Barry Jackson: Will Dragic be ready for start of camp? “We’ll see. I still need to go through hard practices and see how the foot will react. So far I feel good. The pain is over.”
NBA Rumor: Goran Dragic Injury
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Ira Winderman: Goran Dragic said pain is over with torn plantar fascia, “Still need to do MRI.” He said hard practices will let him know where he stands.
The foot injury will not require surgery, Dragic said. He’s expected to make a full recovery by simply resting it. “I love him to death. I wish I could play with him as a teammate for forever,” Heat All-Star wing Jimmy Butler said. “Because these are the moments that you cherish. He put his body on the line for me and the rest of our guys for this organization. That shows the type of player that he is and the type of person that he is. We go down swinging, I’m glad he was out there fighting with us.”
Spoelstra told a story that revealed just how unlikely Dragic’s return seemed a few days ago. “He texted me — the night he got hurt in Game 1 he texted, I got a text literally around 4:15 in the morning,” Spoelstra said. “He said, ‘Coach, don’t give up on me on this series. Give me a chance. I’ll find my way back.’ I talked to the trainers the next day and they said, ‘Not a chance.’ And sure enough, he was basically begging every one of us the last three games just to give him a chance.”
Erik Spoelstra: “That just shows you his character and how much he wants to give. Not for himself, he has already proved himself. He’s one of the most decorated players in this game, but he wanted to do it for his teammates, and he’s another one of those special human beings that I’m just honored that I’ve been able to coach him and develop that kind of relationship with him over the years.”
A source told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Dragic had been told the injury couldn’t worsen by playing. However, the pain has been extreme and ultimately proved too much for the guard as he attempted to warm up ahead of Game 4.
Barry Jackson: Dragic: “I just wanted to be out there to help my team. The Lakers were better. Unfortunately [we] didn’t have it today.”
Goran Dragic active for Game 6
Adrian Wojnarowski: Miami’s Goran Dragic has been determined to find a way to play in these NBA Finals with plantar fascia tear in his left foot — and source says he’s been told the injury can’t worsen by playing. Pain has been extreme, and he hadn’t been able to put much pressure on foot.
Jared Weiss: Heat confirm Herro will continue to start in place of Dragic, who is finally active after tearing his plantar fascia.
Jared Weiss: Erik Spoelstra won’t comment on Goran Dragic’s availability for tonight. But says he has been highly involved with the team the whole time he has been out. “Either way, he is going to make a big impact.”
Anthony Chiang: Goran Dragic (foot) remains doubtful for Sunday’s Game 6.
Ira Winderman: Goran Dragic is inactive tonight.
Harrison Faigen: Spoelstra is being cagey about Dragic, says there is no update on his status but won’t confirm if he’s warming up tonight or if there is a chance he’ll play.
Goran Dragic ruled out of Game 5
Shams Charania: Heat guard Goran Dragic (torn plantar fascia) is missing Game 5 of NBA Finals against the Lakers, sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium.
Ira Winderman: Goran Dragic (foot) is listed as doubtful on Heat 5 p.m. injury report for Friday’s Game 5 vs. Lakers. Bam Adebayo (neck) no longer is on the Heat injury report. Only other player listed is Gabe Vincent (knee), who is questionable.
Goran Dragic will miss Game 4 due to foot injury
Jared Weiss: Spoelstra says the Heat are minute to minute on deciding if Bam and Goran will play. “Bam has an intention he will warm up and pass the protocol to try to play…same with Goran.” He’ll find out in the next hour if they are playing.
Mirjam Swanson: Spoelstra: “Obviously they’re major components … but if neither one of them can play, our guys are steeled and ready for great competitive competition tonight.” Miami showed that much last time out, of course.
Malika Andrews: Goran Dragic is out on the court shooting. He did not warm up on the game court prior to Game 2 or Game 3. pic.twitter.com/cHIt2Mq4VR
Tim Reynolds: Goran Dragic (torn left plantar fascia) will put himself through a warmup before Game 4 tonight, source says. He wants to play. There is major doubt as to whether he can pull this off.
