As the Timberwolves Grizzlies' series ended, the NBA playoff first round also ended. There are many teams that fell in the first round, the most lamentable of which is undoubtedly the Nets, and the 36-year-old former All-Star guard Dragic has completely lost hope of winning the championship this season.
In February, Dragic reached a buyout agreement with the Spurs, after which Dragic chose to join the Nets. Speaking of why, Dragic said that joining the Nets has a good chance of winning the championship. Although the Nets had already traded Harden at the time, the Big Three were left with Only Durant and Irving.
At that time, there were many teams pursuing Dragic, in addition to the Nets, there were also Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, Bulls and other teams. But the nets coach Nash and Dragic's past friendship with the Suns, coupled with Dragic's optimism about the Nets, eventually led him to the Nets.
But in the end, Dragic stopped fighting for the title in the first round of the playoffs.
Dragic's personal performance is OK. In four games, Dragic averaged 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 19.8 minutes per game, shooting 56.3% from the field. As a substitute veteran, Dragic's performance is acceptable and worthy of recognition.
But now that the Nets have been eliminated by the Celtics, it will be difficult for the Nets to be as widely regarded as a championship-contending team next season. Even if Simmons returns, with the personalities of Simmons and Irving, it will be doubtful whether the Nets can show enough cohesion.
In this case, it is not surprising that Dragic chooses to leave the Nets. With Dragic's strength and the state shown in the playoffs, I believe that there are still many teams, especially championship teams, who want to sign with him, after all, it is difficult for Dragic to get a big contract now, and it is difficult to bring as much help as in the past, but it is still no problem to play as a substitute in the championship team.
The key is what Dragic himself thinks. If you really want a championship, then choosing a team that has the prospect of winning the championship and can give him a good contract will be a good choice. On the other hand, if Dragic is bent on a better contract, then it is better not to hold his thighs, after all, at his age, it is difficult to achieve both salary and championship.