Raptors Guard Leaves Team For Personal Reasons

 

The Toronto Raptors have announced that veteran point guard Goran Dragic will be taking a leave from the team, for personal reasons. 

General manager Bobby Webster says he has the team's full backing with this situation. 

 “Goran is taking some time away from the team, with our full support, to manage a personal matter," Raptors' general manager Bobby Webster is quoted, in a team statement. "He has been a complete professional in the time that he has been with the Raptors – Goran has been a great mentor to our younger players and a valued teammate for our veterans. He will continue to work out and stay in shape during his time away."

As for when Dragic will be back with the team, that is an unknown at this point. "There is no definite timeline for this process," continued Webster. "We will advise updates as appropriate. Goran has the backing of Masai, Nick and the entire organization, and we wish him nothing but the best.”

Dragic has only played 5 games for the Raptors this season, as 2nd-round draft pick, and local product, Dalano Banton has excelled as the backup point guard, while second-year player Malachi Flynn also gets some run in the backcourt off the bench. 

The 35-year-old Dragic was obtained by the Raptors from the Miami Heat as part of the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade in the offseason. At first, he balked at coming to Toronto, but ever since has seemed to assimilate very well with his new teammates. 

Photo Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports