Dragic's Star Rises

23 May 2012

EUROBASKET 2013

11. Goran Dragic (Slovenia)
Slovenian point guard Goran Dragic, who joined the Houston Rockets late in the 2010/11 season, is coming off the best year of his NBA career so far

Goran Dragic will not have to enter the heat of battle this summer with Slovenia since his national team already has a place secured at next year's EuroBasket as the host country.

Dragic has already given his fans back home much to talk about, though.

He will be one of the Final Round's most watched players because he is making huge strides in the NBA.

Now 26, Dragic has four years of experience in the league across the Atlantic under his belt and the most recent, without a doubt, has been his best.

The 1.94m playmaker was given an opportunity to play big minutes for the Houston Rockets following an injury to Kyle Lowry.

In 26.5 minutes per contest he averaged 11.7 points and 5.3 assists on the season, but in his last 28 games, those numbers were far greater (17pts and 7ass).

Now, he's waiting to find out if Houston will re-sign him, or if another club will be lucky and get him on the books.

"I feel great because it is a great season for me, which ended up positive," he said.

"Now, I'm waiting on what the future will bring, and where I will play."

There has been media speculation that Dragic will end up in Portland, Toronto or Dallas, although Houston are also thought to be keen on keeping him in the fold.

"This summer will be hot, but I'm positive," he said.

"One option is to get back to Houston."

Proof of just how far Dragic has come in basketball is that on one occasion, the former Phoenix Sun was named Player of the Week in the West.

LeBron James, the league's MVP, was the Player of the Week in the East at the same time.

"The award means a lot, also because I was a Player of the Week in the same period as LeBron James," Dragic said.

"However, these are just small rewards for my efforts and I can't stop with this.

"I have to do a lot to become a better player and to have a successful career."


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