NBA Chat With Lang Greene 6/6/12

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. Rovyn

    Topada morning to ya mr.lang

    Ive been a Warrior faithful since the days of Mookie Blaylock and Vonteego Cummings. Not to Mention the draft day swap of Jamison for Carter and Carter highlighting the all star game in the Oakland arena. But I feel like we have the squad to potential to be a playoff even championship caliber team. Although I am not sold on Curry’s ability at the point or even stay healthy for that matter i can see him contributing 20+ and 6+ a game. With that said at the 7th pick can harrison barnes expected there. He seems like a better Marvin Williams to me l. If not what other route can the Warriors go?

    Last thing David Lee is heavily underrated. I consider him Top 5 PF in the game today

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Hoop Freaks! The playoff pressure is mounting. Guys are going legend. Guys are pulling up lame. Guys are turning back the hands of time. Guys are starting to wither and fold. Guys are getting worked. Man’s Game. No place for weak hearts. Man up. Let’s go.

      Funny you mention Vonteego Cummings … my wife is very good friends with him.

      I grade Harrison Barnes a little higher than where Marvin was when he entered the league, but the jury is out whether he can become a better pro than my man Marv. Say what you will about Marv, but the guy has been a key player on five straight playoffs teams.

      If I’m a Warriors fan, I’m also scared about Steph Curry’s long term health. Ankle problems can linger. Also can’t co-sign David Lee as a top 5 power forward. I’d have to grade David West, Chris Bosh, Kevin Garnett, Pau Gasol, Zach Randolph, Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Smith and LaMarcus Aldridge all higher than him right now – in no particular order.

  2. Lazeric

    My man Lang, what’s the good word lol? So I got 2 trades for u:
    1. Orlando gets both Portland picks and Miami 1st rounder and Joel Anthony, Portland gets Bosh and Chalmers, Miami gets Dwight and QRich. Portland gets the Pf they need and a nice young PG, Orlando gets a ton of picks and s serviceable C, Miami gets the best big man for that team.

    2. Timberwolves get Jason Richardson for their 1st round draft pick. Minny gets their 2 guard and Orlando gets another building block on the cheap.

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Laz?

      Nah, bro. Can’t co-sign this. The Magic wouldn’t even think about this deal. Give up Dwight Howard for the 6 and 11 picks, a HEAT late first round pick and Joel Anthony? There’d be no way the Magic would be able to sell tickets at Amway for the talent in return.

      2. I like you’re thinking on the second deal better, but I’m thinking Minnesota elects to go a little younger at SG, maybe a guy like Courtney Lee.

  3. Zeeshan

    And with da 29th pock in da Nba draft, da Chi Bulls select…?

    • Lang Greene

      shooting guard Orlando Johnson from UC Santa Barbara. Bulls need depth at SG for the future. Would be a good value pick if he’s still on the board at 29.

  4. Zeeshan

    Does Chicago have da best package for Pau Gasol? Also , wAt r ur thoughts on bulls possibily signing jkid

    • Lang Greene

      The Bulls have some better talent to offer for Gasol than some teams that may be in the market for him, yes, but will the Lakers bite on a past his prime Carlos Boozer (who is owed a truckload of dough)? The Lakers don’t need Joakim Noah with Andrew Bynum. You’re really talking about possibly shipping Luol Deng and Taj Gibson, but then you have a logjam in the frontcourt with Noah, Boozer and Gasol.

      Can’t see it right now.

  5. Ryan

    Atlanta needs to shake the team up and build around horford. How about smoove and teague to Houston for lowry, Morris, 14th and 16th pick and filler or smith to raptors for Ed Davis, derozan, and 1st rd pick?

    • Lang Greene

      Atlanta seems intent on one more season with the core intact so I doubt Josh Smith gets traded this summer. Maybe closer to the trade deadline if he refuses to sign an extension and wants to test the free agent market. Atlanta can’t afford to lose Josh for nothing in return.

  6. Matthew

    Lang nature boy Greene sup brother? So lowry has said he wants a trade I say Houston does it and resign dragic where would u trade lowry and for who? also saw Rudy gay is on the block think Houston can get him? take care bro

    • Lang Greene

      Whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

      Lowry wants to win. According to our guys who spoke with Kyle his words were taken out of context a little. I can believe that, but the situation with him and McHale is one to keep an eye on going forward because guys with microphones in their faces on record tend to play it safe … so out of context or not my eyebrows are raised slightly.

