D.J.

Strawberry

Strawberry played last season in Israel and will stay there for the 2012-13 season. His NBA career is likely over.

Strawberry had an out clause in his contract with Holon, which he exercised after just a few weeks, presumably in pursuit of a bigger paycheck. He averaged a solid 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in Israel last season, but his NBA career is almost assuredly over.

Strawberry offers some versatility with his ability to play both guard positions, and was a fairly hot name prior to draft day. Defense is his middle name, but he might be the worst shooter in the league, and will struggle to make an impact in the NBA.

Rookie Alando Tucker and Strawberry scored all of Phoenix’s points during a 12-5 spurt that extended the Suns’ margin to 11 at 87-76 with 4:41 to play. The son of former MLB star Darryl Strawberry is fighting for one of the final spots in the backcourt.

Agent Bll Duffy says the first year is guaranteed for the rookie minimum, while the second year is a team option. The Suns now have 12 players signed for the coming season, but they need to carry at least 13 and are hoping P.J. Brown will be that man.

Neither of these guys will have fantasy value this year, and the Suns are probably just trying to determine what each of them can offer the team.

Strawberry’s contract is only guaranteed if he makes the opening night roster. Rockets GM Daryl Morey said Strawberry “has a shot” at making the team. “He’s athletic,” Morey said, “can really defend multiple guard spots. Phoenix was starting to use him at [point guard]. That’s where he’ll be unique.” Even odds he makes the team, 1000:1 that he makes an impact in fantasy leagues.

Dragic owes at least $1 million of his buyout, though the Suns will more than compensate him for the inconvenience -- he is expected to sign a contract similar to Robin Lopez’s four-year, $6.75 million deal. Dragic’s signing leaves D.J. Strawberry in an awkward position, and he’ll only remain with the Suns if they pick up his $711,000 option by next month. It doesn’t look promising for Strawberry -- his own agent recently said, “We wouldn’t discourage him to go to another situation.”

“D.J. is a combo guard, and that’s probably not going to change” said GM Steve Kerr. The Suns’ search for a pure point guard has been intensified now that Goran Dragic is staying in Europe for another season. Unfortunately for Phoenix, most of the quality FA point guards are already off the market.

D.J. Strawberry added 16 points and Yao Ming had his best game of the preseason, finishing with 15 points and 16 rebounds in 24 minutes. The Rockets want to use Brooks more this season, but he is too inconsistent to rely on in most fantasy leagues.