He has made the right decision for entire Miami Heat.

Goran Dragic came to the realization that he was ready to retire while training in Miami over the past few months in preparation for a possible NBA comeback.

In reference to his daughter Victoria and son Mateo, Dragic told the Miami Herald, “You miss a lot of time with the kids when you’re playing.” “I was taking the kids to practice, school, and back every day when it dawned on me that I had lost a lot of time with them.”

Before declaring his retirement from the NBA last week after 15 seasons, Dragic was practically limited to signing with one franchise.

Dragic, 37, stated, “I really wanted to finish my career with the Heat because this is my favorite organization. I was waiting for Miami to open something up.” “Those were the highlights of my professional life.” However, it didn’t take place. I know this is a necessary aspect of the company. Then I just decided to cut the power.”

Dragic had seven seasons with the Heat until being traded to the Toronto Raptors in the offseason of 2021 as part of the Kyle Lowry trade. He had wanted to finish his NBA career with the Heat. Dragic wanted to play again, but the Heat’s strategy and his schedule didn’t work out.

The Heat will play the Orlando Magic at home on Friday (8 p.m., Bally Sports Sun) following their 128-120 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday at Kaseya Center. “We had a brief conversation with Spo, Pat, and those guys,” Dragic remarked regarding his interactions with Heat president Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra. “It’s likely that they desired to take an alternative route.”

Dragic is one of the greatest point guards in franchise history as he faces retirement, despite not having been able to complete his career with the Heat. He is among the Heat’s all-time leaders in assists (third), points (ninth), field goals made (ninth), and three-pointers made (seventh). In February 2015, Dragic was moved by the Phoenix Suns to Miami, where he joined the Heat. In 391 (282 starts) regular-season games with the Heat, the Slovenian guard averaged 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from three-point range.

When the Heat made it to the 2020 NBA Finals in the Disney bubble amidst the COVID-19 epidemic, Dragic had one of his greatest seasons with the team. However, Miami lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the championship series. He averaged a team-high 20.9 points to go with 4.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 36.3 percent on threes in the first three rounds of the playoffs before tearing the plantar fascia in his left foot in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

After being selected in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft, Dragic only made one appearance in an All-Star Game, which was in 2018 while he was a member of the Heat. “I respect Micky [Arison], Pat, and Spo unconditionally. Even in retirement, Dragic intends to stay in Miami because “I love those guys.

” “During my time here, they gave me everything.” Miami is my home team and the team I regard to be the key one in my career. This season would likely be my last even if I signed with the Heat or another team. In my spirit, I felt just that. With my career, I’m quite content. I accomplished more than I had thought. It has been an incredible journey.