NBA Chat With Lang Greene 8/22/12

1. Kevin

   Lang, I don’t understand the people that are saying the Lakers aren’t the favorites in the West! If I remember correctly, the Lakers had just finished a 7 game series w/ Denver and got blown out by a rested OKC in the 1st game. And the next 3 games were decided by less than 3 points. And now the Lakers add: Nash, Howard, Jamieson and Meeks! And the last time I check, Kobe was still demanding double teams! I don’t understand how people think, can you help me w/ this, PLEASE?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? Theme music for the night … old school R&B. Let’s see if you can name the tune. “Well now, they often call me Speedo, but my real name is Mr. Earl. Known for meeting brand new fellas, and taking other folk’s girl.” Lol, let’s get after it tonight. Feeling good, might go for 40.

     Preseason predictions are fun and all, but games aren’t won or loss +on paper. If someone doesn’t have the Lakers at the top of their board right now in the West, I’m good with that. I mean, the Oklahoma City Thunder up until game two of the NBA finals looked as though they were going to run roughshod through the entire playoffs and win a NBA title.

     The Lakers have the star power without a doubt but I still have questions. The Lakers still have no answer for Kevin Durant who is just 23 years old. None whatsoever. The Lakers still have no answer for Russell Westbrook. The Thunder feature a center who is about as tough as any low block defender in the game. Gasol was terrible down the stretch and inconsistent … can he pull it together in Mike Brown’s system where he was never comfortable. Can Steve Nash stay healthy? Better yet, how will Dwight Howard’s surgically repaired back hold up after consistent contact?

     So, no … I don’t have a problem if someone is going against the grain here.

2. Page

   Any chance we could see a MIN/SAC trade centered around Tyreke Evans & Derrick Williams? If not, what type of deal/players would Minnesota look for in a Williams deal? Thanks Lang, love the chats bro

   • Lang Greene

     Thanks. My question is why is everyone so eager to give up on Derrick Williams so soon? To answer your question, I don’t think the T’Wolves need a guy like Tyreke right now with Brandon Roy on the comeback trail. And personally, not sure if I’d give up D-Will for Tyreke right now straight up.

3. Darren

   Which team is more likely to see the playoffs in 2013.. GSW of T-Wolves? I like em both, but they’re huge injury risks

   • Lang Greene

     I think both teams will make a run at the postseason, but since you ask me to take pick … I’d say Minnesota is better positioned as we stand today. The addition of playoff tested guys like Andre Kirilenko and Brandon Roy will huge dividends for the young pups.

4. Cameron

   Sup Lang, happy wednesday man. I’m a magic fan and am surprised at how many people are baggin’ on the Dwight trade. To me Orlando did the right deal for a franchise commmitted to a full rebuild. I know they still have Turkoglu’s bad contract, but they shed J-Rich & Duhon’s salary in the process, and I really like Harkless & Nicholson too. Do you think both could be quality starters on a playoff team in 4-5 years? Also, do you think its a coincidence teams who got burned by their hometown superstars have been getting # 1 picks? IMO that means Orlando’s a lock for the top selection in 2013

   • Lang Greene

     Orlando won’t be as bad as everyone is thinking to start the season, but I will be surprised if some of the bigger name guys on the team are still wearing Magic uniforms come March. I think Orlando will continue cleaning house and acquiring assets for their rebuild. As it stands right now a team of Jameer Nelson, Glen Davis, Hedo, Al Harrington, Redick and some promising rookies is too good to secure a No. 1 overall pick.

5. Trip

   The word superstar gets thrown around way too frequently. The only transformant players in the NBA today are Bron-Wade-Howard-Durant-Bryant-Rose-Paul-Nowitzki. My question to you is this, before 2020 who do you think will be the next crop of superstars currently playing in the NBA? Maybe K-Irving, The Unibrow, Wall, Cousins, Kidd-Gilchrest? Thanks bud

   • Lang Greene

     I truly think Russell Westbrook should be on your list. The guy’s self belief is off the charts and I respect the hell out of that kid, man. Carmelo deserves some consideration. Both guys will etch their names to the above list as Kobe and Dirk begin to hang up their laces.

