For the first time in a long time, the Miami Heat have a massive void on their roster. Since 2003, Miami has been able to lean on Dwyane Wade (or LeBron James) when nothing else works. This season, they will not be able to do so as the former franchise star has moved on to Chicago.
The Heat need a new number one option. But according to head coach Erik Spolestra, they already have that player on the roster in Goran Dragic.
Following from Spolestra’s interview with Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald:
“It only makes sense for us to maximize Goran’s strengths, and Hassan (Whiteside’s) strengths, Justise Winslow’s strengths,” Spoelstra said. “Their strengths are their speed, their athleticism. Goran is one of the best fast-break, transition point guards in this game. He will force tempo regardless of how you want to play or how you want to defend. Goran is going to run …”
“You don’t find many players that can attack, that can play fast, that can make other players better in that type of game. And he’s relentless in getting to the rim. And Goran is that kind of player. And I think young players gravitate to Goran. They want to play that style.”
Dragic suffered at times while playing next to Wade. He was not able to dominate the ball as much as he needs nor was he able to play at a fast pace.
Wade’s departure may actually help Goran Dragic regain his form. Just three years ago, in Phoenix, Dragic averaged 20.3 points and 5.9 assists per game. Now with the offensive load on his shoulders, a great pick-and-roll partner in Hassan Whiteside, and the freedom to play an uptempo game, Dragic could find himself having that success again.
