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Goran Dragic to lead the way with a new host of sidekicks

By Simon Smith

Apr 10, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (left) talks with guard Goran Dragic (right) during the first half against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (left) talks with guard Goran Dragic (right) during the first half against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball as forward Chris Bosh (1) sets a pick on Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) in the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball as forward Chris Bosh (1) sets a pick on Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) in the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

Frontcourt

And then there is the incumbent starting front-court of Hassan Whiteside and Chris Bosh.

Although Whiteside came off the bench for 30 out his 73 games last season, he will now be the unquestioned starting center moving forward (Heat president Pat Riley didn’t recently award him a $98 million contract to be a substitute). Whilst Whiteside’s status is certain, Bosh’s is still unclear following two heavily interrupted seasons due to recurring blood clots.

Dragic and Bosh when playing together form a lethal combination – their pick and roll harmony is unquestioned, and the spacing Bosh gives Dragic whilst sharing the floor is invaluable. Whiteside on the other hand has yet to build the same level of chemistry with Dragic.

This is not only due to the way their games interact, but also Whiteside’s level of basketball IQ is not quite on the same level as Bosh. Having said that, Whiteside has just 140 career NBA games.

So although physically he may be just about to reach his peak, his lack of relative experience in the league can give credence to the fact that its more than likely his basketball smarts and overall awareness will improve with each passing game.

Next: Changes

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