NBA Chat With Lang Greene 9/26/12

1. Cain

   How good can Brad Beal be? I really like look of him as next great shooter along with Klay Thompson.

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks … Let the geek in the pink take a stab at it … Time to work. Let’s go.

     Cain!

     There’s no question about it, Brad Beal has an awesome stroke. He just didn’t connect on a high percentage in college. The shots will fall eventually when you’re that technically sound. Those who follow the chat know I am very high on Klay Thompson as well. He’s one of my favorite young guys to watch.

2. LA in LA

   Hey Greene, 2 questions.
   1) I’m curious who are your top 5 PGs right now? (Include Derek Rose despite his injury).
   2)I’ve asked other Hoopsworld writers this and I’m surprised to see Deron Willaims not universally 2nd. Has he fallen off since days he used to be considered 2nd only to CP3 (2 years ago) due to his all around skill? Or has one or more of the following just surpassed him: Rondo/Rose/Westbrook.

   • Lang Greene

     1. Top five PGs in the game in no particular order. CP3, D-Rose, Rondo, D-Will, Westbrook
     2. D-Will is arguably a top 3 point guard depending on what you’re looking for … there is no right answer here just depends on who you ask. He’s top fivwe though and just being in the discussion means you’re elite.

3. Wil

   Hi Lang, any worries that Ferry will mess this up? Remember what happened in Cleveland when he blew his cap space on Marshall and Hughes! I like the direction, but it is all predicated on the next set of moves he makes…thoughts? What would you like to see happen?

   • Lang Greene

     Well my viewpoint is different than yours as a fan. I think Danny has positioned the team to be a player in the draft, free agency and trade markets. It’s easy to play revision history with Danny’s moves in Cleveland, but I lived through the time. Larry Hughes was coming off a season averaging 22 points per game and led the league in steals (2.9 per). It was an ambitious gamble. Sometimes these things work and sometimes they don’t.

4. rockets fan

   What moves do you see Houston making at the trade deadline? I was hearing Rudy gay name come up a lot in the off season getting traded to Houston?

   • Lang Greene

     It takes two to tangle. I also keep hearing Rudy Gay may be available. But you have to understand, the Grizzlies aren’t going to part ways with Gay for a bunch of peanuts and a side of scrubs. If Houston is indeed interested in an All-Star caliber talent they’ll have to pony up a strong package to get in the game.

5. JPhawkslive

   Lang Greene ,I think the new lineup will include Jeff Teauge ,Devin Harris
   Anthony Tolliver
   Josh Smith
   Al Horford

   Im wondering do you see a different lineup the Atlanta Hawks will go with on opening nite?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s good playboy?

     I don’t see Anthony Tolliver cracking the starting lineup. Small forward is a huge question mark for the team heading into camp and definitely a question I will ask coach Drew about when I see him next Monday.

6. Jordan Parks

   What lineup do you think the atlanta hawks will go with on opening nite?

   • Lang Greene

     JP-

     Something like this …

     PG – Teague
     SG – Korver or Morrow
     SF – James
     PF – Smoove
     C – Horford

     6 – Lou Will
     7 – Devin Harris
     8 – Zaza

7. Judy

   Waz up Lang? Season almost here.
   1. What do you think about the Tolliver signing?
   2. What will the opening day starting line-up be?
   3. How much playing time will John Jenkins get – will DF instruct LD to make sure he sees the floor regularly?

   • Lang Greene

     Hey Judy-

     1. Decent veteran role player. Just depends if he can earn Drew’s trust to crack the rotation
     2. See above … very tough to call on this one
     3. Spoke with Danny and he maintains that the coaching will be Drew’s responsibility. Meaning he won’t pry or nudge Drew on a way to go. I can see John getting 12-15 minutes per night on the high end. He has a lot of veterans in front of him at SG, so 6-10 minutes may be more realistic.

8. steven Chao

   i know you’re just answering these mostly off the top of your head, so off the top f your head (haha), how many number one picks in the last 15 years have gone on to help their team win a championship?

