NBA Chat With Lang Greene 9/19/12

1. Brandon

   What is your view on the rockets this upcoming season? Do you feel they need another center to asik? Any trades they need to make? Which power forwards do you think will make the final roster as well as point guards?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? Big Daddy Kane for the theme music tonight … “To have MC’s coming out sounding so similar, it’s quite confusing for you to remember … the originator, and boy do I hate a perpetrator, but I’m much greater” Let’s go …

     Check my prediction for the Houston Rockets HERE (http://www.hoopsworld.com/2012-2013-houston-rockets-season-preview/) under “Five Guys Think” … I see Houston as fourth in the southwest. I think they will finish above New Orleans by a slim margin to avoid the complete basement. In regards to Omer Asik, he needs to be ready to play 30+ minutes as one of their marquee signings of the offseason. No more protecting Asik … let’s see what the big man has as a full-time starter being paid $25 million.

2. Lakers#1 Fan

   Hey Lang. Do you think the Lakers will retire Steve Nash’s jersey if he wins one championship with the team and is inducted into the Hall of Fame? If not what do you think it will take? 2 or 3 championships? Thanks!

   • Lang Greene

     No, I don’t think so. One championship won’t get his jersey retired in Los Angeles. The Lakers have such a rich history that Nash would have to put in more serious work out there before being considered. Don’t get me wrong … if he won a title then he’d receive a hometown hero type of ovation every time he came back to the arena … but jersey retirement for one season … nah

3. Keith

   Hey Lang, Love your work but I had to ask this question.

   Please explain your thought process on picking the Knicks to finish 5th in their division? Talent wise we are clearly better than the Raptors, the Nets and Philly have new teams and need time to adjust. Philly’s franchise center was healthy for a season and he will have to adjust being the focal point of an offense. Boston is the good but how long can KG hold up or can they be effective without a low post threat. The Knicks have sure up some of their glaring weaknesses at point and back up big men. Also we have savvy vets coming off the bench that knows how to win.

   • Lang Greene

     Keith … I am getting a lot of heat on this pick which is understandable. I mean, I understand that. I wonder if people read what I put down or just skimmed to the pick. I give New York the praise and say they can make plenty of noise, but I am just not sold (yet) this team can put it all together.

     Ray Felton was horrible last season in Portland and terribly out of shape while leading a locker room rebellion. He could be better but I need to see it.
     J-Kidd who I respect as a player is brought in to provide leadership and gets popped for an off the court offense which if true is just a bad look.
     Their best perimeter defender is likely out until January (Iman Shumpert)
     Last I saw of Amar’e he was fighting inanimate objects during playoff time
     Last I saw the Carmelo and Amar’e combo they were’nt good together … don’t you guys remember that?
     I’m very familiar with Mike Woodson … good coach … I respect him … but the Atlanta Hawks of all teams did fire him to hire Larry Drew.
     Locker room good guys and role players Jared Jeffries and Landry Fields are elsewhere
     JR Smith has game and is one of the best scorers when on it … but how often is that?
     Marcus Camby came into the league when I was in HS … I now have a master’s degree, married, two kids and been a pro myself for 13+ years. How much does he have left?
     The New York media is insane. The pressure they apply is like the old Arkansas full court presses … LOL

     To summarize … I’m not saying the Knicks don’t have talent. They do. I just feel ALL HELL WILL BREAK LOOSE IN NEW YORK THIS SEASON.

4. J. Bizz

   Whats uP LG this here is your quote; “Vince, T-Mac, Gilbert, Glen Rice will go down as generational stars … but they weren’t quite good enough to be in the “one of the all-time best” class. Though I’d make an argument for Vince.” Not my question btw but it seems your opinion IS that Vince was better then T-Mac or has had a better career, is that the case? Please say no cause I kind of like you.lol.. Do you think T-Mac is a HOF? Better numbers then Dominique, D. Wilkins only passed the 1st rd of playoffs once sooo educate a brotha on how T-Mac is or is not a HOF & lastly is Vince a HOF?

   • Lang Greene

     I think Vince Carter has a better shot at the Hall of Fame than T-Mac. It’s the basketball hall of fame … not the NBA Hall of Fame, so Vince Carter’s collegiate work at UNC is factored into the mix. To me, Vicne was better longer than T-Mac … T-Mac was a more dominant scorer for a shorter stretch.

     Can’t compare Dominique to T-Mac. Dominique had to deal with a true murderers row … Isiah, Jordan, Ewing, Bird … T-Mac didn’t have those types of monsters roaming in his prime in Orlando.

