Tag: Dario Saric

Dario Saric could be a trade chip for Warriors

The Golden State Warriors veteran big man could find himself being discussed in potential trades ahead of the February 8 trade deadline.

Dario Saric has been a consistent performer for the Golden State Warriors this season. The veteran big man has played in 40 games, 32 of them off the bench. He’s averaging 10.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists in those games, shooting 48.4% from the field and 40.1% from 3-point range.

Yet, it appears Saric could find himself being included in trade discussions leading up to the Feb. 8 trade deadline. In a recent article for Clutch Points, Chris Dodson noted some sources around the league believe Saric could be a logical trade piece for the Warriors due to his favorable contract and on-court impact.

“The NBA Trade Deadline is just a few weeks away and league sources have indicated the Golden State Warriors would be open to moving Dario Saric before February 8th,” Dodson wrote. “Moving Saric’s $2.7 million contract for luxury tax savings and a few future assets would be a sign of the Warriors readjusting expectations for this season while hoping to extend a championship window around Steph Curry’s remaining years.”

Saric is one of the few big men on the Warriors roster. Unless they’re bringing in some fresh frontcourt talent, it’s unlikely Mike Dunleavy Jr. would part with a player who is having a reliable impact off the bench.

Nevertheless, Golden State is likely still exploring potential ways to upgrade the roster ahead of the second half of the season. Should Saric be included in a trade, he would likely be part of a bigger package. Who that package would be for remains up for debate.

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Injury Report: Andrew Wiggins (finger) out vs. Clippers, Dario Saric to start on Saturday

While Andrew Wiggins will miss his second game with a finger injury, Dario Saric will enter the starting lineup against the Clippers.

After slamming his right index finger in his car door, Andrew Wiggins was ruled out of Thursday’s contest against the Los Angeles Clippers. In the rematch between the Clippers and Warriors on Saturday, Wiggins will be sidelined for his second straight contest despite being on the court for pregame warmups.

Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:

Along with Wiggins, Gary Payton II and Chris Paul ruled out on Saturday, Steve Kerr is making a change to Golden State’s starting lineup. Dario Saric will enter the starting lineup on Saturday against the Clippers and Kevon Looney will shift to a role off the bench.

During the Warriors’ win over the Clippers on Thursday, Saric notched 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field with five rebounds and five assists in 27 minutes.

The Warriors will meet the Clippers in Los Angeles on Saturday at 1 p.m. PT.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! 

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Is Dario Saric the Warriors’ star offseason addition?

Dario Saric has impressed since joining the Golden State Warriors during the offseason.

When the Golden State Warriors acquired Chris Paul during the offseason, he was seen as the team’s star addition. Acquiring the veteran point guard to help lead the second unit was viewed as a masterstroke by Mike Dunleavy Jr., assuming Steve Kerr could figure out his rotations and get Paul to mesh with teammates.

However, another summer addition has been making an impact in recent weeks. Dario Saric was an under-the-radar pick-up. Saric has slotted seamlessly into the Warriors rotation, although he would probably prefer not to operate as a center.

In his first 10 games for Golden State, Saric is averaging 10.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He is shooting 45.1% from the field and 37.3% from 3-point range. His skillful play has been a welcomed addition in the middle of the floor, too.

During a recent episode of “Warriors Breakdown” on YouTube, the budding channel explored whether Saric is Golden State’s best free agent pick-up and why he’s been able to slot so seamlessly into the rotation.

You can watch the full video by clicking on the embedded link above.

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Steve Kerr highlights Dario Saric’s impact to begin the season

Steve Kerr has been impressed with the Golden State Warriors newly-signed big man.

Dario Saric joined the Golden State Warriors via free agency during the offseason. The veteran big man is a versatile offensive threat who can provide spacing, perimeter scoring and work on the low block. In Golden State’s Nov. 1 win over the Sacramento Kings, Saric ended the contest with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists, shooting 60% from 3-point range.

Speaking to the media after the game, Kerr praised what Saric brings to the rotation. He noted how the veteran center’s presence on the court provides his team with new opportunities and dimensions they can attack. Kerr also likened Saric’s presence to that of Nemanja Bjelica‘s.

