Every NBA team holds their players to high physical standards. After all, if a player isn’t in peak physical condition, they will likely not perform at their best on the court. However, no team is known for intense conditioning tests like the Miami Heat.
In a recent interview on Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem's “The OGs” podcast, Goran Dragic , the former Heat point guard, revealed how demanding these conditioning tests can be. “The Dragon” recalls his experience going through these arduous drills, revealing he once passed out.
Stink-a** masks
The Heat organization leaves nothing to chance. Fully aware of the city's temptations, the team has installed a culture predicated on discipline and dedication to excellence. This means routine checks involving fat percentage, body weight, and overall physical condition are the norm.
According to the savvy lefty, the Heat also had these conditioning tests where players were required to wear elevation training masks designed to simulate high-altitude conditions and improve lung capacity.
“We had those tests, you know, conditioning tests. So I remember CB (Chris Bosh), D-Wade, Luol Deng, I don't know who brought those…” Dragic narrated .
Haslem then butted in, revealing: “D-Wade brought those stink-a** masks. Oh my God, those masks, man. You remember the mask that you put on, they cut down the oxygen, so you wear it so it intensifies your workout?”
In between wearing the masks, lung-busting exercises, and the sweltering heat, Dragic bared that he once passed out while taking those infamous conditioning tests. However, he ratted out Bosh for not wearing the mask filters designed to regulate airflow and simulate high-altitude training.
“I passed out, though, but you know what? You know what happened in the end? CB took the mask off; he didn't have those filters in. He was cheating, man,” Dragic shared with a hearty laugh.
“I ain't doing that ever again. I don't need that much; this ain't the motherf*****g Navy Seals! I was lightheaded as sh*t,” Haslem added.
A tough kid
Dragic passing out on a conditioning test shows how tough the Heat make it for anyone who dares to put on those white, red, and black jerseys. The one-time Most Improved Player award winner is one tough cookie, and it usually takes more than just a training session to bring him down.
Legendary big man, Shaquille O’Neal , learned this in 2008-2009 when he suited up for the Phoenix Suns. Dragic was only a rookie then, and the “Diesel” tried to impose his will with some good, old-fashioned hazing. However, the one-time All-Star was unperturbed by Shaq’s shenanigans .
“So I know this kid is tough, you know I tried to haze him one day, and he said, 'Shaq, I'm from Slovenia. I've seen it all before,' so I realized he was a tough kid," Shaq quipped . “I know this kid has heart. I would never say anything bad about this kid; I've always loved this kid's heart.”
Now retired after a 15-year NBA career, Dragic has proven himself to be a resilient guy. Not everyone can pass the mustard when it comes to playing for the Heat, but the Slovenian did that and so much more.
Related: “I don’t know how they get it back” - Udonis Haslem shares the story of when Dwyane Wade had his car and jewelry stolen
Most Popular
Comments / 0