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Better Know A Free Agent: Goran Dragic

By Mike Prada
April 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Goran Dragic (3) dribbles during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
April 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Goran Dragic (3) dribbles during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Depending on what the Washington Wizards do with Andray Blatche and Rashard Lewis, they could have around $12 million of salary-cap space to spend this summer. It remains to be seen if the Wizards actually use it or bank it towards the 2013 class, but in any event, there are a number of free agents that could help the team's push into playoff contention. We'll take a look at several of those options in this running series. Next up: Goran Dragic.

PREVIOUSLY: Eric Gordon, Nicolas Batum, O.J. Mayo, Ryan Anderson, Courtney Lee, Gerald Wallace, Ersan Ilyasova, Carlos Delfino, Lou Williams, Danny Green, George Hill, Marco Belinelli, Landry Fields, Brandon Rush, CJ Miles, Kris Humphries, Jeff Green, Gerald Green, Kirk Hinrich.

Team: Houston Rockets

Type: Unrestricted free agent.

This past year: Emerged as one of the league's top young point guards once Kyle Lowry went down with an illness. Thrived in Kevin McHale's point-guard heavy system, posting career highs in shooting efficiency and assist rate. He's always been very creative with the ball, but this year was the one where he finally processed all the pick and roll coverages teams used to use to shut him down. Played a bunch with Lowry, both before and after his injury, and wasn't quite as effective, though he was still good enough to stay on the floor.

Why he's fit in well: As noted above, he did manage to play with Lowry on occasion, showing he can make it work in a two-PG set.

Why he might not: He's best as a point guard with the ball in his hands controlling plays, and that would never happen in D.C.

Likely price tag: Somewhere between the mid-level and $10 million. I'm a big fan of his, so I'd offer closer to $10 million.

Verdict: Dragic isn't going to cash in on his fast finish by signing on to play with a team whose franchise player is a point guard, even if he has played in two-PG sets before. He's not coming here. A team like the Pacers seems like the best landing spot for him if he doesn't go back to the Rockets, which looks increasingly likely given Lowry's recent comments.