When was Dario Saric drafted?

Dario Saric is a Croatian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Golden State Warriors. Though only 29 years old, Saric has already had an accomplished career spanning over a decade.

Saric's basketball journey began in 2009 when, at just 15 years old, he started playing professionally for Zrinjevac in his native Croatia. His precocious talent was evident even at this young age. Over the next two years, Saric competed internationally and won awards that underscored his promising abilities - he won the prestigious Città di Roma EuroLeague International Junior Tournament in 2011 and was nominated for the FIBA Young Player of the Year award in both 2010 and 2011.

In 2012, the then 18-year-old Saric signed a four-year contract with Cibona Zagreb, a major Croatian team based in the capital city. Saric spent two strong seasons with Cibona, demonstrating his skills against top European competition. On the back of his stellar play, in 2014 Saric signed with Anadolu Efes, a leading Turkish club. His exceptional performances continued, as highlighted by his EuroLeague MVP of the Month award in November 2014 at just 20 years old.

Dario Saric Draft

Dario Saric declared for the 2014 NBA Draft and was selected 12th overall by the Orlando Magic, though his rights were quickly traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Saric continued competing in Europe over the next two seasons. Finally, in 2016 at age 22, he signed with the 76ers and transitioned to the NBA.

In his rookie season, Saric made an instant impact, averaging 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. His strong debut earned him second place in NBA Rookie of the Year voting behind teammate Joel Embiid. Saric was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Over the next few seasons in Philadelphia, Saric contributed quality production as a key role player. He was chosen for the 2018 Rising Stars Game during All-Star Weekend.

After four seasons with Philadelphia, Saric was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018 and the Phoenix Suns in 2019. As a reliable contributor off the bench, Saric averaged 8.9 points over four years in Phoenix. A midseason trade in 2023 took Saric to the Oklahoma City Thunder briefly before he was moved again to the Golden State Warriors. Now 29 years old, the versatile Saric embraces coming off the bench for a Warriors squad pursuing another championship.

Dario Saric Position

Dario Saric plays the power forward and center positions for the Golden State Warriors. Standing 6 feet 10 inches tall with a wingspan of 6 feet 10 inches, Saric has a good size for his position. His height and length allow him to grab rebounds, contest shots, and score around the basket. Saric uses his physical gifts well as a versatile big man who can space the floor or play with his back to the basket. His multidimensional skill set boosts Golden State's frontcourt depth.