Reports: Rockets & Lakers Persuing Trade For Goran Dragic

[13th Man]

Lakers should not commit themselves with any players until Kobe retired. There is really no reason to get Dragic if all he does as PG is hand the ball to Kobe. If Kobe decided to be "PG", Dragic just a catch and shoot guard. No point to pay anyone more than minimum for those function.

Also, what if Kobe decided to resign a few more years?

Agreed. This is why Dragic wants to remain a Sun if they can get rid of IT and return to last year's formula. Dragic is not dumb, he understands that his personal success is due largely to the system and personnel on the team, playing alongside Harden or Kobe would not help him.

The Lakers and Rockets also need to wake up to reality to realize that both Harden and Kobe want a Patrick Beverley/Derek Fisher type player to play alongside them, not a ball dominant ball-handler. Harden is thriving being the main ball handler, Kobe? Well the Lakers need a lot more than a pg to fix thier problems lol.

[gmoney411]

Lakers should not commit themselves with any players until Kobe retired. There is really no reason to get Dragic if all he does as PG is hand the ball to Kobe. If Kobe decided to be "PG", Dragic just a catch and shoot guard. No point to pay anyone more than minimum for those function.

Also, what if Kobe decided to resign a few more years?

Agreed. This is why Dragic wants to remain a Sun if they can get rid of IT and return to last year's formula. Dragic is not dumb, he understands that his personal success is due largely to the system and personnel on the team, playing alongside Harden or Kobe would not help him.

The Lakers and Rockets also need to wake up to reality to realize that both Harden and Kobe want a Patrick Beverley/Derek Fisher type player to play alongside them, not a ball dominant ball-handler. Harden is thriving being the main ball handler, Kobe? Well the Lakers need a lot more than a pg to fix thier problems lol.

Anybody that watches the Rockets on a regular basis would see how badly they need a player like Goran. Harden is the only capable playmaker on the team. Goran will to get to handle the ball plenty if he goes to Houston.

[quatin]

Anybody that watches the Rockets on a regular basis would see how badly they need a player like Goran. Harden is the only capable playmaker on the team. Goran will to get to handle the ball plenty if he goes to Houston.

That's only if he accepts a role off the bench. When Howard comes back, he'll start demanding post-ups. It will be the same situation in PHX again, with 3 guys who need the ball.

[gmoney411]

Anybody that watches the Rockets on a regular basis would see how badly they need a player like Goran. Harden is the only capable playmaker on the team. Goran will to get to handle the ball plenty if he goes to Houston.

That's only if he accepts a role off the bench. When Howard comes back, he'll start demanding post-ups. It will be the same situation in PHX again, with 3 guys who need the ball.

It will not be the same situation as Phoenix. Phoenix has 3 players that are best with the ball in their hands. The first man off the Phoenix bench is Thomas who demands the ball. When Harden sits Goran will be the primary ball handler and he will also have his fair share of ball handling when Harden is on the court. Harden is also a better shooter than Bledsoe and will be more effective spreading the court and playing off the ball. Goran will get plenty of touches in Houston with or without Howard on the court.

[quatin]

Anybody that watches the Rockets on a regular basis would see how badly they need a player like Goran. Harden is the only capable playmaker on the team. Goran will to get to handle the ball plenty if he goes to Houston.

That's only if he accepts a role off the bench. When Howard comes back, he'll start demanding post-ups. It will be the same situation in PHX again, with 3 guys who need the ball.

It will not be the same situation as Phoenix. Phoenix has 3 players that are best with the ball in their hands. The first man off the Phoenix bench is Thomas who demands the ball. When Harden sits Goran will be the primary ball handler and he will also have his fair share of ball handling when Harden is on the court. Harden is also a better shooter than Bledsoe and will be more effective spreading the court and playing off the ball. Goran will get plenty of touches in Houston with or without Howard on the court.

Harden plays 38 minutes a game. If Dragic wants to be a primary ball handler, he needs to come off the bench. With Harden and Howard on the court, Dragic is the 3rd option. He'll get touches, but I don't think he'll get "plenty" of touches.