“It’s massive. It gives us an entirely different dimension. That’s why Otto Porter and Belly (Bjelica) did for us a few two years ago. Gives you the ability to change the look up and space the floor out with your five-man, and that stretches the defense out. Dario was a huge pick-up for us. A guy who can flat-out play. And he was huge for us tonight.”

Saric spent the last few years with the Phoenix Suns, with whom he was a valuable rotation member. He was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder mid-way through last season but has quickly found a role for himself on another contending Western Conference team.

Golden State’s lack of size in the middle of the court has been somewhat offset by the talent of the bigs at Kerr’s disposal. Saric is a significant part of that “size with skill” approach the Warriors have adhered to this summer, and he is already proving a solid addition.

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Watch: Chris Paul reacts to “CP3” chants from Warriors fans

Chris Paul shares his reaction to Golden State Warriors fans chanting his name during his regular-season debut

Chris Paul made his regular-season debut for the Golden State Warriors in their season curtain-raiser against the Phoenix Suns. Throughout his career, Paul has been a thorn in Golden State’s side, leading to a complex relationship with the Warriors’ fan base. However, Paul received a warm welcome at the Chase Center and was quickly made to feel at home.

Late in the game, with Paul at the free-throw line, the Warriors fan base began chanting his name — something that wasn’t lost on the veteran point guard. When addressing the media as part of his postgame press conference, Paul opened up on his experience during his debut game, “that was a first,” he told the media.

Paul recalled how Dario Saric was the first to notice the crowd chanting his name, leading the veteran big man to begin laughing, which then led Paul to begin laughing himself.

You can watch Paul explain his reaction in the embedded clip above.

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Watch: Warriors two new veterans working on a two-man game

Cory Joseph and Dario Saric have been working on some pick-and-pop offense during training camp.

The Golden State Warriors added three veterans this summer. Mike Dunleavy acquired Chris Paul, Cory Joseph and Dario Saric to help give the franchise additional leadership and consistency. Throughout the summer, Paul’s addition dominated discussions surrounding the Warriors.

Nevertheless, Saric and Joseph also project to have important roles to play. Both veteran additions will likely feature in the Warriors’ second unit. With that in mind, Saric and Joseph appear to have been working on some two-man action, so they have some go-to offense when sharing the court together during the season.

In a video that surfaced on social media, Saric and Joseph are working on some pick-and-pop actions. Saric is the “popper” and gets the 3-point shot as part of the drill.

Dario Saric and Corey Joseph working on their 2-man game together post-practice today (via Dalton Johnson – 0:23)
byu/NokCha_ inwarriors

Golden State’s new veterans look ready to go as the new season approaches and could provide a much-needed boost to the second unit. You can watch the full clip of Saric and Joseph’s workout in the embed above.

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Steve Kerr details Dario Saric’s new role

The Golden State Warriors head coach is excited about Dario Saric’s role with the team for the upcoming season.

Dario Saric is the latest veteran big man to team up with the Golden State Warriors. The floor-spacing center has already earned rave reviews from his new teammates, specifically Steph Curry. Saric also impressed while playing for Croatia during this summer’s Olympic Qualifying games.

During a recent post-practice media availability, Steve Kerr shared some insight into the role Saric will play for the Warriors this season. Golden State’s championship head coach noted how Saric will provide a similar impact to former Warriors center Nemanja Bjelica, who won a championship with the franchise in 2022 and hasn’t suited up for an NBA team since.

“Dario’s a perfect fit,” Kerr said. “He’s been great. Now that he has his legs underneath him and a feel for how we play, he’s getting better every day. We really missed that dynamic last year. That Bjelica, Porter-type player, big who can stretch the floor but still make plays. Good passer. That really changes the equation offensively when you have someone out there who you can run the offensive through. And who can space the floor with a three-point shot. So, I’m excited about him.”

Saric, 29, will team back up with Chris Paul, whom he had a good on-court relationship with during their time together on the Phoenix Suns. Saric’s ability to set solid screens, score from all three levels, and protect the rim as a drop defender will ensure he gets consistent playing time for Kerr’s team.

