Goran Dragic and other stars to play ’farewell’ game in Slovenia

The seven-year Miami Heat veteran will close out his basketball career with a pickup game over sea’s, with a stacked lineup to participate. (Photo via Skysports.com)

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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