The Croatian power forward finds himself in a possible make-or-break situation for the Phoenix Suns
The NBA is less than three weeks away now, and teams have already made their way to Orlando to continue the season in the bubble. The Phoenix Suns will be arriving there very soon, and it truly feels that within a blink of an eye the season will be underway, and the Suns will be undoubtedly playing with something to prove.
For many on the squad, they will also be playing for something to gain. Whether that is an extended look for a better role on the roster next season, or a chance to show the coaching staff that their development is real, there are more than a few Suns players playing for a lot more than just the possible playoff spot at the end of the tunnel.
Unfortunately, some players have a lot on the line that could be lost. Again, that could be in the form of a prized role in the rotation, or major money in free agency, or both. Such is the potential prospects of one Dario Saric.
This isn’t the first time I have addressed Saric’s more than underwhelming season. The difference, however, is in the fact that with the return of the year, Saric can potentially rebound from this some and rehabilitate some of his player value. This value wouldn’t only be for the Phoenix Suns, but also for Saric, who has lapses over games where it appears he doesn’t have the confidence in his own abilities, and that manifests itself in his play.
The Phoenix Suns angle is very important, however, and not to be understated. The power forward spot has been a sore one for Phoenix all season, and this isn’t just on Dario but on Frank Kaminsky too, as well as injuries and suspensions that have wreaked havoc to any hope of a steady rotation for most of the season.
Make no mistake, Saric will need Phoenix in free agency just as much as the Suns need him now
With that being stated, 10 points and just under 6 rebounds a night while playing almost 25 minutes a game isn’t exactly ideal for your starting power forward. On a Suns team that has high aspirations (I know it’s just making the playoffs, but STILL) Saric’s production simply has to increase. Of the rest of the Phoenix Suns not named Devin Booker or Deandre Ayton (or Kelly Oubre, who is still presumed to be out) Saric may be the best player best suited to expand his versatile skill set for the benefit of both himself and the team.
Remember, Saric is set to enter restricted free agency after this year. The money is there for him to take or lose. If he plays to the level that he can, not only will he earn himself a nice new contract, but he will “pay” dividends to the Suns in the short term, as they attempt to overcome the odds and make the postseason for the first time in 10 seasons.