Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic finally earns a trip to the All-Star Game

Miami Heat star Goran Dragic is finally an All-Star.

Too little, too late? Not for Goran Dragic.

After going overlooked season after season, including 2016-17 when he played the best basketball of his career, the Miami Heat star is finally an All-Star.

And while it’s a shame that it both took this long, and only came after Kevin Love broke his hand, Heat Nation will gladly celebrate the honor, all the same. As will Goran himself, who received the news early Thursday morning.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t want his star to find out over social media, instead surprising him with the information at practice.

"“You could see the shock on his face. It’s cool to see a group enjoy someone else’s success. They’re a part of it and Goran even thanked everybody for that. This group is great like that. They can get out of themselves and find joy when somebody else is playing well and accomplishing something.”"

And the team mentality is certainly mutual.

While Dragic has worked hard to become the elite player he is, he still credits his teammates for helping him achieve such success, especially over the last few years.

"“All the credit goes to them too because without them this would not be possible. They put me in the right spots so I can give my best, and I’m really grateful and thankful for that.”"

Averaging 17.0 points on 43.7 percent shooting (35.1 percent from downtown,) 4.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game, the guard is the first Slovenian-born player to become an All-Star. A feat that he proudly embraces, especially after already winning his national team an EuroBasket gold medal this past summer.

He won’t be traveling to Los Angeles alone though. Teammate Wayne Ellington was recently invited to join in on the All-Star Weekend festivities, by way of the 3-Point Contest. Shooting 40.2 percent from beyond-the-arc so far this season, he’s sure to put on a show.

While some people believe Hassan Whiteside should have made the All-Star team over Dragic, the veteran received the most points (in voting) from head coaches, for Eastern Conference players who weren’t already reserves or serving as replacements for injured guys.

"“Hassan is very close as well,” said Spoelstra. I would say if he didn’t miss those [18] games from [his bone bruise] injury. He just has to stay patient. Everybody’s journey is different… we’ll get him there one of these days.”"

There’s a good chance Spoelstra is right.

Next: Miami Heat: Key matchups in the month of February

Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic may have planned to be on a tropical island with his family over All-Star Weekend, but it looks like he’ll be heading to California instead.