Goran Dragic’s toughness adds edge to scrappy Chicago Bulls' backcourt

The experience and toughness of Goran Dragic may very well bring the Bulls to where they want to go.

Goran Dragic / © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls have been a scrappy team for many years now. They are never afraid to put in the hard work on both ends of the court, which was a big reason why they were so successful last season. 

For the 2022-2023 season, they got even tougher with the addition of veteran Goran Dragic who has made a 14-year career out of being savvy and making plays in clutch situations. So far, he has seamlessly fit in during training camp, and looks like he will be a key piece for the Bulls this season.

Uncanny experience

While we won't blame anyone for suddenly forgetting all about Dragic after his stint with the Toronto Raptors and the Brooklyn Nets over the last two seasons, it cannot be denied that the 36-year-old still has plenty of game left in him. He is a wily veteran who knows how to get his shot off against even the best defenders. 

As far as backcourts go, there may not be many that are tougher than the one that the Bulls will trot out this season. And despite his age, the Bulls' executive vice president of basketball operations, Arturas Karnišovas, ardently believes Dragic remains loyal to the winning cause.

"With Goran, it's more of adding experience. A guy who is still hungry and chasing winning," Karnišovas said.

Dragic put that on display during the recent EuroBasket 2022, where he came out of retirement and became a vital piece of Slovenia's campaign. And although his team failed to achieve its goal of winning it all, Dragić showed he still has plenty left in the tank with averages of 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.

The chase continues

Dragic has achieved a lot in his NBA career—NBA All-Star, All-NBA selection, Most Improved Player. A title has eluded the left-handed guard, and he hopes to remedy that this season with the Bulls.

"I've already been close with Miami. Unfortunately, I got hurt in the NBA Finals and it still — to this day I cannot sleep well because I want to be back. I still have that hunger," said Dragic.

The Slovenian recognizes that he's father time is catching up and that his window for winning a title is quickly closing. But he also knows he still has plenty to offer to a team. That's why he chose the Bulls, one of the league's most improved teams last season. With a core group that is still young and inexperienced, Dragic can provide them with the leadership and knowledge that can help them take the next step.

"I'm 36 years old. I'm not the youngest anymore, but I still have that passion and that is the most important," he said.

Goran Dragic and the Chicago Bulls have agreed to a one-year contract, as first reported by The Athletic and confirmed by ESPN. pic.twitter.com/UzB0JixRZG

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 3, 2022