Battier: Goran Dragic Trade a 'Steal' for Miami Heat
It was a time of soaring highs and depressing lows for the Miami Heat after last Thursday's trade deadline netted them Goran Dragic from the Suns only to find out hours later that Chris Bosh was hospitalized with blood clots on his lung. Shane Battier, a current ESPN analyst and member of the Miami Heat's two most recent championship teams, joined WQAM on Monday to share his thoughts on the roller coaster week and his upcoming charity karaoke event.
"What a steal to turn what was traded away for an all-star caliber point guard," Battier said on the Joe Rose Show. "It pumped me up and then hearing the news about [Bosh] hours later, just devastating.
"He is one of the best guys I know and one of my favorite teammates of all time. I'm just hoping he recovers quickly and takes his time."
Thankfully Bosh is expected to recover completely but also miss the remainder of the season. As for how the Heat can recoup after another significant injury to the core of a roster already stung by LeBron James' departure, Battier is convinced they can hang.
"It's a 30-game sprint and I think they'll be able to circle the wagons and put together some good basketball especially in the East," he said. "Their schedule is a little more favorable... In the Eastern Conference it doesn't take much."
Hassan Whiteside, meanwhile, has shown no signs of slowing down after becoming Miami's starting center in January, with two double-doubles in his last three games, including a 16-rebound, five-block effort in a loss to the Pelicans on Saturday. What does Battier think of Miami's young, developing big man?
"Opportunity, that's what half this league is about," Battier said. "Hassan came to the Heat at literally the perfect time in his career and they needed him."
Register for Battioke 2015, put on by The Battier Take Charge Foundation by clicking here.
