durant still get the Finals MVP ?

   • Lang Greene

     The Most Valuable Player award will go to the player who had the biggest impact on the team’s success. Since the numbers you provided were similar it would go to the player who delivered the biggest in the clutch.

7. Aristotle

   Langy what’s happening! On 1 of your tweets you have Mike Miller on 3.7pts for 36% shooting and owed 18.6 mill till 2K15… Time to amnesty? It seems he was only recruited cause he played ball with Haslem in college. Not the way you build a team.

   • Lang Greene

     Yes. Mike Miller is averaging less than 4 points per game in 37 playoff games with the Miami HEAT. He’s owed close to $20 million through 2015. Whew. Now, I’m not trying to discredit Mike because with the injuries he’s battling I have to call him a warrior. I recently played a 10 game season in rec ball … one game per week and I’m telling you my body is still in pain MONTHS later. The banging these guys put their bodies through … bless them. Of course the money doesn’t hurt.

     Don’t forget Mike was coming off a solid season in Washington when the HEAT signed him so I won’t play revisionist history, but I will say in his prime dude could ball.

8. Aristotle

   Whether Miami wins it or not we all know next season they need better than Juwan, Turiaf, Anthony to plug the middle. What discount reject centres with height and size could they get? Maybe an undervalued European? Bring back Yao and pay him off merchandise revenue? Haha qq

   • Lang Greene

     I think Greg Oden and Miami makes sense if Greg has any pop left in his game. Definitely a risk Miami should pursue considering they took a chance on Eddy Curry this season.

     Other than that, HEAT are probably stuck in the Kwame Brown, Nazr Mohammed and Shelden Williams realm.

9. Sven

   Hi Lang, great playoffs !
   If OKC decides against paying luxury tax and has to choose between Harden and Ibaka, would they be willing to dangle Harden to the Bobcats for the 2nd pick ?
   And would/should Bobcats take the deal ?

   • Lang Greene

     Don’t see them offering Harden up to anyone … especially the Bobcats for the No. 2 pick. Plus, OKC has time before they have to make a decision between Harden and Ibaka. Besides if they win a title this season I think ownership will venture into tax territory. Would be silly not to at that point. With me?

10. calvinzero

    What can you say about the Game 1 performance for both OKC and Miami in the Finals??

    • Lang Greene

      I thought game one was outstanding. Miami came out swing like a heavyweight fighter looking for the knockout. Oklahoma City kept their poise during the barrage, weathered the storm and systematically broke the HEAT down late.

      We’re in for a great series.

11. Mark

    Lang: This is who I think is in the Hawks price range who could help some, what do you think?

    PG: Pargo, Jonny Flynn
    SG: Randy Foye, Rudy Fernandez
    SF: Josh Howard, Martell Webster
    C: Okur or Kwame Brown

    I think the core stays together and they try to patch the bench.

    • Lang Greene

      PG: Pargo, Tinsley or Dooling
      SG: Willie Green, Von Wafer
      SF: Matt Barnes (though I doubt this seriously, Atlanta doesn’t usually go toward guys with an aggressive / controversial side)
      PF: Reggie Evans
      C: Mehmet Okur (one year vet min? why not)

12. Josh

    Lang,

    Whats up my man! Hey just wondering what you think of a trade og Jefferson, Harris, Bell and GS 2013 pick for Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin, and the 14th pick this year? It is what each team needs….

    • Lang Greene

      Don’t see Houston taking on Harris’ deal because I see them re-signing Dragic as their top priority.

13. David from Portland

    I don’t follow college ball too much but I’ve been reading about players that the Blazers are targeting. I’m torn on who they should get. This is an important draft for the Blazers. There’s Beal, Lillard, Meyers, Drummond, Barnes, Zeller, etc. Which pair of players do you think they should draft?

    • Lang Greene

      Blazers are lucky to have two picks in a loaded draft class. The problem is, at 6 and 11 they need a little help from other teams for some of the guys you named to slip.

      Lillard probably a reach at 6, but could be gone at 11.
      Myers is a reach at 11.
      Drummond also likely gone by 6
      Barnes also likely gone by 6

      Perfect world for Blazers in my opinion … Drummond at 6 and Lillard at 11.

14. Chris Hall

    Celtics at 21 & 22. Do they stand pat and make the picks? If so, who? Celtics need a quality center, not named Fab Melo. Here is my idea. I think this is a realistic trade, because it hurts.

    Avery Bradley to Hornets for #10 pick and Trevor Ariza (salary dump) Think about it. Benefits both teams.

    Hornets rumored to be looking to move #10 pick for a guard.

    Celts get Zeller or Leonard.

    • Lang Greene

      I see where you’re going but I’m quite sure the Hornets would want more value than Avery Bradley for the No. 10 pick. They could get more than that.

15. Rodney t

    Do you think the lakers have a good chance at getting Deron Williams and Dwight Howard

    • Lang Greene

      No. I definitely don’t see this EVER happening.

16. Prime

    Good evening sir. I’m a Laker fan here in the Philippines. Just want to ask for your insight on what the lakers will do on draft night having the last pick. And would they deal Pau on draft night or maybe after draft night? I also heard Twolves are interested in J Hill for Beasley but I think the Lakers need them both, do you think that deal would push through. Lastly, with D12 not wanting to do a shaq to the lakers, is it because he don’t want to or maybe it’s just that Lakers don’t have a pure PG yet that can distribute the ball because personally, that’s what I thought about D12 not wanting to go to the Lakers because Kobe will have the ball most of the time but having a pure PG like Rondo or a scoring PG like DWill, you think D12 will be lured? thank you sir. as the chat here goes, your the best!