      Houston would be in the Market for Rudy Gay, but it wouldn’t involve Lowry because of Mike Conley’s presence in Memphis.

  7. Bertie

    I believe the Hawks need to trade Joe Johnson this off-season. Do you think the TWolves will be interested in him. Multiple options available with the duration and team options in the contracts of Brad Miller, Martell Webster, Darko and Wesley Johnson. Even Ridnour at $4MM for 2 years could be a piece. 3 or 4 of those 5 contracts for JJ will be great for the Hawks. If they only send 3 and absorb the difference of JJ’s salary they can have Atlanta’s 2012 1st rd pick.
    Other options could be JJ to Dallas for Odom and Marion or to the Warriors for Jefferson and Biedrins. Also, JJ (and if needed the 2012 1st Rd pick) to the Cavs for Varejao, Walton and Gibson. Do you think there is a market for JJ in these kind of deals where no elite players are given up by the team absorbing his contract?

    • Lang Greene

      Hawks are not trading Joe Johnson. From everything I hear around the organization, the team is ready for another run with the core and believe they can go further if they can avoid the injury bug.

  8. calvinzero

    How’s the Hawks in terms of scouting the draft prospects?? Can you mention to me of some draft applicants joining the Hawks camp?? Thanks, Lang. Miss you on twitter arena.

    • Lang Greene

      My man … yeah, I’m pretty hit or miss on Twitter. Some days I’m feeling it, others I’m not. But I get that a lot, that I don’t tweet enough. We’ll see going forward.

      The Hawks won’t announce draft workouts until after the Chicago Draft combine this week (starts tomorrow). EVP and GM Rick Sund relies (and trusts heavily) on assistant GM David Pendergraft to handle most of the pre-draft scouting of players. Pendergraft is up there in Chicago this week, I’ve been hounding my Hawks PR guys for an interview with him so hopefully that materializes a little closer to the draft.

  9. Marlon D.

    Hello Lang, let me preface this by saying im die hard New Yorker, but even i have 2 admire what the Celtics are doing, if they can knock out the Heat how likely is that A)the Heat trade 1 or more of the big 3 B)keep the big 3 and hire a new coach like phil jackson or maybe jerry sloan or C)both A & B personally i think they should toss a truck load of money at Phil and appeal to his ego…

    • Lang Greene

      Man, listen. What the Celtics are doing deserves respect from all true basketball fans. The HEAT should have run through them, much like they did last year, but the Celtics made it a grind it out, halfcourt offense, physical series. Definitely not Miami’s strength.

      A) My money is on all three of Miami’s big 3 returning for 2013 … it’s not like they’re getting bounced in first round like your Knicks …
      B) You won’t see Phil Jackson in Miami. There is no way Pat Riley hires Phil Jackson as the team savior for Miami. Remember, Jackson’s teams owned Riley’s teams in the 90s. You’d see Riley come out of retirement first.

  10. Deven

    Why does Danny Ainge want to bring back Kevin Garnett? I thought the plan was to rebuild that franchise from scratch. Do you think they’ll still rebuild regardless if they win the whole thing or not?

    • Lang Greene

      Don’t think it’s definitive at this point what Ainge is thinking for 2013, but how can you not at LEAST consider bringing KG back after the postseason he’s put together this season? The guy has been in beast mode. The goodie monster.

  11. Mike

    how much does this celtics/heat series remind you of the celtics/lakers series in I think 1968-69? You had a celtics team that looked to be affected by father time, but showed their pride and beat a more talented team. And Jerry west, (who had teamed up w/ wilt) much like LeBron, had to wait yet again to win a championship.

    • Lang Greene

      Mike … I’m not that old to remember that series live, lol, but I’m familiar with the storyline and I think it’s similar.

      The thing is you can never discredit veterans who have adapted their games over time. All of the Celtics’ big three have adjusted their games to deflect old age as much as possible and in turn they are giving Miami fits in the Eastern Conference Finals …

      I think Miami is on the ropes … and ready to go … just need one more push.

