Raptors announce Goran Dragic will step away from team to manage a personal matter

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The Toronto Raptors announced on Sunday that Goran Dragic will step away from the team to manage a personal matter.

"Goran is taking some time away from the team, with our full support, to manage a personal matter," general manager Bobby Webster said.

"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. There is no definite timeline for this process, and we will advise updates as appropriate," Webster continued.

"Goran has the backing of Masai, Nick and the entire organization, and we wish him nothing but the best."

The Raptors acquired Dragic, along with Precious Achiuwa, in the sign-and-trade that sent Kyle Lowry to the Miami Heat this past offseason.

Things got out to a bit of a rocky start following the trade, with Dragic being slightly misquoted in the translation of an interview shortly after being sent to Toronto.

The situation was mended prior to the start of the season and Dragic assumed a spot in the starting lineup on opening night. The 35-year-old veteran was removed from the starting lineup after the first game, and not long thereafter, he fell out of the rotation completely.

As a result, Dragic has only played in five games this season, receiving "DNP – Coach's Decision"'s in the Raptors' 15 other contests.

In his last appearance for Toronto, he had a solid outing with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 13, but he hasn't taken the floor in the six games since then.

Dragic was averaging just 8.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 38.2 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from 3 on the season.

As Webster said in his statement, Dragic's timetable for a return is unknown.

Stick with NBA.com for more updates on the situation as they're presented.

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Kyle Irving is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News.