Dion Waiters is back, and that’s good for Goran Dragic
While Dion Waiters returning to the Miami Heat is great news for the organization, it is especially rewarding for teammate Goran Dragic.
Miami Heat fans can breathe a sigh of relief: they are still very much welcome on Waiters Island.
On July 5, Dion Waiters re-signed to the Heat on a 4-year, $52 million contract, headlining the start of the organization’s offseason.
And you best believe president Pat Riley was ecstatic.
"“Dion, I’d like to see him play 70 to 75 games. If he does, I think — and I believe this — we have one of the most talented two guards, two-way guards at not only attacking the basket, but raising on threes,” Riley spoke of Waiters, shortly after the guard re-signed. “He had one of the top defensive percentages in the league defending. He’s an end of the game, end-of-the-shot-clock player. A lot of times you can’t find those kind of guys.”"
Naturally, his teammates were thrilled too. While Hassan Whiteside tweeted his excitement via cheese emojis, Wayne Ellington took to an Instagram video.
But perhaps no one was as ready for Waiters’ return, than Goran Dragic.
And not just because he is the other half of the cleverly named 7-Eleven duo, coined due to the players’ uniform numbers.
(Fun fact: Dragic has never actually been to a 7-Eleven store.)
Because as much fun as having a solid nickname is, winning is so much better. Which is exactly what Waiters and Dragic do, when they are on the court together.
"“He was out a long time and we couldn’t develop that chemistry. Now, we know. We’re on the same page. We are talking a lot. We are working together a lot. I know what he’s going to do and that’s the most important thing because I can feed off his game and he can feed of of my game.”"
That game being an impressive drive-and-kick strategy, one that does not work nearly as well with any other backcourt combination.
In late March, the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson quoted some pretty interesting numbers.
For example, in games playing alongside Waiters, Dragic shot 48.9 percent from the field, going 43.4 percent from downtown. Compare this to 45.6 percent and 37.2 percent when Waiters was absent, and it is clear just how much more efficient the veteran is with Waiters by his side.
This is also proven by Dragic’s 2.1 to 1 versus 1.9 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio, with and without Waiters on the court.
In matchups during which the shooting guard was out, the Heat were outscored by 66 points with Dragic on the floor. When Waiters returned? Miami was plus 121.
In other words, Dragic not only shoots better when Waiters is around, but also becomes a better ball-handler as well.
Why?
Well, for starters, Waiters creates better looks for Dragic. He knows the types of shots the point guard looks for, and works the offense until Dragic is ready to close out the possession. Dragic does the same for Waiters, and the result is that both become better facilitators.
And all of this is made possible by the fact that their games are so alike. Per the Palm Beach Post:
"“Dion has a different game than D-Wade,” Dragic said. “He has a similar game [to me]. He likes to get to the paint. He likes to attack. When you have one guy on the left side and another guy on the right side, and if they take the first option away you have the second option. His game makes it easier for me. Just a better fit.”"
Dragic was third in the league with 11.9 drives to the basket per contest, via NBA.com. And Waiters? He ranked sixth, with 11. In fact, they were the NBA’s highest-ranked teammates in drives per game. The only duo that comes close is Toronto’s Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, totaling 20.7 drives per game, compared to 7-Eleven’s 22.9.
So to say Dragic and Waiters gel well together, would be an understatement.
On his own, Dragic is one heck of a point guard. With quick feet, a perfected Euro-step and a take-no-crap demeanor, the Slovenian baller is an asset the Heat could not do without. However, Waiters’ basketball IQ and confidence in his own shot undoubtedly help take the 30-year-old’s stardom to the next level.
Next: Goran Dragic has a career year
Thought you were excited for Waiters’ return, Heat Nation? How do you think Dragic feels? Here is to 7-Eleven remaining open. All. Season. Long.