Multiple Nuggets hint at ‘secret weapon’ impact of new signee at Media Day

With most Nuggets fans focused on their team’s main core and the addition of Russell Westbrook heading into the new season, Denver’s sneakiest signing of the summer has gone relatively unnoticed. At Thursday’s Media Day, multiple Nuggets gave this underrated player a huge shoutout. 

That player is Dario Saric.

“I’m so excited to play with Dario,” Aaron Gordon said in his presser. “He’s a hell of a talent. So versatile, does a multitude of things on the floor. Can pass the ball, can shoot the ball, can score the ball, can defend. Can play big, can play small … I don’t think you guys understand how big of an impact he will have on this team …”

Saric signed with Denver in early July on a two-year, $10.6 million deal. The 30-year-old forward is a very versatile player who should fit into the Nuggets offense quite well. Saric possesses underrated playmaking abilities for a big man. Last season, the 6-foot-10 Croatian averaged 4.7 assists per 36 minutes with the Warriors.

When Nikola Jokic sits, Saric can still fuel some of the dribble-hand-off actions that Denver totally lacked with the Joker on the bench last year. Saric also shot 37.6% from three last season. He will provide the Nuggets' second unit with improved spacing and pick-and-pop flexibility.

All in all, it seems like Saric has the potential to serve as a key complementary piece for Michael Malone and the 2023 champs.

Vlatko Cancar compares Dario Saric to Nikola Jokic

Vlatko Cancar also praised Saric on Media Day, going so far as to compare his new teammate to Denver’s three-time MVP.

While it might be a stretch to expect any triple-doubles from Saric, he had seven games with five or more assists last season. His season-best passing performance came off the bench in January when he picked apart the Philadelphia 76ers – his former team – with seven dimes in less than 17 minutes.

For years now, Denver’s second unit has struggled to find rhythm on a nightly basis. If Saric can be a solid passing hub at the center position, the Nuggets could drastically improve their non-Jokic minutes. Maintaining their overall scheme and relying less on an iso-heavy approach when Jokic is out could be exactly what the Denver bench needs to flourish.

Calvin Booth’s offseason signing of Saric is clearly sitting well with the team. Saric can also play the four or the five, meaning Denver could experiment with some Jokic-Saric lineups this season. While Saric will certainly spend time as Joker’s backup, he could also play the role of a stretch four in a double-big lineup next to the best player in the world.

With all eyes on mainstream storylines like Jamal Murray’s health, Gordon’s extension, and Jokic’s greatness, fans might not realize the most fascinating storyline of them all: Saric, the secret weapon.