Phoenix Suns: 2 Players with Rotation Spots in Danger After Free Agency

Phoenix Suns Players Under Pressure: Dario Saric

Dario Saric tore his ACL early during the NBA Finals, coming as an incredibly unfortunate blunder for both parties involved. The Suns struggled to slow down Milwaukee inside with nobody to work behind the foul-troubled Ayton, and Saric needed to undergo season-ending surgery.

Looking to patch up that loss ahead next season, the Suns agreed to a one-year deal with veteran big man JaVale McGee. They also re-signed Frank Kaminsky as a third-string option under a veteran’s minimum deal.

But even though Saric’s upside as a 27-year-old, floor spacing big far exceeds that of both McGee and Kaminsky, an entire year away from the game will open up a massive doorway for them both to walk through and begin chipping away at his role with the team.

Lying before both Kaminsky and McGee sit 82 opportunities for them to impress the Phoenix front office, and make their cases as permanent replacements for Saric. Saric’s superior talent and age leaves a lot of ground to make up for each big, but his helplessness during it all must still feel incredibly nerve-racking.

Even though the Suns drafted him last year, rather than reeling him in as a free agent acquisition, Jalen Smith could soon begin pressuring Saric as well. The age card no longer works to Saric’s advantage when stacked up against the younger Smith, which plays big even with Smith’s still very underdeveloped skillset. This makes him a sneaky pick to cut into Saric’s position with the team and instigate pressure as well.