Bam Adebayo questionable for Game 4
Michael C. Wright: Goran Dragic: “I’m doing everything I can do. It does feel better than when it happened. We will see. I don’t have [a] timetable yet.”
Ira Winderman: Dragic said he’s making progress, “then some days I’m the same. We’ll see. We’ll see.” Sounds unlikely for Tuesday and hardly optimistic about series. “How I feel right now is probably low [percentage], but they told me it could change day to day.”
Ohm Youngmisuk: Erik Spoelstra says “I can see the anguish literally in their eyes” with Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic lobbying to play in Game 3. But Spoelstra says this is the most responsible thing to do for the Heat by ruling both out.
Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic ruled out of Game 3
Tim Reynolds: Bam Adebayo (neck) and Goran Dragic (plantar fascia) are out of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, source tells AP.
Adebayo, Dragic still doubtful for Game 3
Shams Charania: Miami’s Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic being listed doubtful for Game 3 of NBA Finals against the Lakers, sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium.
Tim Reynolds: There is some hope that Bam Adebayo (neck strain) will be well enough to attempt playing in Game 3. Optimism isn’t as high for Goran Dragic (plantar fascia), who – like Bam – is getting near-constant treatment.
“We’ve got to play with a level of desperation,” Adebayo told Yahoo Sports. “That’s what I see. We’ve got to be a desperate team and come out with a lot of energy from the jump. I’m confident we can turn things around.” Heat point guard Goran Dragic was sidelined for Game 2 as well with a left plantar tear in his foot. His status for Game 3 is unknown. “We just got to continue to fight,” Adebayo told Yahoo Sports. “We’ve done it all year.”
Ira Winderman: Now officially official: Bam Adebayo (neck) and Goran Dragic (foot) have been officially downgraded to out for tonight vs. Lakers.
Harrison Faigen: Erik Spoelstra said he had to “play the role of not just coach, but parent these last 24 hours” because Goran and Bam were both lobbying so hard to play. “I ultimately had to take the decision out of their hands for tonight.”
Goran Dragic ruled out for Game 2
Shams Charania: Heat guard Goran Dragic (torn plantar fascia) has been ruled out of Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Lakers, sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium. Dragic is Miami’s second-leading postseason scorer at 19.9 points per game.
Anthony Chiang: Was told earlier today that Goran Dragic was unlikely to play tonight, which is why he’s listed as doubtful. Dragic has been able to put some pressure on his injured foot, but there’s obviously pain that comes with a torn plantar fascia.
Tim Reynolds: The only way Goran Dragic could play tonight is if there’s some way to mitigate the amounts of pain that would come from trying to run, jump and cut on a torn plantar fascia. It would not be insignificant pain, either.
Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo still 'doubtful' for Game 2
Ira Winderman: Heat injury report: Bam Adebayo (Neck Strain) Doubtful Goran Dragić (Left Foot Torn Plantar Fascia) Doubtful Chris Silva (Left Pubic Bone Stress Fracture) Questionable Gabe Vincent (Right Knee Soreness) Questionable) (Jimmy Butler, ankle, is not on the injury report.)
Goran Dragic 'fighting' to play in Game 2
Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic 'doubtful' for Game 2
Ira Winderman: Per Heat: Goran Dragic (left foot torn plantar fascia) is listed as doubtful to play in tomorrow’s #NBAFinals Game 2 vs the Lakers. Bam Adebayo is also listed as doubtful after a MRI revealed a neck strain (left side). (Spoelstra says new injury for Adebayo.)
Jared Weiss: Informed Jimmy Butler of reports that Goran Dragic has a torn plantar fascia: “With or without Goran, we’re still expected to win. We know we still can. He’s a big part of what we’re trying to do, but until we can have him back we gotta fight even harder. We gotta even this 1-1.”
Goran Dragic doubtful for the rest of Finals
Adrian Wojnarowski: Miami’s Goran Dragic has suffered a plantar tear of left foot, source tells ESPN.
