Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic is one of the most decorated Olympians in Slovenian basketball history. Even before joining the Phoenix Suns in 2008, Dragic had participated in nearly every European basketball tournament to help refine his game.
However, following a 74-73 win over Croatia in his hometown of Ljubljana, Dragic announced his retirement from international play with the Slovenian national team on Twitter, according to a translation provided by FIBA:
“When I walked into Stozcie on Thursday and saw the packed arena, I realized that I will be playing my last home game in front of the most beloved people in the world — my eyes started to water and my legs became heavy,” Dragic wrote. “I still cannot believe how fast everything went. “As they say, the most beautiful things are the fastest to pass, but this will forever stay in my heart.”
While it is unfortunate for the fans of Slovenia to bear witness to his last days wearing their country's colors, the move is best for Dragic, who is now in the veteran phase of his career.
He is entering the third season of his five-year, $90 million deal with the Heat. After re-signing guard Dion Waiters this summer and center Hassan Whiteside last summer, Miami has every intention making a run in the now-depleted Eastern Conference.
Follow Us
Subscribe