NBA Chat With Lang Greene 9/6/11

1. Shawn

   If you are the Spurs GM and make only one move to improve the team this year, what would it be?

   • Lang Greene

     For all the credit we give the Spurs for pulling off great moves … they really need to work some magic moving Richard Jefferson for some frontcourt help.

2. mykel switzerland

   s’up lang! how was your labor day? im a big celts fan and was readin 5-on-5 Celtics yesterday on ESPN. do u agree with that guy from Celtics Hub, sayin KG ist the player the C’s have? I mean common, he’s not even 2nd best. I going with Paul Pierce all day errday

   • Lang Greene

     What’s up family? My Labor Day was great because it didn’t involve any labor at all. I put some food on the grill and just relaxed. The best days are usually the most simple …

     Anyway, to your question …

     I think people sometimes confuse “best” with “most important.” There is a subtle difference in the two. I don’t believe KG is the best player on the Celtics right now. He’s on a rapid decline and no longer capable of leading a team to the playoffs on his shoulders alone. I do think KG is the most important player Boston has though (see 2009 playoffs when he was injured). Without him on the inside, the Celtics are toast … burnt toast.

     I agree with you and believe Paul Pierce is the best player on the Celtics roster right now. Paul can still bust you up for 20+ on any given night and is the horse they’ll rely on during the season when the pressure is on.

     But let me say this. If we were talking about a prime KG … then no question I’d roll with him over Ray-Ray and Paul Pierce. Not even close. In the modern era of the game you can’t name more than 5 guys who were unquestionably better than KG in his absolute prime at power forward (Tim Duncan, Karl Malone … maybe Charles Barkley), while I can name multiple guys at SG/SF better than Pierce and Allen.

     Good question.

3. Tyrone

   Hey Lang, appreciate the chats man. What’s your take on Anthony Randolph? I remember reading an article a year or 2 back where Lamar Odom said he has “Hall of Fame Potential”, but i’ve never actually seen him play. In your opinion, what’s his upside in an ideal situation where he can be featured and get 32-34mpg?

   • Lang Greene

     Far be it from me to doubt Lamar Odom’s eye for the game, but there’s a reason some former players don’t make excellent general managers. This is probably one of them.

     Everyone slammed Scottie Pippen for saying LeBron James could “potentially” become the greatest one day, but gave Lamar a pass for implying Anthony Randolph has Hall of Fame game. In my opinion Scottie is closer … even if LeBron finishes in the top 25 all-time which is realistic. Randolph doesn’t get within a sniff of the Hall unless he’s purchasing a ticket like the rest of us.

     Now I’m not trying to slam AR … it’s not his fault Lamar dropped that kind of heavy duty praise on him.

     If Randolph gets minutes I can see him averaging 15-16 points and grabbing 6-7 boards per game for a few seasons. But remember … almost any player in the league will put up great stats if given the minutes. You can’t just go by stats.

4. JD

   What’s more likely to happen: Marcin Gortat averages a double double, Serge Ibaka leads the league in blocks, or John Wall makes All Defensive 1st Team?

   • Lang Greene

     What’s likely to happen this season (if there is one)? I’d roll with Marcin Gortat averaging a double-double. If he gets starter minutes … I’m 90 percent certain he’d get it done.

5. joe

   Do you think Detroit will be smart and go into full rebuilding mode next season? They’re in rough shape with the wrong mix of vets and young talent. Also, who are some possible takers for Gordon/Prince/Hamilton?

   • Lang Greene

     On the surface it appears the Pistons are in real trouble and need to blow it up completely. But on the other hand, a lower seed playoff spot in the Eastern Conference isn’t really out of the question with a decent offseason once things heat up.

     Greg Monroe (C) is a solid piece on the interior. Ben Gordon (SG) obviously still has more game left in him than he’s shown over the past two seasons. You can’t tell me BG is just a 12pt a game guy right now. Ditto for Rip Hamilton (SF). He still can play. Brandon Knight is going to be solid at PG. Re-sign Jonas Jerebko (PF) and that’s a decent starting five.

     Austin Daye, Charlie V, Maxiell, Wallace and Bynum off the bench. All the unit needs is glue. Maybe Lawrence Frank can be that piece.