5. Curtis

   From what I’ve read people seem to think that Portland has a good starting lineup but lack depth. I think their depth is better than advertised. 2 euro rookies with years of pro experience, JJ Hickson is a quality bench guy. Nolan Smith is a work in progress but I think he can log 20 minutes as a PG. Thoughts?

   • Lang Greene

     Portland is one of those teams who could surprise everyone. No doubt about it. They have a potential rookie of the year in Damian Lillard. They have a legitimate All-Star in LaMarcus Aldridge. Guys like Wesley Matthews are solid. But thinking this team is a playoff team without seeing them play an exhibition game to me is a stretch.

6. Frank

   NBA AM today spoke about Brandon Roy’s comeback with the Timberwolves. In your opinion, how many minutes per game do you think he will average next year. Care to project a statline?

   • Lang Greene

     Hopefully B-Roy doesn’t try to overdo it and stays in the 20-25 minute range. 60-65 games so he can rest during the dog days of the season. I can see hm putting up 11-13 points. Scoring isn’t the problem. The man can still play. Catch him at the Y or in a pickup game and he will bust you up for 60 … but playing in 82 games with the tight schedule, the practice and all of the rigors that go along with it is what is causing B-Roy problems … not playing individual games here and there.

7. Adam

   Which team do you have as the biggest sleeper? I think the Warriors are massively underrated, I know it’s because of health worries but a lineup of Bogut, Lee, Barnes, Thompson and Curry with Biedrins, Landry, Jefferson, Rush and Jack backing them up is incredibly deep in my opinion. Potential 5th seed?

   • Lang Greene

     Warriors, Raptors and Suns are my sleeper picks. I can’t envision a scenario (without massive injuries) where the Warriors lock up a fifth seed. They can sneak in at 7-8 … but a five seed. Can’t buy those cupcakes.

8. Adam

   Love your work Lang. Just curious as to what ceilings you see for G2 (Paul George and George Hill) indivually and together in Indiana? Lotta length in our starting 5. Also, do you think Lance Stephenson has a future in the league? Thanks

   • Lang Greene

     I was very high on Lance. Followed his game in HS. Was a little disappointed in his collegiate showing, but thought he could do something in the league. The Pacers are a young team on the rise and he’s yet to carve out a consistent role … it kind of tells you something. He wasn’t stuck behind veterans on a championship squad … he couldn’t earn minutes against youngsters learning the game just like him.

9. Dave

   Lang, I’ve heard suggestions for a Rondo/Westbrook trade, and although I love Rondo (big C’s fan), I can understand the C’s need for a go-to scorer like Westbrook, esp with Pierce fading (next couple of years). While both teams were very successful last year, I can also see why the Thunder might do this trade, but what do you think?

   • Lang Greene

     I heard talk about this a long while back … the chances of this going down now are slim to none …

10. saulo

    What’s up Lang? To me, AI is a first-ballot HOFer. I’ve seen/read some people claim he isn’t or shouldn’t be considered. Please tell me that’s crazy, absurd, stupid and downright idiotic talk. To me, growing up watching the end of the Jordan-era, Iverson was my favorite player for a looong time, it’s sad to see how he ended his career.

    • Lang Greene

      Allen Iverson is a first ballot Hall of Famer. Anyone who tries to tell me otherwise I’m just not paying any attention to … I have eyes and trust my basketball instincts and saw firsthand how the man changed the game. The only thing that can keep him from being a first ballot lock are the guys in the suits or the writers still holding on to this mythical “play the right way” foolery. Only thing that can stop AI is the political game. And trust me … there are folks already angling to shut him down.

11. Victor from Miami

    Is K-mart coming to the Knicks?

    • Lang Greene

      Kenyon Martin wants more than the vet minimum. Knicks haven’t been able to sell him on coming in at a cheaper price. He’s on their radar, but K-Mart thinks he can squeeze a few more dollars out of a franchise.

12. Judy

    What’s up Lang? It has been ages -anyway here are my questions:
    1. Will the Hawks make the playoffs? 2. Do you think that Ferry is really going to keep Josh Smith long term? I think that depending on how Josh plays up to the trade deadline Ferry will determine if he is a keeper or not. Thoughts?
    3. Is Teague ready to be floor leader, will LD trust him to run the offense? 4. Does LD last the entire season?
    5. Have the players been getting together and playing, running voluntary practicising, etc?
    6. Is everybody in shape?

    • Lang Greene

      Long time J …

      1. Yes I think the Hawks can get a 7-8 seed.
      2. I think Ferry is possibly interested in locking Josh up, not completely sure though. I need to be around the situation a little more. Everything I heart from both sides say all is good … but you know how that goes.
      3. Yes, indeed. Teague is ready.
      4. Yes. He’s in his last year so the true question is does he receive an extension …
      5. Couple of the rooks from what I gather
      6. Ask me in two weeks … I’ll see all of the guys after their first practice

13. BlazerBeliever

    Since Elliott Williams is lost for the season do you think the Blazers should sign Barbosa to fill that spot?

