Daily Knicks
Fansided

Knicks Trade Rumors: Five Reasons To Pursue Goran Dragic

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 23, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) handles the ball during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) handles the ball during the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Apr 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) drives to the basket as Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) defends during the second half in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) drives to the basket as Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) defends during the second half in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Postseason Experience

There’s no way around this fact, which is why it’s being stated up front: Derrick Rose has an impressive postseason resume. He led the Chicago Bulls to the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals and hit an unforgettable buzzer-beater against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015.

True and fair as that all may be, it’s worth noting that Goran Dragic has 30 games of postseason experience—experience that may be more applicable to the Knicks’ situation.

Rose may be the better player for the postseason if the Knicks are aiming to put the ball in one player’s hands and watch them operate. That admittedly is a big part of execution in the playoffs, but one would like to think Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis can excel as the focal points.

Rose doesn’t hurt the Knicks, but his high demand in terms of touches and shot attempts may put too many hands in the proverbial cookie jar.

Though Dwyane Wade was sensational in 2016, it was Dragic who closed out a series and saved another for the Miami Heat. For instance, he scored 25 points in Game 7 against the Charlotte Hornets and had 30 to save Miami in Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors.

For perspective, Dragic averaged 19.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.6 3-point field goals made during Miami’s seven playoff wins in 2016.

His ability to pick up the slack for Anthony and Porzingis when they struggle, while simultaneously having off-ball value when they thrive, would make him an excellent team fit.

Home/Knicks Rumors