Phoenix Suns: Why Holding Goran Dragic Out is Bad for Business
Sitting out Goran Dragic for the last four games would be a terrible move for the Phoenix Suns. Photo Credit: NBA.com
The Phoenix Suns’ future may be looking bright as they hope to acquire a great draft pick. Obviously, they need to rebuild for the future. The Suns are already ahead of the game right now by building upon point guard Goran Dragic.
Dragic has been the Suns’ brightest spot this season, averaging 14.6 points and 7.1 assists a game as well as shooting 44.1 percent this season. Dragic has raised his totals from the All-Star break. Since the break, he’s scored 16.2 points and recorded 8.6 assists a game. Dragic is truly becoming the point guard the Suns thought they had back when he and Steve Nash were both on the team.
On the other hand, a decision must be made regarding Dragic. At 23-55, the Suns, who are in the midst of an eight-game losing streak, have nothing to play for, no playoff spot and no championship this season. They are in the middle of completing a season as the worst team in the Western Conference. Interim coach Lindsey Hunter should consider the possibility that Dragic should sit out for the rest of the season.
Frankly, this would be a bad idea.
Granted, Dragic sitting out the last four games would make no impact on the Suns other than saving him for next season. However, it’s not about wins and losses for the Suns. It’s about saving grace.
Dragic is their saving grace. He is the reason the Suns are still talked about in Phoenix. Hunter told Scott Bordow of AZCentral.com that it is a pleasure to coach someone like Dragic; he is athletic, a good size (6’3”, 190 pounds) and has tremendous speed.
It’s why Dragic is the Suns’ no. 1 option on offense. It’s why the Suns should have a lot of stock in Goran Dragic. If Dragic keeps this momentum up, he might turn out to be their All-Star next season.
His skills are also why Hunter believes Dragic can become one of the top 10 point guards of the year. His performances reaffirm Hunter’s claims. Dragic scored 32 on April 5 despite losing to the Golden State Warriors 111-107. The Suns need a solid lineup behind Dragic, their anchor.
Goran Dragic should become the Suns’ showcase considering they will receive a high draft pick. Frankly, if all goes well at the draft lottery, Dragic should be able to have another weapon, another player that can shoulder the load. This was the case with Marcin Gortat, who was lost to injury. The Suns need to consider that if they sit Dragic out getting a strong draft prospect won’t happen.
Dragic is the best player on the Suns right now. Showcasing the rising star to upcoming rookies could lure them to Phoenix. Sitting Dragic is a bad move that will most definitely drive upcoming prospects away.