[gmoney411]

That's only if he accepts a role off the bench. When Howard comes back, he'll start demanding post-ups. It will be the same situation in PHX again, with 3 guys who need the ball.

It will not be the same situation as Phoenix. Phoenix has 3 players that are best with the ball in their hands. The first man off the Phoenix bench is Thomas who demands the ball. When Harden sits Goran will be the primary ball handler and he will also have his fair share of ball handling when Harden is on the court. Harden is also a better shooter than Bledsoe and will be more effective spreading the court and playing off the ball. Goran will get plenty of touches in Houston with or without Howard on the court.

Harden plays 38 minutes a game. If Dragic wants to be a primary ball handler, he needs to come off the bench. With Harden and Howard on the court, Dragic is the 3rd option. He'll get touches, but I don't think he'll get "plenty" of touches.

Watch a couple of Rockets games and pay attention to how often Bev and Josh Smith have the ball in their hands. The Rockets are relying on those two to be ball handlers because they have nobody outside of Harden.

Harden might play 38 minutes a game but he isn't bringing the ball down court every play. All plays aren't run through Harden. Dragic will be the person setting up the offense a majority of the time until the 4th quarter rolls around. I have no doubt that he will get plenty of touches because the Rockets have no legitimate playmakers outside of Harden. And the fact that Harden can spread the defense with his shooting will make having the ball in Goran's hands makes even more sense.

[quatin]

It will not be the same situation as Phoenix. Phoenix has 3 players that are best with the ball in their hands. The first man off the Phoenix bench is Thomas who demands the ball. When Harden sits Goran will be the primary ball handler and he will also have his fair share of ball handling when Harden is on the court. Harden is also a better shooter than Bledsoe and will be more effective spreading the court and playing off the ball. Goran will get plenty of touches in Houston with or without Howard on the court.

Harden plays 38 minutes a game. If Dragic wants to be a primary ball handler, he needs to come off the bench. With Harden and Howard on the court, Dragic is the 3rd option. He'll get touches, but I don't think he'll get "plenty" of touches.

Watch a couple of Rockets games and pay attention to how often Bev and Josh Smith have the ball in their hands. The Rockets are relying on those two to be ball handlers because they have nobody outside of Harden.

Harden might play 38 minutes a game but he isn't bringing the ball down court every play. All plays aren't run through Harden. Dragic will be the person setting up the offense a lot until the 4th quarter rolls around. I have no doubt that he will get plenty of touches because the Rockets have no legitimate playmakers outside of Harden. And the fact that Harden can spread the defense with his shooting will make having the ball in Goran's hands makes even more sense.

Beverly brings the ball up the court and passes it off the Harden or Howard in the post, but rarely initiates a play. If you want to consider that "touching" the ball then yeah sure, Dragic can bring the ball up the court. Josh Smith plays off the bench. So yes, if Dragic wants to play off the bench, he'll get Josh Smiths touches.

Every 3-star team (with all 3 starting) has problems with ball sharing. One person has to sacrifice by being the 3rd option. If Dragic is unhappy with the amount of touches he gets now, he's not going to like starting in Houston, because he will be the 3rd option in Houston instead of the 1st option in PHX.

[gmoney411]

Harden plays 38 minutes a game. If Dragic wants to be a primary ball handler, he needs to come off the bench. With Harden and Howard on the court, Dragic is the 3rd option. He'll get touches, but I don't think he'll get "plenty" of touches.

Watch a couple of Rockets games and pay attention to how often Bev and Josh Smith have the ball in their hands. The Rockets are relying on those two to be ball handlers because they have nobody outside of Harden.

Harden might play 38 minutes a game but he isn't bringing the ball down court every play. All plays aren't run through Harden. Dragic will be the person setting up the offense a lot until the 4th quarter rolls around. I have no doubt that he will get plenty of touches because the Rockets have no legitimate playmakers outside of Harden. And the fact that Harden can spread the defense with his shooting will make having the ball in Goran's hands makes even more sense.

