Heat News: 'The Dragon' Hopes Miami Playing Minutes Will Not Diminish

Goran Dragic is fully aware that the Miami Heat are offering him to interested suitors and that he could end up with another team this coming NBA season. Until that happens, the Slovenian cager plans to play for his current team for as long as he is given ample playing time.

The fact that the Heat are open to moving Dragic sends off mixed signals. He could be getting lesser playing time than before or even be benched. Aside from that, Justise Winslow expressed that he is open to be the Heat's new lead man. If head coach Erik Spoelstra gives in to that request, the 33-year-old guard is in for a long season.

Either way, Dragic feels he can still compete at a high level. There is no telling how many minutes he will get although he hopes his age will not be a factor, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

“I can play the whole game. Of course, when you get older, it’s a little bit tougher, but whatever. Like I’ve said, Coach wants me to do something or he decides to go to what kind of role it’s going to be, I’m a team player,” said the second-round pick of the 2008 NBA Draft.

As mentioned in a previous post, Dragic is one of four players that the Heat are on the block. The others were Hassan Whiteside, James Johnson, and Dion Waiters. The move is part of Miami's intent to fix their financial situation. So far, only Whiteside is gone following a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers last summer. The Slovenian hotshot almost went to the Dallas Mavericks before talks bogged down.

One thing Dragic needs to do is to try and stay healthy. Last season, the NBA All-Star guard 36 games, averaging 13.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Knee issues kept him out for most of the 2018-19 season.

All is not lost for Dragic. He will get a chance to prove his worth once the 2019-20 NBA season gets underway. If injuries continue to keep him away from the basketball court, his playing time is likely to diminish and possibly resurrect NBA trade talks.