NBA Chat With Lang Greene 8/15/12

1. Jeremy

   How’s it going Lang.. Bynum to the 76ers shakes the East slightly – If you were Pat Riley would you definitely find a quality center asap, or stand firm with the belief that Chris Bosh at the 5 is enough?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? Maintain to rock, don’t stop the rock. Maintain to rock, don’t stop the rock. Let’s go hard tonight. Bring your best. I’m bringing mine.

     Let’s see. The most dominant center in the league, Dwight Howard, has been shipped out of Miami’s division all the way to Los Angeles. The second best center in the league (arguably – Andrew Bynum) gets sent to a team who was an eighth seed a year ago. Personally, I don’t think Pat Riley is losing any sleep regarding his plan to play Chris Bosh more at center this season.

     The 76ers, while improved, don’t have the firepower to put a scare into the Miami HEAT. I don’t expect any immediate reaction from Riley and Co. because of Philly’s power move.

2. Chi-Town

   Huge Bulls fan here!!!!

   1. When do you think Boozer will be amnestied?

   2. When do you think Nikola Mirotic will join the Bulls?

   3. I think the Bulls signed all these players to 1 year deals so they can have money to sugn stars? What stars, relastically do you see the Bulls targeting next summer and in 2014?

   4. One star i would love to see the Bulls get is Rudy Gay. Is it possible? If they do sign Gay, will they resugn Deng? I mean Gay can start at the 2 right? Or the Bulls can grab at SG IN 2014? Please try ur hardest to answer bro. Sorry Lang.

   • Lang Greene

     Good evening. I see Chi-town is in the building.

     1. I’m not of the opinion the Bulls will amnesty Boozer anytime soon. I know I’m in the minority on this, but the guy can still play. You remove him from the frontcourt who’s going to take over and produce? Taj Gibson? Possibly, but he has yet to establish himself as a starter in my opinion.

     2. Not sure on this one. Mirotic’s contract with Real Madrid runs through 2015 and has a $2.5 million buyout clause. That would be a hefty price for the youngster to play on a rookie level deal. I say he doesn’t come over until 2015.

     3. I like the Bulls core as it stands now. I don’t think they need to add another “star” … they just have to stay healthy.

     4. Gay cannot start at the two. Maybe in NBA 2k13, but in reality he has to play SF. I also don’t see Gay and Deng co-existing in the same lineup. Deng is an All-Star. Gay has yet to rach that status. Something tells me Deng wouldn’t look to kindly to taking a backseat.

3. octagon bawwwwLer

   Fun question,on a ufc match who wins? Bynum vs cousins, wade vs pierce? Jason smith ( hornets)vs b.griffin? Light weights cp3 vs rondo? Ron artest vs reggie evans and lastly kg vs c.valanueva( detroit)?

   • Lang Greene

     Lol, good question.

     I’m going Cousins over Bynum because of the motor. I think DeMarcus could go longer and harder. After all, Bynum basically admitted to a little Randy Moss’n last season in regards to effort. J-Smith and Blake will be a draw. Jason may do enough for the decision, but Blake’s popularity gets him the draw. CP3 or Rondo? Man, two of the most ferocious competitors in the game who refuse to lose. I’d go CP3 in a matchup that won’t go the distance. Lastly, I got KG surviving an early Charlie V onslaught to wear the youngster down late … LOL …

4. AJ

   Saw the Rockets just signed Delfino. Do you think he or Parsons could play some minutes at the 4 just in case Patrick Patterson, Marcus Morris, Royce White, Terrence Jones, Donatas Motiejunas, JaJuan Johnson, John Brockman, Sean Williams, Josh Harrelson, and Jerome Jordan get injured?

   • Lang Greene

     The Rockets don’t need any more power forwards. BNy my last count they have 9 guys right now on the roster who could play the position. But, I totally get your sarcasm … “if all those guys get injured”

     Well played.