Beverly brings the ball up the court and passes it off the Harden or Howard in the post, but rarely initiates a play. If you want to consider that "touching" the ball then yeah sure, Dragic can bring the ball up the court. Josh Smith plays off the bench. So yes, if Dragic wants to play off the bench, he'll get Josh Smiths touches.

Every 3-star team (with all 3 starting) has problems with ball sharing. One person has to sacrifice by being the 3rd option. If Dragic is unhappy with the amount of touches he gets now, he's not going to like starting in Houston, because he will be the 3rd option in Houston instead of the 1st option in PHX.

I would be a very happy man if that was all that Bev does but unfortunately it is not. He often attempts to create shots for himself or others. Even with one of the best offensive players in the league the Rockets are a middle of the pack team when it comes to offensive efficiency. The biggest reason for that is if Harden is not producing and creating for others the offense falls apart. Goran is going to have a huge role in the offense. Howard doesn't create shots for people anymore and his post up plays are often inefficient. Goran will be the second scoring option with or without Howard on the court. He will lead the second unit when Harden sits. He will get the second most shots attempts and I'd bet that he averages 5-6.5 assists a game. His role will be huge.

[dho4ever]

If I was the Lakers, I'd trade for him. No need to give him of all people the max, PG is the deepest position in the NBA. A Dragic/healthy Kobe/Randle core looks more attractive for potential free agents.

What is this Randle hype? He's barely played a meaningful game.

he was the most nba ready player in a stacked draft. he was also considered to go top 3 until his injury in college. he's only 19, and he has a good head on his shoulders. he'll be a legit starting PF in this league.

But he hasn't played a meaningful game yet in the NBA. He is still a question mark. There are signs that indicate he may be a star. I'm just wondering why are people already selling that he is going to be a major contributor to winning immediately (i.e. suggesting that Kobe + pieces + randle = contender) when realistically, it could take a year or two until he actually fills that role. Because realistically, he's only 19 and hasn't played a full game yet in the nba.

Also, I think Jabari Parker was considered the most NBA ready player.

[quatin]

Watch a couple of Rockets games and pay attention to how often Bev and Josh Smith have the ball in their hands. The Rockets are relying on those two to be ball handlers because they have nobody outside of Harden.

Harden might play 38 minutes a game but he isn't bringing the ball down court every play. All plays aren't run through Harden. Dragic will be the person setting up the offense a lot until the 4th quarter rolls around. I have no doubt that he will get plenty of touches because the Rockets have no legitimate playmakers outside of Harden. And the fact that Harden can spread the defense with his shooting will make having the ball in Goran's hands makes even more sense.

Beverly brings the ball up the court and passes it off the Harden or Howard in the post, but rarely initiates a play. If you want to consider that "touching" the ball then yeah sure, Dragic can bring the ball up the court. Josh Smith plays off the bench. So yes, if Dragic wants to play off the bench, he'll get Josh Smiths touches.

Every 3-star team (with all 3 starting) has problems with ball sharing. One person has to sacrifice by being the 3rd option. If Dragic is unhappy with the amount of touches he gets now, he's not going to like starting in Houston, because he will be the 3rd option in Houston instead of the 1st option in PHX.

I would be a very happy man if that was all that Bev does but unfortunately it is not. He often attempts to create shots for himself or others. Even with one of the best offensive players in the league the Rockets are a middle of the pack team when it comes to offensive efficiency. The biggest reason for that is if Harden is not producing and creating for others the offense falls apart. Goran is going to have a huge role in the offense. Howard doesn't create shots for people anymore and his post up plays are often inefficient. Goran will be the second scoring option with or without Howard on the court. He will lead the second unit when Harden sits. He will get the second most shots attempts and I'd bet that he averages 5-6.5 assists a game. His role will be huge.

I wish Howard would just take a back seat and clean up the boards with some put backs, but Houston is a player run team and Howard is not going to accept that role. We all know if Howard doesn't get what he wants, he pouts and leaves. Harden as a MVP candidate, isn't going to play 2nd fiddle to anyone either. Therefore, if Dragic doesn't accept a minor role as a starter or play off the bench, no one will be happy here.

