Dragic: 2008 Phoenix Suns Draft Night War Room Video

Carl Herrera · Apr 7, 2012

Here's a blog post from Steve Kerr as the GM of the Suns after the 2008 NBA draft, in which they selected Robin Lopez and Goran Dragic.

On Dragic, he wrote:

As soon as we chose Robin, we set out to climb high enough in the second round to land Goran Dragic, a Slovenian point guard. Because Goran doesn’t have a buyout in his contract with Tau Ceramica – a Spanish professional team – until next year, he wasn’t projected to go in the first round. Still, we had him ranked as the second best point guard prospect in the draft after Derrick Rose. Our Director of Scouting Todd Quinter saw Goran compete in a camp in Italy two weeks ago and came back just raving about him. Our Sr. Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin had also seen him last summer in the European Championships, and he was equally impressed. We proceeded to arrange for a private workout last week, flying Goran to Phoenix from Slovenia. He literally spent 17 hours traveling here, spent the night, worked out and flew home. Goran didn’t work out for any other NBA teams, because he wanted to play for the Suns. He’s a huge Steve Nash fan and would like to learn under Steve as his backup. (He is also represented by the same agent, Bill Duffy).

We literally called every team with a pick before ours at 48, hoping to move up to take Goran. We were unsuccessful for a long time, and we were losing faith as the round unfolded, thinking that he would be gone. But finally San Antonio agreed to a deal, and we got our man. We believe that Goran has the potential to be our starting point guard in the future, so to fill such an important position with a second round pick would be a coup.
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http://blog.suns.com/2008/06/516/

Also, click on the "Video: Inside the Suns’ War Room" link for a 20-minute video of the Suns draft war room. The Dragic-related portion starts at 7:50 or so. Really interesting to hear what Steve Kerr and his assistant David Griffin had to say about Dragic. Those guys were excited. They said that they thought Dragic was the 2nd best PG prospect on their board. They also mentioned he's 6'3.5'' with 6'7'' wingspan.

There is also a video of Dragic's first workout for the Suns and an interview afterward.

tehG l i d e · Apr 7, 2012

I'm going to cry if he leaves. I don't even want to think about it.

flamingdts · Apr 7, 2012

I first heard of him when Rose dunked on him, they were calling him Tragic. I became a big fan after he destroyed the Spurs. He was becoming more and more Nash like every game.

AFS · Apr 7, 2012

I wonder why they gave up on him so quickly. I thought he was playing well in PHX.

MourningWood · Apr 7, 2012

tehG l i d e said: ↑

I'm going to cry if he leaves. I don't even want to think about it.
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I'll be crushed. He's slowly but surely becoming one of my all-time favorite Rockets.

cod · Apr 7, 2012

AFS said: ↑

I wonder why they gave up on him so quickly. I thought he was playing well in PHX.
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New front office. Kerr and Griffin were goneburger.

Carl Herrera · Apr 7, 2012

AFS said: ↑

I wonder why they gave up on him so quickly. I thought he was playing well in PHX.
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He played well in his 2nd season, but was struggling in his 3rd season when he got traded. The deal was Dragic + 1st round pick for Aaron Brooks.

apollo33 · Apr 7, 2012

Carl Herrera said: ↑

He played well in his 2nd season, but was struggling in his 3rd season when he got traded. The deal was Dragic + 1st round pick for Aaron Brooks.
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I still can't believe they gave us a pick too loololol

Carl Herrera · Apr 7, 2012

apollo33 said: ↑

I still can't believe they gave us a pick too loololol
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As Clutch as noted, the pick (23rd overall last year) was basically what enable the Rockets to draft Motiejunas. The Rockets traded the 23rd pick, plus a Memphis 2013 protected 1st rounder (acquired from the Battier/Thabeet deal), to Minny in order to move up 3 spots to #20 and draft Motiejunas.

So, if Motiejunas works out for the team, that trade is gonna look even nicer.

Anyhow, the video is really worth checking out. I think the version here is edited. There used to be a longer version in which David Griffin (the nerdy guy with glasses) got a phone call from Daryl Morey (who didn't recognize who "Griff" was, which annoyed Griff) to discuss acquiring the 48th pick. I think either Clutch or Feigen was able to confirm that this conversation took place but, obviously, the trade didn't work out.

One thing to note: This is the same draft in which the Rockets landed Donte Greene (later traded for Artest) and Joey Dorsey. There's been a lot of talk about Morey making a mistake drafting Dorsey instead of DeAndre Jordan.... perhaps the real mistake was drafting Dorsey instead of Dragic?

RV6 · Apr 7, 2012

Carl Herrera said: ↑

As Clutch as noted, the pick (23rd overall last year) was basically what enable the Rockets to draft Motiejunas. The Rockets traded the 23rd pick, plus a Memphis 2013 protected 1st rounder (acquired from the Battier/Thabeet deal), to Minny in order to move up 3 spots to #20 and draft Motiejunas.

So, if Motiejunas works out for the team, that trade is gonna look even nicer.

Anyhow, the video is really worth checking out. I think the version here is edited. There used to be a longer version in which David Griffin (the nerdy guy with glasses) got a phone call from Daryl Morey (who didn't recognize who "Griff" was, which annoyed Griff) to discuss acquiring the 48th pick. I think either Clutch or Feigen was able to confirm that this conversation took place but, obviously, the trade didn't work out.

One thing to note: This is the same draft in which the Rockets landed Donte Greene (later traded for Artest) and Joey Dorsey. There's been a lot of talk about Morey making a mistake drafting Dorsey instead of DeAndre Jordan.... perhaps the real mistake was drafting Dorsey instead of Dragic?
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I completely forgot about this video..i remember seeing it back then... The fact that Dragic risked an NBA career to play where he wanted gives me hope that he'll maybe stay here for a little less money than he could get, assuming he wants to be here....

I can't imagine what Morey is thinking or planning. I want to believe he won't let Dragic get away, but the way he reasons it wouldn't surprise me if he let him walk without much of a fight

HombreDeHierro · Apr 7, 2012

he deserves a kevin martin-esque contract

BDswangHTX · Apr 7, 2012

Aaron who?

Dreamin · Apr 7, 2012

I dont see Rox keeping him. We are going to try to land a big name but by the time we get rejected Dragic and Lee will be already gone. Just like what happened with Gasol and Chuck.

opticon · Apr 7, 2012

Dreamin said: ↑

I dont see Rox keeping him. We are going to try to land a big name but by the time we get rejected Dragic and Lee will be already gone. Just like what happened with Gasol and Chuck.
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Goran is unrestricted so their is no telling what he will do. Lee however is restricted and Morey has all ready put the message out that they will match what ever he gets.

I think the Rockets will match even if is just to move him in trade after his no trade period is over ala Nene.

One Thing I do know start of training camp Either Goran , Courtney or Kevin will be gone.

If I had my it would be Kevin

anchel · Apr 7, 2012

hoho. Great find!

HMMMHMM · Apr 7, 2012

I liked the Robin Lopez part.

"With the 14th pick the Golden State Warriors select Anthony Randolph."

"Yeahhhh! Woooooooo! Yeah, baby!"

Robin Lopez! They scared now!

joesr · Apr 7, 2012

Anyone know the deal with the Suns claiming we were the ones supposed to give the first round?

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Dragic: 2008 Phoenix Suns Draft Night War Room Video

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