NBA Chat With Lang Greene 7/26/12

Mark

Lang: I think the Hawks will start Teague, Devin Harris, FA SF (Delfino, etc.) Smith and Horford…..what do you think? You think Harris starts at the off guard? I’m curious to see how they rotate the smallish backcourt. Thanks

Lang Greene

What’s up Hoop Freaks? Many people tell me this style is terrific … it is kind of different … but let’s get specific … I came with [HOOPSWORLD] to express one thing, I am a teacher and others are kings. If that’s a title they earned well it’s well deserved, but without a crown see I still burn … Let’s go …

Speaking with Danny Ferry out in Vegas I don’t believe Devin Harris is in the running for the starting SG spot. I think the race will be between Anthony Morrow, Lou Williams, Kyle Korver and John Jenkins.

Lou is the better player of the four, but his size would give the Hawks an extremely small backcourt paired with Jeff Teague. Not sure Jenkins is ready for the starting spot as a rookie, but the kid is a knockdown shooter and can play. Rumble young man, rumble.

Kristian Thode

Hey Lang!

How fast do you believe boston rooks sullinger, fab and christmas comes to an nba level. and how about there potential? could they all some day be a starter?

also i would like to here your seeding of Boston in the east, will they be better than last year? if so i will remind you of the close matchup in east finals against heat, whit out bradley to defend Wade and an unhealthy ray allen. ( i know he’s a heat now)

Lang Greene

Jared Sullinger was a steal, relatively speaking, for where he was selected. He’s going to have a solid career. Fab Melo has project written all over him. I would be very surprised if he is in the rotation come playoff time. He needs more time to develop.

I like Boston’s summer. A very big summer … but …. I still have them slotted behind the HEAT because of a man named LeBron James who may just be entering his prime. For all of Boston’s additions you must remember Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are a year older and are the guys sitting at the head of the table.

Charlie

If you were GM of the Chicago Bulls, would you have matched the Omar Asik offer sheet. Or do you like the plan B of Nazr Mohommed. And how much of a drop-off in skill is there between the two back-up centers?

Lang Greene

I would not have matched Asik. Joakim Noah is the horse. He’s playing 30-35 minutes per night. So, I’d take my chances on a proven pro like Nazr Mohammed giving me 10-12 minutes per game. Just too much money to invest in a one dimensional guy like Asik, for the role he’d play (less than 15 minutes per game). My opinion.

LA in LA

Who do you think will be the better team:
The Nets or the Knicks?

Lang Greene

Going with the Knicks here. They’ll be better this season.

Jazzaholic

Nice Jazz article.
Essentially Kevin has changed
1. Harris for Mo Williams
2. Howard for Marvin Williams
3. C J for Randy Foye
and picked up some potential at #47 in the draft.
Where do you rank the Jazz in the West?

Lang Greene

Thanks, bro. I must say I’ve been feeling the love from Utah Jazz fans over the past two weeks. Lots of positive energy. Great fan base. Good moves for the Jazz this summer, but Utah is still in the 6-8 seed range … but here’s the deal … if the Williams boys come in and take pressure off the young guys they could become one of those sleeper teams no one wants to play in the first round.

Kid

Hey Lang , I hope your summer is going great! Any idea of where Nate Robinson signing with a team like new Orleans who need a point guard or a contender who needs a spark plug to their bench? Nate brings so much excitement and energy to the game that it seems kind of hard to accept the fact that no team has signed him.

Lang Greene

Summer is going well. Thanks. Last I heard the Golden State Warriors, specifically Mark Jackson, wanted him on the roster next season. It’s tough with Nate. The guy is obviously talented, but he’s not a guy you want as your full-time starting PG. Would be a great backup on a young team looking to run.

Tim

Im still confused by the knicks offseason moves. Trading away young players/draft picks for 40 year olds and on top of that giving them 3 year contracts. Camby/Kidd/Kurt are nice veteran additions but none of them put us in championship contention. Looks like Grunwald built this team to win now..except it wont be winning anything.