    • Lang Greene

      Philippines in the house!

      The Lakers are in need of change, the most likely to go will be Pau Gasol but trying to map out a package that returns the Lakers pieces to put them in a better place on the court than they are right now gets tricky.

      Jordan Hill for Michael Beasley should never been in the same sentence in terms of a swap. That’s bad information you got there sir. Beasley has skills.

17. ChinaBoy420, Shenzhen, China

    hey Lang.. love reading your chats.. I’m thinking the Thunder are just a much better team than the Heat and better coached as well… don’t think it’s gonna take more than 5 games for them to finish them off.. yer thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      I have the HEAT in 7 actually. I think the adversity Miami has faced in the playoffs will get them over the hump. As soon as Spoelstra stops outsmarting himself (keeping Bosh as a reserve) I think Miami will play better.

      OKC has the talent to “smoke” any team in the league. HEAT need game two … and need it badly.

18. the real lang green

    yo i heard deron williams isn’t staying with brooklyn hes going to indiana. that team would be unstoppable

    • Lang Greene

      I have heard nothing of the sort, but D-Will to Indiana would immediately put them into title contention for sure … but I don’t think he’s even considering it actually. Everything I hear points to Dallas or Brooklyn.

      But it would be the ultimate power move for Larry Bird and Co. if they could lure him to Indy.

19. Weston

    Why don’t the Lakers go after Tyreke Evans? I believe he is a great fit because he is very versatile and would be a very good person to help add youth and athleticism because he’s only 22. What do you think?

    • Lang Greene

      I can see that, but who do the Lakers have to ship out in return? The Kings may be open to dealing Evans but they’re not going to take back junk in return.

20. Lucas

    Hey sir Greene,

    Are you enjoying the Finals yet? D.Wade has been less than… stellar as of late. Do you think he has a difficult time adjusting to his new role as second option? Or you feel it’s injuries robbing him of his game?

    Okafor is “supposedly” on the trading block, wouldn’t you think that with Kaman assumingly not retuning to NO, shouldn’t they keep him?

    As always, thanks for your time. Have a great week.

    • Lang Greene

      It wouldn’t surprise me to hear after the season that D-Wade will skip the Olympics and opt for surgery. Just my opinion so don’t go starting a national rumor … I just think he’s either more injured than he’s letting on … or the guy has literally gotten old overnight right before our eyes. I’m going with the former. I also expect the struggles to continue versus OKC in the finals. With a bum wheel, Wade is going to have trouble dealing with Thabo’s length. And if Thabo isn’t guarding him, Westbrook can deal with his speed as well.

      Okafor is on the block for the right price. The team is in rebuilding mode and if they can free up $28 million in salary they’re going to pursue it. Cap space in the new CBA is so important.

21. Dennis

    Good idea or not? Ray Allen to the Pacers. Thanks.

    • Lang Greene

      Depends on Ray-Ray.

      Is he ready to come off the bench behind a young guy like Paul George for a new coach?

22. Pat

    Hi,
    Long suffering Sixers fan here, any rumors about my team? Do you think we will trade Iggy? If so, for who? Personally I don’t want to see Iggy gone. How about a Turner for Tyreke Evans trade?

    • Lang Greene

      The biggest news around the Sixers is that president of basketball operations Rod Thorn will likely step down once they find a replacement. That’s a big move because the new exec will decide some pivotal upcoming roster moves. Also hearing the team may decide to amnesty Elton Brand to create more cap space.

      Teams like Golden State and Toronto are very interested in Andre Iguodala … question is, will Philly pull the trigger and deal their All-Star.

23. reality

    What moves do you see the Blazers making regarding the 6th and 11th picks?

    • Lang Greene

      Best case scenario like I said earlier would be Drummond at No. 6 and Lillard at No. 11.

24. lilship

    What do you think the hawks can do to get better. Is it time to trade josh smith and if so for possibly who. I say amnesty Marvin Williams and grab a center and trade Josh Smith for a valuable small forward unless you can get a all-star pg

    • Lang Greene

      Everything you said is OK in theory but dealing in reality life of a NBA exec is more complex.

      The Hawks have to make a decision on Josh Smith. He has a standing trade demand and he’s a free agent next summer. So either he signs the extension or you have to look to deal him at the trade deadline.

25. k sharma

    Why player would have the most impact on the raptors if we could get one of em, Iggy, Reke, or Gay

    • Lang Greene

      Rudy Gay is more of an impact player out of the three.

26. NAHMEANSON1

    How much do you think KG and Ray Allen will get in free agency whether they return to boston or decide to move on..

    • Lang Greene

      I can see Ray in the $4-5 million range per year for a two year deal. I can see KG getting up to about $7 million per season for another two years.

27. benny

    would you trade westbrook for rondo? hes a pass first all-star pg thats cheaper and it would free up some room for harden and ibaka.

    • Lang Greene

      No way I break up OKC’s dynamic right now. Those cats are working folks night in and night out. They just took out Dirk, Kobe and Tim Duncan. Quite possible for them to add LeBron and D-Wade to the list.