NBA Chat With Lang Greene 7/11/12

Mateo

Is it possible some media men are being paid by players/teams to make their value higher in the case of players or to make a hype that their team is the most suitable team for a free agent player?

Lang Greene

What’s up Hoop Freaks? Listen closely so your attention is undivided, many in the past have tried to do what I did … and just the way I came off then I’m going to come off … stronger and longer even with the drum off … Packed house tonight, let’s do something special … let’s go to work …

Never too early for a little conspiracy, huh? I don’t think so. I think there are media members who give their guys favorable press when it warrants doing so … which may or may not influence a player’s respective buzz. But, I doubt teams are making moves because a member of the media suggests something. I can’t buy those cupcakes.

keo

I believe that javel mcgee has the potential to be a dominent center with the right coach and veterans to keep him on track cuz he tends to be a knuckle head…..why haven’t the celtics tried to get him when they are desperate for rebounds and block shots …I think bos is the best fit for mcgee with a mentor in kg …and rondo will have a lot more assist from alleyoops…what are your thoughts? I see him as the younger tyson chandler

Lang Greene

Simple. The Boston Celtics are trying to win now. They have no time for a reclamation project or being put in a situation of having to hand hold guys. JaVale has plenty of talent, but unfortunately a very low basketball IQ. George Karl believes he can develop him into an All-Star performer … and Karl believed Nene would never reach that level, hence the trade …

But McGee isn’t in a position where he’s ready to be a consistent contributor on a “title” contender.

Mike

What moves do you see the hawks doing next after the rumored korver and flynn (trades or signings)?

Lang Greene

Hawks are going to continue making a run at Dwight Howard. But I don’t think they get there. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Danny Ferry make a run at the SPurs’ DeJuan Blair who is reportedly on the trading block. Blair’s salary is managable and Ferry is familiar with him from their time in San Anotnio together. My speculation. Not inside info.

Jon

With Joe Johnson gone, do you see Al Horford becoming a more agressive player who looks for his offense more? Do you think he’ll average 20-10?

Lang Greene

Horford has the potential to be a 20/10 performer every night if he were ever able to make the move to power forward full-time. The problem with Horford is his unselfish nature. There are games when he’s the fifth or sixth leading shot taker and that’s inexcusable for the Hawks. So, some of it is Horford’s aggressiveness and some of it falls on Larry Drew giving him the rock and telling him to go to work.

JJ of Blueberry Bay

Blame it on the KKK? No, I’m not talking about those schmucks, I’m talking Kris Kardashian Karma. Looking at Humphries great numbers last year I can’t understand why, as an unrestricted free agent, he is getting so little interest. Is the dislike for all things Kardashian so pervasive that it is masking Kris’s breakout campaign? Where will he land?

Lang Greene

Nothing to do with Kim Kardashian … Humphries is a second tier guy … so expect to hear his name a lot over the next couple of weeks. The better players get the early free agency love … and rightfully so.

LA in LA

Kyle Korver, (if he isn’t signed by this time), Jodie Meeks, Marco Belinelli, Willie Green, Randy Foye etc. All these guys are great 3pt shooters, which the Lakers need. Why haven’t the Lakers signed or at least had heavy talks with any of these guys yet?
Regardless of what happens with Dwight Howard we’d still need a legit 3pt shooter…

Lang Greene

You’re assuming those guys want to go to LA on a veteran’s minimum deal. Keep in mind the guys you named are relatively young and want to get paid first and foremost. Their income earning potential is a very small timeframe. They go where the money is …

Jason M

Have you heard of any trades free agents Memphis Grizzlies might be looking at to improve there bench scoring? And what do you think of the Jerryd Bayless signing?

Lang Greene

Bayless is starting to get to that point where “he is who he is” … the upside portion of his career is starting to fade. He’s played pretty well as a starter when given the opportunity, but he’s just not quite good enough to take someone’s starting role outright. And I don’t see him replacing Mike Conley in Memphis. Good signing overall though.

Lucas

Hey Lang how are you doing? With the recent changes the Hawks have made recently, where do you rank them in the East? Making the playoffs, not making, passing the second round? Is T-Mac staying, going? Thanks for your time.

