Dario Saric - Torn ACL

[suns12345]

Let's just win the title so we can keep the team, give Saric his rehab and look for cheap options.

If we don't finish the job though I imagine we'll need to be pretty ruthless.

In the meantime I hope Torrey Craig at Center is more than just an idea on paper because teams can go +10 quickly against the backups.

Crazy how important the Craig trade has been. I know people said we should have got a centre to address an injury like this but still, Craig has been a great contributor when we're healthy and now he will likely fill the back up centre role in the finals... all for $100K

[garrick]

Hopefully this opens the door for Jalen Smith to get more minutes next season.

[cberry78]

#WinOneForTheHomie

[Barkley6]

This is interesting on ESPN and something I didn't know about ACL injuries in the league:

At this point, an ACL tear should typically be considered a full-year injury. The last NBA player to return sooner than 11 months after suffering an ACL tear was J.J. Hickson in November 2014. Because of this year's belated schedule, that timeline would mean Saric returning no earlier than next year's NBA Finals, should Phoenix get there again. Realistically, the Suns shouldn't expect to have Saric at all next season.

Basically it looks like Saric is out for the entirety of the 21-22 season. With that in mind, I do think we apply for the DPE and use it to outbid someone for one of the backup bigs. We can only offer a one year deal, but we can offer it at up to $4.6m, which would be plenty to get you someone in the McGee, Kanter, Dwight, Noel, mold.

My thought is likely we wait and let anyone who is signing a multi-year deal sign, and then once it's down to the one year minimum offers, we make a move and get the best of who is left by offering a little over the minimum, say $3-4m.

It's essentially like having a second bi-annual exception, minus the second year.

[kennydorglas]

#WinItForSaric

[Frank Lee]

Damn... that really sucks for Dario. But it does pretty much open up 15-20 minutes a night. Pretty slack FA pool to choose from tho.

If Dario is dealt, does that med exception follow him?

Hard to see how we benefit from this at all. Doubt any deal can be made, and subpar FA pool.... we have to draft a C

[Ghost of Kleine]

Damn... that really sucks for Dario. But it does pretty much open up 15-20 minutes a night. Pretty slack FA pool to choose from tho.

If Dario is dealt, does that med exception follow him?

Hard to see how we benefit from this at all. Doubt any deal can be made, and subpar FA pool.... we have to draft a C

we have to draft a C

I do agree. So far, The Suns have worked out Neemias Queta on July 8th. Really that's the only legitimate center prospect listed to date. There definitely might be more that I'm sure they've scouted during the Minnesota Timberwolves draft workout not long ago. Queta would definitely be a specialist that would address our rim protection and rebounding needs. He's also an underrated passer out of the post as well. His only prominent weakness is really his really poor ballhandling skillset. Currently he can't really make many moves with the ball without getting stripped or losing it. But the suns working him out at least shows that they're aware of our issues and will do their " Due diligence "??

[bwgood77]

Damn... that really sucks for Dario. But it does pretty much open up 15-20 minutes a night. Pretty slack FA pool to choose from tho.

If Dario is dealt, does that med exception follow him?

Hard to see how we benefit from this at all. Doubt any deal can be made, and subpar FA pool.... we have to draft a C

we have to draft a C

I do agree. So far, The Suns have worked out Neemias Queta on July 8th. Really that's the only legitimate center prospect listed to date. There definitely might be more that I'm sure they've scouted during the Minnesota Timberwolves draft workout not long ago. Queta would definitely be a specialist that would address our rim protection and rebounding needs. He's also an underrated passer out of the post as well. His only prominent weakness is really his really poor ballhandling skillset. Currently he can't really make many moves with the ball without getting stripped or losing it. But the suns working him out at least shows that they're aware of our issues and will do their " Due diligence "??

Wow, I didn't realize we had worked out Neemas Queta. I had looked at him before, and 15/10/3.3 blocks/2.7 assists/1.1 steals a game...a junior so maybe more ready.

