All U Can Heat
Fansided

Goran Dragic remains fully committed to the Miami Heat

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 29: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat handles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 29: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat handles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 29, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Goran Dragic hopes to remain with the Miami Heat on a long-term basis.

After a first-round playoff exit, Miami Heat president Pat Riley said no one is off limits when it comes to making a trade this summer.

However, Goran Dragic very much hopes he’ll be around for a long time coming.

"“This is where I want to be,” Dragic said. “Everything here, it’s the way I want it. I think we have all the pieces here. I think I’ll be better. I think we’ll be better. I want to see how good we can be.”"

At 32-years-old, the point guard still has plenty left in his tank. Having averaged 17.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game in 2017-18, Dragic wasn’t even able to play to his full potential. Between a reoccurring sore knee, being subjected to constant lineup changes and a shortened playoff run, fans should expect more from the veteran moving forward.

Especially given that this year, he won’t be representing Slovenia in EuroBasket.

Although Dragic wouldn’t have traded the opportunity (or earning a gold medal) for the world, it certainly had an impact on how prepared he was, heading into the season.

"“I felt it the whole season. Mentally I was OK but physically I had minor injuries. You know those injuries, if you keep playing they never go away.”"

Of course, it didn’t help that Dragic was also selected to his first All-Star Game, allowing for even less time to give his body a break.

Still, the Slovenia-native had himself a solid third full year in Miami. He was a steady rock for the Heat, making life easier for both his teammates and head coach Erik Spoelstra. He consistently led the team in scoring (even been named Eastern Conference Player of the Week twice) and became a leader through the role of co-captain.

So despite the likelihood of a roster revamp, it would be in the Heat’s best interest to keep Dragic around. A guy Riley traded for in 2015.

"“My opinion on draft picks?” said Riley. “…They’re valuable to trade for veteran players that have talent if you can get one. So we traded two picks for Goran… I would much rather have Goran Dragic than those two picks.”"

It’s a safe bet he’d like to hold onto his headliner, too.

There may be a youth movement starting in South Florida, with guys like Bam Adebayo, Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow developing into the future of the franchise. But with Udonis Haslem and Dwyane Wade potentially retiring, Miami will need Dragic not just on the court, but off as well.

Next: Carmelo Anthony to the Miami Heat could be a dream or nightmare

The Miami Heat and Goran Dragic are a match made in heaven.

Home/Heat News