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Jeremy Lin vs. Goran Dragic
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ChuckBuck
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5/24/2012  12:01 PM
The top 2 young point guard prospects in free agency, let's see who wins out.


http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/19842/jeremy-lin-vs-goran-dragic


Jeremy Lin vs. Goran Dragic
By Jared Zwerling

When Jeremy Lin's agent, Roger Montgomery, said earlier this week that he doesn't have "assurances" from the Knicks that his client will be back with the team, perhaps Goran Dragic has something to do with that.

Lin and Dragic are viewed as the most attractive young point guards in the 2012 free-agent class -- and Dragic appears to be the clear favorite in NBA front-office circles.

ESPN New York asked six GMs which player they would choose to be their starter, and all of them picked Dragic. Lin's and Dragic's averages were nearly identical as starters -- 18.2 points, 7.7 assists and 2.0 steals over 25 games vs. 18.2 points, 8.3 assists and 1.8 steals over 26 games -- but GMs and scouts compare Dragic a bit more to Steve Nash, especially because he grew under the tutelage of the two-time MVP in Phoenix from 2008 to '11.

While Lin is the favorite to sign with the Knicks, don't count out the Rockets' Dragic. Even his agent, Rade Filipovich, thinks the Knicks would be a "first-class organization" for his client.

To find out more about the point guards' similarities and differences, ESPN New York consulted with a veteran NBA scout from the Eastern Conference and another from the West. Their insights about the two players were nearly in agreement.

Attacking (Advantage: Lin) -- When Lin penetrates, he's able to get lower and keep his defender out of position. "[Legendary coach] Bob Hurley Sr. always used to say, 'The low man wins, whatever sport it is,'" one scout said. "Defensively, you can't get into your stance well enough. Lin, for his size and height, is pretty impressive at being able to get low to the ground and keep his balance."

Competitiveness (Even) -- One scout was impressed with Lin's game-winner in Toronto on Valentine's Day, saying, "When you have the confidence in yourself and ability to make those shots, that's big." Regarding Dragic, another scout was taken aback by a move he put on Jamaal Tinsley in Novemer 2009, saying, "For him to go right back through Tinsley's legs, after he did it to him, was impressive. It proved to me his fight and how skilled he is."

Craftiness (Advantage: Dragic) -- While Lin has a nice left-to-right crossover, Dragic is quicker and has more lethal moves: a spin, crossover, double cross, behind-the-back and even a "Dream Shake" like Hakeem Olajuwon. "Dragic will drive baseline and then fake up, get the defender in the air and then he'll come back the other way and lay the ball in with the other hand," one scout said. "You can call it the Dragic Shake."

Finishing (Advantage: Dragic) -- They have the ability to take contact near the basket and kick the ball out to a teammate or score themselves. Dragic is slightly more explosive at the rim. Also, this past sesaon the heavier minutes impacted Lin's finishing ability. "I think his stamina was down because he was basically a backup guy playing about 35, 40 minutes," one scout said. "Stamina is definitely a factor, especially when teams are trying to trap more."

Hands (Advantage: Dragic) -- Both have quick hands defensively and play passing lanes well. On offense, the lefty Dragic can finish better with his opposite hand. Also, being a southpaw gives him a slight edge. "I think when there's a sudden change, whether it be a reserve coming into the game or maybe he gets switched on to someone who doesn't normally guard him, there's that instinct you're expecting a right-handed guy," one scout said.

Pick-and-roll (Even) -- They have a bit of Chris Paul's ability to change speeds and directions utilizing screens in pick-and-roll situations. "They can walk their defender into a screen and then explode off the screen," one scout said. "They have the ability where they actually can speed up into the screen and yet still get their defender on their back. They've got a lot of good thrust coming off the screen and then the ability to sink their teeth into the defense."

Shooting (Even) -- They're not great 3-point shooters. "They're both around 33 percent from three," one scout said. "That's still good to me, but when you have guys like Steve Nash shooting usually above 40 percent from three, that kind of raised the bar. If you get a point guard that's up around 37, 38 percent, that's really impressive. The consistency in their 3-point shooting is where you want to see a little bit of an improvement."

Transition (Advantage: Dragic) -- Not only does Dragic put pressure on the halfcourt defense, but he also constantly does it full court. "The thing that struck me was his knowledge of getting the ball inbounds, getting it up the court quickly and attacking," one scout said. "He put pressure on the defense in terms of as soon as the ball went through the hoop, he got the inbounds and he was pushing it right back at you. One of the best guys at that is Steve Nash."

Overall, both scouts said ball control is the biggest reason why Dragic is the better player right now. Lin's turnover rate was a reason for concern last season.

Will Lin -- a restricted free agent and the driving force behind the Knicks' midseason resurgence -- return to New York?

"The Knicks almost can't let Lin go," one scout said. "They would piss off so many fans. Barring something really odd, I think they have to bring him back. In the Knicks' situation, I don't think Dragic would ever fly."