5. Allan

   Hi, Lang:

   What do you think about Lakers going for Kenyon Martin? Personally I think his size/athleticism/nastiness/ability to defend perimeter will be useful when Lakers play against star SF like Durant or Lebron? Martin/Artest/Ebanks will mitigate those players’ influence when playing against the Lakers.
   Plus he can spell Howard until he is back or gets into foul trouble

   • Lang Greene

     Kenyon Martin is one of those guys who will generate interest from contending teams. But let me be straight up. All due respect to K-Mart. But if he’s caught anywhere on the perimeter alone and isolated with Kevin Durant or LeBron James it won’t end well. He would get torched. At this point, K-Mart is a low post banger, not a wing defender. Even in his prime he wasn’t known for locking wing guys down.

6. quiapo jeep

   The clippz have some good free agent signings that all of us like but i feel like they are step behind from their 2011-12 roster, yes they are got better offense wise.but defensively they lost some toughness on reggie evans and kenyon martin. My prediction is they will be an 6- 9 seed in the west. Your take?

   • Lang Greene

     Solid moves for the Los Angeles Clippers, but they’re still not title contenders. The realistic goal for the team should be second round of the playoffs. I can see them finisging anywhere between 3-6 in the West depending on the breaks.

7. hawkeye arrow

   The hawks still need a big, why not blatche? With a veteran core plus a chip on his game i bet he will do whatever it takes to get his game back. With me?

   • Lang Greene

     I wouldn’t want Blatche in my locker room. Think about this … a rebuilding and struggling Wizards franchise paid him $27 million to essentially go away and play for someone else. Let that sink in. There’s a reason why. The guy has talent but he needs to go to a situation where the system is already established and he would have no choice but to fit in. Places like San Antonio, Miami, Dallas, OKC. But I don’t see any of those teams taking the risk when it comes to team chemistry.

     We shall see.

8. Chris Guest

   Lang ma man. Hope you been good an life’s treating you and your family well!

   What has been the best ‘who should be picked No.1 overall’ debate that you can remember?
   Do you think that the 08 Olympic team would beat the 12? I personally do. Prime Kobe, Lebron and wade coming off there best individual (statistically) seasons. D12 and bosh would handle chandler, love and Davis.
   The only thing I see standing in 08 way is now Lebron has his head on properly.

   U da man. God bless

   • Lang Greene

     Chris – where’s my workout bro? I’ve been waiting for a year. Structure me something, and send me an e-mail … I have to get back in gear.

     The 2007 debate was pretty good between Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. We all know how that went, but the build up was cool. Also, the Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley debate. People will act like they never considered Beasley at No. 1, but I have links to prove this stuff if someone wants to go revisionist history on this. Haha.

     I think the 2008 Olympic Team could rumble and hold their own with any team in the history of the game. They might not win all of them, but I can’t see that unit being outclassed consistently. Too much talent.

9. bellagio

   2 owners who hates super teams are cuban and gilbert. But dont they remember they are one of those owners who started this trend. Cuban got prime dirk,nash, prime jamison and antoine walker,mike finley and shawn bradley who basically under achieved, dan gilbert got shaq , some ben wallace, jamison, mo williams but also failed. Is’nt it ironic?

   • Lang Greene

     Man, you can’t compare Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard to Dirk, Nash, Antoine Walker, Michael Finley and Shawn Bradley. Just can’t do it. Not even in the same weight class.

10. Radu

    I was looking for a potential destination for Tyreke Evans. I feel he is not reaching his potential in Sacramento.
    Which team could use a scoring SG who needs the ball? Would a Kyrie Irving / Tyreke Evans backcourt work?
    Or how about the Pistons? Atlanta? Memphis?

    • Lang Greene

      Memphis would actually be a pretty good destination for Reke. I think the kid is a shooting guard. He’s not a point and he’s too small to play the three. Also not convinced he’s in Sacramento’s long term plans. If the price is right, I see them making a deal.