    • Lang Greene

      Possibly. But at what cost? He’s not a long term option plus you already have Wesley Matthews at the two guard spot and Damian Lillard holding down the PG position. Barbosa would add some veteran experience, but he’s not a long term option as part of their rebuilding blueprint.

14. Jade

    Kyle Lowry staying long term with the raptors

    • Lang Greene

      I believe so if they present him with a good offer. Lowry and coach Casey have an outstanding relationship with each other. I was able to witness that during summer league in Las Vegas.

15. Bobby

    What team is 2nd and 3rd in the east after the heat

    • Lang Greene

      Boston at No. 2 … Philly, BK, Pacers all fighting for No. 3 spot.

16. April

    Do you see josh smith and al horford in the long term plans

    • Lang Greene

      One or the other, not both honestly. My opinion. Not based on any inside info.

17. Bryan

    Hey Lang
    Lots of talk about the new look Lakers. I keep hearing people saying how weak the bench is. Jamison and Meeks are starters on plenty of teams, Hill is a solid back up 5. Ebanks should be alright. Lakers may or may not be too solid at the point behind Nash. Blake didn’t exactly have the best supporting cast to run an offense last year. What do you think

    • Lang Greene

      Lakers are going to be a tough team to beat. Period. Sure they have question marks but their bench looks good to me.

18. jdc

    You are the Bulls new GM, what would you do with this team? A Luol Deng or Noah trade, Boozers amnesty? Who would you go after? Josh Smith, JR smith, Mayo? (suppose standing still and waiting if Rose is healthy is not an option, you are obligated to change something)

    • Lang Greene

      I would go against the grain of what most Bulls fans are thinking. I stand pat, wait for D-Rose to get healthy and gear up for another run. Remember the 2009 Orlando Magic who made the NBA Finals? Remember all of those moves they made after that? You know, the ones that ultimately led to Dwight Howard wanting to be traded. Remember? Fans love trades and free agent talk, but chemistry can’t just be inserted. This isn’t NBA 2K.

19. Han

    Lang I love UR chats but I must ask how do you possibly figure the raptors will finish with a better ranking then the Knicks? There depth alone will get them 42 games the least

    • Lang Greene

      I am predicting all hell breaks loose in New York. My pick wasn’t based on talent on paper. Last year was a circus and the leaders of the team Carmelo and Amar’e and various points in time fueled the fire by doing silly stuff. All I’m saying is I’m not sold the unit can put it together and if they start off slow, things can get very bad.

      I say all this to say … they have the talent to compete with anyone. But man, games aren’t played on paper.

20. Danger

    Hey Lang thanks for answering my question last week!
    Was wondering what is your take on Fab Melo. I know he’s raw but do you feel he has the potential to be a really good big man pick up for my Celtics?
    Thnaks bro keep up the good work!

    • Lang Greene

      I’d be surprised if Fab Melo breaks into Doc Rivers’ rotation this season. This will be a learning year for him. He could potentially develop into a good role player (Jason Collins, Solomon Jones, etc.), but I don’t see star in his future.

21. Tony

    If both teams are healthy and there are no chemistry issues can the Heat beat the lakers in a 7 game series?

    • Lang Greene

      HEAT can beat any team in the league in a 7 game series as they proved last season. Lakers are no different. They are not the 92 Dream Team. They have a lot of things that can go wrong.

22. Lakers#1 Fan

    Hey Lang! Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Your the man!!! Any update on when we will find out if fans in LA will be able to watch Laker games without having to subscribe to Time Warner Cable? If I was to buy the NBA ticket would I have access to all of the Laker games? Thanks again!

    • Lang Greene

      Check out HOOPSWORLD’s Eric Pincus’ latest tweets on it … http://twitter.com/ericpincus

23. DonaldTower

    Hey Lang love your chats.
    Couple question:
    1. Jared Sullinger: starter, role player, or benchwarmer?
    2. What is the celtics starting lineup in the playoffs?

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks DT

      1. Role player year one. Potential starter for a few years later in his career
      2. Playoffs are so far away to predict. KG, Bass, Pierce, Bradley, Rondo.

      Doc says he wants to start Courtney Lee at SG until Bradley gets healthy. I’d assume Avery will get a shot to get his SG position back.

24. Jordan

    Which team in the East would you like to see exceed their expectations for this upcoming season?

    • Lang Greene

      It would be great for basketball if the Knicks put it all together and play like the talented bunch they are.