Anyone Else Excited About Goran Dragic?
by Mike Kerns on Mar 8, 2011 12:26 PM CST
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I know it's been a small sample size, but I'm really liking this Goran Dragic kid.
On the day the trade happened, I remember saying "who the hell is that?" But I quickly remembered when someone brought up his dismantling of the Spurs in last years playoffs. Still, as much as I was ready for Aaron Brooks to move on, I thought of Dragic as a throw in with the draft pick. But it appears Daryl Morey has pulled another good deal out of his hat.
And I know it has been such a small sample size that it is hard to call the trade a complete and utter victory, but I really like what I've seen from Dragic in his minutes thus far in Houston. The guy is lighting quick and knows how to finish around the basket. And the fact that he actually tries on both ends of the floor makes him an upgrade over Aaron Brooks, in my opinion.
Dragic is cheap for another season after this and is a restricted free agent in 2012. So if he is in the Rockets long term plans, he'll be here for the foreseeable future. And the combo of Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic seems to be a good pair.
Talking with some friends who watch the Suns on a regular basis, they said that they liked Dragic a lot too, but that he was just having an atrocious year shooting the ball and struggling to fit the scheme that was installed after Stoudamire left for New York. But the potential was certainly there. And much like Brooks, they seem like a better fit on their new teams.
I'm sure we'll look back at this post in about a year and see that I've probably overrated another player. But there is always that small chance that it goes down like the Lowry for Rafer Alston swap.
Here's hoping.
Just for fun, watch the clip of Goran Dragic dismantling the Spurs in last years playoffs...just because it's fun.
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Is this going to be another case of the board harping on one achievement in a career
even if he falls flat on his face? I was excited for the trade because it made us taller and enhanced our options, gave us a guy who is happy as a back up, etc… but not because he had one strong showing in a playoff series.
TDS's resident dickhead.
Real point guard
I’m excited because Dragic is a real PG. He facilitates and looks to pass first. Like his size and effort. He’s a great complement to Lowry as well. With AB, I felt like the team totally changed when Lowry left the game. But Dragic plays a similar style, in my opinion, and the Rockets continue to play Rockets ball even when the bench is in.
Chill man
The guy said “just for fun” twice in the same sentence.
He has to live up to his own signature
It’s okay though. To answer his question, no. I just like seeing the Spurs suffer.
by Mike Kerns on Mar 8, 2011 12:53 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
He's implying I said it with venom
A lot is made about his performance against the Spurs. I like him well enough, I just don’t want people overrating him. I think he’s gonna be great here in Houston.
TDS's resident dickhead.
by BD34 on Mar 8, 2011 1:06 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
You mean how you overrate thabeet right?
by AllenOU on Mar 8, 2011 1:34 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
By saying he needs work, playing time, and mentoring and he could be a good center that's overrating?
You really are the rough-shod equivalent of the appendix of this board. You’re absolutely useless, don’t really contribute anything, and really only get infected and bother the rest of the body.
TDS's resident dickhead.
The fact that you write a response like this
Proves you need to lighten up. Its all in good fun man. It’s called sarcasm. You don’t fucking know me. I think I need to buy you a beer or ten.
by AllenOU on Mar 8, 2011 1:48 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
After the lack of context and the valium comment
expect regular dickery from me. Your posts in general just blow.
TDS's resident dickhead.
My posts and you have alot in common then
And saying you should take some Valium is just a suggestion. Just trying to help. Have a wonderful day!
by AllenOU on Mar 8, 2011 2:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Seriously man what the hell is your deal?
The sad thing is I agree with most of your points but there is just no reason at all for you to be as big an asshole as you routinely are. Your valid points are overshadowed by your dickery. Don’t get why you take pride in it either.
by clutchcity on Mar 8, 2011 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Glad to hear you agree with me
Apathetic as to whether or not I could win the most popular poster award on TDS.
TDS's resident dickhead.
Children...
Calm down and go to your corners.
by Mike Kerns on Mar 8, 2011 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 7 recs
Ahhh, blog fights
At least this one is inventing new words. I’m new to TDS, but I hadn’t come across the word dickery before. Nice. I invented a word once: routesmanship. Like if you take a shortcut and it works out for you, you have displayed excellent routesmanship. I need to write in to Webster and make sure I get credit for that somehow.
