Miami Heat: 4 point guard replacements if Goran Dragic walks in free agency

Veteran D.J. Augustin is the next-most longed after point guard in free agency.

Whatever team strikes out on Goran Dragic is no doubt turning next to D.J. Augustin, currently with the Orlando Magic. He was an integral piece to their playoff berth this season and the last and will be a longed after talent in this free-agent market.

Augustin’s numbers aren’t flashy, but they’re consistent. He finished the 2019-2020 regular season averaging 10.5 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game while knocking down just 40 percent of his field goals, but connecting on 35 percent of his three-point shots.

It should be noted those numbers are also coming from a down year, with Augustin playing less than 60 games for the first time in his 12 year career. There are flashier names sure, like Fred VanVleet or (gulp) Jordan Clarkson, but targeting a veteran is best for Miami’s cap sheet.

In the same sense, Augustin has been revered in Orlando for his willingness to accept any role. That kind of mentality is embodied in the Heat culture, making him a natural fit in Miami.

Augustin is a few years younger than Dragic. He’s a veteran with strong ball-handling and the IQ to keep turnovers limited. He’ll be cheaper than Dragic (among others), and would very likely sign the one-year deal Pat Riley is no doubt hoping to spend on a point guard this offseason.