Lang Greene

Doing well Lucas, thanks for asking. Obviously the Hawks are still making moves, but they’re a fringe playoff team at the moment. Anywhere from a 7-11 seed. I would be surprised if T-Mac returned to Atlanta. Wanted a bigger role, don’t think the Hawks give him one moving forward and a year older.

Deven

Will Dwight ever being traded? This is getting ridiculous.

Lang Greene

Very much so. Should have just played out his contract and bolted. Would’ve helped his reputation. Hope young guys are paying attention. Howard didn’t want to be like Carmelo and LeBron, but woulnd up trumping them both in the end …

Deven

Any chance Josh Smith gets traded this summer?

Lang Greene

I don’t think so, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he were. New executives usually come in cleaning house.

James, UK

Kings need a SF, and the 76ers have 4 of them (harkless, young, iggy, wright).
Would Kings be able to get iggy in a trade?
if so, who would the 76ers want in return?

Lang Greene

The Sixers are seeking a backup point guard for Jrue Holiday and need some help at power forward. I don’t see anyone on the Kings roster getting Philly’s interest for Iguodala.

WIZARD

John wall sounds optimistic.Do you see wizards in playoff and wall playing like an all star?

Lang Greene

I think the Wizards are two seasons away, but I give them credit for changing the dynamic of that locker room. It was filled with a bunch of me-first young guys who were a bit immature as a collective unit. Now they have veterans who know how to conduct themselves as professionals. Perfect environment for John Wall to make the leap … let’s see what the young man has in him.

phil

Pistons have logjam on sf.Is there any buyer for prince and daye?Pistons wouldn’t ask much.

Lang Greene

Going to be tough to move either guy for solid value. Prince is owed $22 million over next three seasons and he’s starting to slip. Daye has never found his game at the pro level. Eyes will be on him this summer and next or he could find himself out of the league when his rookie deal expires. Has to find his niche … quickly.

will

Do you support hawks going after dh12 knowing that he will probably go after this season?

Lang Greene

No, I don’t support giving up Al Horford, Jeff Teague and picks for a one-year rental. Hawks would have to get his lnog term buy-in prior to making the deal if it were me.

bugsy

Why isn’t keyon Martin name being bought up @ all, isn’t he a free agent???

Lang Greene

Was very close to signing in Atlanta last season but decided to go with the Los Angeles Clippers. That was with Rick Sund calling the shots, not sure if Danny Ferry has same philosophy.

Money

Did wizards leapfrog hawks and replace them in playoff?Nene+wall sounds better then horford+smith.

Lang Greene

No, maybe on NBA 2K, but I still see the Hawks as being the better team.

Chris

Hi Lang. Why aren’t the Bulls doing everything in their power to acquire another superstar? Playing it safe and overpaying for role players gets you the best regular season record. Superstars win titles. Chicago wants/deserves more superstar led title teams NOT teams of overachieving good citizens.

Lang Greene

Not sure why Chicago fans are so impatient. Team finished with best record last two seasons and were poised to make noise in the playoffs until Rose’s knee blew. You must not remember the summer of 2010 … the Bulls brought in Carlos Boozer to be Rose’s number two man … it just hasn’t panned out.

Tigermask

Hi Lang love your chats. Obviously Ray Allen will one day be in the HOF but do you think any of his four teams will retire his jersey? It can be argued he did not do enough with the bucks and I don’t think the Thunder retire his jersey as a Supersonic player. He didn’t do enough with Boston to be put up in their rafters and now at the end of his career he won’t be in Miami’s rafters either.

Lang Greene

Definitely Boston even though he was past his prime. He’ll be in the rafters. They won a title and reached game seven of another NBA Finals. Maybe OKC as well. He put in some serious work in his days as a Sonic.

David from Portland

Hey Lang,enjoying your chats as always. Thank you!

With my Blazers striking out on Hibbert, who do you think would fit best with my young Blazers, McGee and Brook Lopez?

Lang Greene

Well, Lopez is going back to the Nets … and I don’t think McGee is worth the money it would take Denver to not match, so I say keep the money and preserve your salary cap space.

Don’t spend just to spend. Need patience.