I like it
"Why waste time learning, when ignorance is instantaneous? " ~Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
by TheChuckwagonisrolling on Mar 8, 2011 7:31 PM CST up reply actions
Appreciate the props on my word
It came in a moment of inspiration. I am not really in any fight that I can tell. just didn’t think what he was saying to AllenOU was warranted. No hard feelings though. It seems odd to claim that my intent was to try to make the discussion on this board less acrimonious when in my comment I called a fellow poster an asshole but it is nevertheless true.
You must be the son of the Joker
I will not rest until I rid Gotham of you!
Me against the world is a mismatch in my favor.
I think the SAS game shows just how ridiculously high his ceiling is.
Not saying he’ll repeat it, but most guys aren’t going to EVER single-handedly obliterate at team like San Antonio. It sets the bar – I don’t expect that but we know for a fact it’s within him to do it.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Twitter - xiane1
The Dreamshake
I guess I'm cautious on this one
because we’ve had players explode on us before like Linas Kleiza but I don’t think his ceiling is really that high.
TDS's resident dickhead.
Lots of players manage to have big games
they’re all professionals, it’s not like they’re bad basketball players or something.
TDS's resident dickhead.
He's also quite young
I judge you player on effort more on their actual game, because most young players dont have a set style or refined game
getting into the league means you have talent, ceiling is all speculation. That wasnt poor defense, or that he just found a give me. He played a great half and scored in diverse way against the spurs, not just hitting 10 3s during a hot shooting streak. It’s a glimpse of what he can be hitting on all cylinders.
It’s not something to expect game in and game out, but I mean if he played half as well as he did that half game in and game out, then he would still be consider one of the better PGs in the league, that’s how well he played
I think his achillies heel is shooting, it’s where his confidence is, and when he shoots poorly he loses confidence in other parts of his game. It shouldnt but it is
by NVP on Mar 8, 2011 3:16 PM CST up reply actions
yup
the dragon’s only problem has been consistency…but part of that has from trying to walk the line between being a scoring machine who can take it to the rack or an offensive maestro like nash.
"Maybe I’m old school," Nash said, "but I signed a contract to play here and I want to honor it. I feel like I owe it to my teammates and the city and everybody to keep battling until they tell me it’s time to go." STEVE (God of Basketball) NASH
any time
the rockets are fun to watch and you guy’s have a pretty cool blog going here. I don’t often post but i stop by from time to time just for the material.
I missed the game live and just finished watching the recording…it was a good game from 2 teams looking like they want to see SA in play offs
"Maybe I’m old school," Nash said, "but I signed a contract to play here and I want to honor it. I feel like I owe it to my teammates and the city and everybody to keep battling until they tell me it’s time to go." STEVE (God of Basketball) NASH
I LOVED the trade when I heard about it
I have said it before, Dragic can be a starter on a lot of teams in the NBA. The kid is made up of the same DNA as Lowry, fearless and doesnt let off the gas and plays both end of the floor well. People also forget he is left handed so he gets to the rim easy.
He is a solid pick up for the Rockets. A+ on the trade for Brooks who was lost in another deminsion.
I don't know if I'd call him fearless
His biggest problem in Phoenix was his confidence.
Achievement is its own reward, pride obscures it.
by hcblankscreen on Mar 8, 2011 4:14 PM CST up reply actions
I'd say he's problem is inconsistency
when he’s feeling on, and confident, he looks completely fearless on the court. When he’s not, he’s really not.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Twitter - xiane1
The Dreamshake
Upgrade
I am an AB fan and hated to see him go. But I think this was a great trade for the Rockets. Lowry has earned the starting job and Goran is a better fit as backup. AB was not happy as a backup and was not going to be happy if he did not get a big payday next year. Goran is bigger and a better defender. I think he will do better as backup.
Me too
But AB better get used to a backup role. Fellow by the name of Nash over there who’s supposedly pretty decent. We’ll see about that payday – hard to pay a backup starter’s dollars.
I just wonder how they handle next season
With Brooks contract expiring and him being a RFA. Nash’s contract expires in 2012 as well. Not sure how they will play their cards in this situation.
