On the off chance that the Miami Heat have to prepare for life without Goran Dragic, a look at some potential replacements for the veteran point guard.
The Miami Heat are seeing unexpected successes in this year’s playoffs, and it’s largely in credit to the resurgence of point guard Goran Dragic. At 34-years old, the veteran has seemed to have refound his All-Star form from the 2017-2018 season, with the experience in between in hand.
Dragic has almost single-handedly headed the Heat Culture from Dwyane Wade‘s retirement to the arrival of Jimmy Butler. He’s seen a number of different roles since arriving in South Beach, and most recently spent the entire regular season on the bench before his upturn in Orlando.
But when Kendrick Nunn tested positive for coronavirus and missed the team’s first to two weeks of practice, the window opened up once again or Dragic to make his mark on Miami. Since, he’s become one of their best closing players, both on the offensive and defensive ends of the ball.
Only one problem: his play in Orlando has only made him all the more popular ahead of his unrestricted free agency. Prior to the NBA’s restart and playoffs, the thought was that Dragic would resign with the Heat on a one-year balloon deal in the $15-20 million range.
Is it possible that the veteran would seek out a longterm deal as opposed to continuing (and potentially finishing) his career in Miami? Most will tell you no. But it’s a probability that Pat Riley and the front office will have to prepare for; being outpriced for Dragic’s services in free agency.
That being said, a look at four different point guards that the Miami Heat should keep in mind as potential replacements to Goran Dragic’s place in this starting lineup. One from free agency, one to be acquired via trade, one from the upcoming draft, and one that’s already in house.