DRAFT PICKS:
Robin Lopez, C, 7-0, Stanford. Lopez is not nearly as offensively gifted as his twin brother Brook, but Robin offers the defense, shot-blocking ability and high-energy motor the Suns have lacked in the middle. Perhaps the pick-and-roll won't be an automatic two points with him in the post. Goran Dragic, G, 6-4, Slovenia. Kerr said the 22-year-old, left-handed Dragic could be the long-term successor to Steve Nash. The Suns successfully brought him Phoenix right away thanks to a buyout with Spanish club Tau Ceramica.
BIGGEST NEEDS: With Boris Diaw now penciled in at small forward and Shaquille O'Neal and Robin Lopez in the middle, the Suns' most pressing need is a big two-guard with a defensive mindset and three-point shooting ability.
FREE AGENT FOCUS:
The Suns filled their roster holes by signing F Matt Barnes and F/C Louis Amundson to minimum deals. Barnes could push F Grant Hill for a starting job and could replace some of the athletic skills lost through Shawn Marion's departure. Barnes will also get a chance to shoot three-pointers, although the Suns need him to improve on his 32.4 career percentage.
PLAYER NOTES:
--G Gordan Giricek became the latest NBA reserve to return to Europe for a better deal when he signed a two-year contract in Turkey with Fenerbache. Giricek is expected to earn about $3 million Euros this season.
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