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

[AzStevenCal]

I wanna congragulate the Suns on pissing off their best player since Nash left, the All NBA Third Team Goran Dragic. You know, the player who actually likes this team and wanted to come to PHX not just for the money, but for the city itself.

What would you expect him to say when asked about it in New York?

Steve

 

[Chaplin]

What would you expect him to say when asked about it in New York?

Steve

I know, right? This happens with every potential free agent we ever have on our team. Opposing reporters ask him about a place, he says it could be a good place to be. That is standard for any athlete--their agents tell them to say that.

He's not going to say, "NY sucks, I wouldn't play here if the streets were made with marshmallows and the court was run by Playboy models". That reduces the potential contract offers by 1. The more contract offers, the higher the bidding.

And yet, some message board posters start claiming he hates it here and the front office sucks, etc., etc. After all these years, some people STILL don't know how the NBA works.

 

[Mainstreet]

What would you expect him to say when asked about it in New York?

Steve

I know, right? This happens with every potential free agent we ever have on our team. Opposing reporters ask him about a place, he says it could be a good place to be. That is standard for any athlete--their agents tell them to say that.

He's not going to say, "NY sucks, I wouldn't play here if the streets were made with marshmallows and the court was run by Playboy models". That reduces the potential contract offers by 1. The more contract offers, the higher the bidding.

And yet, some holier-than-thou message board posters start claiming he hates it here and the front office sucks, etc., etc. After all these years, some people STILL don't know how the NBA works.

Exactly. This was the quote made by Goran in a RealGM article dated 12-21-14.

“I think so it’s a possibility, but not just New York,” Dragic said. “I’m a free agent. I want to explore my options but so far I’m really happy in Phoenix. They give me a lot. I like the city. I like the fans and I like the organization, so it’s going to be a tough decision to make, but I’m going to start thinking of that at the end of the season.”

So there is nothing new in this article.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wireta...-Will-Definitely-Consider-Signing-With-Knicks

 

[sunsfan88]

Nick Young has began recruiting Goran Dragic to the Lakers

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-b...rondo--goran-dragic-and-others-204127058.html

 

[95pro]

Nick Young has began recruiting Goran Dragic to the Lakers

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-b...rondo--goran-dragic-and-others-204127058.html

I didn't know swaggy P has that much pull on other players...

I wouldn't exactly call that recruiting. He's nothing but a laker fanboy. Lakers would trade him in a heartbeat.

 

[sunsfan88]

I didn't know swaggy P has that much pull on other players...

I wouldn't exactly call that recruiting. He's nothing but a laker fanboy. Lakers would trade him in a heartbeat.

I don't think there's a big market for him with his new contract.

Unfortunately that type of deal is probably what Green will want too after this season.

 

[SirStefan32]

My last favorite Suns player ended up in LA. I will not be happy if Dragic ends up there. I won't blame him, but I will not be happy.

 

[AzStevenCal]

My last favorite Suns player ended up in LA. I will not be happy if Dragic ends up there. I won't blame him, but I will not be happy.

I don't see it happening. I think Goran stays in Phoenix and the only thing that might entice him is the chance to play a pivotal role on a championship team and that's not LA or New York. Houston isn't far from being that kind of team but with all the rumors about Howard's longterm health issues, they might be just another middle of the pack team before this season is over. Dragic is smiling again now and he's back to playing close to his 2013/2014 level so I think he re-signs with us.

Steve

 

[Ronin]

“I told Goran Dragic on the court, ‘You might be my teammate next year.’”

That's some great selling point right there.

 

[Mainstreet]

That's some great selling point right there.

What about the opportunity to play with Kobe. Everyone wants to play with Kobe (sarcasm).

 

[Ronin]

What about the opportunity to play with Kobe. Everyone wants to play with Kobe (sarcasm).

 

[sunsfan88]

What about the opportunity to play with Kobe. Everyone wants to play with Kobe (sarcasm).

I think the whole "don't wanna play with Kobe" thing is over blown.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/12/16/kevin-durant-kobe-bryant-lakers/20506671/

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....o-play-with-kobe-bryant-media-reaching-again/

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on...n-durant-paul-george-stick-up-for-kobe-bryant

I think Kobe wants to win more than anything else at this point in his career and would alter his playing style to fit in with a star player if he had the choice. He just made a terrible decision in not taking a Dirk-like discount to get other guys.

 

[Phrazbit]

I think the whole "don't wanna play with Kobe" thing is over blown.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/12/16/kevin-durant-kobe-bryant-lakers/20506671/

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....o-play-with-kobe-bryant-media-reaching-again/

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on...n-durant-paul-george-stick-up-for-kobe-bryant

I think Kobe wants to win more than anything else at this point in his career and would alter his playing style to fit in with a star player if he had the choice. He just made a terrible decision in not taking a Dirk-like discount to get other guys.