Now, if Lin is granted Early Bird Rights in mid-June, the Knicks would still have a mid-level exception of $5 million to spend on someone else. That could be Dragic, who would likely get the starting nod over Lin in New York. The question is: What will Dragic's asking price be? Insiders predict he'll be in higher demand than Lin.

You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.


Dragic gets the slight nod over Lin in pure basketball ability. Obviously, you'd love to have both young point guards, but realistically the Knicks will resign Lin. If it was strictly a basketball decision, Dragic is the better bet, although Lin is no slouch. Business wise and marketing wise it's a no brainer, Lin's the pick.

AUTOADVERT
gunsnewing
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5/24/2012  12:08 PM    LAST EDITED: 5/24/2012  12:17 PM
I will let you know after this full season. I already Lin Lin has proven he can get it done in new york under the brightest lights
Knixkik
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5/24/2012  12:10 PM
Lin has more upside at this point. Who's better now is still very debatable and will be for some time.
earthmansurfer
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5/24/2012  1:50 PM
Dragic has more advantages according to "breaking his game down" but look at who makes the team better. Not even close and it's Lin by a longshot!

I don't buy the stats, I buy what I see watching the game. Further, Lin did much more with much less.

The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift. Albert Einstein
JohnStarksFan
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5/24/2012  1:50 PM    LAST EDITED: 5/24/2012  1:51 PM
Goran Dragic has been in the league for 4 years and is finally getting some minutes and showing what he's learned. Lin came in with nothing but garbage time on his resume and shined. Sure, a 4 year vet SHOULD have better skills than Lin. He should be able to control the ball more. And he's 2 years older than Lin - Dragic: 26 (Just turned) Lin: 23 - 24 start of next season. If Lin can obtain Dragic's 4 year vet numbers in limited game time right off the bat, without nearly as much vet leadership and tutoring (Dragic had Nash for a few YEARS, Lin had Bibby and Douglas for a few MONTHS), than what does that tell you? Lin has the POTENTIAL to learn everything that Dragic knows and more by staying on the court and getting experience with the Knicks. I, for one, want to watch that.
Moonangie
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5/24/2012  2:05 PM
Lin FTW!
GoNyGoNyGo
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5/24/2012  2:49 PM
Dragic is good, but for what Linsanity was to this team and the fans, I go with Lin. He has upside and he is a Harvard grad! Where is IQ on that comparison chart? You can't teach smarts!
JohnStarksFan
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5/24/2012  2:52 PM
GoNyGoNyGo wrote:Dragic is good, but for what Linsanity was to this team and the fans, I go with Lin. He has upside and he is a Harvard grad! Where is IQ on that comparison chart? You can't teach smarts!

I agree, but IQ and basketball IQ are very different.

yellowboy90
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5/24/2012  2:57 PM
I see this as a good thing. It keeps Lin value down which may save Ny some money
earthmansurfer
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5/24/2012  3:19 PM
JohnStarksFan wrote:
GoNyGoNyGo wrote:Dragic is good, but for what Linsanity was to this team and the fans, I go with Lin. He has upside and he is a Harvard grad! Where is IQ on that comparison chart? You can't teach smarts!

I agree, but IQ and basketball IQ are very different.

But he clearly has both.

The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift. Albert Einstein
Nalod
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5/24/2012  3:19 PM

Lin is a knick. We created Linsanity and I like this kid.

What if he can actually get better? Im not talking about linsanity but reduce turn overs and he makes better decisions with the ball?

JohnStarksFan
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5/24/2012  3:20 PM
Nalod wrote:
Lin is a knick. We created Linsanity and I like this kid.

What if he can actually get better? Im not talking about linsanity but reduce turn overs and he makes better decisions with the ball?

Yes. Agreed.

loweyecue
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5/24/2012  6:07 PM
earthmansurfer wrote:Dragic has more advantages according to "breaking his game down" but look at who makes the team better. Not even close and it's Lin by a longshot!

I don't buy the stats, I buy what I see watching the game. Further, Lin did much more with much less.

Thank you for bringing up what the STATs don't show. Between them I think Dragic will have more suitors and a higher asking price. I would take either but I definitely prefer Lin.

TKF on Melo ::....he is a punk, a jerk, a self absorbed out of shape, self aggrandizing, unprofessional, volume chucking coach killing playoff loser!!
yellowboy90
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5/24/2012  6:23 PM
If the bird rights go through how awesome would it be to get both. It's highly improbable but I would like that maybe more than getting a back up 4 or someone to start at 2. One can dream
NYKBocker
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5/24/2012  8:47 PM
yellowboy90 wrote:If the bird rights go through how awesome would it be to get both. It's highly improbable but I would like that maybe more than getting a back up 4 or someone to start at 2. One can dream

If we get both then I would start both of them at the backcourt. Have Dragic play the 2 when they are together and slide to the 1 when Lin is out.