Lang Greene

The NBA is a young man’s game. So I see where you’re going with your statements. But you must remember what plagued the Knicks at times last year … it wasn’t talent … it came down to maturity. You know how you address a maturity issue? You bring in established, mature guys who won’t put up with the foolishness and will set a tone on their own. Jason Kidd will command more respect from Carmelo and Amar’e (even a guy like JR Smith) in the first month than Jeremy Lin would have earned in two seasons. You think a guy like Camby can’t help a guy like Tyson Chandler improve even more on the defensive end?

I’m not saying the Knicks are title bound, but there are in better shape if you ask me.

Chris

Wassup Lang Great chat’s!! What are your feelings about the hawks future and what they can do this season?

Lang Greene

With close to $30 million in cap space set for next summer I’d say the Hawks future is very bright. The team on the floor this season won’t be too bad either … but they’re nowhere near seriously competing for a title in 2013 as it stands currently. But I do feel they can make the playoffs.

JJ of Blueberry Bay

Melo fueling his already oversized ego during the Olympics,just what the Knicks didn’t need.In his mind its now his turn to win a NBA championship.He just doesn’t get it and unless his play shows he finally has put the team over his own ego will remain devoid of a ring.How does management get through to this guy?

Lang Greene

Carmelo is a beast in international play. Straight terror.

Not sure where all the Carmelo Anthony angst comes from … when you look at the pecking order, where / when did you expect Carmelo to get a ring.
Since 2007 here are the stars who led their teams to a championship ring. Now, you tell me where Carmelo lands on the pecking order on the following list? Dirk, Duncan, Kobe, LeBron, D-Wade, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.

In the grand scheme of things, those guys eat first. Carmelo’s time may be coming and I don’t have a problem with him saying it is his time. Maybe he can breakthrough and etch his name amongst the champions I just named.

keo

I have an idea for you guys on new article

Remember last off season u guys did top 5 players for each team?

Can u guys do articles on top 10 players of each position of all time?

I love reading these articles and I’m sure many

Lang Greene

Those lists are very tough to create and very subjective to the writer. I believe my man Joel Brigham still rocks his Top 5 during the season … holler at him.

Mark

Is it just me or is Eric Gordon’s contract crazy? He has missed over 100 games in his 4 year career, is under sized and is known as a great shooter who doesn’t hit a very high % FG, 3 or FT? Why is he getting the max while OJ Mayo gets 2 years 8 mil? EG is better without question but not by much. Cetainly not by 50 Million!!!

Lang Greene

Short answer is because legitimate 20 point per game scorers don’t come around very often. Make no mistake, Gordon is an offensive goodie monster. If George Hill and Marcus Thornton are making $8 million per season, then there is a market for Gordon at $12-14 per year.

Not sure where you’re getting your stats but EG is a career 45 percent shooter from the field. Shoots 37 percent on three-point shots and connects on 80 percent of his free throws.

Jay

What do you think of the chances of lakers and heat in the finals next season?

Lang Greene

Very good, but Oklahoma City and Boston could easily throw a wrench in those plans.

123Eric

In your NBA AM, there was an interesting quote from Mo Williams (or Milsap) saying “He’s (MArvin Williams) played east coast basketball so it’ll be a transition for him to play west coast basketball, [but] he’s a good defender also. He can spot up and hit the jump shot. He adds another dimension to our team.” –> What is the difference between East Coast basketball and West Coast basketball (other than geographical differences)? How hard is it to make the “transition” to West Coast basketball? Thanks!

Lang Greene

The Western Conference in general plays more of a free flowing, faster paced tempo type of basketball. The Eastern Conference is known for hard nosed, halfcourt set, defensive grind it out basketball. So I beleive that’s what Paul Millsap means … Marvin will be better out in the open floor running.

Kristian T

Hey Lang. at the moment im choosing between university education.

I would like to ask you, which educational background employee’s at the frontoffice in a basketball club usually has?

also which education scouts and agents normally has?

Lang Greene

Degrees are all over the place. Wish I could tell you there was one specific path to the front office. But I’ve seen Law, Business, Political Science, English majors, Marketing etc. … organizations have all types of positions. No 100 percent answer here.

