NBA Chat With Lang Greene 9/5/12

1. Cain

   Would Tyreke Evans be a good fit in Indiana? He would be surrounded by good outside shooters in Hill and George giving him the oppurtunity to create.

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up Hoop Freaks? Time to get to it … watch me work …

     Tyreke looks good in a lot of places on paper, but pretty soon he’s gonig to have to find his niche at the NBA level … and … start producing consistently. I don’t think Indiana would add him to the their mix until he finds himself as a player. They have a pretty solid system going on there and everyone seems to know their role, niche and skill set.

2. Roger

   I tend to think that T-Mac would have been just as great as Kobe if he had the same motor. If he would have gotten his head on straight earlier in his career how good could he have been?

   • Lang Greene

     Well, T-Mac’s career fell short of what it “could” have been but let’s also remember until the injuries hit him he was headed on a trajectory to the Hall of Fame (not so much, now of course). T-Mac admitted last season in several instances that he didn’t put in the work when he was at the top of his game. Think about this for a second … the guy admits to dogging it a little during his prime but was still dropping 30+ on guys at will … straight crazy.

3. paprika

   I find this weird, teams who are contending who need a legit big didnt go crazy on kaman which gave dallas a steal. Why didnt the celtics, hawks or the heat didnt try? Just imagine how scary boston would be with kaman instead of the jet? And i guess the hawks aint ready to part qith the idea of josh and al small ball running game right?

   • Lang Greene

     Kaman wanted to get paid. Simple. The Atlanta Hawks and Miami HEAT didn’t have $8-$10 million available to keep his interest. I think Atlanta would have been interested in Kaman, but at what cost you know … they already have a two-time All-Star in Al Horford roaming the middle. Playing out of position yes, still an All-Star though.

4. mark

   I think the Laker’s can run away with the title if Peace can knock down at least 40% of his 3 pt. shooting. Do you know if he has been practicing 3′s all summer? I think teams are going to leave him alone versus the other Lakes.

   • Lang Greene

     The Lakers aren’t running away with anything this year. No team is. If the Lakers win it, they would have earned it by going through some epic battles throughout the playoffs. Also, if the Lakers are counting on Metta to stroke it at a 40 percent clip from long range that would be a bad strategy. He’s a mid 30 percent guy from back there and if anything I’d be trying to get him away from the perimeter and shooting closer to the basket this season.

5. Rory

   Lang my man, love your chats, big OKC fan, was curios to hear all those rumours of OKC trading for early draft pick this year (for Brad Beal) if harden and OKC cant get deal done, do u see draft day trade for Shabuzz Muhammed?? alotta scouts tabbing him as JH 2.0 (lefty, similar height/build, high volume scorers) would allow us to avoid luxury tax, and resign maynor and hope he, jones and shabuzz can carry the bench for another couple of years?

   • Lang Greene

     Thanks Rory. Thanks for rolling with me week in and week out.

     Trading for Beal would have knocked OKC back a couple steps. Not because Beal isn’t the real deal, but because rookies are very rarely ready to compete at a champioship level out of the gate.

     I think OKC will step into the luxury tax as long as the team is winning at a high clip. No harm in dipping into it to see how much of a ceiling your core has … if it doesn’t work, you can still deal Harden down the road for a decent set of assets.

6. Young Mike

   Hi Lang, I became a big fan of the NBA from the late 90′s and early 2000′s. Guys like Ray Allen & Vince were hitting their prime and I knew they’d be all time greats. In your opinion does Ray rank above or below Vince in the all time great SG ranks?

   • Lang Greene

     Early in their career you might have a case for Vince here … the guy was a beast. But when evaluating careers it is all about who can do it longer … stronger … and that would be Ray Allen.

     Ray-Ray ranks ahead of Vince statistically in numerous categories … has a title … yeah, I’m going with the South Carolina boy … Ray-Ray

7. Billy

   I read one of your previous chats & you talked real highly of the Raps. While I agree they’re on their way up, I think the Wiz are making greater strides to prominence. Wall’s a future superstar, the trade with NOH for Okafor & Ariza was savvy, drafting Beal (potential 18-20ppg guy) and having Nene on the block are enough for the Wiz to grab a 7-8 seed in front of the Raps.. next year possibly. Don’t sleep on Seraphin either, he put in work towards the end of the year. Go Bulletts!!

