Miami Heat: Goran Dragic off the bench is best for everyone

Goran Dragic has been nothing short of amazing for the Miami Heat in his return from injury. Although coming off the bench, he has put up numbers that would put some starters to shame. It is for that reason, among others, that the best thing for all parties involved would be to continue to have him do so.

According to the Five Reasons Sports Network, Goran Dragic is ready to start again for the Miami Heat. Rightfully so, as he is averaging 16 points per game since he has been back. However, with the emergence of Justise Winslow, the balance they’ve established in his time away, and the lethal force that bringing him off the pine has been, that isn’t the best move for the Heat at all.

This move could not only potentially tear down all that has been established by Justise Winslow this season, but could disrupt the rotation that has seen the Miami Heat play some of their best basketball in recent weeks. Aside from the actual players, establishing and tweaking a rotation is quite a task for a coach, especially when having to figure out exactly who works well together while also trying to win games.

Whatever keys that coach Erik Spoelstra has struck over the past few weeks are the right ones, and he should continue to strike them. This includes bringing Dragic off the bench to form a dastardly trio with Dwyane Wade and Hassan Whiteside. Not only is it best for the team though, it is most likely what’s best for The Dragon. 

Goran Dragic could still be a successful starter, as he was an All-Star just last season, but he could be a better sixth man option. Not only could he extend his career by taking on a role that he fits into just as well, but he could also still cash in on his next deal. Lou Williams of the Los Angeles Clippers, a career sixth man while simultaneously being a deadly closer, has made a career of that. So much so, that he is currently on the first year of a three-year $24 million deal.

If he can find it within himself to accept this role, he could cash out in the same if not a larger manner. Dragic’s career achievements as a starter prove that he is a more than capable backup when or if that time came for him to start, and what separates him from a lot of other guards in his situation is that he is actually an accomplished player at both guard positions. This means that not only could he be one of the most lethal sixth men in the league, but would probably be the best backup guard on any team.

Regardless of what the stigma may be around not being a starter, Dragic could be just as paid and even more effective as the first player off a teams bench. He will most likely pick up his player option for next season with the Heat, one that will pay out a base salary of $19.2 million, but the Heat should use that time wisely as well. They should use it to not only convince him to remain in Miami beyond next season, but also to coax him into understanding the weapon he is coming off the bench.

That’s why continuing to bring Goran Dragic off the bench would be best for everyone.