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In a heartfelt and star-studded evening, Goran Dragić, one of Slovenia’s most celebrated basketball talents, officially bid farewell to the sport in a charity event dubbed the “Night of the Dragon.” Held on Saturday in Ljubljana’s Stozice Arena, the event attracted basketball legends and former teammates, including the likes of Luka Dončić, Dirk Nowitzki, Nikola Jokić, Steve Nash, and Chris Bosh.
A Celebration of Legacy
The event was more than just a game; it was a celebration of Dragić’s illustrious career and his impact on both Slovenian and international basketball. The charity match featured Dragić leading a team of former NBA stars and Slovenian teammates against a squad captained by fellow Slovenian superstar Luka Dončić. The evening was filled with nostalgia as Dragić’s former teammates, including his brother Zoran, joined him on the court for one last game.
Proceeds for a Cause
Proceeds from the event supported the “Botrstvo v športu” program of the Friends of Youth Foundation Ljubljana Moste-Polje and the Goran Dragić Foundation. These organizations work to support underprivileged youth, ensuring that Dragić’s legacy extends beyond the court.
A Memorable Farewell
The game itself was a mix of competitive play and light-hearted moments. Dončić’s team, featuring international stars like Jokić, Luis Scola, and Robin Lopez, faced off against Dragić’s lineup, which included Nash, Vlatko Čančar, and Nikola Vučević. Despite trailing for most of the game, Dragić’s team rallied to secure a 106-86 victory, with Dragić contributing 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. The event also saw Steve Nash and Chris Bosh returning to the court, marking Nash’s first game appearance in years.
Boban Marjanović was a fan favorite, delighting the crowd with 19 points and earning MVP chants from the audience. Jokić added 15 points, while Dončić finished with 7 points and 5 assists.
A Career to Remember
Dragić’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. After being selected 45th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, he quickly rose through the ranks, earning accolades such as the NBA’s Most Improved Player and an All-NBA Third Team selection in 2014. His leadership was pivotal in Slovenia’s unexpected EuroBasket 2017 victory and instrumental in Miami’s journey to the 2020 NBA Finals.
In total, Dragić played 946 NBA games, averaging between 16 and 21 points per game in five different seasons. His career assists total of 4,405 ranks 97th all-time, and his No. 3 jersey has been retired by the Slovenian national team.
A Night of Stars
The “Night of the Dragon” was a fitting tribute to Dragić’s career, with a roster of basketball greats coming together to honor his legacy. Dončić’s team included names like Bogdan Bogdanović, Dirk Nowitzki, and Beno Udrih, while Dragić’s squad boasted stars such as Predrag Danilović, Sani Bečirović, and Matjaž Smodiš.
As Dragić’s career closed, the event reminded us of his lasting impact on the sport, both in Slovenia and around the world.