  12. Mike

    Woould Kris Humphries be a good fit with Sacramento? He does the dirty work, rebound and he wouldn’t take shot away from Thorton, Cousins or Evans

    • Lang Greene

      For the right price, I’d take a shot on him. Need guys who understand their roles and their respective niches.

  13. Tasia

    Hey Lang! can you see the Hawks trading their draft pick for an early 2nd+cash like Bobcats,Wizards,or Cavs.

    • Lang Greene

      In previous years, yes. But not this season. I think the Hawks are trying to land someone in this draft who can become a rotation player immediately. Since 2009, Jeff Teague is the only Hawks draft pick still on the roster. I think they have to rebuild their youth talent pipeline, starting now.

  14. Luka

    if wizards draft mkg does that means that chris singelton days in d.c. are numbered?Wouldnt it be better for wiz drafting beal who is just 18 and plays positions on which they definitly need upgrade

    • Lang Greene

      Luka, I don’t think the Wizards have the luxury of avoiding top tier talent because guys are already playing in the position. The wizards are in the lottery for a reason. The team needs help. You must grab the talent available. Look at it like this. Even if the Wizards select MKG. He’ll play 28-32 minutes per night. There still will be 16-20 minutes available for Singleton to make his mark. If Singleton plays well in that slot you could possibly parlay that into a future first round pick from a team looking for immediate help.

      In summary, Singleton has game but he’s FAR from untouchable right now.

  15. WIZARD

    Do you see deal between my wizards and your atlanta?Hawks want to reduce salary and send williams and josh for lewis 22mil ex. deal which they can buy out for 13.7m.Atlanta constructed like this is stuck in mediocricy and need to blow things up.

    • Lang Greene

      NO, I don’t see it that way. The Hawks want to reduce payroll, but want to find a taker for Williams. Josh Smith is who they want long term, so no way they cash out on him for Rashard Lewis.

  16. Ronny

    pistons-JOE JOHNSON,1round2012,1round 2013
    hawks-charlie v,gordon,maxiell

    • Lang Greene

      Lots of fans interested in Joe Johnson tonight, which is a change from the norm.

      Atlanta won’t trade Joe unless it nets an All-Star in return. The Pistons haven’t won anything of late with the players you named above, so I can’t see Atlanta taking this one seriously.

  17. Allan in Texas

    What’s up Brother Lang? Any rumors regarding my beloved Hawks? I hear that the Warriors and Raptors may be looking to trade and they do have good players as well as picks in the top 10. Thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      Warriors are very interested in Josh Smith from what I hear, but looking at their roster I see no one the Hawks woulds want.

      David Lee (pass, owed $55 million through 2016). Andris Biedrins (pass). Richard Jefferson (pass).

      The Warriors aren’t dealing Bogut or Curry so the talks would end rather quickly.

  18. jayjay

    Ok, lets take a trip in fantasy land. Lightning strikes tomorrow and Boston wins. A discontent LBJ decides in year 3 that he will leave Miami and come bcak home to the Cavs.

    If the Cavs believe that scenario, who should they draft at the 4 spot.

    • Lang Greene

      Aw, the game of fantasy.

      Brad Beal. Got to surround LBJ with knockdown shooters.

  19. Prem I.

    hey Lang what do you think bout Andre Drummond taking at 6th and Terrence Ross taking at 11th for the Blazers your thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      Honestly, I don’t think Drummond is around at six and picking Ross at 11 is a reach. I see Ross in the 16-20 range.

  20. Kyle

    Whats up Mr Greene,

    I was wondering what you have heard about players the new Blazers GM Olshey is interested in through the draft/FA

    • Lang Greene

      Call me Lang. I’m young, man, lol.

      I haven’t heard anything yet, but it is clear Portland will be looking point guard either via the draft or free agency.

  21. yass

    how does a package of the blazers 6&11 picks for Rondo and Bass sound. and does Portland have a chance of getting Hibbert or B. Lopez?

    • Lang Greene

      No way the 6 and 11 picks get you Rajon Rondo. Only in dreams or in NBA 2k12.

      To pry Hibbert or Lopez away from their teams in free agency is going to be tough. A team would have to frontload the contract and max the guys out. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible, but highly unlikely.

