Goran Dragic plans to test free agency; blames struggles on 3 PG system

[Mainstreet]

Ultimately this is what will happen. In an article today, Dragic said that Suns won't have an advantage over other teams, every NBA team will have an equal opportunity to sign him.



Most players who want to stay will say something along the lines of "My preference is to stay here but I understand this is s business" or something along those lines.

Btw I think when speaking of last year and how Dragic played 2 guard next to Bledsoe, it's important to note one thing: even when Bledsoe was healthy, Dragic still ran the point ALOT when Bledsoe was resting. Remember the rule that at least one of Bledsoe or Dragic have to be on the court?

This allowed both Dragic and Bledsoe to have their turns running the offense even though Bledsoe probably ran it a majority of the time.

My thoughts are Dragic would prefer to play PG over SG because he is only 6'3". Any team wanting him in free agency (that will pay him the money he wants) I'm sure will want him to play PG. Who goes shopping for a 6'3" SG? All the rumors about teams wanting him like Houston, Lakers, etc., are looking for him to play PG. I'd like to keep Bledsoe and Dragic but as you said in an earlier post, the Suns may have already made their decision when they paid Bledsoe 70 million over 5 years. I think the only way the Suns keep Dragic in FA is that they at least pay him Bledsoe type money or exceed what another team will pay him. Dragic might stay with the Suns if they show him the money but I am thinking more and more they won't with all the wings on the roster. Another further out scenario, is the Suns are showcasing Bledsoe for a trade with the intent on keeping Dragic.

 

[Mainstreet]

PHX's big need is rebounding and better post defense. They have enough scoring punch with Dragic, Bledsoe, Markieff, Thomas & Green. They need a rebounding PF who is plays decent defense to team up with Len.

There are plenty of rebounders to go after:
Monroe
Thompson
Faried
Hill
Davis

I'm sure Dragic could net one of these players, particularly Hill or Davis or maybe both. Jordan Hill would make a nice pairing with Len as Hill is more suited to play PF. I like the potential of Ed Davis if he is given the chance to start, same thing with Thompson. Again, I truly believe Dragic is gone after this year unless PHX is going to deal IT but I actually like Thomas backing up Bledsoe as he provides an above average back up PG on a great contract. Dragic is going to look for a max deal, I would prefer to offer a max to a star PF after this year, maybe Love if he doesn't stay in CLE. PHX could also go after a true SG like Wesley Matthews who is a FA this year and one hell of a player. So PHX needs to get something for him rather than let him go for nothing. Hill or Davis can become FA's at the end of this year or play out their last year at a reasonable price, Davis is going to make $4.5M next year and Hill $9M if he doesn't opt out of his deal so PHX can maintain cap flexibility to go after FA's this summer.

Life would have been simpler if the Suns drafted Jusuf Nurkic.

 

[sunsfan88]

Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Dragic visits with Motiejunas and now Harden at halftime. Working on Rockets' goal of all lefty lineup

https://mobile.twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/558825769523113984

 

[Mainstreet]

https://mobile.twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/558825769523113984

Innocent or other?

 

[Cheesebeef]

will the Rockets have cap space to sign Dragic? And isn't he going to suffer the same fate there on offense that he would here? Harden is a player who needs the ball in his hands a majority of the time to run the show.

 

[sunsfan88]

will the Rockets have cap space to sign Dragic? And isn't he going to suffer the same fate there on offense that he would here? Harden is a player who needs the ball in his hands a majority of the time to run the show.

Yea but in Houston, it's just one ball dominant guard. In PHX, it's two.

Dragic had no problem (and we were quite successful) when it was just 1 other ball dominant guard like last season.

Innocent or other?

With all the reports of Morey wanting Dragic so bad, who knows.

 

[Phrazbit]

will the Rockets have cap space to sign Dragic? And isn't he going to suffer the same fate there on offense that he would here? Harden is a player who needs the ball in his hands a majority of the time to run the show.

They're slated for 60 million next year and thats without Beverly getting extended. Unless the cap jumps to like 75 million I don't see how they make space to sign Goran.

 

[Cheesebeef]

They're slated for 60 million next year and thats without Beverly getting extended. Unless the cap jumps to like 75 million I don't see how they make space to sign Goran.

i'd think they'd pass on a Beverly extension to get dragic in. Question is, if the cap is expected to be around 66 million, how they'd be able to shed around 9 million dollars to squeeze Dragic into that.

 

[Phrazbit]

i'd think they'd pass on a Beverly extension to get dragic in. Question is, if the cap is expected to be around 66 million, how they'd be able to shed around 9 million dollars to squeeze Dragic into that.

I dont see where. It pretty much boils down to, can they move Trevor Ariza and the 24 million he is owed the next 3 years while taking no salary back in return? I don't see that happening unless they dump an asset like Motiejunas and probably a pick along with him, which IMO would be stupid.

On top of all that, I agree that Dragic would be a lousy fit for them. Harden dominates the ball more than anyone on our team does, Dwight clogs driving lanes and a Dragic, Harden defensive back court would probably be the worst in the NBA.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I dont see where. It pretty much boils down to, can they move Trevor Ariza and the 24 million he is owed the next 3 years while taking no salary back in return? I don't see that happening unless they dump an asset like Motiejunas and probably a pick along with him, which IMO would be stupid.

On top of all that, I agree that Dragic would be a lousy fit for them. Harden dominates the ball more than anyone on our team does, Dwight clogs driving lanes and a Dragic, Harden defensive back court would probably be the worst in the NBA.

Agreed. I like Dragic but he is a lot like Jeremy Lin. Better but similar; similar strengths and similar weaknesses. Jeremy didn't fit there and neither would Goran.

Steve