Goran Dragic can be an All-Star this season
By Simon Smith
Without Dwyane Wade to share the Miami Heat backcourt, will Goran Dragic make his first All-Star team?
Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic enters the 2016-17 with a great challenge, and even greater responsibility. For the first time in three seasons Dragic will have the full reins to the offense. Now entering his ninth NBA season, Dragic will relish the freedom he was seeking after demanding a trade from the Phoenix Suns.
With Wade now plying his trade in Chicago, Dragic gets the chance to prove he is worth the $85 million investment the Heat made in him. And with the playing future of Chris Bosh in doubt, Dragic has an incredible opportunity. Whilst losing such huge names as Wade and possibly Bosh can seem highly deflating, the Miami Heat have an array of up-and-away exciting young talent to lead them forward.
With possibly two all-stars out, that is exactly what Dragic should be aiming for: All-Star status.
Recently, whilst visiting Dragic in his native Slovenia, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra spoke glowingly of Dragic.
"“You don’t find many players that can attack, that can play fast, that can make other players better in that type of game. And he’s relentless….It only makes sense to maximizes Goran’s strengths.”"
Team President Pat Riley echoed Spoelstra’s sentiments.
"“I think Goran is going to have a different kind of season, a different kind of responsibility.”"
Since the departure of LeBron James, the Heat were again in the hands of Wade. Whilst they did increase the pace of play on occasion, it didn’t last long. Dragic had to take a back-seat (which is a credit to him as a teammate).
But it is now evident that the Heat hierarchy have made it clear the Heat will get out and run, which is what Dragic does best. In order to reach an all-star level, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account.
- Is he capable?
- Will he have the opportunity?
- How he compares to other Eastern Conference guards.
Next: Heat vs Suns