What each Miami Heat starter has to prove

Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (L) talks to Heat guard Josh Richardson (R) during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 123-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (L) talks to Heat guard Josh Richardson (R) during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 123-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 26, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) poses during photo day at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Goran Dragic

With the Wade and Big 3-era over, this is now Dragic’s team. This is the opportunity he was looking for when he sought and was granted a trade from Phoenix to Miami. His last season and a half, however, have been spent playing second-fiddle in the backcourt to Wade. The last time he was in charge of a team, he was named in the all-NBA third team and won the NBA’s most improved player award.

Therefore, his most recent track record when in a similar position is outstanding. That season he led a lowly-rated Suns team to 48 wins and the brink of the playoffs. When comparing that team to current Heat outfit, it could be easily argued the Heat have a more talented and versatile team.

So having been rewarded in the summer of 2015 with an $85 million contract, Dragic will be highly motivated to not only live up to the Heat’s investment, but to also repeat his career-season with the Suns. Without an all-star currently on the Heat roster, Dragic will certainly be keen to prove that he is capable of reaching that level of play.