Goran Dragic says he encouraged Giannis Antetokounmpo to wear No. 7 for the Miami Heat, telling the former Milwaukee Bucks star he deserved to take on the number.
Appearing on “Tobin & Leroy” on Wednesday, Dragic described their conversation as Miami prepared to open its regular season against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
His response was enthusiastic, with no suggestion that he wanted Antetokounmpo to choose something else.
Goran Dragic on Giannis wearing number 7:
“I love it. I talked to him about that and told him ‘hey, go ahead. You deserve it. You’re the MVP of this league.’ I was happy. I think he’s going to do great things in that number”
(@1043wqam) pic.twitter.com/9vfFsYqKQK
— Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) October 21, 2026
“I talked to him about that and I told him, ‘Hey Brate, go ahead. You deserve it. You’re the MVP of this league,’” Dragic said.
Dragic added that he was happy about the decision and expected Antetokounmpo to accomplish plenty while wearing the number.
The interview offered a personal account of the exchange rather than an announcement of a new jersey choice. Dragic had already publicly welcomed Antetokounmpo wearing No. 7 earlier this year, offering encouragement as the star began his Miami chapter.
For Heat fans, the conversation connects a familiar player from the franchise’s recent past with the newcomer now joining Bam Adebayo. Dragic’s approval also comes with a perspective that extends beyond watching Antetokounmpo from the opposing bench.
Dragic joined Milwaukee in March 2023, giving him experience as Antetokounmpo’s teammate after his years in Miami.
Goran Dragic sees Giannis fitting Miami’s expectations
Dragic also discussed why he believes Antetokounmpo fits the Heat. In another excerpt from Wednesday’s appearance, he pointed to the forward’s work habits and leadership, describing a player whose approach should suit Erik Spoelstra, Pat Riley and Adebayo.
Goran Dragic says Giannis is HUNGRY for another Championship this year:
“Greek Freak, I think his nickname is perfect. — He’s always first at practice, he’s a leader, I think he’s a perfect fit for how Spo and Pat are running this organization with Bam. I think they’re gonna do… https://t.co/cEpPU1z41j pic.twitter.com/VOVhpzhqIo
— Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) October 21, 2026
“He’s always first at the practice. He’s a leader,” said Dragic. “He gonna call you out if you’re not doing your job. I think he’s a perfect fit for how Spo and Pat they’re running this organization. With Bam, I think they’re gonna do amazing things.”
He also emphasized Antetokounmpo’s motivation to pursue another championship and his willingness to carry the expectations that come with that goal.
That assessment addresses a different part of Miami’s transition than the jersey conversation. Dragic sees compatibility between Antetokounmpo’s approach and the demands of his new organization, though his endorsement remains a prediction about how the partnership will develop.
Miami’s new frontcourt has also drawn attention from Brian Windhorst, who highlighted the possibilities for Antetokounmpo and Adebayo under Spoelstra during Tuesday’s “First Take.”
The two endorsements come from different perspectives: Windhorst focused on the combination Miami can put on the court, while Dragic discussed the player’s mentality as well as their personal exchange.
The Heat host Minnesota at Kaseya Center on Wednesday, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
That game begins the regular-season portion of Antetokounmpo’s Miami career, with Dragic already making clear he is comfortable seeing his former number on the newcomer.
