Couldn't agree more with you on Dragic. I think the potential's there for a very productive lead guard in the NBA. I like his chances to achieve that level of play over TD's ceiling, whatever that may be (I suspect not much more than what we've seen so far). Dragic's in a tough spot out in Houston right now -- between he, Lowry and Jonny Flynn, they have 3 starting-caliber PGs. Something's gonna have to give there eventually. No way around it. Do they stick with Lowry, backed up by Flynn? Or if Dragic is incorporated, who's role gets radically reduced, Lowry's or Flynn's? Interesting to see how that situation's gonna shake out. Odds are one of the 3 will have to settle for a reduced role and won't like it...
My thing is, the Knicks should have identified the PG surplus in Houston by now and at least consider internally about making a play for one of these guys. If I had to guess right now, I think Lowry's there to stay in the starting role, having just resigned for substantial money recently..Lowry really emerged last year as a good two-way PG for that team..Thus, the recent new contract for MLE-type money..That leaves Dragic or Flynn. I think I'd prefer Dragic over Flynn if it came down to it. I just like what he's been able to do with ample playing time, against top competition and on the road in hostle environments. I mean could you ever imagine Toney Douglas going into a place like San Antonio and just destroying Tony Parker on his home floor in the 4th quarter of a playoff game? I couldn't. TD doesn't have that kind of ability. This kid Dragic obviously does -- he's proved it. Like I said -- lead guard material..Hopefully Shumpert turns out to be that type of player. But suppose he doesn't..AND then say we can't get a Paul or a D-Will eventually like a lot of us are hoping..What then?? We're gonna need to come up with someone to drive the bus. There may be an opportunity to really improve our PG outlook here with a deal like this..I think you're right on the money saying all Dragic needs is opportunity. Totally agree. The ability to play and succeed at a high level is definitely there.
I just feel like a well-timed, well-thought out trade for Goran Dragic and 7' Marcus Cousin really goes a looooooong way in identifying and fortifying two key areas of need: PG and C. Again, Cousin, imho, is a starting caliber C in the NBA. To me the guy's got an Al Horford-type skillset. Can you imagine adding a Goran Dragic (substantial upgrade over TD) AND a guy with Al Horford-type skills in the middle to flank Amar'e and Melo in our frontcourt? Forget about it...I'd be willing to overlook the fact that Cousin hasn't actually proven it in the NBA yet. I've seen this kid enough to know he can absolutely play at an acceptable level in the NBA at least, and that's lowball.. Honestly, with a move for these two, I'd be ready to challenge anyone in the NBA..ANYONE. That's how much I like each guy for us (and with our head coach) and how confident each guy would fit in here. We ain't talking about trading for Kobe Bryant --- each guy is still relatively unproven and Houston may not realize exactly what they have with those two. With the right offer, we might be able to steal one if not both guys. I think it's also worth considering trading a future draft pick or two to sweeten a potential deal. Worst case -- Houston either says no or asks for too much..As of right now, they might just consider each guy a trade asset -- if we could give them equal value in return in terms of tangible trade assets (TD, Jordan, Jorts, Rautins, maybe even Fields in the right scenario) on top of cash and a future pick or two, I think that's worth considering. And I don't feel like Morey would hang the phone up on us either..Think about it: we add these two ingredients with good NBA potential to our core, what else would we really need?