Actions speak louder than words. Multiple stars have passed up on the opportunity to sign with LA, and others have been desperate to get out of town.

Its not overblown. Kobe is a cancer who is no longer talented enough to be worth putting up with.

 

[BC867]

Goran Dragic further describes his problem

In an article today on AzCentral, the title says it all -- "Dragic being challenged defensively by big wings".

It begins . . .

At 6 feet 3 and 190 pounds, Goran Dragic was not even big by NBA point guard standards. Being that size against the NBA's wings shrinks Dragic's stature even more.

It continues . . .

On Friday night, Dragic started the game on Houston 6-foot-8 small forward Trevor Ariza...In Wednesday's game, Dragic covered Portland 6-foot-5, 220 pound shooting guard Wesley Metthews.

Goran himself says . . .

It was a big adjustment...Most of these guys are bigger, stronger, taller than me.

And Coach Hornacek responded . . .

Goran is a tough kid so you don't worry about that.

Over the course of a long season, somebody should be concerned about that.

Then Jeff explained his motivation . . .

I was in the same boat where you're undersized. You just battle.

And, for those who insist that Brandan Wright is 240 pounds rather than the reported 210 at Center and Power Forward, here is how Paul Coro reports it . . .

Starting center Alex Len's occasional foul trouble could prompt time for Plumlee, whose stronger frame makes him a desired option over Wright's slight frame.

So they brought in Wright and he is already a disappointment.

From Point Guard to Center, the Suns' obsession with smaller players (just as Hornacek went through as a player) has the Suns operating from a position of weakness, which will show more and more now that we are into the second half of the season.

The Front Office and coaching staff have created an uphill battle for the Suns. They are hardly operating from a position of power. While violating a basic definition of a good manager -- make it easy for your people to do the job well.

And, based on Dragic's continuing comments, I have no doubt that he is not long for the Suns. We are going to regret it when the Lakers allow him to play his best position.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...challenged-defensively-bigger-wings/22257127/

 

[Mainstreet]

In an article today on AzCentral, the title says it all -- "Dragic being challenged defensively by big wings".

It begins . . .



It continues . . .


Goran himself says . . .



And Coach Hornacek responded . . .

Over the course of a long season, somebody should be concerned about that.

Then Jeff explained his motivation . . .


And, for those who insist that Brandan Wright is 240 pounds rather than the reported 210 at Center and Power Forward, here is how Paul Coro reports it . . .

So they brought in Wright and he is already a disappointment.

From Point Guard to Center, the Suns' obsession with smaller players (just as Hornacek went through as a player) has the Suns operating from a position of weakness, which will show more and more now that we are into the second half of the season.

The Front Office and coaching staff have created an uphill battle for the Suns. They are hardly operating from a position of power. While violating a basic definition of a good manager -- make it easy for your people to do the job well.

And, based on Dragic's continuing comments, I have no doubt that he is not long for the Suns. We are going to regret it when the Lakers allow him to play his best position.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...challenged-defensively-bigger-wings/22257127/

I view trading the Minnesota pick for Wright as perhaps the first obvious mistake by McDonough. Maybe the Minnesota first round pick may not be worth a lot of value if it turns into two second round picks but one never knows. Wright is a finesse player, something the Suns do not need on the front line. I do not see how he is an improvement over Plumlee and now the two players need to play together to be effective.

In regard to the comments about Dragic who is a PG in my book, perhaps they were made as a precursor to a trade. Of course Dragic cannot guard the bigger wings. This is not a revalation. I find the timing of the article interesting.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I view trading the Minnesota pick for Wright as perhaps the first obvious mistake by McDonough. Maybe the Minnesota first round pick may not be worth a lot of value if it turns into two second round picks but one never knows. Wright is a finesse player, something the Suns do not need on the front line. I do not see how he is an improvement over Plumlee and now the two players need to play together to be effective.

In regard to the comments about Dragic who is a PG in my book, perhaps they were made as a precursor to a trade. Of course Dragic cannot guard the bigger wings. This is not a revalation. I find the timing of the article interesting.

I think you're judging Wright on too small of a sample or perhaps your expectations were too high. He isn't a game changer. He gives us another quality bench big man but he's not a banger and never will be. You rarely see the best from your midseason acquisitions and Wright has been/will be no exception. Let him learn his teammates and his role within this team before you write him off.

As for Dragic, he's usually playing far better defense at the two than he ever played at the one. As is often the case, there are trade-offs. We gain a speed advantage and we give up some size. All things being equal, in the NBA, I'll take that trade off especially at a guard position.

