Miami Heat 2016-17 player preview: Goran Dragic

Last season and breakout game

Dragic played in 72 games last season and finished with averages of 14.1 points per game, 5.8 assists per game in 32.8 minutes per game. He shot 47.7 percent from the field and had an average usage rate of 21.9. These numbers are certainly steady, but not outstanding. Dragic had a particularly slow start to the season, posting numbers of 11.6 points per game, 5.2 assists per game whilst shooting 44.9 percent from the field over the first 30 games of the season. The average usage rate of 18.9 was particularly low.

He since has admitted that his slow start was primarily due to a lack of preparation and an adjustment period early in the season of living alone whilst his family was back in his native Slovenia.

His most productive and efficient game last season came on March 11 against the Chicago Bulls. In 31 minutes, Dragic had 26 points and nine assists on 10-of-16 shooting from the field. He had a usage rate of 28.7 and was a +29 whilst on the court. As can be seen in the above video, Dragic displayed his vast array of offensive talents. Driving to the rim, driving and setting up the three-point shot, running floaters in the lane and pulling and draining the three himself just some of the skills on show. Setting up Josh Richardson behind the three-point line was very noticeable, and will be something the Heat will be looking forward to seeing more of this season.