Feb 7, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Goran Dragic (7) attempts a three-point shot during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Today in NBA news, we look at Steph Curry’s impending return, Goran Dragic to the Bucks and the no-defense strategy on Russell Westbrook.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Milwaukee Bucks may be closing in on a deal with Goran Dragic.
Dragic signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bulls before the season but was bought out earlier this week. He appeared in 51 games for the Bulls, averaging 6.4 points, 2.7 assists and 1.4 rebounds in just over 15.0 minutes per game.
At this point in his career (36 years old), Dragic isn’t the dynamic shot-creator he was for the Heat and Suns, but he still has a lot to offer the Bucks. He’s shooting 43.3 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s this season and can be useful as a floor-spacer and secondary creator, playing off Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday. He’s not a great defender, but the Bucks’ interior defenders are probably better equipped to cover up for his defensive shortcomings than any other contender.
He probably shouldn’t be taking minutes from Jevon Carter — a better point guard defender who is also shooting over 40 percent from beyond the arc. But Carter’s defensive upside means they could play together in the backcourt of second-unit lineups, with Dragic injecting creativity and shooting where is sorely needed. Dragic isn’t a game-changer but the Bucks are already the hottest team in the NBA right now and he’s certainly a useful depth piece.
But Goran Dragic isn’t the only important piece of NBA news today — Steph Curry is almost back and the Warriors unveiled an embarassing defensive strategy on Russell Westbrook.