Goran Dragic looking forward to returning to Miami to face Jimmy Butler and the Heat

It will be a special night for the Dragon.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Goran Dragic is looking forward to returning to Miami on Wednesday night to face off against the team he proudly represented for over six seasons and enjoyed incredible success with. Although he now suits up for the Chicago Bulls, the Dragon says he will always hold the Heat organization — especially star wingman Jimmy Butler — close to his heart.

Season opener

The Bulls open their season on Wednesday with a road game against the Heat. For Dragic, it will be a homecoming of sorts, with familiar surroundings and faces, most notably Butler. While many consider the feisty wingman aloof and standoffish, Dragic insists that Butler is a great teammate and friend.

"We're still good friends. I respect Jimmy. I had so much fun playing with him. We just connected on the floor. I knew immediately what he was going to do when he set a screen. We just instantly created that chemistry. And off the floor, he's a funny dude, man. He is different," said Dragic.

Dragic shared that he and Butler share a bond born out of the similar paths they took to relevancy and eventual stardom. After all, Dragic came into the league and played in the shadow of former NBA MVP Steve Nash before making a name for himself in different stops and eventually landing in Miami in 2014. Meanwhile, Butler barely saw the floor during his rookie season in 2011, being the 30th pick tasked with backing up Luol Deng, a player who rarely ever got a breather under then-head coach Tom Thibodeau.

"That's why I respect him so much. He didn't have the easiest way when he was growing up and when he first came into the league," added Dragic.

Tremendous impact

When the ball tips off on Wednesday, it will mark Dragic's 15th season in the Association. While he had great times in the Valley of the Sun, the Slovenian said Miami gave him a shot to be the go-to guy, and he made the most of it.

"Only good memories. They give me the keys of that ship at the time. I had tremendous six-plus years there, working hard. The most important thing was to be a true professional," Dragic said.