Marc Stein: Goran Dragic’s status for the rest of the NBA Finals remains TBD, according to a league source, after he sustained a plantar tear in his left foot. A return in this series has not yet been ruled out
Anthony Chiang: Goran Dragic has suffered a torn left plantar, a source confirms. His status for the rest of the series is still to be determined and he hasn’t been ruled out for the remainder of the Finals yet.
Tim Reynolds: Jimmy Butler is warming up and Goran Dragic is in his game shorts. So, yeah.
Anthony Chiang: Per Heat: Postgame X-rays of Goran Dragic’s ankle were negative. He will be re-evaluated tomorrow. Heat’s next game Thursday vs. Bucks.
Anthony Chiang: Jimmy Butler not on the 5:30 p.m. injury report for tomorrow’s 1:30 p.m. game against the Raptors. Only Heat players on report: Bam Adebayo is probable with a right quadriceps contusion. Goran Dragic is probable with upper back spasms.
Anthony Chiang: Heat injury update for tomorrow’s game vs. Magic: Kendrick Nunn, Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic questionable. Bam Adebayo (right ankle soreness) probable. Justise Winslow remains out.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Heat guard Goran Dragic (groin) is missing his ninth straight game tonight vs. Sixers, but there’s optimism that he can make his return on Friday against New York, league sources tell ESPN. Dragic’s averaged 16 points in 28 minutes a game this season.
Anthony Chiang: Erik Spoelstra says Goran Dragic (sick) will not play tonight. Jimmy Butler is at the AAA and is preparing to play.
Ira Winderman: As expected, it will be Heat Lite tonight in Charlotte on second night of preseason back-to-back: Jimmy Butler (Illness) Out; Goran Dragić (Load Management, Right Knee) Out; James Johnson (Conditioning) Out; Kelly Olynyk (Right Knee Bruise) Out; Justise Winslow (Rest) Out
Anthony Chiang: Goran Dragic said no further surgery is planned this offseason. He just needs to work on getting his leg stronger.
Anthony Chiang: Spoelstra says Goran Dragic is available to play tonight.
Anthony Chiang: Goran Dragic (left calf strain), James Johnson (slight left AC sprain), Kelly Olynyk (right ankle sprain), Hassan Whiteside (left hip strain) all QUESTIONABLE for tomorrow’s game vs. Nets. Derrick Jones Jr. probable with bruised right knee.
Shandel Richardson: First appearance for Goran Dragic since the injury
Ethan J. Skolnick: Erik Spoelstra says Goran Dragic will play tonight but not start
Barry Jackson: James Johnson diagnosed with slight left AC sprain in shoulder and doubtful for Pistons Saturday. Dragic questionable
Barry Jackson: Spoelstra said Dragic likely will not be active tonight
The Miami Heat return from the NBA All-Star break for the final 26 games of the regular season with a big boost in point guard Goran Dragic returning to practice from knee injury, along with forward Derrick Jones Jr. Both will travel with the team to Philadelphia and be available for Thursday’s game against the 76ers.
For Spoelstra, he’s in no rush to determine who starts at point guard between the two, but he understands the importance of having a healthy Dragic. “We need Goran, and we’ll be able to figure that out. We’ll take this process patiently. This is not going to be something where I’m phasing him in and, ‘You’re playing 32 minutes a game.’ Not at all. Not with 26 games to go, and Goran realizes that too – that he still has quite a bit of work to do – but he can be available and he can still play. If not [Thursday], soon. That’s great news, however you slice it.”
“The whole me-Goran point guard thing, I’m not too worried about it,” said Winslow, who continued to work with the first group on Wednesday. “Goran, he’s established himself in this league in that role. You know, obviously, there have been times in his career where he’s been off the ball, as well, still being in the point guard role but off the ball.
Spoelstra said Goran Dragic is “making a lot of progress” in his return from December knee surgery but declined to offer a timetable. He’s expected back shortly after the All-Star Game. Spoelstra said Ryan Anderson is in good enough condition to play meaningful minutes if needed and said “We will get him in Miami Heat shape soon enough.”
