Heading into this season, there were a lot of uncertainties surrounding Goran Dragic, due to his injury. And somehow, he was out there ready to go for the start of the season.

But would you expect anything else from Goran?

Probably not considering his will to play in the Finals game after his injury.

The consensus with Goran this season was that he’d take his time working himself in, and possibly take a decrease in minutes for the beginning of the regular season.

But well, that clearly wasn’t the case. He played 25 minutes in the season opener and scored 20 points, then played 27 minutes in the second game and scored 18 points.

He was the rock of the team once again, getting them out of tough spots while being the most consistent offensive weapon on the team.

And now he’s heading into the third game of the season with Heat star, Jimmy Butler, out. It was known all last season that it was necessary to stagger Jimmy and Goran’s minutes since everything was under control when one was on the floor.

The motto between coaches and players on this team has been next man up. But ultimately that next man up needs their steady veteran.

This does not mean that Goran will get overplayed, since keeping him healthy is obviously priority, but it’s hard to hold Dragic back.

If Miami begins to struggle to get things going offensively, Goran will make sure to step onto that court to take control.

Miami has plenty of guys that are waiting for their chance, and now it’s time for the depth to be utilized. But once again, Goran will be necessary for those guys to strive.

And I have no doubt he will be out there as much as needed to try and get these games against Milwaukee.

Not many expected Goran to be in this spot this early in the season, but here he is. Ready to step up once again.