![](https://hothothoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_9298.jpeg)
Earlier this year, former Miami Heat All-Star point guard Goran Dragic announced his retirement from the game of basketball. It was reported shortly after that there would be a ‘farewell’ game organized in Dragic’s home country of Slovenia. The game was expected to feature a starting five of Dragic, Luka Doncic, Jimmy Butler, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic.
Even bigger news surrounding the game, there were recent rumblings that Chris Bosh would also be participating in the game. It was never clear how the details would go with that regard, whether he was going to be on a serious minutes restriction or not. It was slated to be Bosh’s first time playing basketball since his career-ending illness in 2016.
However, Basket News of Europe cleared the air with the Bosh rumors, stating that he will be in attendance at the game but won’t suit up.
Another tough blow came with Butler’s status, who now won’t be able to make it either after commitments to China. Paul George, James Harden and Butler are all playing in a charity event in Hong Kong organized by Yao Ming. That game is ready to take place Tuesday, August 20.
However, Dragic’s game is scheduled for Saturday August 24, being streamed via the NBA app at 2:10 PM EST. Although Bosh and Butler ultimately won’t be playing, this event is still stacked with star talent.
Current & former NBA players expected to participate, in some capacity, include:
🔥Steve Nash
🔥Luka Doncic
🔥Nikola Jokic
🔥Bogdan Bogdanovic
🔥Dirk Nowitzki
🔥Robin Lopez
🔥Vlatko Čančar
🔥Boban Marjanovic
🔥Luis Scola
🔥Zoran Dragic
🔥Beno Udrih pic.twitter.com/A9IbXrYjYy— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) August 18, 2024
A lot of these players are guys that have built relationships and played with Dragic in the FIBA olympics and/or Euro league’s.
Josh Richardson is slated to replace Butler in the weekend game, according to reports. There has been no update/confirmation on Luol Deng’s initial status to play, in regard to other Heat alumni participating.
Coach Erik Spoelstra and Chris Quinn are slated to man the sidelines of the anticipated European event. It only made sense for Spoelstra, the greatest coach of Dragic’s career, to be involved. Although Dragic came up short of a championship during his 2020 Miami Heat bubble run, he has put together an impressive career.
He is a 2018 NBA All-Star, All-NBA third team player, and the winner of the 2014 Most Improved Player of the Year award. He also took home the FIBA EuroBasket MVP award in 2017.
Dragic averaged 16.2 points, 5.2 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 391 games played for the Heat in his career. In that 2020 run mentioned, the ‘Dragon’ led the team in points. He was brought over in what wound up being one of the best Miami trades of all-time back at the 2015 deadline. His Heat tenure ended in 2021 after being shipped to the Toronto Raptors in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade.
A fan favorite in South Beach and beloved teammate— Dragic’s Heat legacy will be remembered with his toughness and elite ability to create offense for himself and others.
Saturday’s game will truly be the end of an era for a certified “Heat Legend.”
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Awesome seeing Dragic and Bosh playing together one last time, even if the game results didn’t matter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4-sXjlIG_A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_hnGUB40fE
Nice dunk by Nikola Jokic at Goran’s farewell game.
https://www.si.com/nba/nuggets/news/nikola-jokic-goes-viral-for-unexpected-dunk-in-goran-dragic-farewell-game-01j62wn6msb1
I guess Butler was too busy “trolling it up” in Hong Kong to see his “good friend” Goran off. Notice the new “do”?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/smRIPJFJIhY
It still left a bitter taste for me Goran not winning a chip in Miami. But godspeed to him and his future. Thank you.
I couldn’t get tickets for this event, but at least it will be on tv.
Bon voyage, Dragon!
Thank you for the memories Jimmy and for requesting the trade that sent me to Toronto for your friend Lowry.
Thats so precious of u.
The truth hurts. Jimmy was supposed to be there.
He supposed to be on that event, yes. what a friend.
Butler playing in China for Yao Ming on 20th but can’t make it to Slovenia for Dragic’s farewell game by 24th? Good friends? WTF?
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GVWyI6TWYAAmyt7?format=jpg&name=medium
I’m sure Jimmy would make it if he could. We don’t know exactly what’s going on in his life or what he has planned.
I’ll take it all back if he shows up. If he doesn’t…
Looks like he’s having a ball in China as far as I can tell. I guess he picked business over his so-called friend. Oh well. Now we know.
Heat send coach Quinn, JRich and Bosh. Bosh even played.
I had hoped Heat would hire Dragic as an assistant coach. Oh well.
After this summer goes back to Miami. He is talking about a job within the organization, but not as a coach.
We will see soon.