Miami Heat: Individual player grades for the 2017-18 starting five

2 of 6

MIAMI, FL – APRIL 19: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 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) /

Goran Dragic – A+

This past year, Dragic went from Mr. Dependable to Mr. All-Star. Representing Team LeBron James as a replacement for a sidelined Kevin Love in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, the Slovenia-native finally reached one of his greatest career goals.

That aside, the point guard had an overall solid season. Averaging 17.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game, he saw time in 75 total contests, starting in every last one. He was by far the team’s most consistent player, even being named one of three co-captains on the year.

His best game came on February 3, against the Detroit Pistons. He scored 33 points in 35 minutes on 13-of-23 shooting from the field, including going 3-for-3 from downtown. And also totaled two rebounds, six assists, one block and two steals.

But The Dragon had plenty more impressive performances this season.

In fact, he even scored 33 points on another occasion, this time versus the Sacramento Kings. Dragic shot 11-of-21 from the field in 39 minutes, taking offensive control over the entirety of the game. And just two nights later, he went 10-of-18 in Los Angeles for 30 points in 31 minutes against the Lakers.

The veteran may have continued to go overlooked throughout the majority of the league, but Heat fans knew he was the glue that held the roster together. And not just with his on-court presence either.

For example, when Whiteside were struggling, Dragic was right there beside him. He praised his center in the media, acted as a mentor to him off the court and tried to get him as involved in the offense as possible.

So it’s safe to say that No. 7 was Miami’s 2017-18 MVP.

Home/Heat News