Goran Dragić used his first salary to buy his parents an apartment: I made sure that everyone had their own room

Goran Dragić, former captain of the Slovenian national basketball team and current player with the Miami Heat, has revealed that he purchased an apartment for his parents as part of their retirement plan. The gesture was made during his first paycheck after retiring from professional play. “I ensured that each of them had their own room,” Dragić explained, reflecting on his decision to provide his parents with a comfortable living space following his career. Dragić, who turned 40 this year, described his daily life in Miami, where he takes care of his two children, Victoria and Mateo. He balances being a devoted father with maintaining his connection to the sport he once dominated. Despite offers to continue playing in Europe, he chose to stay in Florida, where his former club, the Miami Heat, supported him in staying on as a coach. His primary focus now is raising his children, accompanying them to gymnastics and soccer practices, and spending quality time with them. His relationship with his ex-wife, Maja, remains cordial despite their divorce. Both still prioritize the well-being of their children. Dragić acknowledged the emotional challenges of separation but emphasized that they have found a way to co-parent effectively. “When you separate, things can get hot, but eventually, things calm down. She loves the kids, I love the kids. You have to do what’s best for them,” he said, expressing gratitude for the continued bond between himself and his ex-wife. Dragić's commitment extends beyond his family. In Laško, Slovenia, he recently organized the twelfth consecutive youth basketball camp, which has become a cornerstone of his post-playing career. The camp, which he runs with his team, has attracted widespread attention and participation. “I never thought we’d make it to the twelfth edition. When we started, I wanted to run a camp, but I didn’t expect it to reach such a high level and gain so much interest,” he remarked, highlighting the joy he finds in working with young athletes. The camp has been instrumental in nurturing talent and fostering a passion for basketball among local youth. Dragić expressed pride in the camp’s success and its positive impact on the community. “We’re doing great work. It’s not burdensome for us. We enjoy what we do,” he added, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the camp’s achievements. Dragić's efforts extend internationally. Last month, he launched a new basketball court in the Športni Park Naklo, funded through his foundation. Additionally, he collaborates with the Orphaned Starfish Foundation, supporting initiatives in Kenya. There, he helped open a basketball court near Maasai Mara and engaged with local partners to provide educational programs for children. “In Kenya, we cooked together, shared food, played games, and visited schools. They saw how we live and how children in Africa and South America live. When we returned home, Victoria began making bracelets, selling them outside her house, putting money into a donation box, and saying she wants to give it to children if we go back to Africa. That was a good lesson,” he reflected. Dragić’s dedication to basketball continues, albeit in different forms. While he no longer plays professionally, he remains active in sports, enjoying activities like hiking and tennis. He maintains friendships within and beyond the basketball world, including regular interactions with former teammates and coaches. Recently, he spent time with fellow NBA legend Nebojša Joksimović and Slovenian player Sašo Zagorc. He also frequently interacts with former Italian national team member Danilo Gallinari, who resides in Miami. “I attend games. As a former player, I receive tickets. I still walk the same hallway I walked as a player. The club does a great job for retired players. Sometimes I visit training sessions to greet old friends. This season, I attended most games. If I wasn’t there, I watched them on television,” he detailed, illustrating his ongoing ties to the basketball community.