11. Jon

    The magic are clearly saving cap space and building for the future, as evidenced by their decisicion to not resign anderson, and also by the fact that they didnt want to take bak a star’s contract in the howard deal. Therefore, giving a 3yr 25 million contract to nelson, a declining middle of the pack 30 yr old pg, dosnt make any sense! Your thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      Well, Jon there are two sides to the NBA. Just remember this … it is also a business. The Magic have a brand new arena that they must still fill to a decent degree to keep the revenues going strong. So yes, you bring back a guy like Jameer Nelson who is a former All-Star, excellent in the Orlando community and is a known commodity to the fan base. Especially after losing Dwight Howard. Plus at $8 million per he’s not a cap killer. He might be able to generate some trade assets in return in a few years.

      With the new arena, the Magic still have to make smart business decisions. Following me?

12. LA in LA

    Hey Greene, 2 questions:
    1) where does acquiring put the 76ers in your opinion? Even if he plays up to his potential I can’t see them being higher than 5th seed (after Heat, Pacers, Celtics, Brooklyn if healthy).

    2) Who do you think 76ers start at PF next to Bynum?

    • Lang Greene

      1. The East will be tight after the top three. I think Philly can slot anywhere between 4-7 depending on how the ball bounces.
      2. Call me crazy on this, but I think Thaddeus Young will get a look there as Doug Collins tries to get him on the court more.

13. Keith

    Why wouldn’t the Magic have taken Pau Gasol in the trade? I understand them not wanting to add a contract of that size, but they could have done that trade, then flipped Gasol to the Rockets for several of their assets they were offering for Dwight. Would not have gotten the same haul as they would get on a Dwight offer, but still would have gotten some young assets, and off loaded another big contract with Gasol to Houston. Sounds like bad management for Orlando.

    • Lang Greene

      Pau Gasol is owed $38 million through 2014. That is just too much contract for a team to absorb who wants to rebuild their identity from scratch. You’re assuming Houston was still in the market for Gasol. My understanding is that well dried up some time ago.

14. Kendu

    What up Lang? Long time. How would you rank the NY Knicks in the east this coming season? Who you thinkis a better fit in NY Felton or Lin? Thanks

    • Lang Greene

      Tough to say until I see them on the floor together, but I love their offseason. They bring in two solid point guards who will command respect in Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton. That’s going to be the key to their on court performance this season … their point guard play will make them better by deafult. No ooffense to Jeremy Lin, Mike Bibby and Baron Davis … but ther Knicks upgraded significantly here … from a true floor general perspective.

15. jesse

    Hey Lang…How u?…So Pincus disagrees that orl should’ve included Gasol and flipped him to Houston for more assets…says that houston would probably not have been interested…I look at their Salary page and see an absolute mess that was created because they planned to make a big move this summer…Am i wrong in thinking Gasol would’ve made a fine consolation prize? They wouldn’t have to take those bad contracts and wouldn’t have to give up their ‘best’ picks & prospects and Orl gets at least a few more assets moving forward? Whats your take? thanks bud…keep up the good work

    • Lang Greene

      I think I’m gonig to roll with the veteran Pincus on this one. At this point in his career Pau Gasol is excellent if he’s your 2-3 guy. But I don’t think he’s good enough to be a true number 1 option. I think Houston understood that after watching him last season and removed themselves from the race.

      Now, I think the vet has plenty of game left … but his days as a 22/10 guy night in and night out carrying a team are over. He’s in a perfect slot with the Lakers behind Kobe and Dwight Howard

16. camaro smokin dust on yah

    Who would u rather have as a pg, prime dfisher or mr.big versatile himself ron harper( on his laker days) and why?

    • Lang Greene

      Tough to answer this question because it depends on the rest of the roster. I would probably go Harp because of my preference for bigger point guards who can defend. Plus, most forget Ron Harper in his prime before the knee trouble. That guy could light it up. He sacrificed a lot of offense in his last few years while he was winning titles.

      Respect to you Ron Harper.

17. Kevin Owens

    Tired of people/commentators not knowing the true height/weight of players. Everyday Durants gets taller
    and Lebron gains 50 pounds! Is everyone not officially weighed and height taken in the NBA? This is ridiculous!

    • Lang Greene

      Hey Kevin-

      Abraham Lincoln height has also been misrepresented in history books throughout the world. So I can’t hold the NBA to a higher standard than our educational system. Bill Ingram knows what I’m talknig about.