IrishKnickFan
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5/24/2012  10:07 PM
remember we still have to see what the bird rights ruling is. If it rules in our favor then there is still a chance possibly to have both by using the MLE. I know people want nash bust nash is gonna seek more money
RonRon
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5/24/2012  10:18 PM    LAST EDITED: 5/24/2012  10:19 PM
I wanted Dragic b4 he Lowry went down, hoping to trade for him, or sign him, as I thought Lin would never get PT with Dantoni's dog house b4 Linsanity.
However, his value has risen a lot since, I don't think we will be able to attain a player like him.
I honestly still think Dragic is the better player but Lin is a great story, and is the money maker.
So its a no brainer for Dolan.

I think there are too many needs for us to focus before another PG, although Dragic would be able to play some SG with his size, and is young.
They have 2 PGs that are great for their future in Dragic and Lowry.
Lowry doesn't cost much, in the 5m area, and I think Houston will retain Dragic.

They might package one for "Star" but since Dragic has good size, I think they might keep both.

Kevin Martin is an expiring contract with Dalembert for next year.
They both add up to about Amare's contract, I wonder if there will be any interest.
Since they have Chandler Parsons, Budlinger, and RFA Courtney Lee all playing well together with Dragic and Lowery at the PG,SG,SF

While they probably would still prefer someone like Gasol, I wonder if they would take Amare in that type of deal.
Amare would actually fit well with the speedy PGs in Dragic, Lowry, with their shooters to spread the floor.

While Camby could be resigned, as he took over the starting position, with Dalembert barely playing in the end of last year, just falling short from their playoff push.

I honestly don't think Amare is as bad as he actually is on NY, he just doesn't fit with Tyson and Melo together.
He isn't a good defender or rebounder, but he is willing to move the ball, excels in the PnR, and needs shooters to spread him out.
This is what recipe that Amare needs, to play well, with a Center that could cover for him, and can hit a 17 foot shot with a go to room in the paint.

However, with the construction of the new CBA, he surely, isn't worth the 20m he is owed each year, for the next 3 years, uninsured.
Probably only teams with a bad contract, they would like to give up, would actually be interested in his services.

Teams that have the above with, with bad contracts, might have interest.

Teams that play at a fast pace, with good ball movement, and need a finisher, a "scoring threat"
PGs that can penetrate, with speed/quickness
Good Shooters to space the floor
Preferably a Center, that can hit the 17 footer and cover for some of Amare's inabilities.

Teams that fit this description include

New Orleans, Ok4 and Ariza

Bobcats, Maggette and Diop (expirings) 2nd round pick

Bucks, Gooden, Udrich, and Luc Mbah a Moute or Dunleavy

Kings, combinations of John Salmons, Francisco Garcia, Donte Green, Terence Williams, and Jason Thompson or Tyreke Evans

Detriot, many combinations of Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Rodney Stuckey, Prince, Jason Maxiell, Jonas Jerebko, Will Bynum

Washington, Rashard Lewis (expiring)

not sure if he is UNTRADEABLE but we might not like some of the offers out there, while some aren't that bad, with expirings.

callmened
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5/26/2012  9:44 PM
im a huge dragic fan (especially since i was a lefty PG myself). this guy has tremendous upside and it was only nash that held him back. I think hes more explosive than lin and a better athlete. i love lin and i think hes the real deal (he could average 14ppg and 7asts) but dragic is the better player IMHO

but with that said, theres NO WAY theyre gonna get rid of lin...not only he is a legit player but he has a cult following and brings in $$ (which is what Dolan is all about). hopefully the NBPA wins this MLE situation so we can keep lin and novak. then we use 5mil or so to sign dragic, subtract JR and sign camby and jj hickson to min vets

Knicks should be improved: win about 40 games and maybe sneak into the playoffs. Melo, Rose and even Noah will have some nice moments however this team should be about PORZINGUS. the sooner they make him the primary player, the better
JohnStarksFan
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5/27/2012  12:48 AM
callmened wrote:im a huge dragic fan (especially since i was a lefty PG myself). this guy has tremendous upside and it was only nash that held him back. I think hes more explosive than lin and a better athlete. i love lin and i think hes the real deal (he could average 14ppg and 7asts) but dragic is the better player IMHO

but with that said, theres NO WAY theyre gonna get rid of lin...not only he is a legit player but he has a cult following and brings in $$ (which is what Dolan is all about). hopefully the NBPA wins this MLE situation so we can keep lin and novak. then we use 5mil or so to sign dragic, subtract JR and sign camby and jj hickson to min vets

Hickson's not a vet. He's 23. And he's getting more than minimum, someone will probably give him their MLE. Kid's got game.

CashMoney
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5/27/2012  11:25 AM
I'm all in on Lin.
Blue & Orange 4 Life!
Jeremy Lin vs. Goran Dragic

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