NBA News: Goran Dragic Will Test Free Agent Market In 2015
Phoenix Suns' starting point guard Goran Dragic will test the market in 2015 when he is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The other half of the Slash brothers is expected to attract a number of suitors who are looking to fill up their starting distributor spot.
Responding to media questions on the early struggles of last year's surprise team, Dragic said the team has had difficulty in adjusting to the incorporation of three ball-dominant guards in the lineup. The Suns raised some eyebrows when it added Sacramento Kings starting point guard Isaiah Thomas in the summer. Many thought the diminutive guard would act as an insurance policy if ever Eric Bledsoe does not agree to an extension, but it seems the plan all along was to showcase all three in the game plan. Right now, the scheme is not working and the Slovenian national player has some thoughts on why.
"Because there's only one ball and we're all point guards," Dragic said per AZ Central. "That's an easy answer. It's hard. That's sacrifice."
Dragic has a player option that he will presumably exercise given that the $7.5 annual salary no longer properly compensates his production on the court. Dragic led the 48-win for Sun last year in major statistical categories averaging 20.3 points, 5.9 assists and 41 percent three-point shooting. It was astounding that as a long-range bomber Dragic converted more than 50 percent of his shots just ranking second in field goal efficiency to starting centre Miles Plumlee (51.7 percent).
There seems to be no shortage of interested teams looking to shore up the relatively large point guard in Dragic. Sporting News sources say his former team, the Houston Rockets, as well as the talent-hungry Los Angeles Lakers are among his options. Dragic has a previous experience working under the tutelage of Rockets' coach Kevin McHale, and he will fit like a glove to the run and gun system of the Western Power. The Lakers are in Year 2 of a rebuilding season and will hope to transfer the mantle of leadership once Kobe Bryant retires after next season. They are clearly lacking in the point guard department with Steve Nash all but done due to nerve damage and injuries and Jeremy Lin still finding consistency.