      You should google their draft combine measurement and just roll with that. From a weight standpoint, the average person’s weight fluctuates throughout the week +/- two to five pounds. General consensus is LeBron is 6’8 and around 255-365. Durant is 6’10 or 6’11 …

18. Q-Man

    Whats going on Big Dawg(Lang). Old Man(Me) got accepted back to school.

    1. With Dwight less of an option next year. What do you think about Bynum for the Hawks
    2. Would you start Smith, Big Al and Zaza (thats big up front) I still love Smith as a 4 though
    3. It’s seems as though Danny boy is being creative with the roster and cap money since become GM

    • Lang Greene

      My man 3Q! Congrats on doing well on the test. Proud of you.

      1. All signs are pointing toward Andrew Bynum remaining in Philly long term.
      2. Smoove isn’t a natural small forward. He can play it in spots, but I have to say no to this lineup
      3. Ferry is sticking to his plan. The guy has a clear vision. Let’s see what he’s able to do with the cap room he’s created. As he told me out in Las Vegas … sometimes cap space can be fool’s gold.

19. rob

    With the moves the sixers made do you see them as a possible #2 seed in the east, best center and outside shooting. Also can Turner average 18pts and 6rebounds. Thanks

    • Lang Greene

      NBA players if given the opportunity can put up good looking numbers, but the question is does a team improve? Guys like Rick Fox and Dee Brown are former 15-17 point scorers in at least one season. But that doesn’t mean their teams were a success.

      No, I don’t see the 76ers as a No. 2 seed, but the games aren’t played in August. They’ll have a chance to prove me wrong.

20. the last maverick

    Yo Lang, i keep hearing the 76ers got the best center in the east now. I know bynum is big, strong but he aint finesse, he cant score at will, he takes alot of time to operate, and the offense gets stagnant on him. With guys like holiday, turner and nick young who all need the ball time to create is this a good fit? Plus without comparing age and health. Do u think bynum is better than KG? Brook lopez,hibbert? Noah and al horford? Thanks bro

    • Lang Greene

      Bynum is better than all the guys you named at this point and assuming he can stay healthy. But I’m not sold Bynum is a true No. 1 option. A true franchise player. He’ll get a shot in Philly so let’s see how the young man rumbles with the target on his back every night. Life could be very different without Kobe Bryant in the foxhole with you … very different.

21. erik

    What’s up with Ivan Johnson’s situation? Is he in the Hawks future plans?

    • Lang Greene

      Looks as though Hawks are letting the market set the price for Ivan. I expect to hear something within the next few weeks.

22. Badax33

    Hi Lang,

    Round 5 – It was hard finding a link to Ray’s comments about his salary request. Most articles have been archives. But check the link below. And both Boston papers – Herald and Globe had the same reports.

    Again, I agree with you that Ray was a professional in Boston. The Celts did try to trade him at least twice and understand him being upset about that. He was a key contributor to Banner 17. He lost his starting job to AB, who as you said isn’t better than him, but the team played better with Bradley starting(due to his Defense, which isn’t Ray’s calling card) while Ray actually played more minutes (did you know that?). I think, Ray’s pride was hurt more than anything (pride goeth before the fall). As for the rift with Rondo, if that’s why he left – no comment.

    As a free agent he had the right to choose where he wants to play and if he feels more comfortable in Miami so be it. But by the same token, the Celtics have the right to choose who will be retired. His body of work in Boston was borderline and going to Miami (or even worse, Fakers) is a killer!!! selection.

    I do respect the Vet, but can’t see his number being raised.

    http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/7/6/3142388/report-ray-to-miami

    • Lang Greene

      Round 5 … and I’m not backing down. I read the link, but I’m still waiting to hear, read or see a quote attributed to Ray Allen himself saying he wanted $9 million per season. The article you sent credits a source. And since I have no idea how credible the “source” is or the “source’s” true agenda, I can’t discredit Ray Allen for this … and neither should you my man. It’s like a former teacher of yours from 15 years ago saying something about you. I could quote them as a source. Doesn’t mean they’re in the know.