   • Lang Greene

     Billy, go back and check the stat book … I’ve talked equally high of the Wizards as well. The changing of the locker room culture will help John Wall’s game in more ways than I can type in the lnog run. So yes, I’ll also say … I like the SMELL of what the Wizards are cooking in their kitchen, but let’s see how it TASTES when the dish comes out the oven.

8. Billy

   What type of skills/improvements do you think Durant is focusing on this offseason? Will we see a little more playmaking ability ala prime T-Mac next year?

   • Lang Greene

     I hate to give guys credit so soon, but Kevin Durant is an entirely different monster than T-Mac.

9. Pierce

   How does Austin Rivers immediately fit in with the Hornets? Doesn’t he play the same position as Gordon? They don’t really expect him to play PG… right?

   • Lang Greene

     The Hornets have been giving Austin an audition at point guard. Patience is the word. Don’t expect him to nail the finer nuisances of being a floor general at the NBA level in 2-3 months, it will take time. He didn’t look the best in summer league, but he was banged up and ultimately required surgery.

10. Pierce

    As a fan of the Suns, I would of really liked to have seen Gordon in Phoenix uni. Also with his health & how well the Suns trainers take care of their players. Would Phoenix have been a playoff team if the Hornets didn’t match?

    • Lang Greene

      Hard to play the “if” game, but the Suns could potentially make a run at a playoff berth this season … so with Gordon in the fold they would most likely be expected to do so.

11. Nick W.

    Remember all the critics who predicted a low ceiling for MKG because of his “broken jump shot”. How bout Shawn Marion? Tony Parker? They couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn early in their career & ones a 4 time all star & the others a finals MVP. I’m telling you Lang, MJ actually got one right and MKG is gonna be legit

    • Lang Greene

      I’m familiar with MKG’s game because I followed him from afar since his freshman (high school) season back in New Jersey. I grew up there and my alma mater would often times run into his unit.

      You can’t teach MKG’s relentless nature. It’s the reason why guys like Kenneth Faried and Gerald Wallace excel and others with more talent like Rashad McCants flame out. MKG will put in the work. Look at guys like Wallace and Metta World Peace. Both of those guys basically willed themselves into decent long range shooters over the course of their respective careers. I believe MKG will do the same.

      He’s not a Kevin Durant / D-Rose type of franchise player but I think he will be pretty good.

12. Ditto

    Is Kyrie an allstar b4 Ant Davis?

    • Lang Greene

      Tough sledding in the East at point guard with Rajon Rondo, D-Rose, Lowry, Wall, Jennnings, etc … but I say yes he gets an All-Star nod before Anthony Davis.

13. Marcus

    As currently constructed do you realistically see any team getting to the 12-13 finals besides Heat/Thunder/Lakers? Could the pacers or celtics, maybe the spurs challenge?

    • Lang Greene

      The HEAT looked vulnerable and were in serious trouble on multiple occassions in the playoffs last season … the Lakers aren’t a lock with Kobe and Steve Nash both on the wrong side of 30, Pau Gasol coming off an inconsistent season and Dwight Howard rehabbing from back surgery. Heck, the Thunder could fall victim to the San Antonio Spurs … remember the Spurs were dominating the youngsters at one point.

      The Lakers, Thunder and HEAT are the top dogs, but teams like Boston, San Antonio, Los Angeles (Clippers) could make noise with the right breaks.

14. d12 and smooth

    hi lang,

    2 weeks ago you thought a realistic pickup for ATL next year was Al Jefferson to go with Al Horford. Then last week you said Kevin Martin would be a good 3. So my question is would a team of Teague, Ellis? (whoever for the 2), Martin, Horford, and Jefferson beat the Heat? And if not…whats the point of trying to get those guys. Why not tank and get draft picks?

    • Lang Greene

      The thing about banking on draft picks is you never know how the draft class will turn out. Look how long it has taken Toronto to start seeing rhe light again. Minnesota, etc. The draft itself is a crapshoot. Unless you’re picking in the top 5, most of the times teams are just more lucky than good.

      Think about this … Horford, Kevin Martin and AL Jefferson are three guys who can average 20 per game. Jeff Teague is still developing and is already a pretty decent scorer. John Jenkins could be a strong addition at SG. Bring in some solid role players and the team is in the mix.

