Miami Heat: Why aren’t more people talking about Goran Dragic?

With just one game left in regular season play, why aren’t more people talking about Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic?

We all know the narrative by now: the Miami Heat have no superstars.

And while we could sit here and debate what exactly that means and if it even matters, there’s a more important point to be made.

That being, more people should be talking about Goran Dragic.

At the start of 2017-18, it seemed the guard was on everyone’s radars. Heat Nation couldn’t wait to see what the 31-year-old would bring to the table, after a productive summer playing for the Slovenian national team. And the rest of the league was wondering if he would finally break into the elite category.

Then the season started, and Dragic continued to give everyone something to say.

Averaging 19.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 34.7 minutes for the month of October, the veteran got hot right out of the gate. His grind didn’t stop in November either, earning Eastern Conference Player of the Week on November 27, for his 23.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists over three games. He then earned Player of the Week for the second time on January 15, averaging 23.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists in three contests.

And of course, his spotlight only grew once he was named to the 2018 NBA All-Star team (despite coming in as an alternate for Kevin Love).

But since mid-February, it seems Dragic has been left in the dust.

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While Miami stayed in the headlines, coming close to taking the Cleveland Cavaliers’ former No. 3 spot in the East, the team’s effort and success was rarely, if ever, tied to the guard’s contributions. A head-scratcher, at best, considering how rock-solid Dragic has been.

During the month of March, the co-captain averaged 17.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 32.0 minutes of play, including performances like scoring 33 points in 39 minutes against the Sacramento Kings. And going 10-for-18 from the field for 30 points, versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

So what gives?

Well, for one, because the Heat truly thrive on team basketball, guys aren’t often singled out; whether for their successes, or failures. Dragic has also never been a household name like Dwyane Wade, or as outspoken as Hassan Whiteside, making it easier for him to be overlooked.

Still, the Dragon deserves only the highest of praises. And to hear them, consistently. With just one game left in regular season play, Dragic will finish the year leading the team in points and assists, while also reaching a career-high in rebounds (4.1 a game).

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Here’s to the Miami Heat’s Mr. Forever Dependable.