6. Warren G

   Got you some roll out music for next week….. It was a clear black night, a clear white moon, warren g was on the streets tryin to consume. Some skirts for the eve so I can get some funk, rollin in my ride, chillin all alone.

   Haha all seriousness my man, what’s your take on the Wiz next year? Will Beal show up right away, or will we have to wait a couple season’s to see what he’s really got? Regulators!!

   • Lang Greene

     Lol, very good “theme” music choice. May have to use that next week.

     I think the Wizards will be improved but they’re far from a playoff team or even playoff contention. But the most important part of the last year is the team has been able to surround John Wall with professionals. Guys like Emeka Okafor, Nene and Trevor Ariza have game.

     Gone are youngsters like Nick Young, Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee … good players, but not mature enough to help push the Wizards to new heights while they were in town. The veterans will help Wall mature faster and hopefully lead to a breakthrough.

7. Garrett

   Which rebuilding team is currently setting themselves up best for the future? By rebuilding, I mean non-playoff team with good prospects & cap room?

   • Lang Greene

     You have to really respect the product Toronto is slowly putting together. This might not be their year to make the playoffs, but man … there are knocknig on the door if they keep improving. The New Orleans Hornets as well. Re-signing Eric Gordon, drafting Anthony Davis, etc. THey’ll be a scrappy team to beat all season.

8. Puff

   What’s the logic behind Jameer’s 3 year deal? Injury prone/defensive liability/TO prone guard whose quickly passing his prime. I did love him at St. Joes though

   • Lang Greene

     I touched on this last week in great detail. Orlando still has a fairly new arena they have to fill nightly for revenues. They traded Duhon to LA. Who else was going to play point? At least with Nelson you solidify a position … and the Orlando community loves Jameer. He’s no longer one of those long term option guys, but from a business perspective you could do much worse than rolling with Jameer on this one … think about it.

9. Deven

   Hey Lang. I was wondering, when will Etan Thomas be playing again? He was with the Hawks a few years ago and he hasn’t been in the league since. Not many NBA fans know who he is, but I sure do.

   • Lang Greene

     I don’t know if Etan ever resurfaces again in the league, but some of his journalistic exploits have been top shelf in recent months. I can definitely see him getting a column at a major publication. Or at the very least continuing to publish some great Op-ed stuff.

10. Deven

    Give me your bold prediction on what happens to the Hawks next summer. Do CP3, Dwight and J-Smoove combine forces in Atlanta?

    • Lang Greene

      I’m almost certain you can cross CP# and Dwight Howard off your wish list. I don’t see niether guy leaving $20+ million on the table to join the Atlanta Hawks.

11. John

    Hey Mr.Geene hows it going just like your thoughts on Al Horford in my opinion hes gonna be a truely great forward/center im not sticking the HOF on him but im talking multiple all star apperances when i watch him play his mechanics resemble that of a tim duncan to a lesser extent also what are the hawks missing for Contention for a title? if things go sour in Philly do you think Bynum might join atl i think that would give them a ferocious combo

    • Lang Greene

      Someone asked Larry Drew once how good could Al Horford be if he were playing power forward full-time and Drew didn’t hesitate one bit and said “a beast” …. And I have to agree w/ Larry on this one. I think Al Horford has 20/10 potential. The problem is, the guy is unselfish to the core. How many times do you open an Atlanta Hawks box score and see Al as the team’s fifth leading shot taker on a given night?

      Some of that is coaching. Some of it is teammates needing to understand the order of the food chain. But I must say some of that is Al Horford, an All-Star, must demand the rock. Must demand the respect. When he’s ready to do that, you’ll see a great player emerge.