  22. Alec

    Hey Lang, great win for my C’s last night. Now, I fully expect the heat to come at us with 1000% and hopefully the old legs won’t crack but anyways, my question to you is how would a Thunder/Celtics finals be? Also, for the mock drafts you guys make, do you guys personally see the workouts and do a full analysis, or is this all word of mouth from a trusted scout? I just can’t see why the C’s wouldn’t take two project bigs in Leonard and Melo, and pursue guards in FA.

    • Lang Greene

      Our guys are all over the pre-draft workouts, combines, etc LIVE. Our guys do a tremendous job shooting videos, getting interviews and talking to the key decision makers.

      The HEAT will come out balling for sure. The question is, can they sustain the energy when the waters get a little turbulent. When it hits the fan can they weather the storm. Trust me, at some point it will hit the proverbial fan … the question is can the HEAT overcome their mental weaknesses.

  23. 2dogs

    Lang, I know you’re not the Celtics expert, but how much better do you think this C’s squad would be with a healthy Bradley and Jeff Green? KG can man the 5 spot next year, and maybe even Ray will come off the bench. With 2 first-round picks (plus Johnson from last year), the C’s can content while rebuilding. What’s your take on the green?

    • Lang Greene

      Could be better or could be worse. One thing about injuries or lack of depth situations are that they make guys more accountable and focused. Guys can’t slack and must bring it every night. So you’re seeing a Celtics team really focused on execution right now and not being lazy. Sometimes being at full strength makes teams a little more complacent. With me?

  24. Roon

    What’s good Big Daddy Greene? Let me give you three scenarios and get your opinion on what the Bobcats should do with the #2 pick.

    1) Stay pat and take Thomas Robinson

    2) Trade the #2 to Sacramento for Tyreke Evans and the #5. Sacramento would get the man they covet in Robinson and Charlotte could take Harrison Barnes or draft Drummond and trade his rights to the Blazers for even more assets

    3) Trade the #2 pick to Portland for the #6 and #11 picks.

    Thanks bro.

    • Lang Greene

      1. Honestly, I take MKG or Brad Beal over Thomas Robinson
      2. Not bad in theory, but it isn’t like Tyreke has been blowing it up out in Sacramento. It is a huge gamble and the Bobcats can’t afford to miss on this.
      3. Wouldn’t do it. Charlotte fans want a guy to come in right now and make them believe there is hope on the horizon. The 6 and 11 pick doesn’t do it.

  25. joe

    Lang, give me some of your wisdom.
    1]Which players in this years draft are going to have the most teams wishing they hadn’t passed on?
    2]Josh Smith is going to play for which team this year?

    • Lang Greene

      1. I like Arnett Moultrie as a sleeper in the late first round. I think he can become a solid guy, not a star, but a solid prospect.
      2. Atlanta until at least the All-Star break.

  26. Lucas

    Hello Mr. Greene, thank you for taking my question. I’ve been reading on blogs that the 76ers are thinking about trading AI. Have you heard any rumours like that? I don’t understand why the team would want to move such a valuable productive and DRAMA FREE player like Andre. I hope those are just empty chatters, and again thanks for your time good sir.

    • Lang Greene

      I see where you’re coming from on Iguodala, but the Sixers aren’t going deep in the playoffs with him – at least they haven’t yet. I’m not sure if the 76ers are truly sold on trying to move him yet … a lot of this is just speculation right now.

  27. jim

    hello lang,
    greetings from the state of nebraska!

    All this talk of the BIG 3 breaking up if they lose is funny so i ask…

    if they trade d wade to orlando for howard, and bosh to atlanta for smooth (obviously some tweeking needed to make work) but could you imagine a front line of d12, smooth, and lebron? teams would never go inside.

    what do you think?

    • Lang Greene

      Nebraska in the building!

      You’re right … Miami isn’t breaking up the big three … yet. They’re making deep playoff runs. There are 26 other teams right now wishing they were in Miami’s shoes (playing in the conference finals)

  28. Q-Man

    Lang whats good bro? Another 3 for you man.
    1. Would a new GM for the Hawks be considered as the start of chang for them
    2. I think Ray Allen (If we could get rid of some salaries )would be an excellent Vet and 6th man / Shooter for the Hawk (Whats your thoughts)
    3. In your opinion what Vet could we add to the mix that we as fans could see that it’s value added

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Q?

