Suns sign Dowdell for remainder of the season

PHOENIX – Zabian Dowdell isn’t going anywhere, except to find a new place to live.

“That’s my first priority is getting out of the Sheraton (Hotel in downtown Phoenix),” Dowdell said. “The bellmen and everybody, they know me by name. Everybody. The whole staff. They know me.”

Dowdell can afford to move out after being informed the Suns plan to sign him for the rest of the season after a second 10-day contract was to run out this weekend. He was told the news after the game Friday night.

“Some pretty good news,” he said Saturday while getting a break during a post-practice workout with assistant coach Nenad Trajkovic. “It was good to hear those words to come out of (GM) Lance Blanks’ mouth. I pretty much know where I’ll be for the rest of the season as long as I continue to work hard and do what they ask me to do and do what they expect me to do.”

What’s been expected of Dowdell is to back-up Steve Nash. With Goran Dragic out the last week because of a cut on his toe, Dowdell has been called upon to give Nash a rest.

“I think I’ve done okay,” explained Dowdell, whose scored four points in each of the last three games while dishing out six assists and getting three steals. “I can definitely be a lot better, a lot more aggressive. I think that’s something that comes with time.”

Head coach Alvin Gentry has been impressed.

“He’s played unafraid and to me that’s the big thing. Obviously he’s made a few mistakes here and there but I think overall he’s done a good job for us.”

Dragic plans to return against Warriors

Gentry will again turn to Dowdell Monday night when the Suns visit Golden State. Dragic will miss a fourth straight game with an eye towards returning Thursday when the Suns and Warriors complete a home-and-home two game set at US Airways Center.

Dragic said his left big toe is improving as evidenced by him wearing a shoe on the foot for a second straight day. He spent part of practice riding the stationary bike and doing upper body work; but he still has not been cleared for any on-court basketball work.

“It’s tough watching all the players [from] behind the bench there. I want to help but—sometimes I just want to take the shoe and just run on the court but it’s not possible right now.”

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