He seems like a pretty ideal pick. I don't know if Monty/Jones view Jalen Smith as a C, but I still would definitely consider Queta unless there is a very solid PG or combo guard that slips.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Spoiler:

Damn... that really sucks for Dario. But it does pretty much open up 15-20 minutes a night. Pretty slack FA pool to choose from tho.

If Dario is dealt, does that med exception follow him?

Hard to see how we benefit from this at all. Doubt any deal can be made, and subpar FA pool.... we have to draft a C

we have to draft a C

I do agree. So far, The Suns have worked out Neemias Queta on July 8th. Really that's the only legitimate center prospect listed to date. There definitely might be more that I'm sure they've scouted during the Minnesota Timberwolves draft workout not long ago. Queta would definitely be a specialist that would address our rim protection and rebounding needs. He's also an underrated passer out of the post as well. His only prominent weakness is really his really poor ballhandling skillset. Currently he can't really make many moves with the ball without getting stripped or losing it. But the suns working him out at least shows that they're aware of our issues and will do their " Due diligence "??

Wow, I didn't realize we had worked out Neemas Queta. I had looked at him before, and 15/10/3.3 blocks/2.7 assists/1.1 steals a game...a junior so maybe more ready.

He seems like a pretty ideal pick. I don't know if Monty/Jones view Jalen Smith as a C, but I still would definitely consider Queta unless there is a very solid PG or combo guard that slips.

I don't know if Monty/Jones view Jalen Smith as a C

" Williams said. "Not only that, pretty much trying to learn a new position. Going from a five, trying to learn how to play like Dario (Saric)."

Sounds like they do expect him to play the 4 ( "Learning a new position " " Going from a 5 to learning to play like Dario Saric ".

Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) Tweeted:
"That's something that we've talked about is Jalen becoming a more athletic Dario (Saric) and that's a high goal, if you will, but we feel like with the work he's put in with Coach (Mark) Bryant, he's going to get there someday." Monty Williams on #Suns 1st-round pick Jalen Smith https://t.co/NO2nNfmAYl

Read on Twitter

?s=20

https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2021/04/13/suns-rookie-jalen-smith-making-every-day-count-throughout-season/

They want him to be aggressive, they want him to believe in himself,” Orletha said of the Suns’ vision for her son. “He’s working on his weight and his strength, his skill set. They want to play him the five and the four, but he’s got to bulk up for that.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/bs-sp-jalen-smith-maryland-suns-bucks-nba-finals-20210706-zm2zgc6rvvhg3d4s7sebax4fgq-story.html%3foutputType=amp

trying to learn how to play like [teammate and power forward] Dario [Saric]. ... That’s something that we’ve talked about is Jalen becoming a more athletic Dario

I believe that they absolutely envision Smith at the 4 as a more athletic version of Saric!

[Saberestar]

"That's something that we've talked about is Jalen becoming a more athletic Dario (Saric) and that's a high goal, if you will, but we feel like with the work he's put in with Coach (Mark) Bryant, he's going to get there someday." Monty Williams on #Suns 1st-round pick Jalen Smith.

I think that James Jones and Monty Williams envision Jalen Smith as a backup C for now, but obviously they have hopes about him being good enough to be our starting PF in the future or at least our third big that could play big minutes coming from the bench.

"Becoming a more athletic Saric" means to me to play a similar role on the team, and Saric has been our backup C since the bubble.

It makes a lot of sense, because one of our most distinctive features is playing with four perimeter players and only one big.

Crowder and Craig are perfect as a two-way PFs that can switch on small guys and are strong and tough enough to defend bigger guys around the rim.

With Saric out Jalen Smith will be automatically our backup C to start next season. If he does not play well enough he will be out of the rotation again and will be a third string, but will be his to lose it.

[bwgood77]

Spoiler:

I do agree. So far, The Suns have worked out Neemias Queta on July 8th. Really that's the only legitimate center prospect listed to date. There definitely might be more that I'm sure they've scouted during the Minnesota Timberwolves draft workout not long ago. Queta would definitely be a specialist that would address our rim protection and rebounding needs. He's also an underrated passer out of the post as well. His only prominent weakness is really his really poor ballhandling skillset. Currently he can't really make many moves with the ball without getting stripped or losing it. But the suns working him out at least shows that they're aware of our issues and will do their " Due diligence "??

