Goran Dragic Bids Farewell to NBA with Star-Studded Game in Slovenia
Goran Dragic, known for his remarkable basketball prowess and dynamic playing style, has officially bid adieu to his 15-season career in the NBA. The Slovenian guard, who enjoyed distinguished stints with seven different franchises, celebrated his retirement in grand fashion with a farewell game in Slovenia. The event was graced by several luminaries from the basketball world, making it as memorable as Dragic’s career itself.
One of the standout moments of the farewell game was the participation of Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ versatile and charismatic center. Jokic, known as much for his playful off-court demeanor as his on-court excellence, delighted the crowd by performing an alley-oop dunk, where he set himself up off the backboard. This move seemed almost nostalgic as last season, Jokic had only 17 dunks across 79 games, which placed him 182nd in the league for total dunks. A statistic that underscores Jokic's preference for finesse and playmaking over pure athleticism, especially when compared to the league's more prolific dunkers like Trey Jemison, Anthony Black, and even his own teammate Christian Braun.
The farewell festivities weren’t limited to just highlight plays. In a light-hearted moment, Jokic poured water on Luka Doncic during a timeout, drawing smiles and laughter from the audience. The Serbian star wasn't done entertaining just yet; he also joined forces with Boban Marjanovic for an impromptu dance, adding to the celebration’s joyous atmosphere. Jokic then wowed the crowd with a difficult one-legged three-pointer, a nod to his skillful and unconventional shooting prowess that has often left opponents bewildered.
Dragic’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. His contributions on the court were celebrated not just by fans, but by his peers and the wider basketball community. The farewell game served not just as a send-off but also as a testament to his impact on the game and his close relationships with some of basketball's biggest names.
Adding another feather to his cap this year, Jokic nearly led Serbia to victory over Team USA in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Although Serbia fell short of the gold, they clinched a bronze medal, further showcasing Jokic’s leadership and skill on the international stage.
The Denver Nuggets, who will soon reconvene for their media day in about a month, have much to look forward to as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team is set to travel to Abu Dhabi for a pair of exhibition games against the Boston Celtics, a thrilling prospect for both fans and players alike. Their regular-season opener is slated for October 24 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the beginning of another campaign where they will aim to build on Jokic's exceptional form and their recent successes.
As the basketball world reflects on Goran Dragic’s illustrious career and looks forward to the Nuggets' upcoming season, it’s moments like these — farewells, playful antics, and masterful performances — that remind us why we love the sport. Dragic leaves behind a legacy of resilience, excellence, and camaraderie, attributes that were on full display during his unforgettable farewell match in Slovenia.