Steve

Hi Lang,
Sorry if I missed it, but I’m curious what you think about Atlanta changing out JJ for Lou Williams and freeing up that money for other players etc.??

Could Lou and a big defensive wing for another few million nearly replace JJ?

Thanks

Lang Greene

First of all respect to Joe Johnson. Dude came to Atlanta when most guys wouldn’t give the franchise a sniff. Not only that, but JJ kept the Hawks relevant. I wish him the best. Class act.

But I also give Danny Ferry the ultimate respect for dealing a 4 year close to $90 million deal out the door in today’s NBA economy without receiving much long term financial baggage in return. That, my man, was smooth.

Steve

Lang,
There is this perception that teams can’t let RFA’s leave and must retain them even if over-paying (Batum, Hibbert etc) so they don’t lose an “asset”. Isn’t the only “asset” a team has in a RFA is a “right to match at too high a price” or sign and trade for the other teams assets?

Lang Greene

Agree. Too many guys getting MAX deals because of the fear factor … but it’s the environment we work in so I’m not surprised in the slightest.

rob

What is next for dallas?Should they go after javale?He is athletic freak with lot of experience at just 24 and with right coach(carislise know his job) an in right team(dallas is great fit)he can explode.I think his main problem was playing for bad wizards.

Lang Greene

Looks like Dallas is nearing a deal with free agent center Chris Kaman which would be a solid pickup.

Andre Igoudala

Theres word going around that im out of philly, where do i land. Wolves, raptors, magic?

Lang Greene

Minnesota would love to have you if they can’t get Nicolas Batum. Also, the Toronto Raptors fans here at HOOPSWORLD give you plenty of love.

ernie

I watch drummond two games in summer league abd I wasn’t impressed.How can pro basketball player in 20 minutes throw two airballs from ft line.Do you see him as next ben wallace.Offensivly limited,defensivly great,terrible ft percentage.Would detroit be happy with that or will they push him to become force he can be?

Lang Greene

I need to see Drummond play more against REAL NBA competition. Summer league is a decent indicator, but isn’t the end all be all. If I were coaching Drummond I’d tell the young man to focus on a couple of his strengths as a top priority. Master what you do well, then work on things like a fadeaway jumper … too often these guys come into the league trying to do too much and fail to play within themselves.

The Boss Of Hoopsworld

Sup Lang. If you were Portland would you match Batum? And they should go after Javale McGee…a lineup of Lillard Matthews Batum Aldridge And McGee would be nice….your thoughts?

Lang Greene

What’s up? Just don’t think McGee would be worth the price tag.

Will

Will the Hawks get into the Dwight race?

Horford/Teague for D12.

Lang Greene

Dwight still hasn’t expressed an interest in playing here in Atlanta … no secret the Hawks would like to bring him in though.

rob

Im hearing the sixers are quitly getting in the D12 trade talks. offering thad young evan turner both 1st round picks this year and another number 1

Lang Greene

Fairly certain Philadelphia isn’t in play for Dwight, unless they wanted to serve as a third team to help facilitate. Dwight won’t sign a long term deal in Philadelphia.

Philip Fletcher

The Spurs have resigned Duncan, if he can be healthy and do 25 and 14 in the playoffs do they have a good chance.

Lang Greene

Duncan still has some pop left in his game, but he’s no longer “the guy” in San Antonio. If the Spurs are caught in a situation where they EXPECT Duncan to put up 25 and 14 to win a title at this stage of his career then safe to assume they’re in big trouble.

alan

Kobe said that this usa team would beat only real dream team.Your thoughts

Lang Greene

Original Dream Team would beat this version in five games. The original dream team versus the 2008 Olympic team would go to six … maybe seven. The advantage would be in the middle with Patrick Ewing and David Robinson.

Arturo

Do you see Lillard as a Terry Porter like player?
I think Porter is one of the most underrated players to play the game. His performance against the Bulls in the finals was incredible.

Lang Greene

Man, way too early to compare Lillard to a guy like Terry Porter.

victor

will the lakers get howard? what do u think they should do or get instead in order to become a real contender??

Lang Greene

The Lakers are a “real” contender this second. Kobe, Gasol, Nash, Bynum … they can compete and beat anyone in the league. Question is can they win a best of seven series … but they certainly have the talent to make a run.

