The Miami Heat have a very interesting season ahead of them. Not only does it involve new additions, but also getting the most out of team veterans.
When the Miami Heat added Jimmy Butler this offseason, that was the first part of a multi-step plan to get them back into contention. While there will need to be several other moves made in order for them to get to where they truly would like to be, some of them can’t happen without the cooperation of others.
While that may be the case when it comes to things like landing another star player or two(looking at you again Washington), there are internal moves and maneuverings that can be made to also help improve this team. While Justise Winslow showed off a refined skill set during last season that would deem him worthy of continuing to be the main ball handler for this Miami Heat team, that doesn’t mean that the former main ball handler in Goran Dragic is unimportant.
While Winslow seems like the best option in that position currently, there is another tailor-made role that Goran Dragic could and would have just as great an impact. This role would be as the Miami Heat’s sixth man.
Not only would Goran Dragic thrive in that role as a scoring machine, which would be more than pleasing for the Heat, but it would also help to maintain or highlight his value as well. This is important because Dragic will be on the last year of his current deal this upcoming season and he should surely be looking for at least one more good payday of a contract.
Another factor to consider is the fact that there is a blueprint available. Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade was the de facto sixth man for this Heat team on last season, a role that he thrived in as well. So much so, that in crucial or game-closing moments, he was still on the floor and typically one of the guys counted on to close games.
Not only would this be good for the Heat and for Dragic from a per-game scenario, but it could actually help Goran Dragic add some hardware to his already good career. Not only would he be doing it for the betterment of his team, but he would instantly become a candidate for Lou Williams‘ sixth man award as an individual.
To sum things up, the Miami Heat would be a better version of themselves if Dragic were willing to take on this role, which he would surely excel in. To mention Lou Williams of the L.A. Clippers again, he is on the second year of a three year deal that pays him eight million dollars annually, which is something Dragic could certainly obtain on his next potential deal.
Lastly, it would give Dragic an opportunity to add a piece of NBA Hardware to his trophy mantle. It sounds like a win-win situation, for the Miami Heat and Goran Dragic alike.