Miami Heat: 5 goals for Goran Dragic in 2017-18

1. Debut as an All-Star

If ever Dragic was to finally break through and be selected to his first All-Star game, then the time is now.

This offseason has seen a significant reduction in the amount of high-end talent in the Eastern Conference. Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Paul Millsap, each named as All-Stars last season, now find themselves slogging it out in the brutal Western Conference.

So not only does this leave some vacant spots in the Eastern Conference, it also severely weakens the respective teams they have been left behind. As we are well aware, winning records count along way when it comes to All-Star selection, in particular for the reserve spots selected by the coaches.

Considering the Heat put together a 41-41 record last season, improving by multiple wins this season is certainly realistic, which will assist Dragic’s cause to no end.

But back to the man himself. Entering this season on a high from a successful European summer, Dragic is seemingly in the form of his life. And while they’re certainly different players, comparisons in terms of possible longevity can be made with two-time MVP point guard Steve Nash.

After returning to the Suns at age 30, Nash went on to play a further 22,640 minutes in his ensuing eight seasons with the Suns. For his career, Nash finished with 38,069 minutes on his way to eight All-Star games, with six of those appearances coming after the age of 30.

At this point, Dragic has played a total of 17,687 minutes over nine seasons. In other words, he still has plenty left in the tank if he can follow in the mould of Nash and excel well into his 30s.

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Dragic isn’t going to repeat Nash’s overall record, but a solitary All-Star appearance is certainly not out the question, particularly in the upcoming 2017-18 season.