Erik Spoelstra on Goran Dragic Signing With Nets, ‘He’s A Great Fit Anywhere’
Earlier this week, Shams Charania with The Athletic reported that former Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic would be signing with the Brooklyn Nets following his buyout agreement with San Antonio.
Toronto Raptors traded the 14-year-old NBA veteran, who played five games overall, at the San Antonio Spurs on the exchange deadline. However, he accepted a buyout agreement with the Spurs, making him a free agent to sign with a candidate. The initial list of interested teams included Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks.
Signing with the Nets brings the veteran together with Steve Nash, named Brooklyn head coach, before the 2020-21 season. They played together on the 2008-09 Phoenix Suns in mid-2011 before the Houston Rockets acquired him. Dragic was Nash’s backup.
“I chose Brooklyn because I think they have a really good chance to win a championship, especially to play alongside [Durant], Kyrie [Irving], Ben Simmons, Aldridge,” Dragic said.
Dragic also sees Nets coach Steve Nash as a close friend and mentor.
“Been a great friend to me, great mentor.”
On Friday evening, before the Miami Heat faced the New York Knicks, Dragic’s former coach Erik Spoelstra spoke about him fitting anywhere in the league.
“I love Goran. He’s a great fit anywhere. We knew he was going to land somewhere and highly sought after by the championship contending teams,” said Spoelstra. “I’m happy for him and I want him to be happy. He’s like family and you know the cliché expect for against us.”
As for when we might see Dragic suit up for the Nets, Nash touched on the need to assess where Dragic was before putting him in the Nets’ rotation.
“I suppose it’s not out of the question,” said Nash on Dragic playing Saturday against Milwaukee. “We have to assess how he comes through today, tomorrow and see where he’s on Saturday. It’s probably less likely he’ll play Saturday, but I think in the next three games, he’s out there.”
Goran last played with the Heat before being traded to Toronto in the Kyle Lowry sign and trade deal this past off-season.
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