Goran Dragic played out of his mind with the Miami Heat this season, giving fans a year to remember.
Move over Miley Cyrus, because when it comes to the Miami Heat’s 2016-17 run, it was Goran Dragic who could not be tamed.
The point guard may have won the league’s Most Improved Player award for his 2013-14 performance, but it could be argued that this season was the 30-year-old’s best. In fact, on paper, the two years are almost identical. Averaging 20.3 points, Dragic also pulled down 3.2 rebounds and dished out 5.9 assists a game while with the Phoenix Suns. Compared to 20.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per matchup in Miami. However, the overall impact he had on his team this year is incomparable.
Deemed a leader from the get-go along with teammate Hassan Whiteside, Dragic did just that.
Released from underneath Dwyane Wade’s shadow, the fast-footed Slovenian was finally able to run the floor at his desired speed, resulting in an incredible offensive effort. And what is more, he upped his playmaking abilities, ultimately leading to improved offense from other guys as well. But he also led his team off the court; with the Heat having entered somewhat of a youth movement, Dragic’s eight years of experienced certainly helped to mold the work ethic of youngins like Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson.
While Miami took off on a historic 13-0 run in late January, going from 11-30 to 30-11 for an overall record of 41-41, Dragic was a silver-lining for Heat Nation long before that.
Between scoring 27 points against the Boston Celtics on November 28, averaging 21.1 points in December and finishing with 32 points on 11-of-15 shooting against the Dallas Mavericks on January 19, Dragic constantly gave fans something to root for. Against all odds.
So with the offseason finally beginning in South Beach, it is now time to take a look at his 2016-17 campaign.
Best Performance: December 12, 2016 vs. Washington Wizards, 34 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists.
While Dragic may have scored 30 or more points on seven different occasions this season, his 34-point performance in an 112-102 win over the Washington Wizards was his best offensive game of the year.
After sitting out the majority of the third quarter due to foul trouble, the guard went to work to make sure his team did not finish the evening on a sour note. He scored 13 points during the fourth, and led the Heat to snap their five-game losing streak.
Miami was outscored by 15 while their star was on the bench, versus outscoring their opponent by 26 with him in the game.
The lefty shot 14-of-23, including going 2-for-5 from three. And ended with a +26 +/-.
He pulled up 16-foot jumpers, flew past defenders on his drive through the lane, completed put-backs, drew contact for and one’s, let it fly from downtown…
Dragic really did it all that night.
Interesting Stat: 20.3
Yes, 20.3 is the average number of points Dragic scored this season. But did you know that number stayed the same pre and post the NBA All-Star break?
Even though the guard played in 49 games on 34.3 minutes of play prior to the break as compared to 24 and 32.5 after, his numbers did not waiver.
Despite the Heat having a terrible start to the year.
And many more bodies coming back from injury closer to the halfway mark.
Dragic was as consistent as they come in 2016-17, certainly helping to balance out the adversity the team faced after losing both Wade and Chris Bosh.
What We Learned
Besides that Dragic is prone to losing teeth, of course.
Well, for starters, that Miami found itself one heck of a point guard.
Although many were excited when Dragic first signed on with the Heat, they were worried he did not exactly fit the system. And playing alongside Wade, he did not. He was not able to push the tempo, a key part of his offensive success. But given the chance to run the show his way? Totally different story.
We also see how much the sharp-shooter has bought into the culture that president Pat Riley has helped to create.
Not once did he even ever dream of giving up, a mindset that without a doubt helped build the organization’s legacy. Even when the team was so beat up, there were only three available guys off the bench; even when a good part of Heat Nation hopped aboard the Tank Train; even when a playoff push seemed impossible, Dragic never stopped giving the team his all.
He has also developed a close bond with many of his new teammates, including Dion Waiters and James Johnson, two guys the front office is dying to re-sign. And you better believe Dragic will do everything in his power to help convince them to do so.
While Wade may always be associated as the face of the franchise, and many are looking at Justise Winslow as next in line, it seems for now, Dragic embodies all that is Miami Heat Basketball.
What Is Next?
Locked into a 5-year, $90 million deal, fans should simply expect more great basketball from Dragic.
Stating he is in the best shape of his life, the guard is keeping up his physique by spending the summer playing for Slovenia’s national team. He will not be back in South Beach until September.
As for a possible trade? For now, all seems quiet on that front.
After all, Riley and company would be crazy to give up such an offensive powerhouse after the season he just had.
Next: Player exit interview: Dion Waiters enjoys career year with the Miami Heat
Here is to Goran Dragic, in all of his glory. And to an even better 2017-18.