Badax33

Hi Lang, how you doing? 2 Weeks ago you chatted Ray Allen would definitely have his number retired in Boston. I’m here to tell you that definitely won’t happen. First he only played 5 season and 1 championship. Second, the way he left has people in Boston pretty frustrated and confused. And third going to Miami, a rival, kills any chance. Especially when he (Ray) thought he stuck it to the Celtics by taking less money (and his cap space)and hurting our ability to compete. Heck Bill Sharman played 10 yrs with Boston and won 4 championships and almost didn’t get his number retired because of the way he left. Cedric Maxwell, 8 yrs, 2 championships, and 1 Final MVP waited 17 years to get his number retired because he left on bad terms. So Ray has NO CHANCE!!!!
Also, I can’t see why OKC would retire his number, never played in OKC (Only Seattle).
Any rebutal.

Lang Greene

Listen, I stick to my original theory. I think his number gets hoisted into the Garden’s rafters. All this talk about “the way he left” is garbage. He was a free agent man. An unrestricted free agent! The Celtics had a chance to draw up an extension any time over the past two years and lock him up through the end of his career … but chose not to … instead the organization almost traded the man TWICE.

Then, this summer … when the team could have reached out to him immediately and showed him he was a top priority … they go and agree to terms with Jason Terry – first, mind you another shooting guard. Yeah, ok … so Ray decides to go to south beach and listen to Pat Riley’s presentation. Falls in love with the situation and leaves Boston. Yeah, I don’t have a problem with Allen’s move for stability and going somewhere he felt wanted.

Only people who do are fans who are falling for Boston’s PR campaign.

JM

Raps fan here.
Do you think Lowery is an upgrade over Calderon? And do you think the 2 can play together for short stretches in a small backcourt?

Lang Greene

Spoke with Kyle out in Vegas along with coach Casey and assistant Johnny Davis. I definitely think Kyle is an upgrade when you factor in what Casey is looking for in his PG. In Lowry, Casey has a floor general he truly trusts. I don’t see Calderon finishing the season in Toronto.

ted the talking bear

Whats your opinion on the way the orlando gm is handling tge team? Where do u expect arenas ,tmac,terrence williams,deonte green and even stephen jax would play? Thanks lang!

Lang Greene

Don’t really have an opinion on his performance just yet. The guy has been on the job a month … way too early to start handing out grades.

I can see T-Mac signing for the vet minimum somewhere like Dallas if Mark Cuban called.

David

What are the Jazz getting in Marvin Williams? Does a change of scenery help him?

Lang Greene

Love Marvin. Class act. He will thrive without the “No. 2 pick” thing hanging over his head everyday. He’s a guy who can defend, knock down three-point shots and has been a double-digit scorer most of his career without plays being designed for him. Solid veteran. Numbers woun’t be off the charts, but on a team with so many youngsters you will love his experience.

nick

With only drafting a couple players are the CAVS the worst or secord worst team in the laegue next year?

Lang Greene

The Cavs are nowhere near as bad as you’re saying. I can see 8-9 teams having a worst 2013 campaign than Cleveland.

Sweet Dee

Rank these back-up centers. And how much of a difference can a quality back-up 5 have on team success? Aaron Gray, Nazr Mohommed, Greg Steimsma, Omar Asik, and Robin Lopez.

Lang Greene

Asik, Lopez, Mohammed, Steisma and Gray.

Mac

Many experts have a differing opinion on the job Danny Ferry is doing in Atlanta. Some are impressed he was able to shed the contracts of Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams, giving the team lots of cap space in 2013-14. Others have criticized these moves as Ferry gave up two starters (one a 6 time all-star) for little return, meaning its difficult to argue the Hawks won’t be worse next year as a result. What side are you on and why?

Lang Greene

Simple. I think Ferry has positioned the Hawks well for the future. The moves weren’t about the 2013 season. Or maybe even the 2014 season. But he’s trying to build another “core” who might be able to get the team over the hump. The moves gave the Hawks options, financially, to add more talent. Last season they were handicapped from doing so because of their contracts.

Ferry is working his plan right now, but it will ultimately come down to how he uses the cap space and the players he brings in via trade.

Christian

How good is Kyle Lowry? DO you think he could eventually be in that tier one of point guards?

