The Coup Before the Coup

June 27, 7:59 am — by

The front office did something different this year. They chose a player everyone knows. And they chose a player everyone knows is good. Sometimes, it’s enough to simply place yourself in a position to get lucky.

In the 2008 draft, the Spurs selected Goran Dragic at 45, but traded him to Phoenix 5 minutes later for Malik Hairston, cash, and the 37th pick in the 2009 draft. That pick became DeJuan Blair. Dragic is not much of a player for Phoenix while Hairston is an intriguing prospect who has a strong chance to make the Spurs roster this season. The Spurs didn’t trade Goran Dragic in anticipation of a lottery talent falling into the second round. But they did create an opportunity for themselves, while picking up a player and pocket change. The lottery talent slide was luck. It’s a picture of smart management.

  • este

    It’s never a good idea to draft a player whose name rhymes with Tragic!

  • GMT

    I agree with este. We did good.

    Go Spurs Go!

  • rocko.texas

    The Spurs have really done a number on Phoenix these past years. Steve Kerr has been a great inside man. I’m starting to feel guilty.

  • Zocalo

    Don’t let a Suns fan read this..

  • http://www.seekingandtelling.blogspot.com pollackj

    They say it’s better to be lucky than good, but we’ve got both for the moment at least. I’ll take that.

    Now let’s see if sasquatch is coming to town and we can really get excited.

  • gilmorelaw

    este, I guess you wouldn’t have drafted Magic.

  • este

    If I recall his last name is Johnson. But I guess that’s a technicality.