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Goran Dragic.
English translation: Less minutes for Leandro Barbosa.
The Phoenix Suns announced Tuesday afternoon that they have signed second-round draft pick Goran Dragic to a multiyear deal.
The Suns acquired Dragic from the San Antonio Spurs on draft night for the 48th overall pick (Malik Hairston), a 2009 second-round draft pick, and cash.
The machine-dribble specialist averaged 9.7 PPG, 3.1 APG, and 1.2 SPG while playing overseas. By signing the skilled southpaw, General Manager Steve Kerr and the Phoenix organization have publicity sent a direct message to Leandro Barbosa to step up his game—or get shipped out.
Kerr and Goran seem to be intertwined, with Kerr enthusiastically celebrating after acquiring the Slovenian, and Dragic confessing his life-long dream of becoming a Phoenix Sun.
Like Barbosa, Goran plays both the point-guard and shooting-guard positions—another piece of evidence that the Brazilian may see his minutes dwindle this season.
The Suns plan to reduce the minutes of veteran Steve Nash this offseason, along with Grant Hill and Shaquille O'Neal, thus opening a world of opportunity for their reserves.
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With confirmation from Steve Kerr that the Euro-star will play in 2008-09, the Suns now have three point guards on their immediate roster aside from Leandro—Sean Singletary, Nash, and Dragic. If Barbosa wants to be classified as a shooting guard, then lock-down artist Raja Bell and newcomer Matt Barnes are alongside him on the depth chart as well.
Widely recognized for his lightning speed and parallel slicing amidst defenders, the rambunctious shoot-first combo guard routinely shows little initiative towards spreading the wealth and getting his teammates involved. Barbosa also fails miserably on defense, despite his elongated frame. His reckless style of play on both ends of the floor has garnered criticism from analysts, as well as coaches around the NBA.
Still, Leandro is regarded as a great threat and is one of the league's most exciting players, excelling in three-point shooting, attacking the basket, and flourishing in a high-transition offense.
In his best season as a pro, Leandro averaged 18.1 PPG, 4 APG, 1.2 SPG in 2006-07, the year he claimed Sixth Man of the Year.
However, last season the Brazilian Blur suffered drawbacks in a plethora of categories such as minutes per game, steals, three-point shooting, assists, points per game, free-throw percentage, and field-goal percentage. All categories fell short of his averages from the previous year.
The acquisition of Goran shocked many, after Phoenix recently deemed Barbosa the heir to Nash's offense, inking him to a five-year contract extension in the summer of 2006, after his breakout season. It has also been reported the Suns have been in talks with free agent Shaun Livingston, who has looked impressive in recent workouts after a year-long absence due to a devastating knee problem.
Perhaps a trade involving Josh Howard of the Mavericks maybe in order, with the former Wake Forest star in dire need of a change of scenery, and the Mavericks aching for a young point guard. The Suns could certainly use Howard, with Grant Hill lingering on the ropes of retirement and Alando Tucker presumably Hill's replacement.
Another bonus if Josh is traded out to the desert is there would be less of a distraction than in the big city of Dallas. If there is any trouble, though, they can always send him to Tent City.
The Nuggets, Warriors, and Bucks are also in need of a starting point guard, creating a pinwheel of possible destinations for the underachieving speedster. The Cleveland Cavaliers were also said to be lobbying for his services before they acquired Mo Williams from the Bucks.
Hopefully, this will jump start the inconsistent International player, who has spent all four seasons of his career with the Suns. If not, he could be donning a different color jersey next season.
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3 months ago
Barbosa was great for Phoenix's system, but it may be time for him to move on. LB is a great player and one of my favorites, but the Suns should trade him if they get a good offer. Dealing Howard for Barbosa would be great for the Suns, but I don't think Cuban is going to trade Howard yet. Kidd, Terry and Barbosa would be too small of a starting lineup.
3 months ago
All the new additions will definetely make coach Terry Porter settle on a rotation sooner than later. I don't know if Barbosa's minutes will be as affected as you wrote. It depends on how both he and Dragic start the season. Barnes looks slated to play the 3 spot, which shouldn't have any bearing on the guard rotation of Nash, Bell, Barbosa, Dragic and Singleterry.
I do think that Barbosa is a valuable trading asset for the right deal, simply because he's a little inconsistent for a team contending for a championship. That lack of consistency is probably what will keep him in the 6th man's role while he's still in a Suns uniform.
I like how you broke down your take on it, though.
3 months ago
I would not expect Dragic's minutes to eat into Barbosa's playing time. Dragic arrives as a natural point guard.
Barbosa plays the two, and if Terry Porter has any idea how to coach, he will discontinue the fantasy that is Barbosa as a point guard. He cannot run an offense and struggles to create his own shot.
Barbosa owes a large part of his career notoriety to Steve Nash throwing him perfect passes on the break. He struggled after the Shaquille O' Neal acquisition because he is a one-trick pony who cannot adjust to a halfcourt setting.
When he faces disciplined defensive squads like the Spurs, his production plummets. He plays terrible defense, so when not involved offensively, he is useless. Nash is also a one-dimensional, terrible defender, but his one-sided game is brilliant enough on most nights, and that saves his image.
When I look at the two players the Spurs passed on in the 2003 draft, Barbosa and Josh Howard, there is no comparison. Barbosa is a terrific open court threat who does nothing else. Howard can do everything well, if unspectacularly.
I found LALALA's Howard for Barbosa trade proposal laughable. At least he seemed to recognize its ridiculousness, too. Bye bye Barbosa? Not as long as the Amare Stoudemire and Nash foundation sticks around.
from 3 months ago
It wasn't my proposal, it was Sean's. Barbosa's productivity after Shaq was the reason I said that it is time for him to move on. You are right, he can't play a halfcourt game, and seeing as that is how the Suns will operate now, he needs to be dealt.
3 months ago
you will never know untill dragic actually starts playing...rookie point guards in the nba are the most unpredictable...
3 months ago
If anything, I see Barbosa's minutes rising in 2008-2009. Both Nash and Bell are getting older, and Barbosa will be able to relieve each of them accordingly. Barbosa is a proven Sixth Man of the Year-caliber player; no Goran Dragic is going to steal his minutes.
3 months ago
Almost all rookies, not just point guards, in the NBA are highly unpredictable. The speed, player-to-player quality, physical size and strength, and grueling schedule of the NBA is simply unmatched by any other basketball league in the world. Nobody really knows yet how well Dragic will do. By the time the All Star game comes, the Suns may have an idea whether or not Dragic is an NBA caliber player.
Barbosa may not fit well with the 2008-09 Suns, but at least give him a chance. He has been a shining star on this team. Quality NBA players do often improve and alter their games to help their teams succeed. Why don't we just wait to see if Barbaosa can give the Suns something to help them win?
Barbosa has good market value now and likely will have good market value for the foreseeable future. If Dragic is a disappointment, the Suns still have Barbosa. If Dragic is great, then the Suns could trade Barbosa to fill some other need or desire.
from 3 months ago
Great point, Robert. You're right, the Suns should keep Barbosa.
3 months ago
But if they get a great deal, like Howard for Barbosa, they need to take it.
3 months ago
The Suns would have to be stupid to trade in a perennial 6th Man contender for some Slovenian unknown.
3 months ago
once again another person making a statement that has no truth what so ever
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