      Realistically, there are only about 3-4 teams who can play the HEAT in a 7 game series competitively … but you saw what happened to D-Rose in the playoffs last year right? Well, if Philly wasn’t in the playoff mix then they wouldn’t have come just ONE game from a Eastern Conference Finals appearance by capitalizing on their opportunity. I also bet Andrew Bynum saw how the young team pushed a tough Boston team to 7 games and I’m sure it factored into his decision to potentially commit there long term.

      My point, you assemble talent, get in the mix, build respectability and sooner or later other guys want to come play in the city and help build the program. For instance, Charlotte can keep acquiring draft picks .. but strong veterans aren’t going to consider signing with them long term.

15. Chris

    What´s up Lang? Today it´s my 24th birthday but still so long until season opener. I can´t wait for it to start, for sure.

    I guess i´m right to say that the regular season schedule is constructed to gather the most attention possible.

    So regarding the first matchup Cavs vs. Wiz, is it safe to say, that Mr.Stern and his group are very satisfied with the progress those two made in the offseason and somehow confident that this matchup is as exciting as a opening game needs to be. Which in my opinion is absolutely true. Kyrie against John is one heck of a matchup and i´m excited for both clubs.

    Your Thoughts?

    Congrats on being awesome by the way

    • Lang Greene

      Happy Birthday my man!!!! Today is my birthday of sorts to … special happy birthday shout out to the Doomsday 26, Xi Psi Fall 99, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. 13 years in the fold of Omega today.

      Of course scheduling is about marketing and making money. The Cavs versus Wiz game is intriguing because of the two young backcourts that will be on display.

16. JJBB

    Just read your interesting article on milestones for the 2012/13 season. The Lakers new[well not brand new] pg this year should surpass Laker legend,Magic Johnson in assists this year.How do you think the Laker faithful will respond to that record breaking assist if it happens on home court?

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks for the read. I took a chance with it today. Glad you enjoyed. Laker fans will respond well as long as no one tries to say Nash was a better player than Magic.

      I lived through showtime … Nash is a first ballot Hall of Famer, but he’s no Magic Johnson.

17. EnglishCeltic

    Hi Lang, love your chats, love Hoopsworld!
    Do you see Miami using Ray Allen like Boston did, coming off double screens and such? Coach Spoelstra hasn’t been that detailed with his offensive sets so far, but it would seem a waste if Ray was solely a fast break spot up shooter right? If they don’t use him like they should, have they really pulled further ahead in the East?
    Thanks, Matt

    • Lang Greene

      I spoke with Rashard Lewis out in Vegas and he was amazed at the kind of open looks guys liek Mike Miller, Shane Battier and Mario Chalmers have because of Wade, James and Bosh. I see nothing that will hinder Ray Allen from finding his groove there as well. The HEAT struggle a bit more in the half court, so having a guy like Ray Allen will undoubtedly help them in those tough times.

18. BADAX33

    Hey Lang
    Just wanted to say Hi my friend. Can’t wait for hoops season to start.

    • Lang Greene

      What’s good my friend!!!! Can’t wait for hoops to start as well. And thanks my brother for a very entertaining past 8 weeks. Very good debating. I get plenty of e-mails and mentions about our battle … strong.

19. RoB

    Sup Lang! on the amount of talent put on by Brooklyn and Philly, which team do you think made a more drastic improvement from last season? and 2-3years from now, do we see these team meeting up in the conference finals “maybe”?

    • Lang Greene

      Can’t go ECF yet. I think Brooklyn will have more of an impact in the win/loss column. So I go with the Nets. I like what Philly is doing and I have the utmost respect for coach Collins. Let’s watch Andrew Bynum. I think he’ll find out fast what life without a guy like Kobe attracting attention is all about.

20. miike

    Who takes Derrick Rose spot on the All Star team Kyrie Irving, John Wall, or Brandon Jennings?

    I got to go with John Wall cause his team will have the most success and he will up HUGe Numbers

    • Lang Greene

      I’m going with Kyrie. He was a hit last season during All-Star weekend on the big stage and that matters a lot.

21. Charlie

    I currently have Brooklyn ranked #4 in the East this year in terms of reg. season wins, despite a fairly thin bench as their starting five are pretty impressive. This is ahead of New York, Philly, Chicago and Atlanta. Specifically, where do you have them ranked right now in the conference. And which one of those teams mentioned has the best chance of stealing that #4 spot?

