FanPost

Steve Kerr explains all

This little note from Kerr to Sun's fans is choke full of interesting information about the new Suns Robin Lopez and Goran Dragic.

Kerr and the Sun's are VERY high on Goran and report that if they can't get him over this year then next year for sure.

 

From the Desk of Steve Kerr

Dear Phoenix Stan,
 
With the draft completed and free agency around the corner, I wanted to share my thoughts on our team as we continue our preparation for next season.
 
First of all, we are thrilled with what transpired yesterday in the draft.  After contemplating various scenarios in which we might have added a pick or moved up in the first round, we felt strongly that we were best  keeping our team intact and simply adding our first and second round choices.  We felt that if things played out for us, we might be able to add two players who could help us accomplish our goal going into the draft; to find players who can help us sustain our recent success, and can also be building blocks for the future.  Only time will tell, of course, but we're confident we've done what we set out to do.
 
Robin Lopez is someone who can help us right away.  It's rare to find an active 7 footer who can run and defend, so we felt fortunate that he fell to us at 15.  Robin will provide something we don't have – a versatile big guy who can get out on the perimeter to defend screen and rolls, but also has the size and mentality to protect the rim.  He's still raw offensively, but he has a decent touch on a 15 foot jump shot and he is very good at keeping balls alive and scoring on offensive putbacks.  Robin will compliment Shaq and Amare nicely because he plays away from the ball, preferring to do a  lot of dirty work. Terry Porter expects him to contribute right away, so our depth will be greatly enhanced.  Robin told us a month ago when we worked him out that he was dying to come to Phoenix, so he got his wish – as did we.  This is going to be a great fit.
 
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.  One of our scouts, Todd Quinter, saw Goran compete in a camp in Italy two weeks ago and came back just raving about him.  We proceeded to arrange for a private workouts 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 wants 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.
 
The next step is to work to try to secure Goran for next season, which is possible.  As I mentioned, he doesn't have a buyout in his contract, but he and his representatives can negotiate one  with his  team.  We're hopeful that something could come about which would allow him to play for us next year, but we'll see.  If not, we will definitely have him for the following season.
 
All in all, we had a very successful draft.  We still have several spots to fill through free agency, but we feel much better about our depth and the overall versatility of  our roster.  Starting July 1st we can begin to pursue free agents, and we'll be looking at backup point guards, wing shooters, and potentially another big man.  Even though we don't have a lot of money to spend, we do feel we can add a key player or two.  There is plenty of talent available, and most teams don't have much cap room this summer.  Being a good team in a great city, we have a lot to offer here in Phoenix.  Players want to come here, so we'll have an opportunity to improve our team with two or three signings.
 
We're going to continue to work hard all summer to put the best possible team on the floor for you in October.  Thanks, as always, for your support.  Enjoy the summer, and GO SUNS!
 
Sincerely,



Steve Kerr