Lang Greene

For the money he makes, Kyle is a steal. But, no, I don’t see him ever ranking with the CP3, Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose crowd.

However he may be able to snag an All-Star appearance or two along the way.

ginger snapzzzz

Call me old school but i miss the days when there is big who dominate, shaq, patrick ,david,charles ,hakeem. Guys who can play back to.the basket. Maybe its kobe and jordan’s fault that kids wana play like them,imitate them. The art of posting up is almost extinct, will we ever see another shaq or barkley again?

Lang Greene

I don’t think its Kobe or Jordan’s fault. I throw a lot of it on coaches and scouts. The importance of being able to shoot a jumper has been intensified over the years. I’ve seen 6’10 high school kids here in Georgia loiter on the perimeter twenty feet away from the basket when the tallest guy on the other team is at best 6’3. Those same 6’10 guys look uncomfortable pulling off a drop step … let alone a jump hook. That’s coaching.

On the scouting front, guys get creamed if they don’t show they can knock down outside shots.

It’s a double whammy.

Jag

Hi LG,

Why are we seeing a lot of sign and trade deals this offseasson?
Thanks!

Lang Greene

Easy. Teams don’t won’t to lose talent without picking up a potential future asset. Helps keep balance as well throughout the league.

Aaron

Do you know if the Hawks are planning to trade at least one of their point guards? They have Teague, Lou Williams, and Devin Harris on their roster. Do you see them moving forward with all those point guards?

Lang Greene

Jeff is the starter. Lou plays a lot off the ball. And I expect Devin to be on his best game as a backup since it is a contract year.

Jimmy Crack Corn

All the Dwight Howard drama Orlando seems to overshadow that they don’t have a Head Coach. Why not Mo Cheeks? Hennigan Came from OKC. I’m sure they are familiar with each other. I think Maurice would be a great fit there.

Lang Greene

The fact Cheeks isn’t one of Hennigan’s finalists should speak volumes then …

basilis

hello Lang from Greece!! i am very suprised by HOU rookies. they had an awesome draft..i think they should keep their young core and try to acquire their star in the next draft or in 2013 free agency..Howard and Bynum are obviously the stars everyone wants, but i think that they must not give everything they have to acquire on of them..

Lang Greene

I like Houston’s rookies a lot as well. Very solid picks mid first round selections. If you have a shot to bring in a Dwight Howard or Andrew Bynum … you got to make an attempt. The way thing stands right now, the Rockets are stuck in tyhe middle of the pack … somewhere you never want to be in the NBA.

Ren

Do you think the heat should pick up darko up? If they did what do you think of the addition ? Who else besides Turiaf could be a good aquisition for the C position the heat?

Lang Greene

I don’t think Darko fits in Miami and my belief has nothing to do with his physical talents. While Darko will never live up to his place in the 2003 draft, the guy isn’t a scrub. He’s a decent center in today’s NBA. An 8 point, 6 rebound, 2 blocks per game guy.

But mentally, he’s not ready to be a consistent producer on a title team. He sulked in Minnesota when he lost minutes last season. A couple years back he openly voiced wanting to return overseas to finish his career – midseason. That shows mental weakness my man. And for Miami, who will have to go through the mentally tough Boston Celtics veterans again, they should not want any parts of Darko right now.

Ren

What do you think of a Bynum for Josh Smith trade? If both Bynum and Smith indicate they do not want to sign extensions with their respective teams, is this a viable trade option? (Smith + fillers for Bynum) shift Gasol to the 5.

Lang Greene

Only in NBA 2K12 when you can force the CPU into making a bad deal. You can’t trade a top two center for a power forward who is not in the top 5 at his position.

Bugsy Mogues

Hey Lang. What do you see as Anthony Morrows’ role this coming season? I assume he will start but what kind of numbers will we see from him and will he improve? He has been a bit underwhelming over the last couple of seasons.

Lang Greene

Morrow will get a chance to start. But I assume he’ll be a 18-20 minute per game guy and the SG spot will be handled by committee this season.