    • Lang Greene

      I think No. 4 is a decent spot for Brooklyn. Assuming you have Miami, Boston and Indiana ahead of them. I think the Knicks could get the fourth spot. They have the talent, without question, just a matter of turning the skill into some double u’s

22. Frank

    Rank these teams in terms of number of wins next year: Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks

    • Lang Greene

      1. Atlanta 2. Toronto 3. Milwaukee

23. Dennis

    In your opinion, who wins more regular season games next year: OKC Thunder or Los Angeles Lakers. LA is stacked (but may lack chemistry / Dwight injury = slow start). OKC team barely changed meaning they will hit the ground running as soon as the season starts. If you were a betting man, who is the favorite for most regular season wins?

    • Lang Greene

      If Dwight misses the first 20 or so games, then I’m going with OKC. The Thunder should win 60-65 games next season. The Lakers could get out the gate slower, but I fully expect them to be in the hunt when it matters the most – the playoffs.

24. Luke

    Hypothetical injury situations: If Mo Williams goes down, can Randy Foye slide over and take some PG minutes? If Darren Collision goes down, can OJ Mayo slide over to PG?

    • Lang Greene

      1. Randy Foye was drafted as a PG and has skills to be spot starter there
      2. No. I don’t believe Mayo can run a team … he’s a natural scorer.

25. David

    Hi Lang,

    Who would you prefer as a back-up SF for the Lakers? Matt Barnes or Ebanks? Barnes has been inconsistent but a proven veteran. Ebanks may have potential and younger but has yet to show he can do it in consistent basis.

    • Lang Greene

      Ebanks. Get some younger legs out there in Laker land. The Lakers have a lot of mileage on their legs at most spots … go youth when and where you can.

26. Larry

    Good evening Lang,
    With all the hype surrounding the LA Lakers, I still think that OKC is the best team in the West. In your opinion, do you think the Thunder would be where they are now if they had drafted Tyreke Evams instead of James Harden? (I dont know if They were even pursuing Evans).They’re very different, I’d say James Harden is the better of the two. But given the fact that Evans had a superb rookie season, did that make OKC shake their heads and thought they should’ve drafted him instead?

    • Lang Greene

      I still have the Thunder ahead of the Lakers, until I actually see Los Angeles on the floor. OKC made the right choice with Durant as the lead guy, they needed a guy like Harden and not Tyreke.

27. Lenny

    Who would you rather have manning the middle; Divac or Sabonis?

    • Lang Greene

      Prime Sabonis, without question.

28. Blake

    Will Lou Williams actually Start at Shooting Guard? Hes barely 6’1 170 pounds and smaller than Jeff Teague how would he even match up against guys like Joe Johnson in the east? \

    Will Josh Smith start at Small Forward if not who? Anthony Morrow? The hawks got like 6 Shooting guards and no small forward

    • Lang Greene

      I expect the Hawks to bring in a veteran SF before training camp. I can see Morrow getting a look to start at SG with Lou Williams playing a similar role like he did in Philly.

29. Earl

    Y R U A HAWKS FAN. THEY R TURRIBLE *CHARLES BARKLEY VOICE*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Lang Greene

      LOL … big things ahead for Atlanta … Danny Ferry isn’t playing games.

30. Magic Mo

    Love the chats Lang. First time asking you a question.

    Where I work we have a lot of debates on Lebron and Durant. Here’s the question: Take both Lebron and Durant off their respected teams.. who would do better, Heat or Thunder?

    • Lang Greene

      Thanks for the love. Don’t be a stranger.

      The HEAT would do better. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh could carry a team better than Russ Westbrook and James Harden.

31. Mohammad

    My favorite team is the Magic by favorite player is the Black Mamba. I say he’s the best Laker of all time, but what do I know, I’m just an 18 year old kid. 5 rings, MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 14x Allstar, 4x Allstar MVP, All NBA teams, All Defensive teams, etc.. Need I say more? Plus I think he should’ve won atlest 1 or 2 more MVPs, just saying

    • Lang Greene

      I posted your comment … not to agree or disagree … but for the Hoop Freaks to chime in and leave comments … I’ll answer this next week … I grew up as a boy watching Magic, but I watched Kobe grow from a boy to a man too … who is the greatest laker? It will be an interesting debate for a very very very very long time.

      
      Have a good night Hoop Freaks … see you next week.