6. Mardy from BKLYN

   If the league gets their way – and the formation of more superstar trios becomes impossible – it will NOT create parity – it will mean that the Heat will win most, if not all, championships from the time they get it together onward. The ONLY way to have parity in the league now will be to allow more trios to form. The precedent has been set, there’s no way to go back.

   • Lang Greene

     The precedent of the super team is nothing new at all. In fact recent history is littered with examples of them. Here are a few …

     80s Celtics: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish
     80s Lakers: Magic, Worthy, Kareem
     90s Bulls: Jordan, Pippen, Rodman
     00s Spurs: Duncan, Parker, Ginobili

7. justin

   Which is the most likely 2occur? 1)Milsap/Bel 4 Calderon? 2)Okur/Bel 4 Baron Davis,Samuels? 3)Big AL/Bell 4 Terance Wiliams, c.Budinger, Courtney Le, G. Dragic & 1st round pick?

   • Lang Greene

     Man, I tried … but I really can’t see any of these proposals seeing the light of day.

8. Alex

   Can you try to explain to me the appeal of Durant as the NBA’s newest golden boy, from a media perspective? I find his game boring–he’s one dimensional and not particularly efficient at his one dimension (scoring) and his constant flopping from all spots on the floor are a disgrace to the sport.

   • Lang Greene

     You have to understand the media assists in building reputations. Kevin Durant gets the benefit of the doubt from journalists because he treats them with respect … but not only that … he’s always available to talk … when most elite guys limit themselves.

     I have a personal experience …

     When Oklahoma City came to Atlanta this year I went to talk to a younger Thunder player before the game and he proceeded to tell me he doesn’t do pre-game media. Fine, I accept that … that was his prerogative.

     But seconds later Kevin Durant walks in the locker room. And sits at his locker. It was right around the time when he was battling a sore ankle and his playing status was uncertain. So I go over to him and start talking to him … and after a couple minutes he points to the chair in the locker next to him and tells me to have a seat. He told me he was playing before any other media members reported it …

     Little things like that go along way … trust me. Lastly, I have to strongly disagree with you about his game as well … the guy is beast. Certified.

9. mateo

   which of the big 3 has the biggest trade value: garnett, pierce or allen?

   • Lang Greene

     Based on remaining game/talent left in the tank Paul Pierce. Based on getting an expiring deal for a one-year rental Kevin Garnett.

10. Joey

    Lang,

    I’m dense, please explain something to me. If the Suns owner didn’t want to pay Amare due to financial reasons, why did he go spend the same amount of money on bad contracts for lesser players? Now they want to act like they want to keep Nash and try to compete instead of cashing in and rebuilding. I’m lost.

    • Lang Greene

      Good point. I believe Jason Fleming talked about this at length earlier this year and I fully agree.

      I think Suns ownership could have outsmarted themselves. Amar’e has paid immediate dividends for the Knicks and has helped lead to the revitalization of Madison Square Garden. The Suns didn’t want to guarantee the fifth and sixth years of the deal figuring Amar’e is going to eventually break down. So only time will tell if they made the right decision.

      But Channing Frye, Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick … aren’t close to replacing an Amar’e.

11. Joey

    Do you think any team is really going to throw more than Boston’s qualifying offer ($6M) at Jeff Green? I think he’s going to be the next Travis Outlaw.

    • Lang Greene

      If Jeff looked a little better playing small forward, I could have totally saw the Clippers filling their wing need by offering him 7-8 million per. But as it stands now, I don’t think a team comes in much higher.

12. Nick, Australia

    hey Lang, just wondering on what your opinion is on the Lakers situation. What do you believe they need to do to improve the ageing and slowing team for the next season whenever that may be. Kobe is not getting any younger. He can still score but fatigues a lot easier these days.
    What do you believe they need to focus on to improve their situation? stick with the team they have or trade for new athletic players?

    • Lang Greene

      What’s up Nick? The Lakers need speed. They have enough “veteran leadership” … they need some young guys out there playing the game fast and loose under the direction of “veteran leadership.” Sometimes having too many veterans playing key roles just leads to a lot of guys knowing what position on the court they should be in … but their legs failing to get them there. With me?

      If they go veteran … I know most would disagree with this … but they need to look at a guy like Jamal Crawford. Because outside of LA’s lack of speed, other than Kobe no one else on that roster is really smooth in creating their own shots.