   • Lang Greene

     This is a very good question. Off the top of my head … I didn’t cheat here … I can think of Tim Duncan and LeBron James. Everyone values these No. 1 overall guys but most haven’t delivered a title. May have to use this for an article. Thanks for the idea.

9. Q-Man

   Lang what’s good Brother

   1. What’s the starting line up with the 6 man as the Hawks stands now

   2. What’s the % of Josh resigning for the long run

   3. Who’s gonna be the surprise Hawks this season

   • Lang Greene

     The original 3Q … how’s school?

     1. Hawks top six should be Al, Josh, Lou, Jeff, Devin, Korver, Zaza
     2. I’d say 70-30 in favor of him returning. It looks like Josh will be able to test free agency and sometimes that’s when you lose a guy when other situations get an opportunity to woo a target. But I’d still say its a very strong possibility he’s back on a long term deal.
     3. Hawks fans will love Korver’s ability to stroke it. But I think Devin Harris will find his groove in a contract year. That’s my sleeper.

10. Scheezy

    What’s good my man! Love your + attitude. Break it down for me – Lakers style. How does their season playout? Then Playoffs? 3 possible MVP candidates on 1 team- how does it go down?

    • Lang Greene

      Lakers should be Top 3 in the West. I think they could contend for the No. 1 spot with OKC but I believe Mike Brown will be smart and rest the legs of Kobe and Nash on some nights. He’ll also be very careful and monitor Dwight’s minutes coming off back surgery. Unless something else transpires I see a Lakers vs. OKC Western Conference Finals in Kobe’s official last stand as a top five NBA player.

      A championship is definitely in the realm of possibility but its going to take some work to make it happen in year one.

11. sammy v

    Do you think Darko Milicic can be as good as Kendrick Perkins if everything goes well. He is more athletic and talented I just hope he is consistent enough and he ll be playing next to rondo and KG who will allowe him to be better on O and D

    • Lang Greene

      I like Darko. Quiet as kept he’s been able to put together a few solid years in the league despite the negativity. But …. Kendrick Perkins and Darko shouldn’t be mentioned in the same sentence. Darko will be able to provide spot minutes, but Boston is a hard nosed very strong mentally team. And Darko hasn’t been the epitome of strong mental since entering the league. Definitely something to keep an eye on.

12. c-dub

    lou williams should start at sg, and kyle korver should start at sf. would you agree?

    • Lang Greene

      No. I don’t think Lou gets the start at SG. I see him playing a similar role like he did in Philly. I believe Korver is two small for the SF spot full-time. He can log a few minutes there though. I think the Hawks roll with a project at the three like Damion James.

13. Locatelli

    What’s your thoughts on Moe Harkless ?
    Is he really going to be a great player ?
    Can he help the Magic in year 1 ?
    Thanks.

    • Lang Greene

      On the fence on Hark. I need to see him against NBA competition a little more. I think he can be a decent role guy in year one. I’m not projecting All-Star. But again, I need to see his game a bit more and how he adjusts to playing against grown men.

14. Kid

    hey lang, hope everything is well in atlanta?! who would you take, a prime d-wade(06) or a prime allen iverson(01), and why? which pg in your point of view is going to be the best pg through 2013 – 2020 and why?keep doing your thing lang, peace.

    • Lang Greene

      Everything is straight here in Atlanta. Living the proverbial dream.

      This is a tough question, but I have to roll with D-Wade because he brings less off the court drama with him to the party.

      2013-2020 … So we’re talking guys who will still be playing at a high level presumably for ALL of those years … It would have to be between D-Rose, Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, Rondo … guys like D-Will and CP3 will be a little long in thwe tooth or out of the league completely by 2020.

15. ro

    who wins on the following games of 21? Rondo vs Nash? DRose vs Westbrook? KD vs Lebron? KG vs World Peace? Ray Allen vs JET?

    • Lang Greene

      Rondo would be able to get a few stops on Nash, while I don’t believe Steve could handle Rondo one-on-one in isolation. That could get ugly.

      Rose. LeBron. KG. Ray-Ray.

