Raptors' Goran Dragic leaves team for personal reasons

The veteran guard has stepped away from the game citing personal reasons

Goran Dragic takes a leave of absence from Toronto Raptors

On Sunday before their game against the Boston Celtics, the Toronto Raptors announced that the Slovenian would be leaving the team indefinitely due to a personal matter. Dragic who was - acquired along with Precious Achiuwa in the offseason deal that sent Kyle Lowry to Miami - was not with the team at the time.

Speaking on the turn of events head coach Nick Nurse was complimentary while not going into any specific details as to why exactly Dragic will be going. "First of all, he's a really good dude, extremely professional, very wise...enjoyable guy to be around and coach."

Dragic by the numbers

at 35 Dragic has seen some time in the league. His stint in Toronto specifically, however, has not been long in that he has played in only five games so far with the Raptors. In that time the Slovenian was averaging 8.0 points, 1.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds for a total of 17.9 minutes per game. Dragic has made just one appearance since late October. A credible player in his 15 year career, his best performances were without doubt when he was on the roster of the Miami Heat. Averaging 16.2 points, 5.2 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game across 391 appearances, he was actually named to the NBA All-Star team in 2018.

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Raptors "support" Dragic

Speaking on the Dragic's withdrawl, general manager Bobby Webster said that Dragic had the team's "full support." "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," Webster stated. "He will continue to work out and stay in shape during his time away." It is understood that there is no definitive timeline for the player's return as he is set to return to his home country of Slovenia.