You're focusing too much on the current season with Howard being injured. Bev rarely runs plays when Howard and Harden are both playing. He's a pure 3&D wing. With Howard out and Houston desperate for a 2nd shot creator, Bev & Terry are forced to run plays. Not pretty, but a temporary solution.

[lakersin4]

Beverly brings the ball up the court and passes it off the Harden or Howard in the post, but rarely initiates a play. If you want to consider that "touching" the ball then yeah sure, Dragic can bring the ball up the court. Josh Smith plays off the bench. So yes, if Dragic wants to play off the bench, he'll get Josh Smiths touches.

Every 3-star team (with all 3 starting) has problems with ball sharing. One person has to sacrifice by being the 3rd option. If Dragic is unhappy with the amount of touches he gets now, he's not going to like starting in Houston, because he will be the 3rd option in Houston instead of the 1st option in PHX.

I would be a very happy man if that was all that Bev does but unfortunately it is not. He often attempts to create shots for himself or others. Even with one of the best offensive players in the league the Rockets are a middle of the pack team when it comes to offensive efficiency. The biggest reason for that is if Harden is not producing and creating for others the offense falls apart. Goran is going to have a huge role in the offense. Howard doesn't create shots for people anymore and his post up plays are often inefficient. Goran will be the second scoring option with or without Howard on the court. He will lead the second unit when Harden sits. He will get the second most shots attempts and I'd bet that he averages 5-6.5 assists a game. His role will be huge.

I wish Howard would just take a back seat and clean up the boards with some put backs, but Houston is a player run team and Howard is not going to accept that role. We all know if Howard doesn't get what he wants, he pouts and leaves. Harden as a MVP candidate, isn't going to play 2nd fiddle to anyone either. Therefore, if Dragic doesn't accept a minor role as a starter or play off the bench, no one will be happy here.

You're focusing too much on the current season with Howard being injured. Bev rarely runs plays when Howard and Harden are both playing. He's a pure 3&D wing. With Howard out and Houston desperate for a 2nd shot creator, Bev & Terry are forced to run plays. Not pretty, but a temporary solution.

That's what Kobe wanted him to do. Be "Tyson Chandler on steroids". Just get rebounds, putbacks, lobs, let the offense run through Kobe & Pau. We saw how that worked out. Dwight won't ever put the team before himself.

[aIvin adams]

dragic has sacrificed a lot without complaining and without diminishing the amount of effort he gives every game

that's reason enough for any fan to want him on yer favorite team

i hope he stays on the suns. but what can you do.

[gmoney411]

Beverly brings the ball up the court and passes it off the Harden or Howard in the post, but rarely initiates a play. If you want to consider that "touching" the ball then yeah sure, Dragic can bring the ball up the court. Josh Smith plays off the bench. So yes, if Dragic wants to play off the bench, he'll get Josh Smiths touches.

Every 3-star team (with all 3 starting) has problems with ball sharing. One person has to sacrifice by being the 3rd option. If Dragic is unhappy with the amount of touches he gets now, he's not going to like starting in Houston, because he will be the 3rd option in Houston instead of the 1st option in PHX.

I would be a very happy man if that was all that Bev does but unfortunately it is not. He often attempts to create shots for himself or others. Even with one of the best offensive players in the league the Rockets are a middle of the pack team when it comes to offensive efficiency. The biggest reason for that is if Harden is not producing and creating for others the offense falls apart. Goran is going to have a huge role in the offense. Howard doesn't create shots for people anymore and his post up plays are often inefficient. Goran will be the second scoring option with or without Howard on the court. He will lead the second unit when Harden sits. He will get the second most shots attempts and I'd bet that he averages 5-6.5 assists a game. His role will be huge.

I wish Howard would just take a back seat and clean up the boards with some put backs, but Houston is a player run team and Howard is not going to accept that role. We all know if Howard doesn't get what he wants, he pouts and leaves. Harden as a MVP candidate, isn't going to play 2nd fiddle to anyone either. Therefore, if Dragic doesn't accept a minor role as a starter or play off the bench, no one will be happy here.

