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Miami Heat: Top free agent options to backup Goran Dragic

By Simon Smith

January 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) walks with head coach Erik Spoelstra after being involved in an altercation with Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (not pictured) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) walks with head coach Erik Spoelstra after being involved in an altercation with Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (not pictured) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Greivis Vasquez, Brooklyn Nets

Vasquez’s last two season’s have been a virtual wash, playing a total of 26 games, including just three last season in his sole season with the Brooklyn Nets. This has been due to a recurring ankle injury which has required two bouts of surgery, with the second round of surgery seemingly improving the morale of the 30 year-old Venezuelan.

Recently, Vasquez spoke about his latest surgery and his plans for the future:

"“The doctor reset my bones during surgery, and my ankle today has better biomechanics. It is essential for my type of play. The last two years, I played 23 or 24 games with a badly atrophied ankle….the truth is that I should have had the 2016 surgery to begin with. ….In June or July, I hope to try out with several teams. If my ankle is at 70 or 80 percent by then, it will be enough to display my type of play. I know that I can help any team in the regular season and playoffs. I have done that before.”"

Vasquez’s last meaningful stretch of games was during the 2014-15 season, playing for the Toronto Raptors, playing as a backup to All-Star Kyle Lowry. That season, Vasquez played in all 82 games, averaging 9.5 points and 3.7 assists in 24.3 minutes per game, while shooting an impressive 37.9 percent from three-point range.

Following this season, the Milwaukee Bucks were so impressed, they parted with a 2017 first round pick and the 46th pick in 2015 (Norman Powell) in order to obtain Vasquez’s services.

Vasquez’s best performance that season was against the eventual NBA Champions for 2014-15, the Golden State Warriors. Coming off the bench, Vasquez posted 25 points and seven assists, which included 5-of-9 shooting from downtown.

The highlights from this game can be seen here:

While not possessing lightning speed, Vasquez’s creativity and shooting touch are undeniable.

On the comeback from injury, Vasquez will neither be commanding or expecting a hefty pay-day. When asked in February if he had heard from any teams, Vasquez responded:

"Yes, there are teams that have shown interest. But now those teams have other immediate needs to get to the playoffs."

Despite his recent injury woes, the Heat could do worse than make some enquiries and ascertain if Vasquez would be a suitable backup option.

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