Phoenix Suns: The Goran Dragic Quandary
His Value
So where does Dragic’s value with the Suns currently stand? It’s no secret that he hasn’t proven himself worthy of the max deal that many were expecting heading into the season. But after what we saw last season, we know what Dragic is capable of. And by bringing Gogi’s brother Zoran Dragic to the Valley of the Sun, it’s also pretty obvious Phoenix wants to keep him around.
Dragic has expressed some disappointment in the Suns’ rhythm on offense, citing the team’s three point guards as a potential reason behind it. But in that same report from Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic, Dragic cited the team’s need to be willing to sacrifice and ride the hot hand. Lately, he’s been the one sacrificing at the end of games.
All three of these point guards need the ball in their hands to be effective, which has hurt Dragic the most. But it’s far too early to worry about his upcoming free agency situation, however, since a 50-win season and a playoff appearance would easily give him reason to stick around for the long-term. Before his recent four-game stretch of mediocrity, Dragic had put up at least 18 points in four of his last five games.
It’s a season of ups and downs, after all, and that’s the nature of Phoenix’s point guard hydra. But Hornacek would also be wise to try and get Dragic more involved early on in games. We know Bledsoe can take over in crunch-time and we know Thomas will get his off the bench. But the Suns need Dragic to be himself to be a real playoff threat, and if he doesn’t return to his Dragon ways this season, the Suns run the risk of losing their long-faithful star point guard next summer.