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.
Steve Kerr discusses how Dario Šarić unlocks a whole new "dimension" for the Warriors pic.twitter.com/mkGIXytCff
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 2, 2023
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.
