Jan. 7 2011; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (2) drives the ball against the New York Knicks at the US Airways Center. The Knicks defeated the Suns 121-96. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE

The Suns drafted Goran Dragic 45^th overall in the 2008 NBA draft and was an absolute steal for the Suns; until they traded him away for Aaron Brooks who ultimately the Suns let walk for nothing. The Suns managed to get Dragic back this summer as a free agent inking him to a 4 year 30 million dollar contract. Dragic is all but penciled in as the Suns starting point guard, who had a great season last year in Houston and averaged 18 points and 8.5 assists as Houston’s starting point guard. So what should be expected of Goran Dragic this year? 4 on 4 time!!

1) Will Goran Dragic be able to maintain the same production he had in Houston in Phoenix?

- I’m going to have to say no, Dragic averaged almost 37 minutes a game as a starter and it’s obvious he won’t be getting as much minutes in Phoenix with rookie Kendall Marshall as his back up. Dragic will likely play a couple minutes less than he did in Houston so I’m doubtful that he’ll be able to maintain the same production with less minutes nightly.

2) Who is the best compliment to Goran Dragic?

- It’s a tough call at this point, but I’m going with Luis Scola. Dragic and Scola were teammates in Houston and will have chemistry right away. Scola is capable of finishing post shots, a decent pick and roll player and he’s also one of the best mid-range shooting big man in the NBA.

3) What’s Goran Dragic’s long term role in Phoenix?

- Well at this point he’ll be their starting point guard for the next couple years, but hopefully for the Suns Kendall Marshall will come along quickly and overtake Dragic as soon as possible! Dragic is a very good point guard but his potential is limited whereas Marshall’s is much more wide open. If Marshall shows solid progress within the next year or two, Dragic will probably be moved.

4) What kind of impact will Dragic have on the Suns team?

- Goran Dragic won’t bring elite athleticism, deadly shooting or “Nashty” Passes, but he will bring it 100% every game. Dragic will play very tough defense, attack the rim, and be the fearless attacking point guard the Suns haven’t had since probably Stephon Marbury. Dragic is a very talent offensive minded point guard who can also help mentor Kendall Marshall and show him how to attack defenses in the NBA after all Dragic did burst on the scene with a 23 point second half against our “Beloved” Spurs in the west semis back in 2010.

I still don’t think Dragic is the long term answer for the Suns, but rather they signed him as an insurance blanket incase Marshall doesn’t work out. Dragic’s contract is also pretty reasonable for a player of his caliber and he can definitely have a positive influence on any team. With a guy like Dragic running the show I expect the Suns to be competitive but the playoffs still a long shot.

April 24, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Phoenix Suns assistant coach Dan Majerle (left) talks with head coach Alvin Gentry during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Energy Solutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

The Suns’ 82 game regular season schedule was released today along with the schedule for rest of the league. Heading into this season the Suns haven’t looked this different since probably 2003, Steve Nash the face of the franchise is no longer wearing purple and orange but rather purple and gold, and the best player on the team is arguably Goran Dragic. So what are some things to expect this season let’s have ourselves a 4 on 4.

1) How good will the Suns be this year?

- Honest it’s very difficult to say at this point because you never know what can happen. The Houston Rockets made a strong playoff push last season with a roster that about the same talent wise if not worse, so it’s not completely outrageous to think the Suns can grab an eighth seed in the west but it is HIGHLY unlikely; at this point however grabbing a low seed in the playoff is pointless because it’ll just be another season in “No-Man’s land” For the Suns. It’s such a tough situation because when I look at the western conference, roster wise the Suns aren’t exactly better than any of them except Houston so the odds are the Suns’ will be a lottery team choosing between the 5th-9th spot.

2) Is Alvin Gentry going to be on the hot seat this year?

- Absolutely not, with the departure of Steve Nash; Alvin Gentry is about the only piece of the puzzle that’s left from the all famous seven seconds or less offense. Gentry has proven that he’s good at nurturing young players since he took over, look at Dragic and Dudley. Gentry will be heavily relied upon to mentor Kendall Marshall and Markieff Morris as those two guys will be very valuable building blocks for the future.

3) Who might get traded during the course of the season?

- The way things are right now I’d say the only player that’s untouchable is Kendall Marshall because he’s bound to become one of the best passers in the league and also he’s got solid potential as well as leadership skills that don’t come along everyday. The most valuable asset for the Suns is obviously Marcin Gortat, if the Suns’ are struggling mid way through the season I believe Gortat will be moved for draft picks or young talent.

4) Who will get to be the first permanent starter in Phoenix, Morris or Marshall?

- At this point I’d have to say Morris, mainly because Marshall has to compete for the starting point guard spot with Goran Dragic and Morris is going up against an aging Luis Scola for the starting power forward spot. Morris thus far has an NBA ready body and has proven to be able to play on both ends of the floor. Morris will be a good player for a long time to come as will Marshall however I don’t think Marshall can surpass Dragic this season skill wise then again it’s the NBA crazier things have happened.

Alvin Gentry and company will definitely have their hands full this season, statically shown that only teams that have won titles DRAFTED their best players, Jordan with Chicago, Dirk with Dallas, Kobe with L.A, Bird with Boston, Magic with L.A. The 2013 draft isn’t exactly loaded with crazy talented players but there’s always a diamond in a rough.