Shandel Richardson: Goran Dragic did not travel with the Heat for this trip
Ira Winderman: For those who held out early hope: Goran Dragic not on this trip with Heat. Derrick Jones Jr. also did not travel.
Anthony Chiang: When asked how the Heat will deal with the PG position in Dragic’s absence, Spoelstra said: “We’ve had some experience doing it already this year, unfortunately. But when Justise is able to go, I’m slotting him in that position.”
Goran Dragic out two months?
Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic is expected to miss two months after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday, a league source tells ESPN.
Barry Jackson: Dragic undergoing knee surgery today. Timeline undetermined.
Barry Jackson: … It was determined Dragic should undergo that knee scope after the knee did not respond to rest and treatment.
Anthony Chiang: Heat has ruled out Goran Dragic for Sunday’s game in New Orleans. Also on latest injury report: Dwyane Wade (general soreness) — Questionable Tyler Johnson (left hip contusion) — Probable Dion Waiters (left ankle surgery) — Out
November 25, 2020 | 5:11 pm EST Update
Sarah K. Spencer: Hawks announce the Solomon Hill signing. Schlenk: “Solomon is a player who has been on four playoff teams and has competed on the highest level. We are fortunate to add his veteran presence to our group.” Hill will wear jersey No. 18.
I wanted to chat with you a little bit about your involvement with the NBA Foundation, which seeks to drive economic empowerment for Black communities through employment and career advancement. What is your role there and how did you get involved? Harrison Barnes: NBPA director Michele Roberts reached out and asked if I had an interest in being a part of the foundation. I had seen information before about how big the funding for the foundation was going to be and what some of the principles were early on and so I knew what it was about. The main premise is that every year, each time will make significant contributions to the community. This will help with opportunities beyond simply just doing an event, whether that is helping kids go to college or giving them career skills. I was honored to be considered and I told her I would be ecstatic to do it. Now, I am really looking forward to working with the board members to hopefully make a change.
There are hundreds of players in the NBA. But you and Tobias Harris are the only two that are active on an NBA roster and will sit on this board. Why do you think the NBPA decided on you for that honor? Harrison Barnes: That’s probably a question you’ll probably have to ask as opposed to me! [Laughs] Since I got drafted, literacy has been a big focus of mine. You need to educate yourself in whatever discipline you want to go into. Recently, I joined the board of First National Bank, whose parent company is Ames National Corporation. I’m going to work with them to promote financial literacy. For the NBA Foundation, the opportunity to promote financial literacy and help the community is very exciting for me. No matter where I’ve gone, I’ve always tried to pay it forward. I’ve been blessed to have people pour into me and sacrifice and invest in my well-being so I’m glad to be a part of a foundation with a very big reach that will hopefully affect change for a number of different people.
You were friends with Kobe Bryant. You had COVID-19. You engaged with the protests for social justice. You played in the NBA bubble. What are you most going to remember from this year? Harrison Barnes: The biggest takeaway that I’ll have from 2020 is to appreciate people when you’re around them. In so many instances, we’ve seen loved ones that we’ve lost, whether it’s been someone at the hands of police brutality or people that you played against or were mentored or if it was a loved one lost because of COVID. Whatever the case may be, really just taking the time to just appreciate them while they’re here. Give them their flowers. Give them their respect and love and communicate that. Far too often, we found ourselves in the cycle of thinking that this person was gone too soon, and it was unexpected, and there are so many things I wish I had said. When Kobe passed, it was like the floor gave out. It’s still painful, especially in the basketball community. But outside of that, you really value the opportunity every time you step on the floor against somebody else. You don’t take that opportunity for granted. I’m playing against someone and it could be the last time. You never know. Life can go so quickly. I’m just savoring the opportunity, communicating with guys, communicating with family. Life is short. You don’t know what’s next.
November 25, 2020 | 5:05 pm EST Update
Hardwood Paroxysm: Corrected: Nets are currently favored to start the season with Harden at @PointsBetUSA. You can get Rockets at plus money.
