Goran Dragić’s Lasting Impact on the Miami Heat

Throughout the years, there have been numerous trades that left both positive and negative marks on the Miami Heat’s success. Of course, there were the blockbuster moves of acquiring LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal. However, there have been a few names that didn’t reach LeBron or Shaq status, but helped shape the franchise regardless. Whether or not they panned out, these players played crucial and significant roles that kept Miami competitive in the East and brought with them a new hope. One of the most beloved and storied of these players is #7,  Goran Dragic.

Goran Dragić was traded to the Miami Heat on February 19, 2015 in a three-team trade with the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans. 

He played a significant role for the Heat from 2015 to 2021. He was known for his playmaking and scoring ability, playing a pivotal role in the Heat's journey to the 2020 NBA FInals. Nicknamed “The Dragon”, Goran showcased leadership and resilience which earned him an All-Star appearance in 2018. Dragić left a lasting legacy in Miami as a beloved figure and a key piece to the team's success.

Dragić averaged 16.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in 59 games in the 2019-2020 season for the Heat (via Basketball Reference). Through his versatile scoring, he was one of the Heat’s most consistent bench scorers and could score through midrange pull-ups, three-pointers, and strong drives towards the basket. As a passer, he created good looks for shooters like Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, often running Miami's second-unit offense when star Jimmy Butler rested. 

Beyond the court, Dragić was a veteran and brought leadership to the team. The 33-year old guard was valuable for the Heat's young players as a teacher. His chemistry with Butler and Bam Adebayo helped solidify the Heat's identity.

He had clutch scoring and often hit key shots late in games and his fearlessness and competitive nature fit perfectly to the memory of “Heat Culture.”

Hassan Whiteside emphasized Dragić’s improvement with the Heat and how he fit into the system, “Oh…I love Goran. I love him,” he said. “We’ve been building better chemistry throughout the year so things have been great. You know, he’s become a better everything, a better basketball player, a better person, a better leader. And he’s just improving every day,” Whiteside said, via FanSided.

Despite the reliable offensive brilliance, Dragić’s defense declined at age 33. He struggled to stay in front of quick guards or fight through tough screens. Due to his size, physical and bigger guards also took advantage of him and Miami often had to hide him on weaker offensive players. 

In addition, he had issues with durability and missed 23 regular season games due to ankle and knee issues. His health was a major concern entering the playoffs, considering he was a key rotation player with 28 minutes off the bench. 

Beyond the court, Dragić was a veteran and brought leadership to the team. The 33-year old guard was valuable for the Heat's young players as a teacher. His chemistry with Butler and Bam Adebayo helped solidify the Heat's identity.

“Fierce competitor. He really doesn't say much. But he will [expletive] eat you, for real. Then just the respect he has around the league, in this organization and from his teammates just goes to show how he’ll run through a wall for you. If he can go, he’s going to go,” Butler said, via SB Nation. 

Jimmy Butler admired Dragic for his competitiveness– an intangible that helped define the iconic “Heat Culture”.

During the 2020 post-season, Dragic averaged 19.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, while shooting 44.4% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range (via Basketball Reference).  He  elevated his scoring from 16.2 in the regular season to 19.1 in the Playoffs, was extremely clutch with multiple clutch threes and jumpers, and was deadly in the pick-and-roll with Adebayo. Notably, The Dragon was also a vocal leader with initiating huddles in tight games. He scored 20+ points in 10 of 17 playoff games which included huge moments vs. Indiana and Milwaukee.

Heartbreak came when the Slovenian guard tore his plantar fascia in Game 1 of the NBA FInals against the Lakers. He missed most of the Finals and was visibly limited when returning in Game 6. His injury hurt the team's offensive flow, as he was the second-best scorer until his injury.  

Dragić left a strong positive impact on the Heat and was part of the reason for their 2020 Finals run, but was aging.  If the Heat were to have gotten a Goran that was just a bit younger and in his prime, things may have gone differently and the Heat could have had a better chase against the Lakers.

Despite the what if’s and hypotheticals, what’s undeniable is Goran’s legacy with the Heat. From mentoring younger teammates like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro to fitting into Miami’s system, he provided competitiveness, work ethic and professionalism both on and off the court. He left an incredible mark on the team, and his contributions in the 2020 playoff playoff run will never be forgotten. He will be remembered not just for the games he helped win, but for the example he set that highlights the identity of the Miami Heat.

written by Debbie Disla, @debbie.hearts on instagram