Miami Heat: Grading every player at the midway point of the season
By Simon Smith
Goran Dragic
Through the first half of the season, Dragic has demonstrated what he is capable of producing. In 34 games, Dragic is averaging 19.4 points, 6.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 46.4 percent from the field. Having taken a backseat to Wade during the past couple of seasons, Dragic has returned to the form he displayed as a member of the Phoenix Suns when he was named to the all-NBA third team.
Furthermore, he has particularly excelled when he has not had to share the backcourt with newcomer Dion Waiters. Earlier this season where Waiters missed 20 games due rot injury, Dragic excelled in posting 21.4 points, 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in 36.1 minutes per game. Being a point guard who flourishes with the ball in his hands, these are the sort of numbers the Heat were anticipating when they traded for him at the start of 2015.
A further point on the Dragic-Waiters dynamic: when Waiters is off the court, Dragic’s usage rate is at 27.9 for the season. When he is on the court, this drips mightily to 22.5.
The one major negative that can be pointed at Dragic this season is his turnover rate. He is presently averaging 3.2 turnovers per game, the highest number of his career.
Overall, Dragic should be commended that despite the constant speculation as to his future in Miami, Dragic has continue to compete and perform at an elite level. Check out below for highlights of Dragic’s premier game of the season. In 31 minutes, Dragic totalled 34 points on 14-of-23 from the field to go along with five rebounds and five assists.