NBA: Underperformers and overachievers for Week 8

Underperformer: Goran Dragic

The Miami Heat have fallen on some hard times this season, as has point guard Goran Dragic. Miami currently has an 11-13 record after going 1-2 on the week. Dragic numbers were well below his season averages of 17.2 points, 4.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 turnovers per game, and it showed in the final result.

He’s averaging 11.7 points, 4.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 3.0 turnovers per game in the last three contests. His shooting has largely been the issue, as he’s shooting 39.4 percent from the floor, although he’s still shooting 44.4 percent from 3-point range.

Dragic is shooting 45.2 percent from the field this season, a significant difference from what he’s produced in the last three games. He’s put up a plus/minus of -18.7 in the same span.

On the bright side, he’s got a solid head coach in Erik Spoelstra and the team is awaiting center Hassan Whiteside to recover from a knee issue. The Heat reeled off 13-straight wins a season ago in a final push for a playoff spot with Dragic and Whiteside leading the way. Their bid at a playoff spot failed in 2016-17, but it’s a new season now. If the two can find their groove again, Miami is one sleeper team to watch out for if they make the playoffs.