2. Dario Saric
The Nuggets signed Saric to a two-year $10.6 million contract this offseason as they used their taxpayer mid-level exception on the veteran. The 6’10 big man provides some needed size and versatility in the frontcourt, but there is plenty of risk.
Saric slipped from the Warriors’ rotation last season. He averaged over 20 minutes per game through January, but his playing time quickly disappeared. The 30-year-old appeared in just six of the team’s final 22 games. The Dubs used Draymond Green, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Jonathan Kuminga over Saric. Golden State missed the playoffs and still couldn’t find him consistent minutes.
Behind Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets are thin in the frontcourt. Rookie Da’Ron Holmes is out for the season. Zeke Nnaji wants to prove he is ready for more run, but Denver lacks other options. DeAndre Jordan is not expanding his minutes, which leaves a significant role for Saric.
Is he up to the task? Saric averaged 8.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 17.2 minutes per game last season. He has not played more than 20 a night since 2020, but the 6’10 big man offers some floor spacing and versatility.
The Nuggets may regret this signing if Saric struggles to make an impact. If head coach Michael Malone wants to drop him from the rotation, the Nuggets may have issues finding a replacement.