So I work a side gig serving alcohol samples at Whole Foods. This past Saturday, I was standing at my table doing my job, when I see a tall European man walking with his son in the distance. "Is that who I think it is?" I ask myself.

It was, indeed. It was Heat Legend Goran Dragic, and he happened to walk right toward me! I very nearly chickened out of acknowledging him, but mustered up the courage to smile and say "Mr. Goran Dragic!"

He nodded and smiled at me, so I walked over to him and gave him the standard Heat fan praise – "you're a Heat Legend, loved your time here, you did so much for our team." I then told him, "What a shame about the Jimmy situation."

To this, he said "He wants to get paid max money, and the team doesn't want to do that. It's tough when you get older in the NBA." I thanked him for his perspective and asked him if he's still involved with the team. He said he goes to the occasional practice, but doesn't want to travel anymore or get into coaching – he wants to live in Miami. I told him it was awesome he's still living here.

I then told him "If you didn't get hurt in the 2020 Finals, I honestly think we would have won. Your bubble run was incredible. The level of play you had reached was mind-blowing."

To this, he visible perked up and told me "if I could change one thing about my career, it would be that."

"I remember you tried to come back." I responded.

"Yeah, they injected me with painkillers, but the tendon was torn, and I felt like my leg was dead. Couldn't play well anymore."

We then chatted a little about his son, because I work as a high school assistant basketball coach. He said he had even heard of the school I work for! I thanked Goran for his time and wished him an amazing day.

What an honor to not only see but be able to have a substantial conversation with The Dragon himself. It speaks to his character and down to earth approach. The man is pure culture, even now. Check out his Bloodsport shirt! Let's go Heat!

11 comments

  3. Lmao the James johnson shirt. Dragic was a humble star who always put the team first. Miss that guy

    >if I could change one thing about my career, it would be that

    Me too man

  5. Dude! I went to High School with you! Very cool interaction with Gogi. Hope all is well brother.

  7. The 2nd best player BY FAR on that first finals run that a bunch of Heat fans keep pretending didn’t exist.

    I appreciate you acknowledging him and I agree with you, we would have had a real chance if he hadn’t gotten an injury.

  8. I watched like our last game against the Lakers during the NBA 2020 finals and Gogi was only the bright spot hitting shots after tough shots. We could’ve certainly won that year if Bam and him were 100% available.

  10. Dragic is a Heat legend. Love that he’s still around. I remember Ethan saying something along the lines of he wanted to travel/be with family for a year before joining the organization in some sort of role. I’m sure they’ll find a way to accommodate him if he doesn’t want to travel much. Just an all around great guy. The best PG in Heat history. If you don’t mind me asking, was this around the North Miami area?

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