Phoenix Suns center Dario Saric overcame all odds making his triumphant return to the basketball court, playing for Croatia in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 pre-qualifier and other international games.
Prior to this summer, the last time Saric played was on July 6, 2021 in game one of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks where he ultimately tore his ACL. He sat out for the entirety of the 2021-22 season after ultimately undergoing meniscus surgery in May.
While playing against Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic and the Slovenian basketball team on Aug. 20, Saric scored 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting in 26 minutes.
On Aug. 25, Saric put up nine points, nine rebounds and six assists in 28 minutes to lead Croatia to a 72-69 victory against Poland.
In the few early glimpses of his play internationally, Saric has looked 100% healthy and ready to go for the 2022-23 campaign.
The return of Saric is an encouraging sight for the Suns. With the departure of center Javale McGee in free agency, the Suns will need him to help boost their bench depth down low.
The 28-year-old was an integral part of the Sun's 2020-21 roster putting up 8.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 17.4 minutes off the bench.
Saric’s role leading into next season is still up in the air. Center Bismack Biyombo will return to the Suns for his second season after taking a chunk of minutes off the bench. Biyombo averaged 5.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists last season.
Along with Deandre Ayton occupying the five spot, Phoenix also traded for Jock Landale this offseason.
Saric's minutes will likely come at power forward, although Jae Crowder and Cameron Johnson currently occupy majority of the play there. Should Crowder be moved at some point, that would likely see Saric slide into the secondary role behind Johnson.
In the age of positionless basketball, Saric will likely play both power forward and center throughout next season.
Phoenix will need him at his best in order to capture their first NBA title, but the early signs of play indicate Saric will be ready to roll when the Suns hit the court for next season.
Saric will next hit the court on Friday, Sept. 2 against Greece.
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