Goran Dragic admitted in a recent interview with Zoran Mijatović of Slovenian outlet Vecer that his stint with the Nets last season was a difficult one, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post.
“I already talked to Chicago last year, but then things unfortunately took a different direction,” Dragic said, via Google Translate. “Well, not unfortunately, it just happened as it did and I chose Brooklyn. Last year I decided the way I did.
“I played with some stars, like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, and I have to admit that it was quite difficult because the focus was not the team, but more the individual performances of the individuals,” Dragic said.
The veteran guard decided not to join the Mavericks because there wasn’t a path to regular playing time, but he’s happy he signed with the Bulls in free agency.
“It was really tough last year, but that’s part of the sport. I’m happy that I came to the club environment that I wanted, in which I know that I will play, where I can get to consistency again, and that’s what I’m most happy about,” Dragic said, per Lewis.
Here’s more from the Atlantic:
- In an appearance on Get Up (video link), ESPN’s Nick Friedell said he “would be very surprised if (the Nets) dropped (Kyrie Irving) back in to start training camp.” Friedell, who covers the Nets for ESPN, also said he thinks Durant will start the season with Brooklyn.
- ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently relayed on The Lowe Post podcast that the Raptors might be interested in Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic (hat tip to RealGM). “If the Jazz and Raptors do a trade, I think Bogdanovic would be the guy going to Toronto, not Donovan Mitchell,” said MacMahon. “Just saying.” “Spicy,” replied Zach Lowe. “I’ve heard rumblings there,” added MacMahon. “Nothing imminent or anything close to it. I think he’s a guy… the Raptors can certainly use a 6’8″ shooter like Bogdanovic. For the Jazz in a rebuild, they’re obviously trying to move him.” Bogdanovic holds a career three-point percentage of 39.2% and Toronto was 20th in the league in three-point shooting last season at 34.9%, so he could be a decent fit with the Raptors. The 33-year-old is on an expiring contract worth $19.5MM next season, so matching his salary might be a little difficult, assuming Toronto is interested.
- Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice.com covers a number of topics related to the Sixers in his latest mailbag column. He believes free agent acquisition P.J. Tucker projects to be a starter next season, joining incumbent starters James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid.
76ers are now better than Heat. but not Celtics
Are 76ers better than Bucks in playoffs?
The Sixers will likely go as far as their health permits. I don’t think either way that there’s a lot of clearance between those four teams, regardless of in what order one puts them.
I would rank them:
1)Celtics
2)Bucks
3)Heat
4)76ers
Your ranking are out of order ,let me correct for you. Bucks Celtics Sixers Heat.
Health has always been an excuse, I mean, issue for the Sixers lol.
The sixers have lost in the 2nd rd 4 of the last 5 years. Need to get over that hump before we can be title contenders
The Bulls match up with the Celtics and Heat, But not with the 76ers or Bucks unless they get another reliable PF. Trade Coby White to the Thunder for Micic and a draft pick( They have enough) and then get a PF with either Portland’s pick or the late 1st I’m assuming they’d get from the Thunder. White should be worth a late 1st and Micic who they obviously have no intention of ever playing. AK loves Euro’s. Would of been nice having Dragic last year when Ball and Lavine went down.
BULLS are a big piece away, they should be in on Durant or do they not have the assets?
They have no assets, as in draft picks.
Are the Raptors thinking of an OG for Bogey swap? They make similar money, right? Would help fill a need for both teams. Seems like a win-win.
Idk….OG is 24 and can play D. Seems like a hard no for Toronto.
Umm, absolutely NOT lol