      Al is no Tim Duncan, but I totally get your comparison. I think Al has a better 15-17 footer at this strage of his career than Timmy had … but Timmy is too much man on the block and was hell in the paint in his prime … that’s the difference.

12. Luka

    where do you see dario šarić getting picked in 2013 draft?

    • Lang Greene

      My mind is nowhere near the 2013 draft at this moment. I need more time.

13. d12andsmooth

    wats up mr. greene!
    well my dream of d12 and smooth playing in the ATL is all but dead. No bynum, no iggy probably available next year. Who CAN the hawks target? CP3 wont come without a star? Any ideas?

    • Lang Greene

      This isn’t a fancy choice … but why not Al Jefferson? He’ll be an unrestricted free agent next summer and is a southern boy. He’d allow Horford to move to power forward and the tandem would be a heck of an inside-outside attack. But then, you’d likely lose Smoove in free agency … tough decisions.

14. Andrew Squires

    Do you think with the move to Denver can Iggy have an allstar year and show everyone what he is capable of.

    • Lang Greene

      Yes. I think Andre Iguodala is gonig to have a career year, in terms of efficiency, out there in Denver. He’ll be able to get out and run in the offensively free flowing Western Conference. Iguodala is a great finisher in the open court so I expect him to find more easy buckets playing the transition game with Ty Lawson.

      Don’t know if he makes an All-Star team out there, but he might just be the guy to push Denver into the second round of the playoffs.

15. jaywes

    After the loss that OKC took in the finals do you think Russell Westbrook, after hearing all of the criticism is going to strive to play more of a “true point guard” game and give Durant more looks?

    • Lang Greene

      Russell Westbrook doesn’t need to change a bit. The difference between guys like Russ and talented guys like John Wall and Brandon Jennings is solely between the ears. Russ will make the same basketball play 9 out of 10 times even if he misses the shot, while not caring what you or I think.

      While Wall or BJ would let the boos get to their head or hesitate if things aren’t going their way or facing criticism.

      Ever notice how the great ones believe so much in themselves and not what the media or fans think? Russ will be fine as he continues to grow as a basketball player.

16. Steven Keem

    How will Landry Fields fit in with Toronto, he says his best days are ahead but will he fit in?

    • Lang Greene

      Landry won’t be a star, but he’ll be a solid glue guy for the majority of his career. I like his fit in Toronto, truly do, not so much the contract.

17. Jayy

    With the highly anticipated return of Brandon Roy, do you think that the Timberwolves have a chance at being playoff contenders this coming season? Is it possible that Brandon Roy could be a force in the league again?

    • Lang Greene

      No. Brandon Roy’s days of carrying a team are over. I’m rooting for the guy, but I’ve been around the game long enough to understand that knees issues are no joke and this issue B-Roy is going through is a brutal one.

      However, I do feel he can play 18-20 minutes per night and be an excellent leader and producer. I’m hoping it works out for him.

18. Andrew johnson

    With all the new point guards ATL has signed. Will Jeff Teague assume the starting role? Also do you like the draftees in John Jenkins and Mike Scott?

    • Lang Greene

      I’ve spoken to numerous people around the Hawks organization and Jeff Teague is the starting point guard.

      John Jenkins is a terrific shooter and that alone will get him major minutes this season. Need to see more from Mike Scott, but I see glimpses of him being able to stretch the floor in pick and pop situations. Decent range on the J …

19. Victor

    Mr.Lang, love ur work, do you see the Knicks making any moves before the season starts?

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks, Vic. No I think they are locked in. Maybe they’d listen for a guy like Kenyon Martin to add more size.

20. Chris

    Hi Lang. Stan Van Gundy speculated about Derrick Rose leaving Chicago if the Bulls don’t create a superteam to match Miami and LA. A.) Do you see Derrick making such a demand – “superteam or I leave”? B.) Would Jerry Reinsdorf, who values $ far more than championships, make a Jerry Buss-like chase for superstars to appease D-Rose?

