Saric’s Role Could Shift as Thunder Health gets Better
As a new face in OKC means a new role for Dario Saric.
Saric, the newest member of the Thunder, was acquired along with a second round pick for Darius Bazley.
Saric enters OKC after they also moved Mike Muscala freeing up minutes for another big man to fill into the rotation.
However, the Thunder are also expecting Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to rerun from injury soon. With him re-entering the fold, big man minutes will dwindle with now three players in the mix.
Saric’s role could fluctuate, a lot like Muscala’s, depending on matchups and how the team is playing.
The 28-year-old is no stranger to a changing role, this season he’s playing 14.4 minutes per game, the lowest of his career. He now enters his fourth team during his seven year career.
His role in OKC will likely be similar to how Muscala was used as a sharpshooting big man who can help stretch the floor. Something Saric has consistently done throughout his career as a 35.9% 3-point shooter.
Saric’s role with the Thunder will constantly shift based on who’s available for the Thunder down low, but will also change in longer terms.
As an upcoming free agent, Saric likely isn’t a part of OKC’s long term rebuild plan and could see yet another change in both role and scenery.
Oklahoma City constantly shifts minutes around, especially on the bench based on who’s hot and the matchup they are facing, which could see Saric see a vast change depending on the night.
The Thunder are getting deeper down low and will continue to shift minutes between big men to find the best lineup.
Want to join the discussion? Like SI Thunder on and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