Me against the world is a mismatch in my favor.
Nash says he wants Phoenix
I figure Phoenix, though they sell off all their draft picks historically, may pay for Brooks. They like that up and down style and Brooks showed last year he excels in that format.
TDS's resident dickhead.
BD34
I think you need some Valium or something my friend. Life is short. Live happy. Curious what you do for a living.
Thabeet was the throw in. I too was wrong about goran. He can play, and play d. Curious to see him against AB today
by AllenOU on Mar 8, 2011 1:30 PM CST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
rockets
should just loop this video in Goran’s locker all day so he understands what we need from him haha
Love how hard he goes after verything
He’s still not shooting well, but he is aggressive and active, and that’s all i want to see in a young player, because being active with or without the ball can keep you in the league for a long time if you have some talent, and Goran’s got talent
Agreed
That’s what I’m always harping on. Can’t teach size, difficult to teach effort, attitude, and hustle. Dragic has got those. What you can teach, at least to some degree, is a jumpshot – look at Derrick Rose. Some hard work in the offseason should get that percentage back up.
lowrys weakness last season
Was his shooting. He’s still not as good a shooter as brooks bu has gotten worlds better.
If u think dragic will not similarly improve next yr ur on crazy pills. Esp given his work ethic
by ShookednShanghaied11 on Mar 8, 2011 8:29 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Someone made a thread in clutch fans calling him the white Lowry
I kind of agree in the sense that he actually plays like Lowry because he is tough, drives to the basket, and plays good defense. He should work on his fouls, and on his shot this summer though to be more complete. I like the Dragon so far…
Different animal.
Lowry is a FS playing PG (who can now shoot a 3!).
Dragic is everything beautiful about Balkan’s basketball – shooting, dribbling, crazy moves, defense, attitude, insane passing. And everything bad, which is the same list.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Twitter - xiane1
The Dreamshake
Am I the only one that thinks Brooks is better player?
Im not believing the hype of this kid, he’s a good backup and fits great in the team, but he’s not better than aaron. I understand and support the trade, but will dragic average the 20 points like Aaron did? No. Will he be the awesome starter Aaron was? Most likely not. Does he make the team better than Aaron did? I think so. Individually, Aaron is definately better, but I don’t think y’all are giving him that credit which is due. But for the rockets team and direction, the trade was great, but he’s not superman going to make us a 50+ win team again, he’s just an outstanding backup :). So go rockets!
by OJ ATM on Mar 8, 2011 2:25 PM CST via mobile reply actions
You and his Mother
That might be about it.
I liked AB. But the fact that he was a midget in NBA standards and he couldn’t defend me on the court makes it a no contest.
Nah I think currently AB is the better player right now
on shooting and scoring, even though Dragic is a better defender, but ability to consistently score is a necessity in the NBA if you’re not a specialist, AB has done that, not so much off the bench for us, but now again much better with the Suns. But AB’s game is now defined, it’s not gonna change much and it’s some what limited. He’s the Jason Terry/ Mo William style of players. The scoring PG that can pass, but he’s not gonna hit 9 assist much, he wont necessary makes his teammate better with his passing or defense, but energy he can bring.
Dragic however, is possibly much more versatile when he does define his game, for one thing he’s tall for a pg and deceptively athletic, and he uses it to become a better defender. Steve Nash’s crafty influence is definitely in his game, but he’s not quite as accurate with his jumper and not quite as superb at decision/superb making, but if he can get those things consistent, He’s a starter for sure on any team
by NVP on Mar 8, 2011 3:27 PM CST up reply actions
I think Brooks is a better player based on his ability to score and defense being a commitment
I think Dragic is the better all around point guard. If that makes any sense I’d say Brooks is the better basketball player, Dragic is the better point guard.
TDS's resident dickhead.
AB's defense
If AB would commit to some defense, he would be quite a bit better, in my view. But I haven’t seen it. So his committment to defense is hypothetical.
But Dragic has shown it to me already, even in a small sample set. I’ll take actual D over theoretical D. I’ll give you that Brooks, when hot, may be able to score the ball better. But the Rockets score the ball well already. I need some passing, defense, and effort from my backup PG and Dragic is fitting the bill.
