Thread Tools

Display Modes

**Talkhard** · 10-06-2004, 09:08 AM

I'm cautiously optimistic about Lang. Never saw him play, but the scouting report makes him sound like a very hungry, very aggressive, and very determined big man who plays hard all the time. That's a rare commodity in the NBA. The fact that he's 6'11 and could still grow some more is also a positive. Hey, what do we have to lose by signing him? Nothing. What do we potentially have to gain? An up-and-coming big man who could play in the NBA for the next 20 years.

**whiterhino** · 10-06-2004, 09:18 AM

It doesn't sound like any of you know anything about James Lang so here is your info....

James Lang was drafted out of HIGH SCHOOL last year by the Hornets in the 2nd round. Yes that was just last year in 2003. He made the Hornets team but they cut him early in the season for I have no idea what reason. Hornets fans were not happy with that decision, he's obviously young, I don't even think he's 20 yet and he's packed with potential and of course he's cheap. The Hornets screwed up on this one big time. When he played in the Chicago pre-draft camp in 2003 he was one of the best players there and definately held his own against the college guys. He's big and could lose some weight but he's not obese. He is raw but he has all the skills to be a very good NBA baller. I was shocked when the Hornets cut him last season and I'm very very glad the Blazers have signed him. I hope that he makes the team. The only high school players ranked higher than him last year were Lebron, Ebi, Outlaw, Luol Deng, K. Perkins, and Villaneuva might have been but I think he was lower.

**Talkhard** · 10-06-2004, 09:24 AM

Thanks, whiterhino. I knew I had heard Lang's name, but I didn't realize he had come out LAST year. Imagine . . . just imagine . . . if Lang turns out to be a steal, and so does Telfair. They could be a great 1-2 punch for the next 15 to 20 years in Portland. Hey, I can dream, can't I?

**Webster's Dictionary** · 10-06-2004, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Talkhard!
Thanks, whiterhino. I knew I had heard Lang's name, but I didn't realize he had come out LAST year. Imagine . . . just imagine . . . if Lang turns out to be a steal, and so does Telfair. They could be a great 1-2 punch for the next 15 to 20 years in Portland. Hey, I can dream, can't I?

Yes, you can dream.

**Schilly** · 10-06-2004, 10:22 AM

IIRC players in camp have to be under some form of contract. If you check the NBA transactions page you will probably see a deluge of signings this week.

36 players signed to contracts since monday, not counting today, or Lang or the other guy.

Heck Matt Carrol and Kaniel DIckens were signed on Monday.

WOW!!! Even Trajan Langdon was signed.

**Oldmangrouch** · 10-06-2004, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kaydow!
After reading the scouting report on Lang, I have to ask . . . if this guy has so much talent why was he available? Half the NBA could use a "talented" big man--even if he isn't ready to play this year. There just aren't very many quality big men in the league these days for a "talented, explosive, banger who can score in the post" to be available. If the scouting report is correct, and Lang turns out to be a stud, than props to management for finding him. I guess all we can do is wait and see what he's got. He can't be worse than Stepania. Can he?

A classic case of a guy who should have gone to college for a couple of years (at least), instead of making the jump straight from high school.

When he was released last season (his rookie year), some of us suggested that the Blazers pick him up and give him a tryout. With Stepnstumble making zero contribution, it seemed like it was a no lose situation. Seemed the team finally decided to listen to us!

He isn't ready to contribute right away, but if some raw talent is there, make him the 12th man and see if he develops. That makes more sense than filling the spot with an empty uniform who has no chance of *ever* contributing.

kaydow · 10-07-2004, 10:08 AM

Quote:

I don't think he can. And about the why is he avaliable remark, well, look at Marquis Daniels, he didn't get drafted and look how he did.

M. Daniels isn't a Center. A big man who is athletic and can score with his back to the basket is a rare commodity in the NBA. Most teams would love to have one, even if it meant waiting a couple of years for him to develop. While M. Daniels is a good player, he isn't a rare talent, and he plays a position where adequate bodies are readily available. I hope Lang works out, but after watching the draft and seeing stiffs like Robert Swift and Pavel Podkolzin get drafted so high, I can't help but wonder why Lang was unsigned (or why he was cut so soon after being drafted??)

**whiterhino** · 10-07-2004, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kaydow!

M. Daniels isn't a Center. A big man who is athletic and can score with his back to the basket is a rare commodity in the NBA. Most teams would love to have one, even if it meant waiting a couple of years for him to develop. While M. Daniels is a good player, he isn't a rare talent, and he plays a position where adequate bodies are readily available. I hope Lang works out, but after watching the draft and seeing stiffs like Robert Swift and Pavel Podkolzin get drafted so high, I can't help but wonder why Lang was unsigned (or why he was cut so soon after being drafted??)

He wasn't drafted in THIS years draft where Swift and Podkolzine were drafted....that was a week draft. He was drafted the year before, the draft that was deeper than any in recent memory starting with Lebron, Darko and Melo.
Hornets management makes a lot of questionable silly movements which is why their stars are so ticked off right now, trust me...Lang is a good pick-up for the Blazers.

Thread Tools Display Modes

Thread Tools

Display Modes