      1. Yes. A new GM would immediately put his mark on the franchise. New coach, core breakup, etc.
      2. Ray Allen has no interest in the Atlanta Hawks …
      3. A guy like Andre Miller.

  29. Papa Legba

    What’s the haps, Lang? My Favorite chat on Hoopsworld.
    How about this trade?
    Charlotte gets: Steph Curry and #7 pick
    Golden State gets: Kemba or DJ and #2 pick

    Steph comes home and Charlotte still gets a pick in Top 10. GSW gets future PG and the number 2 pick MKG, Robinson, choice is theirs

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks Papa.

      I like your thinking on this, but Golden State isn’t giving up on Steph Curry. If Kemba had a couple more years in the league this deal might have some legs.

  30. Charlie

    The OKC Thunder run a pick-and-roll at the top of the key with Durant and Westbrook very effectively. Commentator Reggie Miller chirped Miami for not employing the same strategy by allowing the HEAT’s two best players (Wade and Lebron) feed off of each other. Do you agree with Reggie and this would be effective? And why does Spo seldom use this offense (especially late in games)?

    • Lang Greene

      I agree with Reggie. At the very leasty Miami should be using pick and rolls with LeBron and D-Wade in late game situations. At the VERY least.

  31. paul

    Hello, please give me your honest opinion. Do you think Derrick Rose will be his old self again, so much of his game depends on those sharp cuts, i mean the guy stops from going 40 mph to zero in a fraction of a second that must be tremendously stressful on that ACL. Has the medicine really improved that much? (or do you think he will come back stronger than ever since the league and Adidas cant lose their golden child, I’m sure they got some “experimental” medicine out there. Have you noticed how much D Wade’s chin grew since he came into the league? (thats my conspiracy question)

    • Lang Greene

      I was talking about this the other day. I think he can comeback very close. The key will be the Bulls not rushing him back on the court. I’d shut him down for the entire 2013 season as a precaution.

  32. Robert

    What seed in the East do you think this team would be?

    PG: Steve Nash
    SG: Demar DeRozan
    SF: Rudy Gay
    PF: Andrea Bargnani
    C: Jonas Valanciunas

  33. andrew c

    Hey lang, went to the atl during spring break with my girlfriend and we fell in love with your city. If my spurs get putdown tonight by this young thunder team, what changes should and will they make? I say go even younger and try to trade for picks while shedding salary.

    • Lang Greene

      That’s what’s up big man! Love ATL.

      I think the Spurs need a better presence at power forward. Diaw, Splitter and Blair can be improved on.

  34. Mark

    Lang, If Boston wins this series and the whole thing, why break up the Hawks? I hate to play the what if game, but if healthy or even not……..Hawks could/should have won that series.

    • Lang Greene

      Hey Mark- I see where you’re coming from. The Hawks ALWAYS play Boston tough, but never get the “W” when it matters in the playoffs so I can’t make that assumption. They were in the series, but the better team usually emerges with their hands raise in a best of 7 … Boston was consistently better for longer periods.

  35. Adam K

    Stat for D Lee? Knicks would free some cap and get a hustler that grabs boards and doesn’t have a problem with not scoring and Warriors would have a face for their franchise next to Curry to please the Warrior fans.

    • Lang Greene

      Stat has a bad back and even worse contract. Can’t see Golden State getting involved in that … especially with Andrew Bogut and Steph Curry already on the roster and their individual injury woes.

  36. Phil

    What’s good L?, Am I wrong for thinking Deron Williams is overrated? I think it’s messed up that a team is ready to pay $100 million for a guy that isn’t a great defender, constantly complains when things aren’t going his way, & hasn’t lead anyone to anything. If anything his time with Utah showed was that he benefited from playing with Boozer, Okur, & AK47 but he wasn’t this star that the media made him out to be.

    • Lang Greene

      Interesting take. But Deron is one of the top PGs in the game. Maybe not worth all the media hype bestowed upon him, but he’s an All-Star, Olympic medalist and a guy who can get you 20 and 10 every night.

      But I think he’s a slot below the Durant’s, Kobe’s, LeBron’s and Chris Paul’s of the league.