All I'm saying is
that defense can be done with commitment, offense takes a lot of work. Brooks, if he committed to defense, could cover a flaw he has in his game. As I said, I view Dragic as the better point guard and more well rounded player, but on sheer talent alone, I find Brooks to be better.
TDS's resident dickhead.
Fair enough
Especially given last season, I think we can all agree that Brooks has a lot of talent. I hope he will eventually commit to playing some D, but I have to wonder. I’m sure that the coaching staff was constantly asking him for that committment, yet this season, it never came. Makes you wonder if it ever will.
But yes, despite his height, I agree that AB has a high ceiling.
No it does not make any
sense, as usual, if Dragic is a better all the round pg, which will only help our team then why even say AB is a better player. I knew after Lowry got his deal, AB would not like it. You said AB wont be a problem, you were wrong. You also said AB can only play well as a starter, guess what he has been playing well for the Suns off the bench. And as long as Nash is there he will continue to come off the bench. The thing to me is if you really love the Rockets like you pretend too, your love for a player will not overshadow improving our team.The only good thing about the Memphis trade is that it is giving Lee and Bud more minutes. I also mentioned i wanted to see Lee and martin playing together more, especially during crutch times, you said it made no sense, but it has lead to success. But the Phoneix trade was a good one.
by since86rocketsfan on Mar 8, 2011 4:59 PM CST up reply actions
it totally makes sense
for example, dwight howard and goran dragic. howard is a better player, but dragic is a better PG.
it’s perfectly possible for someone to be a better player overall, but not at a specific position.
AB’s game is better suited as a SG. unfortunately his height means that he will only be successful as a sparkplug scorer, not a playmaker.
for a supplemental
D-rose is a better player than Andre Miller, but Miller is the better point guard
by NVP on Mar 8, 2011 5:35 PM CST up reply actions
I'm truly happy that this board's intelligence is better exemplified with you two
than him. An ability to understand, interpret, and speak. Much respect.
TDS's resident dickhead.
You really need a new act because I hate beating up on the retarded
1.) I said it wouldn’t be a problem, the assertion that it was a problem is entirely theoretical. In your world a theoretical victory is a real one, so I won’t shatter your dreams there.
2.) I said AB plays better as a starter, not can only play as a starter. Again, your world is drastically different from everyone else’s.
3.) I loved me some Aaron Brooks, I will continue to, then again you most likely didn’t read the fanpost that was featured written by yours truly where I praised the moves for the season and for the long term. I won’t hold that against you since it was on the main page for about 4 days.
4.) I never said Lee and Martin together made no sense, I was a vocal advocate of Lee getting minutes at the 1.
5.) Please, find a fire somewhere and lay down in it. For all of us.
TDS's resident dickhead.
i'm pretty sure brooks would be able to defend you on court
jokes aside, i think they’re about equal. i’ve always been a big dragic fan, probably because i despise the spurs. his performance in the playoffs last year showed his huge upside.
still think brooks is just having a rough season (as is dragic). both of these guys are still on their rookie contracts. brooks is obviously slightly senior, but over the next couple of years we’ll figure out what the end result is.
as it stands, dragic improves this team because brooks didn’t fit into the bench scheme of things. i’d say it is similar to our trades of batum and gay—they’ve panned out into good players but we made a move that helped us at the time.
AB is a better player
But Dragic seems to be a much better fit for the role right now. Dragic may end up a better player but AB is better for now. I do think Nash is rubbing off on AB as well (no homo).
Me against the world is a mismatch in my favor.
nash is the best thing that could happen to AB's career
i think the guy’s a solid mentor
If Nash can get Brooks to hit his shot as clutch as Nash's is...
We’re all in for some shit.
TDS's resident dickhead.
I think Aaron Brooks is an NBA starting PG - and a good one.
Lowry is a better one. That left us with a problem. For what we need, Dragic is the better fit. In terms of who now has the higher upside, Brooks, or Dragic, it’s Dragic – solely for the D and height.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Twitter - xiane1
The Dreamshake
Dragic being an improvement on defense over Brooks isn't an opinion,
it’s a fact.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
Ability to defend the point
is what wins close games. If a point guard can get past his man, that creates issues for everyone else. Stop the penetration, and you are halfway there. Dragic is also tall enough to take the option of “just shoot over him” away. Add to that his all-out push the ball style and he is a great fit for us.
except that dragic isn't going to be playing the clutch minutes in close games, lowry is
but i can agree with your points. just the height upgrade is huge.
