Why Goran Dragic Is Going To Be an Elite NBA Point Guard
Goran Dragic of Slovenia was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs, who then traded him to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the draft rights to Malik Hairston, a 2009 second-round draft pick (which the Spurs used on DeJuan Blair) and cash considerations.
Dragic, who had a stellar career with the Slovenian national team, was drafted due to his “potential” and basketball knowledge at the age of 21. Also, playing behind former two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash would give him an opportunity to fit his style to the NBA-type of game. Dragic played in 55 games during his rookie year averaging 4.5 points and two assists.
His playing time increased in the 2009-10 season when he averaged a career-high 7.9 points in 18 minutes per game over 80 games. It was during the playoffs against the Spurs when Dragic put together an incredible performance where he scored 23 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, fueling a Suns victory to take a three-games-to-one lead in the series. This was a special moment for Dragic, as he was finally able to put together an effective performance, and showed that he can only get better as he gathers more NBA experience.
During the 2010-11 season, Dragic shot better from the three-point line despite his minutes fluctuating in Phoenix. The Suns then traded him along with a first-round draft pick to the Houston Rockets on February 24 in exchange for guard Aaron Brooks. Dragic would start another chapter in his short NBA career, but it may have been one for the better. The Suns may have given up to early on Dragic, even though Brooks may be the better option in the short term.
Even though he only played in 22 games with the Rockets, Dragic showed why he is an upgrade over the speedy Brooks. He is younger, taller and can really shoot the ball with accuracy. He is working on his defensive game, but the Rockets have not seen his performance during an entire NBA season.
Dragic may be a future All-Star-caliber point guard—that is, if he continues to improve. Remember that he is still a very young NBA point guard that needs consistent playing time to improve his game. He even put together a triple-double performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves scoring 11 points, 11 rebounds and distributing 11 assists.