Kendu

What up Lang?What do you think of the Knicks moves this summer?To me Felton is very solid and better than Lin but ppl seem to think Lin is top 5 and Felton is just a scrub.SMH!Felton was very good in D’Antoni system for the 54 games as well vs the 25 games Lin played

Lang Greene

Let me be clear … Jeremy Lin is not a top 5 point guard. I’m not hating on the guy and respect the hell out of his story to prominence, but let’s stop with the foolishness. Felton is a solid addition and I think he has enough respect from Carmelo and Amar’e to hold down the PG situation in NY the next couple of years.

Alex in Burbank

Lang, I was wondering what happened to your last week chat? I submitted a couple questions but I never saw your chat.

Lang Greene

I was in Las Vegas covering summer league. Chasing interviews. Grinding. Good to be back w/ the Hoop Freaks this week.

Alex in Burbank

Any chance the Lakers pick up Michael Redd to back up Kobe?

Lang Greene

I was hearing Phoenix and Chicago a couple weeks ago, got nothing new to offer here. Don’t believe the Lakers are interested.

Reggie

If the Hawks don’t get Dwight Howard or CP3, then what can you see as a backup option for them as far as 2013 NBA Free agency or via trade?

Lang Greene

Speaking with Danny Ferry I get the impression the Hawks aren’t going to spend crazy if they miss D12 or CP3. Remember how Joe Dumars went wild a few years on marginal talent when Detroit had some cap room? Yeah, I’d be surprised if that happened in Atlanta next summer.

Sed Cain

Hi Lang should the bulls go after kenyon martin instead of nazr mahammed they are about the same size except martin is more athletic. And are you hearing anything about the bulls signing a veteran pg like Flynn or E’tuan Moore. Thanks

Lang Greene

Heard Brooklyn and Golden State were interested in K-Mart. Would definitely seem like a solid pickup for Chicago, but K-Mart isn’t a center. Nazr is used to the banging and is a little longer.

Sebastian from Argentina

hi..Is a good fit Andrey Blatche to Miami..gives an athletic center or too much of a headcase? thanks

Lang Greene

You guys know my philosophy … if you can’t hack it on a young struggling team who NEEDS you, I’m not adding you to my championship team as reinforcement.

Q-Man

Whats good Lang! whats going on with your Blog these last to weeks?

1.I think the Hawks should sighn James Harden next Year,not a max deal though but enough (Whatys your thoughs)
2.Why wouldn’t the Hawks try to get Bynum with the Lakers getting Howard and the Magic get Big Al and Picks
3.Do you think Teague can be come an elite Pg for the Hawks(I think Teague could be special more sooner then later)

Lang Greene

3Q! Last week Vegas. Yesterday I had a family event to attend. Thanks for the patience.

1. OKC will issues a Qualifying Offer to make Harden a restricted free agent and match any deal he’d get in free agency
2. Hawks like the idea of Dwight Howard, but not sure Andrew Bynum is on their wish list.
3. I don’t know about elite level because you’d be talking about the CP3, D-Rose, Westbrook, etc crowd … and I don’t see him there … but I can see Teague being a 16 and 7 guy and solid team leader. He continues to improve and I think he has a long respectable career.

Yong

Hi Lang,
With limited number of FA available now, I think the best option for Lakers is to re-sign Matt Barnes and get another veteran SG for vet-min. Who do you think is the best fit for back-up SG for Lakers? Is there any chance they will bring back Fish?

Lang Greene

Fisher’s days in Laker land are over unless he wants to be an assistant coach. A guy like Michael Redd might be worth a shot. I heard the Lakers liked Brandon Rush, but they just don’t have the money to offer that would push Golden State away from matching.

Big Z

5 on 5. 5 Lebron James vs 5 Michael Jordan. Who wins?

Lang Greene

MJ, but LeBron would put in some serious work.

kdubztdot

hey Lang, thanks for holding ur chat today.
Can u give an honest assessment on my raptors? They’ve finally made some moves but I’m not sure it’s enough to sneak into the playoffs..what’s ur take?

Lang Greene

I don’t see playoffs. But I see big improvement and flirting with the postseason until around the March time period. I think Toronto is headed in the RIGHT direction. Lowry, Ross, Bargnani, DD, JV … nice talent.