16. Nasteedunx

    How vital is Lamar Odom’s role to the Clippers’ success in the West? They will need a steady presence behind Blake Griffin, in case of foul trouble (most fouls per game of any player getting 35+ minutes a game) or injury, and after the flameout in Dallas, I’m not confident Odom is that guy, despite his sixth man success just 2 seasons ago. Trey Thompkins and Ryan Hollins are not surefire “Plan B” alternatives for the PF position.

    • Lang Greene

      Supposedly Odom’s struggles were because he was missing the LA life. If things were that simple then I guess you could expect very solid production out of him.

      But … LO is 32 now. Bad conditioning is hard to recover from when you get up there in age. He may pay for wasting a year … guys tend to drop off quick.

17. Baywarrior

    Sup with you cuz? I love Wilson Chanlers game but last year was kind of rough for him. Do you think Denver has buyers remorse? If so do you think they would be willing to trade him for a shorter contract and a few young pieces? Appreciate it.

    • Lang Greene

      Wilson Chandler is a goodie monster offensively. I am a believer. His struggles were due to lockout shortened season, injuries and adjusting back to the NBA game. He’ll be fine. Denver should be patient, but they’re also paying Andre Iguodala a large sum at the same position … so that may be the reason for some of the trade talk. Most teams have an investment limit (salary threshold) for each position on the roster.

18. Victor from Miami

    How’s it going Lang?..if you were the Knicks GM, who do you prefer Wallace or K-Mart? And why?

    • Lang Greene

      Give me Kenyon Martin for a full season. Respect to Rasheed, but he’s washed. Did you see him in 2010? He was out of shape and one foot was out the door.

      I think Rasheed misses the big game glare. If it were a pickup for the playoff run I might consider ‘Sheed … but for the full grind of the regular season I go with K-Mart because the grind is what made ‘Sheed retire in the first place. With me?

19. Lake show

    How you doing mane? 76ers have almost a whole new team, they are in flux. What do you think Will happen with Thaddeus young, trade bait, will start/Come off the bench? I think he should start. I think they match up well with the Heat.

    • Lang Greene

      Collins loves Thad so I don’t see him being traded. He should actually get more of a look at small forward. I believe he could catch wreck there if given extended minutes. But Collins utilizes his versatility so you’ll likely see him playing out of position at PF a lot this season.

20. phil from La

    Yes Mr.Green I just want your opinion who is better Lakers or okc I think OKC is like Sacramento and Portland teams back n the day never win when it counts yes I know Portland won in the 70s but that was years ago OKC WILL NEVER WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP NEVER there not that good thanks

    • Lang Greene

      Phil … you feel very strongly on this but I stay away from the “NEVER” use when it comes to elite talents. Look at all the people eating the tasty crow who said LeBron would never win a title. Now they’re retreating and coming up with different slants to attack him with like “well, thast’s just one title” or “it was a lockout shortened season” blah blah blah.

      I think OKC can win a ‘chip eventually. You have to remember that last season was about the experience. You have to crawl before you can walk. The NBA playoffs are about humbling elite guys. Look at all of the guys who won titles from the past who were humbled in the playoffs coming up through the ranks … Jordan, Shaq, Hakeem, The Admiral, Drexler, LeBron, etc.

21. burn them calories

    I remember growing up watching jordan. The men around me keep saying mj was a ballhog and never pattern my game on him. Rather look at magic or bird. But as of today nobody really cares if he was a ballhog,everyone remembers him as the great player who will do everything to win. My take was jordan ballhog or not did it for the team, but why do old school guys back then saw him as a selfish guy? Was that because they compared him to a pg magic or the all around superstar bird? Do they have a valid point?

    • Lang Greene

      I’m old enough to remember when people actually laughed when you tried to put Jordan in the same sentence as Magic and Bird. Around 1986-1989 … Jordan wasn’t in the discussion of best ever … he was exciting but not in the discussion. THat’s where a lot of the “ball hog” stuff started. Kind of as a means to discredit MJ. Like, MJ is a “ball hog” who doesn’t make his teammates better and that’s why he can’t get past the Pistons.

      But you don’t hear about the “ball hog” stuff now because in some of MJ’s biggest moments as a decision maker he passed the ball to teammates (i.e. Paxson and Kerr) to drill big shots.