Not really excited
He is exactly what you want in a back up.
Hard working, plays D and looks to have good skills.
If we traded for CP3 or D-Will then yes i would be excited.
The content of the text above is provided for information purposes only. No claim is made as to the accuracy or authenticity of the content. The troll does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of such information or advice) which is provided in the text above.
If Brooks goes off for 30 points...
I’m going to be pissed…
That would really suck
And I doubt he will get enough minutes anyway.
by AllenOU on Mar 8, 2011 4:37 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Well
Glad to see a former fan fave getting some love from the new team…Brooks is beginning to win over some brightsiders, he’s definatly more composed the Dragic. but i still miss Frosty
"Maybe I’m old school," Nash said, "but I signed a contract to play here and I want to honor it. I feel like I owe it to my teammates and the city and everybody to keep battling until they tell me it’s time to go." STEVE (God of Basketball) NASH
I miss him too.
Twitter - @ceek23
"I have to say I've worked very few days of my life. I used to have to cut the lawn, and when I was in junior high school, I worked at a concession stand at a stadium."
-Steve Nash
I think we all do in Phoenix.
A hell of a back-up.
He’ll stay my favorite for a long time.
"After the game, my teammates congratulated and joked around with me. Alvin came to me and said, "Kid, you see? Every game you can play like that!" The players were joking around with me, calling me Goran Jordan"
Again
Thanks to all the Suns fans who have come over to give their opinions on Dragic. Sounds like you guys are going to miss him.
ya,
it’s like watching a child grow, when you stick with them through all the crying and pissing themselves and watch them turn into a man…we all feel really close with Goran.
For what it’s worth, you guys got a heck of a good guy on your team, even if he never hits his potential
Twitter - @ceek23
"I have to say I've worked very few days of my life. I used to have to cut the lawn, and when I was in junior high school, I worked at a concession stand at a stadium."
-Steve Nash
in the actions link
you can choose to rec a comment or article. this lets other users know that it has been recommended
"Maybe I’m old school," Nash said, "but I signed a contract to play here and I want to honor it. I feel like I owe it to my teammates and the city and everybody to keep battling until they tell me it’s time to go." STEVE (God of Basketball) NASH
I have watched that video
at least five times since it came out. And I like Dragic a ton as well. He knows our offense and is just the right amount of selfish.
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
Nice
The dragon slightly resembles sam cassell
by AllenOU on Mar 8, 2011 7:35 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 3 recs
And thabeet STILL won't play
Chuck will play 40 before that happens
by AllenOU on Mar 8, 2011 7:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
On Dragic and AB
1) Dragic learned a lot of great passing/floor management skills from Nash. I saw about 5 or more games where he played serious minutes and there was little drop off considering he was backing up Nash
2) Brooks is a fast, great offensive threat. That is where it ends. Granted, you can only win games by out scoring the other guy but there is much more to the game than just shooting. As mentioned numerous times on the above board, Dragic is much more well rounded.
3) Good to see we are finally upgrading our perimeter D piece by piece. With Lee and Dragic getting extended minutes, they can help Lowry out defending fast PG and SG. Brooks was just plain lame in that department.
4) Thank god we can end the Lowry vs. Brooks arguments, who should start, etc… That was lame after the 20th post debating it and so forth
5) I do want to go against Mike on this one. This trade was NOT a Morey does a great trade again deal. Brooks was the MIP last year and can really torch opposing defenses with his speed. He can easily drop 20 in a night etc… Dragic is not that explosive but is a great young PG with tons of potential. I say it is a wash…as a first rounder at the back of the lottery from the Suns, in a weak draft, is not a “steal”. I am going to let my Morey skepticism come out more now that the “great trading assets” got us almost no where this trade deadline. He has yet to earn his hyped status. (much like TWill…I hate to say I told you so but I told you so. The guy is most likely not going to last long in the NBA.)
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