The Phoenix Suns never needed reinforcements this year. Aside from a few mid-season trades and signings, their rotation kept them well afloat as constructed. With that, Dario Saric’s unavailability this season felt more like some extra baggage to carry around rather than a major bump in the road.
Regardless, some fans held hope that Super Dario might return for Phoenix’s playoff run this year. Saric tore his ACL during the NBA Finals last season, and although an injury like that normally requires a full calendar year to recover from, he looked well ahead of that time frame a few weeks ago when videos surfaced of him getting shots up at practice.
However, Saric recently hopped off the court and into the operating room once again—undoubtedly shutting the door on a return this season.
Prior to Game 3 this week, it was announced that Saric underwent successful surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee, the same one he tore his ACL in.
OFFICIAL Dario Saric injury update:
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) May 6, 2022
Phoenix Suns forward/center Dario Šarić today underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure to the meniscus of his right knee. He will continue to rehab and remain out indefinitely. https://t.co/07U75BYVCP
Before blowing out that knee last year, Saric averaged 8.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game with Phoenix. However, his mobility and shooting touch as a big made him most valuable.
Saric maintained the ability to stay with quick guards on switches at the defensive end, and stretch the floor on offense, both of which represent key traits which help the Suns reel in wins by the pound.
With JaVale McGee and Bismack Biyombo still filling the understudy role behind Deandre Ayton, the Suns remain well equipped to continue on without Saric. As said before, this Suns team has been more than fine without him, even earning more wins than any other unit in franchise history this regular season.
However, if you were waiting on Saric to return to the Suns late in the season in an Avengers: Endgame portals scene style, you’ll have to keep waiting. Saric does possess one more year on his contract, so barring another setback, watch for him to return and try to play his best ball in a “prove it” year before hitting the open market.