22. Mark

    Lang: Who do you believe is the Hawks starting lineup heading into camp?

    I predict one of two:

    1. Teague, Lou, Tolliver, Smith, Horford
    2. Teague, Morrow, Smith, Horford, Zaza

    Have a great rest of the week!

    • Lang Greene

      Hey Mark-

      I don’t see Tolliver starting at the three or Josh Smith moving to it full-time. It will likely be a utility guy like Damion James who just has to play tight defense and hustle.

23. Tony in Indy, Indy

    Any chance DJ Augustin overtakes George Hill as the starter sometime this year? He seems to be more of a playmaking PG who can orchestrate an offense.

    • Lang Greene

      My man Tony …

      Follow the money. You’ve got to follow the money. George Hill just signed a $40 million deal and former starter Darren Collison was dealt to Dallas. D.J. Augustin is on a one-year $3.5 million deal. I mean, it isn’t impossible but Augustin would have to come out playing like D-Rose to take this spot … Pacers invested big in G-Hill.

24. bashua802

    who do you think will win between trhe lakers and thunder if they meet in the western cnference playoffs without injury being a factor ? and the reason for your pick

    • Lang Greene

      I’m still going with OKC until I see the Lakers play a game. There’s something about going in the trenches with your teammates and winning when the pressure is at its highest. OKC did that last year. You learn your guys by going through the fire.

      LA hasn’t been through that fire yet. What happens when Kobe yells at Dwight? Or Dwight gets frustrated with Pau? They have to learn each other. Westbrook and Durant go at each other’s throats and 2 minutes later you’d never know it.

25. dave

    what stat line do you see from Bogut this year if fully healthy

    • Lang Greene

      13.7 points 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks

26. AK

    is the laker and the heat overrated?
    heat face the issue of weak internal def
    while laker face weak 3 pointer def.
    also nash is way to old to try def the quick pg of today.
    i don’t see laker winning it all?
    i have my money are heat even through i am a wolves fan like my team. if only if roy is 100% when we get into the playoff i see us winning it all. every team have their weakness is all about luck. how standing during the playoff and how you are match up against.

    • Lang Greene

      HEAT can’t be overrated as the defending NBA champions. That is a title earned, not bestowed by a stroke of the pen.

27. paprika

    I asked u before if bynum got his own team like the nets ,how would he do… U said he wont be able to carry the team like the way d12 did with orl. Some greats like doc rivers and james worthy think bynum is the better player,what do u think now?

    • Lang Greene

      I want you to watch Bynum close this season. The big fella has game but he’s been playing with Kobe and Gasol who make life easier.

      Nick Young and Spencer Hawes are not Bryant and Gasol. Bynum will find that out quickly.

      Bynum is a great player but he takes a long time to get going offensively (lots of dribbles). And he’s not a good passer for a big man out of a double team. And he has a knack for taking plays off defensively. If he doesn’t improve in these areas the Sixers may struggle. If he makes the adjustments he just may be able to put a team on his back.

28. Nuggets fan

    Hey Lang, I’ve got to say you’re the best writer on here. I’ve got to ask how do you think the Nuggets will utilize Iguadola. I know the 76ers utilized him as the main play maker, but in Denver TY, Dre, and Gallo to an extent as main playmakers. Does that mean they will use him more of a slasher and scorer? Or will they have iggy make plays and have lawson score more

    • Lang Greene

      My projection is Iguodala will guard the opponents’ top offensive SG or SF. I believe George Karl will have Andre in positions to get out on the fast break early and often to utilize his finishing ability. Lawson will take pressure off of Andre from having to be a playmaker. He’ll be able to slash, run and gun.

29. Mark

    Any word on Deshawn Stevenson and how he fits with the Hawks?

    I read Pietrus is down to 2 choices, would the Hawks be in this sweepstake?

    Thanks!! Have a wonderful week and weekend!

    • Lang Greene

      Mark- Pietrus would be an interesting option for the Hawks at small forward, but the man doesn’t want to play for the minimum … so that basically eliminates him from the option list.

      Everyone … have a safe and productive week.