Jerriel Smith

Why do you think the Bulls are not as active in free agency as the other contenders,knowing they need to upgrade at SG..tHEY TALK ABOUT THE CAP but other find creative ways around the cap so why can’t the bulls.

Lang Greene

Really think Bulls fans should be patient. The team shouldn’t make moves for the sake of making moves. The Bulls team have a great deal of chemistry with each other … sometimes its wise not to touch that dynamic … see the 2009 Orlando Magic.

John

Hey Lang – Are the Nets the new Hawks in the East? Second round ceiling?

Lang Greene

Depends on matchups, but right now I’d take the Boston Celtics and Miami HEAT over them …

Ken

Even though Brook Lopez signed a max contract with the Nets, couldn’t Brooklyn still trade him for Dwight Howard by the trade deadline next season?

Lang Greene

Right, Lopez can’t be traded until mid-December … the earliest.

Gerard

what are the chances of Josh Smith going to the Lakers?

Lang Greene

Very slim. Not very likely at all.

T Willy

Hey Lang, as a T Wolves fan I’m kinda psyched about the B-Roy signing. Even with his chronic knee problems, I always thought people overreacted a bit saying he’s done. This year off he took, and the platelet rich plasma therapy will help immensly. Guy’s a 3 time All Star, and Kobe was quoted saying he was the hardest guy to guard in the NBA. Now to the question, do you think Brandon will challenge for a starting job and push 16-17ppg next year?

Lang Greene

B-Roy is done as a primetime guy. If you’re expecting Roy to come in and average nearly 20 points per game your expectations are way too high. Ten points off the bench in a reserve monitored minutes role would be a win for Minnesota.

Aaron

Are the Atlanta Hawks looking to trade Josh Smith still? If so, what teams are interested in him?

Lang Greene

The Hawks never wanted to deal Smith. It is Smoove who has the standing trade demand … reportedly.

joshua

michael redd to kings.good or bad idea?

Lang Greene

Bad for both parties.

Jackson

What do you think of the Beasley/Dragic signings for the Suns? Kinda under the radar, but I really like the situation for both players. If healthy, could they challenge for a playoff berth, even without Eric Gordon?

Lang Greene

Put up or shut up time for Beasley. Is he a major player or just a guy? Time for him to step to the forefront if he has it in himm, which I doubt he has at this point.

Matthew

Lang the dream crusher Greene lol sup bro? what team do u see Howard going to with Lopez signing? have u heard if anyone is after mayo? hoopfreak nation I’m out

Lang Greene

Matt! Not sure where D12 ends up at this point. Hearing the Magic have closed up shop on trade talk involving him.

Klein

I am sick and tired of people comparing the Knicks to the Heat and declaring the Knicks a contender. The Knicks are a good team, but there is no way they are a contender. Is it just me, or is there something I am not seeing?

With the addition of Kidd and Camby, a re-signed J.R. Smith, a healthy Jeremy Lin, and a full training camp, do you think the Knicks are a contender? If not, what do they have to do to become one?

Sorry for the long question. Thanks!

Lang Greene

They’re not a serious title contender … yet … but they will be good and win games and finally get out of the first round of the playoffs.

Heart&Hustle

Disgruntled lifetime magic fan here…

Of course my question is Howard related…. I’m fed up with this as the next guy and I’ve lost all respect for Howard(as did the entire city of ORL) BUT… We truly are better with him then without him…

Q:Do you think management can get him to buy into the hype of summer 2013? If the right moves are made we can clear up cap space & have around 30mill to spend with Josh Smith, CP3, Kevin Martin, Monta & Iggy having early termination hitting the market… Orlando could form there own super team…. Or is that just hopeful thinking?

Lang Greene

LAst question of the night and fitting it’s a Dwight Howard related one … thanks for rolling with me as always. Later.

H&H … I tried to think of a long winded response to this, but the saga has me mentally exhausted. So here goes … the Dwight Howard train will be leaving the station on a one way trip and shall never return. We’re past the ponit of no return.

Whether its next week, tomorrow, next month or next summer … the day is coming when Howard is at a press conference holding up another team’s jersey.

Sorry, Magic fans …