| Hot Stuff: Phoenix Suns Sign Dragic, Bye Bye Barbosa? |
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| Written by Sean Stancill | |
| Wednesday, 24 September 2008 | |
 Kerr and Goran seem to be intertwined with Kerr enthusiatically celebrating after acquiring the Slovenian and Dragic confessing his life-long dream of becoming a Phoenix Sun. Here's the video: To further insinuate accusations, 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. Along with Grant Hill and Shaquille O'Neal, the Suns plan to reduce the minutes of veteran Steve Nash this offseason, opening a world of opportunity for their reserves. 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 not including Leandro (Sean Singletary, Steve 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. He 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 short of his averages from a year ago in 2006-07. 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 because of 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. They 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 will be less of a distraction than in big cities, stating his current position. If there is any trouble though, they can always send him to Tent City. The Nuggets, Warriors, and Bucks are all searching and in need of a starting point guard; 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 of his carer (four seasons) with the Suns. If not he could be donning a different color jersey next season.         Comments
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Furthermore, as much trouble as Josh Howard is causing Dallas (and I'm really not sure he's been as much of a challenge as the media has made him out to be), there is absolutely no way Phoenix lures him from Dallas. Howard's a former All Star and he's still young. Barbosa's not on the same wave length in terms of trade value and there's nothing on Phoenix's roster short of Nash or Stoudemire that could bring him over unless some very good draft picks were included.
Some of this seems like it's dealing in a fairy tale, IMO.