PHOENIX SUNS

Scouts: Phoenix Suns’ Goran Dragic is underrated

Feb 27, 2014, 5:59 PM | Updated: 7:33 pm

Goran Dragic has had a breakout season for the Phoenix Suns, averaging 20.2 points, 6.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds while keeping them in the playoff race.

The 27-year-old was left off the Western Conference All-Star team, though, which may be more a sign of his lack of recognition than a lack of talent.

ESPN’s Chris Broussard interviewed NBA scouts and asked them to name some overrated players and some underrated players.

Dragic made the second list in the Insider piece.

Western conference scout: “I think he can do what he’s done this year for the next four or five years. We all saw Dragic play in Europe, and he couldn’t make a shot over there. He was fast. He can run, he can jump, he’s fast-twitch. And he’s made himself into a shooter.

“You go underneath the pick and he’s going to make shots. He’s really good. It’s a credit to his work ethic. He’s a little bigger than you think he is. He’s thick and he’s strong. To have a team with no other stars that lost Eric Bledsoe to injury be in the playoff hunt in the West? He’s a damn good player.”



Eastern conference scout: “He’s got it all. There’s nothing he doesn’t do well. If there’s anything, it’s that he may not have the greatest speed. But with the ball in his hands, he’s fast, and he gets by people. He’s got a great first step and he’s quick as hell when it comes to that.

“He can make open shots, he’s big, he’s got skill and he can finish. I love size. I don’t like small guards. I think a big point guard is an advantage. I’ve seen enough of him to know that if I was a GM and I needed a point guard, I’d do whatever it takes to get him. If I was looking for a point guard, he’d be right at the top of the list. I think he’s the real deal.”

The Suns signed Dragic to a four-year, $30 million deal during summer 2012, and as of now that looks to be an incredible steal for the team.

Phoenix Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

13 hours ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

17 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

21 hours ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: How the Suns lost to the Spurs before they stepped on the court

Burns & Gambo react to the Phoenix Suns stunning loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and try to figure out why it happened.

2 days ago

Scouts: Phoenix Suns’ Goran Dragic is underrated