As the Miami Heat struggle, things come together for Goran Dragic

Despite the Miami Heat’s recent hardships, it’s time for Goran Dragic to shine.

2017-18 has been anything but smooth sailing, for the Miami Heat. And lately, things have seemingly gone from bad, to worse.

Once just half a game out of the third spot in the Eastern Conference, the team has fallen to eighth, barely holding on to dreams of making the postseason. At 30-28, it’s clear that the constant switch-up of lineups and rotations, due to injuries and otherwise, has taken a toll on the roster.

So much so, that they weren’t even able to capitalize off of a 24-point lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, in the end falling short 104-102.

Needless to say, the All-Star break couldn’t have come at a better time for the Heat.

However, Miami as a unit aren’t the only ones glad to see the break come. Goran Dragic is especially excited, as he will be competing in his first-ever All-Star Game; something he’s calling a dream come true.

The veteran, who earned a spot on Team LeBron James after a slew of injuries made their way through the superstar’s squad, has been working towards this moment his entire career. In fact, many believe he should have been selected in 2014, after having averaged 20.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists a game, numbers that won him the league’s Most Valuable Player award. The same was said of his performance last season, when he finished averaging a similar 20.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per contest.

Yet, he went overlooked both times.

"“It did stick in my memory,” Dragic said about the 2014 snub. “I felt I deserved that … but at the same time a lot of players deserve that. You know how much hard work you put in. I think that was the most painful (time). From that point, I was always working to that end to someday be an All-Star.”"

And that time is now.

Despite his overall numbers being down, as the guard currently averages 17.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists a matchup, there’s no denying he continues to play elite basketball. Especially given how much of a rollercoaster ride this season has been for the Heat.

Still, for Dragic, it’s been a year to remember.

"“It’s been an unbelievable year for me… first of all, nobody expected us to win a gold medal [at EuroBasket 2017 last September]. That was our first gold medal in team sports in Slovenian history. It’s a really huge deal. And then to be MVP [of that tournament] and then make the All-Star game, it’s something great, something special.”"

If anyone deserves the honor, it’s certainly the 31-year-old. Between his raw skill-set and his work ethic, he is truly the type of player everyone should aspire to be just like.

Having landed in Los Angeles yesterday, alongside teammate Wayne Ellington who is competing in the Saturday night 3-Point Contest, it’s bound to be an exciting weekend for the star and his family.

Next: Miami Heat guard Derrick Jones Jr.: Then, now and what's to come

The Miami Heat definitely have some things to figure out over the next week, but Goran Dragic seems to have it all very much together.