    • Lang Greene

      Don’t see it Derrick’s character to leave his hometown high and dry … he seems to march to his own drum and carries a distinct individuality about him. I think he’s a Bull for life.

21. Cain

    What up Lang? Just wondering how you think Paul George and OJ Mayo will go this season? Will either break-out?

    • Lang Greene

      OJ Mayo is a very good player and will have a double-digit (years) type of career, but he isn’t a franchise player most hoped he’d be when entering the league. Solid 3-4 man on a contending team.

      It is time for Paul George to step up. I personally don’t think we see PG truly emerge until the Pacers deal Danny Granger to allow him to play his natural small forward spot.

22. LA in LA

    Can you tell me how Marvin Williams got drafted over CP3, and Deron Williams, in the 2005 draft?

    • Lang Greene

      Marvin is my guy, but CP3 and Deron Williams are some of the generation’s best to lace them up.

      But let’s flash back to 2005 … Marvin was a prominent member of a NCAA championship team, as a freshman. And to this day freshman declarees get more love than other classes. Then, Chris Paul was suspended late in that collegeiate season for a groin punch.

      I mean, you have to take CP3 if he’s available, but I also remember the dynamic seven years ago too …

23. Tarren

    Do you think certain NBA GM’s are more comfortable trading with other GM’s they simply like? Or is it always objective, regardless of history? I’m a magic fan & noticed that former GM Otis Smith made multiple moves with Billy King, Daryl Morey and Joe Dumars. I could be off base, but still seemed kinda interesting

    • Lang Greene

      Of course, I do. Human nature. It’s all about relationships and chemistry and the ability to work well with others.

24. Blake

    Most Hoopsworld writers hate comparisons, but wanted to see if you’d make an exception.. If you could compare Anthony Davis’ skillset/upside, who comes to mind. Please don’t say Marcus Camby

    • Lang Greene

      He’ll be better than Marcus Camby (should be). I think Davis’ skill set will include more offensive versatility … but don’t disrespect MC … the guy averaged 9 rebounds per game as a 38 year old man. Respect to Camby, still getting it done.

25. Rhett

    U getting as tired as I am bout this “superteam” concept ruining the game. If my memorys right, smaller market teams like Detroit, San Antonio & Dallas all won titles in the past 10 years. Hell, even Orlando went to the finals when Turk was the 2nd best player!

    • Lang Greene

      Of course, I am. Talented teams win titles

      Shaq, Kobe
      Jordan, Pippen, Rodman,
      David Robinson, Tim Duncan
      James Worthy, Magic Johnson, Kareem, Byron Scott
      Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, The Chief, Dennis Johnson
      LeBron, D-Wade, Bosh”

      I can go on an on ..

26. badax33

    Hey Lang, what’s happening, my man?

    I have read those links about Danny and many, many, many, many more. Yes, DANNY WILL trade anyone on the Celtics if he feels it makes them a better team!!! However when you consider that such legendary figures as Wilt, Kareem, Oscar, DJ, Moses, Charles, Earl, and Clyde were all traded That’s just the NBA! I think, we both agree that Ray was probably upset about almost being traded. The link below also indicates the Celts were willing to give him either a trade kicker or even a No-trade clause. More money and a no-trade and still he decided to go to their rival.
    Here’s a link for you. http://www.csnne.com/basketball-boston-celtics/celtics-talk/Grousbeck-Allens-price-too-high-for-Celt?blockID=737774&feedID=10424 – It’s an interview with Wyc Grousbeck where he states that Ray asked for an annual salary that would have not allowed the Celts to stay within the 74.4M flex cap and resign the players they did. What Pro’s Pro does that!!!! I remember Larry Bird refusing to have his last contract guaranteed because of his injury history and not wanting to burden the Celts if he broke down and couldn’t play.