You're focusing too much on the current season with Howard being injured. Bev rarely runs plays when Howard and Harden are both playing. He's a pure 3&D wing. With Howard out and Houston desperate for a 2nd shot creator, Bev & Terry are forced to run plays. Not pretty, but a temporary solution.

Without or without Howard the Rockets are in dire need of a second playmaker. If this was the Rockets of last year I would agree with Dragic having issues getting touches but it isn't. Last year they had Parsons and Lin as their secondary playmakers. Chandler was very much involved in the offense and was second in shot attempts behind Harden last year. Dragic will essentially be taking a large portion of the roles of Bev/Parsons/Lin from last year. He will have the ball a lot and will have lots of opportunities to make plays. Howard will still get his post touches but like Chandler last year, Dragic will be the second playmaker for the team and will get his looks. And since Dragic is a better playmaker than Chandler he will get even more than Parsons did last year.

And as far as this year goes, Howard is very unlikely to contribute much if anything at all for the Rockets during the regular season. Age and injuries are going to force Howard to take a lesser role when and if he comes back this year.

[SF_Warriors]

That's only if he accepts a role off the bench. When Howard comes back, he'll start demanding post-ups. It will be the same situation in PHX again, with 3 guys who need the ball.

It will not be the same situation as Phoenix. Phoenix has 3 players that are best with the ball in their hands. The first man off the Phoenix bench is Thomas who demands the ball. When Harden sits Goran will be the primary ball handler and he will also have his fair share of ball handling when Harden is on the court. Harden is also a better shooter than Bledsoe and will be more effective spreading the court and playing off the ball. Goran will get plenty of touches in Houston with or without Howard on the court.

Harden plays 38 minutes a game. If Dragic wants to be a primary ball handler, he needs to come off the bench. With Harden and Howard on the court, Dragic is the 3rd option. He'll get touches, but I don't think he'll get "plenty" of touches.

Have you considered that harden HAS to handle the ball so much because beverly is not a playmaker?
dragic is leaps and bounds better as an offensive player. IMO it is a huge luxury to have two guys capable of being a primary ball handler in the starting lineup. Besides, dragic is an ideal third option type anyways. I don't see a problem at all with dragic starting alongside harden.

[cbk41]

If the rockets are able to acquire Dragic, they will be an absolute nightmare in transition to defend. Brewer/Dragic/Harden are 3 of the most potent players on the break.

[xsatyr]

That's only if he accepts a role off the bench. When Howard comes back, he'll start demanding post-ups. It will be the same situation in PHX again, with 3 guys who need the ball.

It will not be the same situation as Phoenix. Phoenix has 3 players that are best with the ball in their hands. The first man off the Phoenix bench is Thomas who demands the ball. When Harden sits Goran will be the primary ball handler and he will also have his fair share of ball handling when Harden is on the court. Harden is also a better shooter than Bledsoe and will be more effective spreading the court and playing off the ball. Goran will get plenty of touches in Houston with or without Howard on the court.

Harden plays 38 minutes a game. If Dragic wants to be a primary ball handler, he needs to come off the bench. With Harden and Howard on the court, Dragic is the 3rd option. He'll get touches, but I don't think he'll get "plenty" of touches.

Harden plays 38 minutes for reason... Dragic could help alleviate that and allow Harden to get much needed rest. Also, Harden can shoot the three ball pretty well so he could help space the floor when Dragic is handling the rock.

[anarchy24]

This doesn't make sense at all for the Lakers. If the Suns are willing to give him up for picks and whatever the Lakers have, then it means they're not as confident to resigning him? The Lakers are better of signing him during Free Agency and keep the assets they need to give up to get him. Also, getting him now might cause the Lakers to win some games, and might drop out of top 5 pick. I'm sure the Suns like that if they are giving Dragic.

[inquisitive]

i doubt now that the rockets will be able to trade for dragic. i doubt morey is offering the NOP 1st rd pick at all. i don't see the trade happening.