Steve

 

[KloD]

In an article today on AzCentral, the title says it all -- "Dragic being challenged defensively by big wings".

It begins . . .



It continues . . .


Goran himself says . . .



And Coach Hornacek responded . . .

Over the course of a long season, somebody should be concerned about that.

Then Jeff explained his motivation . . .


And, for those who insist that Brandan Wright is 240 pounds rather than the reported 210 at Center and Power Forward, here is how Paul Coro reports it . . .

So they brought in Wright and he is already a disappointment.

From Point Guard to Center, the Suns' obsession with smaller players (just as Hornacek went through as a player) has the Suns operating from a position of weakness, which will show more and more now that we are into the second half of the season.

The Front Office and coaching staff have created an uphill battle for the Suns. They are hardly operating from a position of power. While violating a basic definition of a good manager -- make it easy for your people to do the job well.

And, based on Dragic's continuing comments, I have no doubt that he is not long for the Suns. We are going to regret it when the Lakers allow him to play his best position.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...challenged-defensively-bigger-wings/22257127/

 

[AzStevenCal]

I've sent Jeff an E-Mail. I mentioned that since our three combo guard lineup to close-out games has worked so well that maybe he should consider going with it for most of the game. The stats clearly show it's our best lineup and it makes sense to start off with your best. I signed it BC867.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

I think you're judging Wright on too small of a sample or perhaps your expectations were too high. He isn't a game changer. He gives us another quality bench big man but he's not a banger and never will be. You rarely see the best from your midseason acquisitions and Wright has been/will be no exception. Let him learn his teammates and his role within this team before you write him off.

As for Dragic, he's usually playing far better defense at the two than he ever played at the one. As is often the case, there are trade-offs. We gain a speed advantage and we give up some size. All things being equal, in the NBA, I'll take that trade off especially at a guard position.

Steve

Let's hope last night is not a snapshot of things two come. I cannot believe Dragic is happy with the way coach Hornacek left him parked on the bench come FA or sooner as the trade deadline nears.

 

[Mainstreet]

I've sent Jeff an E-Mail. I mentioned that since our three combo guard lineup to close-out games has worked so well that maybe he should consider going with it for most of the game. The stats clearly show it's our best lineup and it makes sense to start off with your best. I signed it BC867.

Steve

I've been trying to get Ennis into that PG rotation as well.

 

[elindholm]

I literally can't believe that we've had 40 posts arguing about Brandan Wright's playing weight.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I literally can't believe that we've had 40 posts arguing about Brandan Wright's playing weight.

I don't know what he weighs but looking at him on the court, if he is actually 210 pounds I'm a world famous astronaut. And I'm afraid of heights. And speed.

Steve

 

[AzStevenCal]

Let's hope last night is not a snapshot of things two come. I cannot believe Dragic is happy with the way coach Hornacek left him parked on the bench come FA or sooner as the trade deadline nears.

I don't see it being a problem and frankly, if it tips the scales on whether he stays we're better off without him. You can't have any player believing he's above the rules, it will destroy chemistry. The players themselves created this problem and Jeff put a rule in place to resolve it. You can't make an exception just because it's one of your key players or even because it's a critical game and we really needed him out there. Goran has played sports all his life, I believe he understands and accepts it fully.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

I don't see it being a problem and frankly, if it tips the scales on whether he stays we're better off without him. You can't have any player believing he's above the rules, it will destroy chemistry. The players themselves created this problem and Jeff put a rule in place to resolve it. You can't make an exception just because it's one of your key players or even because it's a critical game and we really needed him out there. Goran has played sports all his life, I believe he understands and accepts it fully.

Steve

This is certainly not the Dragic I know. Dragic has always been a team player with the Suns. I don't know what happened last night beyond the technical but Dragic has never been a problem player.

 

[KloD]

I don't see it being a problem and frankly, if it tips the scales on whether he stays we're better off without him. You can't have any player believing he's above the rules, it will destroy chemistry. The players themselves created this problem and Jeff put a rule in place to resolve it. You can't make an exception just because it's one of your key players or even because it's a critical game and we really needed him out there. Goran has played sports all his life, I believe he understands and accepts it fully.

Steve

The way some go on and on and on about Dragic and his supposed fragile mental state around here I'm surprised he isn't out for the season with hurt feelings. Last summer it was Bledsoe hasn't said he loves us, this season it's Dragic and his fragile feelings. I feel like this board is full of 14 year old girls worrying about whether Johnny will break up with Lucy because she hasn't put out. Maybe we need to pass Goran a note:

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