      Ray handled himself professionally. Lost his starting job to a younger player who wasn’t better. Played through a bad injury when most guys would have shut it down completely and just been content to cash their checks. And no one knew of his rift with Rondo until after he left in free agency. That’s a pro’s pro my man … so I’m not sure why so much venom toward the guy when he could have acted like a bull in a china shop on his way out the door.

      But I have some links too … check these links out from Danny Ainge openly saying he’d trade his big three in an instant. Now tell me if this is supposed to make guys feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Heck, he was actively listening to offers for Rajon Rondo as well.

      Respect the VET … raise his numbers to the rafters Boston along with KG and Pierce and let’s not be petty.

      http://boston.sbnation.com/boston-celtics/2012/1/20/2721552/boston-celtics-trade-rumors-2012-danny-ainge-paul-pierce-kevin-garnett-ray-allen/in/2486169

      http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/1/19/2718157/danny-will-blow-it-up-if-he-can

23. Guilherme

    Please tell me what you think of the following trade:
    Celtics get: Al Horford
    Hawks get: Brandon Bass, Fab Melo, 2013 and 2016 1st rd dp.

    • Lang Greene

      Terrible deal for the Hawks. The picks you mention would be LATE first round and wouldn’t likely net starting quality guys. Bass and Melo as headliners for Horford … can’t buy those cupcakes.

24. Aristotle

    What’s happening Langyyyy!!! Now do I have the greatest match up for you in the history of NBA! Lol
    Scalabrine VS Shawn Bradley (after MJ & Bugs
    brings him back his powers of course ).
    Who you got in a game of 21???

    • Lang Greene

      I will never put any money against the legendary B-Scal … no matter who he is playing.

25. sammy

    hey how are you.. why do people hate Vince carter so much in Canada. I told people that he is a hall of famer but they saying no. I think if it wasn’t for the injury Vince could have been one of the greatest and no one could have done the things he done in the air.

    • Lang Greene

      Vince is a borderline Hall of Famer and I think he gets in. He’s put together a very solid body of work, but his playoff resume isn’t as strong as some.

26. Reggie

    What do you think about the possibility of the Hawks getting or trading for someone like Tyreke Evans? I feel like that he needs to play somewhere else in order for him to reach his full potential. He’s a really talented young player. Thoughts?

    • Lang Greene

      THe Kings aren’t going to just give Tyreke Evans away. The Hawks don’t have assets to snag him via trade because they’re not giving up Al Horford, Josh SMith or Jeff Teague to get him

27. Laura Vandervoort

    Langy! How are u!? Do you think this year is finally the break out year for Evan Turner since Dre is gone? Thanks.

    • Lang Greene

      This will definitely be a year of “no more excuses” for Turner. He has an opportunity … barbecue or mildew … we’ll see which path he takes.

28. Louis

    being a big magic fan I’m sort of excited to see how things unfold and I’m actually trusting that management will do the right things for long term success
    do you see us making any more moves before the season starts?
    also what NEW players on our current roster do you think will have really good seasons and be considered steals

    • Lang Greene

      I think Orlando fans will be pleased with the play of Al Harrington. I also feel Kyle O’Quinn will be a good energy guy as a rookie.

29. BlazerFAN

    Who would win 1 on 1
    Carmelo Anthony or Tracy Mcgrady both in Prime.
    I got Tracy

    • Lang Greene

      I feel Carmelo is more natural of a scorer … so in a razor thin vote I’m leaning ‘Melo …

30. phil from LA

    Hello Mr.Greene just want to know if u think Josh Smith will get traded also do u think he will get traded to the Lakers for Gasol thanks and have a good evening

    • Lang Greene

      Last question of the evening … sorry if I missed you. Send me an e-mail or hit me on Twitter …

      I personally don’t think there are any legs on the Gasol for Josh Smith rumor. Danny Ferry created close to $33 million in cap room for next summer and I doubt he ties $19 million of that into an aging, past his prime Pau Gasol.

      But …

      I do think a Pau Gasol and Al Horford frontcourt could work. The financials just make it highly unlikely to ever occur.

      Take care my people.