Miami Heat Drastically Improve Point Guard Position With Trade for Goran Dragic
By Jared Doyle
@outofboundsjay
Kelley L Cox- USA Today Sports
In the midst of all the craziness that was the 2015 NBA trade deadline, the Miami Heat arguably came out as the victors of the day with a massive coup deal for point guard Goran Dragic, former Phoenix Suns All-Star. With the acquisition of both Goran and his brother Zoran Dragic, the Heat were able to also include third year point guard Norris Cole into the trade, ultimately sending Cole to the New Orleans Pelicans.
This trade is an automatic boost for the Heat’s point guard position, even with the release of Norris Cole. Not only was Goran Dragic an All-Star last year, but his averages (even in a down year) of 16.2 points, 4.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds per game this season trump any of the Heat’s other point guard productivity. Dragic’s slump has been caused by a lack of offensive plays that suit his point guard-like tendencies. With the Suns Dragic became more of a spot up shooter, whereas with Miami ball control and dictating the offense will become his strength once again.
This trade will also allow Mario Chalmers, previous starting point guard, to play more time at the shooting guard position, which is a role he has thrived in many times this season. Shabazz Napier, who will now undoubtedly become Dragic’s replacement off the bench, will also gain a mentor and coach to guide him through the rest of his rookie season. This was a perfect deal for the Heat because not only did they boost their weakest position on the roster, they vaulted themselves back into the conversation of the top five teams in the Eastern Conference, record notwithstanding.
Jared Doyle is a Miami Heat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @outofboundsjay, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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