Steve Kerr: “Dario’s a perfect fit. Now that he has his legs underneath him & a feel for how we play, he’s getting better every day. We missed that dynamic last year. A Bjelica, Porter type of big who can stretch the floor but still makes plays. Good passer. Really changes the equation offensively”
byu/NokCha_ inwarriors

The Warriors are short of size this season. As such, Saric and Kevon Looney will likely be the team’s two primary big men, as both play a smart, physical brand of basketball, which will ensure the Warriors can’t easily be bullied around the rim.

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Steph Curry praises Dario Saric’s fit with Warriors

Steph Curry has been playing pick-up with Dario Saric and has been impressed by the Golden State Warriors latest big man.

Dario Saric joined the Golden State Warriors during the offseason. The veteran big man had a solid bounce-back season following his recovery from an ACL injury and impressed with both the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder. Saric also impressed while playing for Croatia in the Olympic qualifiers this summer.

It would also appear the Warriors’ new big man has made a great impression on Steph Curry. On Oct. 2, Curry attended a press conference as part of NBA media day and revealed how Saric has been impressing him during recent pick-up games. Curry noted how the veteran center should have no problem adjusting to the Warriors’ style of basketball.

“He knows how to play in a motion-style offense,” Curry said. “He was doing it a little bit in his international play this summer. But, even back in Phoenix, when he was there with CP. I’ve talked to him about the way that he sees the game; it’s very similar to the way that we play…He understands how to play. When you can shoot, and you know how to play, and you fill a positional needs for us, that’s huge for us.”

One of the biggest question marks surrounding the Warriors heading into training camp is whether they have enough size on their roster. Some of the strongest teams in the Western Conference boast elite big men. However, Golden State has been judicious with the type of big men they have acquired, assuring they bring skill and size.

As such, Saric will likely play a significant role for the Warriors next season. Judging by how he’s impressed his new team’s star player, Saric could have one of his most impactful seasons, especially considering a starting role is there for the taking.

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Report: Chris Paul ‘vocal fan’ of Dario Saric signing with Warriors

The former Phoenix Suns teammates are set to have a reunion in the Bay Area.

The Golden State Warriors inked their second free agency signing early on Saturday morning with the reported addition of veteran big man Dario Saric. Now in the Bay Area, the 6-foot-10 forward is set to have a reunion with his former Phoenix Suns teammate Chris Paul.

Early in the offseason, the Warriors acquired the veteran All-Star point guard in a blockbuster deal that was headlined by Paul and Jordan Poole.

Prior to Saric signing with the Warriors, the Croatian big man already had a fan in the building in his former teammate. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Paul was a “vocal fan” of Saric’s signing with the Warriors.

Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:

Saric and Paul were teammates in Phoenix for two and half seasons before Saric was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the deadline last year.

Saric and Paul will likely have the chance to play alongside each other in multiple rotations for Steve Kerr next season. Depending on how the rest of the roster shakes out, both veterans could come off the bench and provide a serious punch of experience to Golden State’s second unit.

As a member of the Suns last year, Saric averaged 5.8 points on 42.7% shooting from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc with 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 14.4 minutes per contest.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! 

Report: Former Thunder Dario Saric signs with Warriors

Dario Saric spent the last two months with the Thunder.

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After a two-month stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, veteran forward Dario Saric has found a new home.

Saric agreed to a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. He was one of the most sought-after free agents in recent days.

The 29-year-old started last season with the Phoenix Suns before he was traded to the Thunder at the trade deadline as a way to shed salary. In 20 games with the Thunder, Saric averaged 7.4 points on 51.5% shooting and 3.3 rebounds. He shot 39.1% from 3 on 2.3 attempts.

In his exit interview, Saric declared his interest in returning to the Thunder and spoke highly of their young core. Considering OKC is facing a roster crunch with a number of young players and veterans on bloated salaries, it was hard to envision Saric being brought back.

Instead, he goes to the Warriors and will provide quality backup wing minutes as he bolsters their depth.

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