13. Weezy

    What NBA moment do u think was funnier? Rafer Alston slapping Eddie house in the back of the head or shaq’s “kobe how my @$$ taste” rap? Lol… You got a better one?

    • Lang Greene

      I don’t think Rafer slapping Eddie House was funny … well maybe I do …but it was an ignorant move. However, I think Eddie House’s response to it speaking to David Aldridge after the game was an instant classic … strong shout out to Eddie House for that one. Check it here

14. Jeffrey

    Whats good Lang, assuming theres a season, and the new CBA is somewhat similar to the old one, what are the chances the Nets spend on Nene Hilario from Denver? Move him to the 4 (he’s stated he prefers to play there) and put Lopez at the 5. Lethal front court duo to say the least, especially if they add a competent small forward.

    • Lang Greene

      What’s good J? The Nets will likely look to re-sign Kris Humphries at power forward but if the CBA stays somewhat close (unlikely) I can see them making a power play for Nene.

      But here’s the deal … Nene told me back in March he wanted to retire a Nugget. He’s been consistent in that messaging ever since. Plus, why would Nene move to power forward for Brook Lopez? I think Brook has game, but what has Brook really proven? Nene has been a major factor on playoff teams throughout his career, so I don’t see him switching positions at this point in his career unless he was going to Orlando playing alongside to Dwight Howard.

15. Cain

    Hey Lang, would the Pacers trade Collison and Granger for a Star PF and starting quality SG? Jefferson and Hayward or Smith and Crawford or Bargnani and Bayless/Barbosa etc.

    • Lang Greene

      My man Cain … the Pacers shouldn’t have to make a major move like you listed above for a stud PF/SG. The team is armed with great cap space and are coming off a playoff appearance so a lot of veterans have them on the radar.

      David West really makes sense at PF next to Roy Hibbert. At SG, I don’t feel the Pacers need an elite SG. They almost got OJ Mayo last year from the discount rack. Plus the acquisition of George Hill will allow the team to ultimately deal Brandon Rush for additional depth … my guess at PG

16. Clint in New Zealand

    Hey Lang, love the chats – keep up the good work. Looking at the C’s roster, I’m finding it hard to get excited about signing Jeff Green long term [not saying Perk was the answer]. The roster is looking pretty thin and old, What’s the answer? And do the C’s still have enough pull to get good guys signed to minimum contacts?

    • Lang Greene

      You’re not the only Celtics fan finding it hard to get excited about Jeff Green. I hear it all the time. It’s all about expectations though. He’s not a franchise guy … let’s be real … but the guy is going to be a very solid NBA contributor for a long time barring injury. He has game.

      The problem is … the veteran machine the Celtics have become. I talked with Glen Davis earlier this year and I asked him … when he finally got comfortable in the offense (i.e. when to shoot or defer) playing next to three future Hall of Famers? His answer … he still wasn’t comfortable. I mean he’s been in the system for some years now… you’d think he’d be comfortable right?

      Jeff was a necessary move in my opinion because he has borderline All-Star talent. And with KG and Ray Allen on their way out … Danny Ainge had to make sure the cupboard wasn’t completely bare during the transitional (rebuilding) years.

17. Sean

    Where do you see the Magic this year in trades? Is Josh Smith on the way and is Hedo on the way out? Do you think Gil gets moved to the 2? What new do you have out of O-town? I know Howard isn’t going anywhere so I won’t touch that subject…

    • Steve Kyler

      Lets get a labor deal first.The magic tried pretty aggressively to make deals before the draft but could not find trading partners for their assets. Until we know who are buyers and who are sellers in the new NBA economy its nearly impossible to speculate intelligently because we don’t know the rules.As for your specific questions:
      Is Josh Smith on the way and is Hedo on the way out? He’d like that, but not sure Orlando has anything Atlanta wants, and certainly not for Hedo alone.
      Do you think Gil gets moved to the 2?Yes… but not sure how good a move that will be.
      What new do you have out of O-town? Nothing worth mentioning… the league is on lock down, getting anyone to talk is tough because the league will hammer executives for being chatty. Lots of how are the kids conversations, that end in “you know I can’t comment on that”. Really have more people asking what we are hearing because executives are cut off from the process.They can not talk to agents or players, so a lot of guys are in a vacuum.