    Lastly, there are only 2 players, who’s numbers are retired who had less than 2 rings and neither has a ring. Reggie Lewis who died while Captain of the Celtics and had put up some pretty decent numbers. And Ed Macauley who was their first superstar, played 6 season and was traded for Russell. Red fought trading Ed, but in the end had no choice if he wanted Russell. Every other player had more rings and played more season than Ray.

    • Lang Greene

      Round 6. I don’t know what to tell you my man … we are at an impasse. But let me ask you this … do you think Kevin Garnett should have his jersey retired? And if you do, right now, tell me why more so than Ray Allen?

      You can say all you want that Ray pushed his asking price through the roof, but as a free agent you can negotiate the type of deal you want to play for … he wasn’t obligated to give Boston a discount. I mean you’re looking at things blindly from a 100 percent loyal fan perspective. Week in and week out you’re so willing to give Boston’s front office a blatant pass for all of their contributions to this situation. They tried to trade him twice snd you say – oh it’s all in the game. They pursue and sign his replacement (Jason Terry) as FIRST priority this summer before reaching out to Ray and you say “he should have been patient” … Then you gloss csually over the fact that Boston could have offered Ray an extension at any point over the past two years to avoid the whole free agency business in the first place.

      Judging by your note above you want guys to accept being traded because it’s just “business” …. but Ray decides to make a business decision and leave to Miami and you act like the pope has been attacked. See, you can’t have it both ways and that is the fundamental flaw in your argument. So what we tried to trade you 3-4 times. So what we demoted you for an inferior player. So what we blatantly signed your replacement before giving you an offer. All that doesn’t matter because you are “pro your team” and refuse to see the big picture.

      Ray Allen is a Hall of Famer which means more than his jersey hanging in the Boston rafters at the end of the day.

27. Q-Man

    What’s good Lang!!! How it going big Dawg

    1. Is this the time the Hawks should go after James Harden I keep saying he could make them special
    2. What do you think about Alonzo Gee at the 3 for the Hawks
    3. Is Devin Harris bait for next year trade deadline

    • Lang Greene

      3Q, what’s up Brother?

      1. James Harden is not better than Joe Johnson right now, so I can’t see the beard pushing them another level
      2. Good temporary option, but likely out of Hawks price range
      3. Definitely

28. Tony

    I realize the lakers are loaded and that they have already been handed the trophy but I still think the thunder can beat them. Westbrook can abuse nash on the offensive end and perkins typically has an easier time guarding howard than he did bynum. Do you agree or disagree with me?

    • Lang Greene

      There’s no reason to believe that a Lakers-Thunder matchup is still a toss-up at this point. Games aren’t played on paper.

29. Ken

    What up Lang,

    Do you believe Pau Gasol will be a Laker by the end of the upcoming season?

    • Lang Greene

      Yes, I do. Gasol has a monster contract for the next two seasons.

30. Matt O

    Hey Lang, love your work!
    How do you see the Hornet’s lineup this season? I hear a lot of fans speaking about Davis playing some 3 but I just cant see it. What do you think?

    • Lang Greene

      My initial thought is the team will play him at power forward for major minutes and then some center depending on matchups. He won’t play any 3, unless he’s hiding some skills I’ve yet to see.

31. Will

    Any early predictions for your Finals matchup next year?

    • Lang Greene

      HEAT vs. Thunder II

32. The Hooligan Man

    Mr. Lang, you and Mr. Pincus seemed like the most friendly and appreciate your jobs with HW and i think invest most times in your chats because you guys seem like its fun Just want to tell you from a fam to another fan of the game of bball thank for your time Langy lol. People appreciate it
    As to my question
    With the lakers roster do they own the west? What is in store the twolves

    • Lang Greene

      No man, I appreciate you for taking the time out of your night to hang with me. Thank you.

      I think the Lakers and Thunder will battle it out in an epic Western Conference Finals.