Wow, I didn't realize we had worked out Neemas Queta. I had looked at him before, and 15/10/3.3 blocks/2.7 assists/1.1 steals a game...a junior so maybe more ready.

He seems like a pretty ideal pick. I don't know if Monty/Jones view Jalen Smith as a C, but I still would definitely consider Queta unless there is a very solid PG or combo guard that slips.

I don't know if Monty/Jones view Jalen Smith as a C

" Williams said. "Not only that, pretty much trying to learn a new position. Going from a five, trying to learn how to play like Dario (Saric)."

Sounds like they do expect him to play the 4 ( "Learning a new position " " Going from a 5 to learning to play like Dario Saric ".

Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) Tweeted:
"That's something that we've talked about is Jalen becoming a more athletic Dario (Saric) and that's a high goal, if you will, but we feel like with the work he's put in with Coach (Mark) Bryant, he's going to get there someday." Monty Williams on #Suns 1st-round pick Jalen Smith https://t.co/NO2nNfmAYl

Read on Twitter

?s=20

https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2021/04/13/suns-rookie-jalen-smith-making-every-day-count-throughout-season/

They want him to be aggressive, they want him to believe in himself,” Orletha said of the Suns’ vision for her son. “He’s working on his weight and his strength, his skill set. They want to play him the five and the four, but he’s got to bulk up for that.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/bs-sp-jalen-smith-maryland-suns-bucks-nba-finals-20210706-zm2zgc6rvvhg3d4s7sebax4fgq-story.html%3foutputType=amp

trying to learn how to play like [teammate and power forward] Dario [Saric]. ... That’s something that we’ve talked about is Jalen becoming a more athletic Dario

I believe that they absolutely envision Smith at the 4 as a more athletic version of Saric!

[bwgood77]

"That's something that we've talked about is Jalen becoming a more athletic Dario (Saric) and that's a high goal, if you will, but we feel like with the work he's put in with Coach (Mark) Bryant, he's going to get there someday." Monty Williams on #Suns 1st-round pick Jalen Smith.

I think that James Jones and Monty Williams envision Jalen Smith as a backup C for now, but obviously they have hopes about him being good enough to be our starting PF in the future or at least our third big that could play big minutes coming from the bench.

"Becoming a more athletic Saric" means to me to play a similar role on the team, and Saric has been our backup C since the bubble.

It makes a lot of sense, because one of our most distinctive features is playing with four perimeter players and only one big.

Crowder and Craig are perfect as a two-way PFs that can switch on small guys and are strong and tough enough to defend bigger guys around the rim.

With Saric out Jalen Smith will be automatically our backup C to start next season. If he does not play well enough he will be out of the rotation again and will be a third string, but will be his to lose it.

I doubt he will be starting 4 for a long while. Crowder probably will be for the next two years much to RunDogGun's dismay (unless traded, which is unlikely), and then Cam after that (unless they move Cam to the 3 if Jalen can play the 4. I think backup 5 is more likely next year with Saric out unless we sign someone else. I can't pencil in someone like Queeta in front of him if Jalen has been working with the team for half a year already.

[Saberestar]

"That's something that we've talked about is Jalen becoming a more athletic Dario (Saric) and that's a high goal, if you will, but we feel like with the work he's put in with Coach (Mark) Bryant, he's going to get there someday." Monty Williams on #Suns 1st-round pick Jalen Smith.

I think that James Jones and Monty Williams envision Jalen Smith as a backup C for now, but obviously they have hopes about him being good enough to be our starting PF in the future or at least our third big that could play big minutes coming from the bench.

"Becoming a more athletic Saric" means to me to play a similar role on the team, and Saric has been our backup C since the bubble.

It makes a lot of sense, because one of our most distinctive features is playing with four perimeter players and only one big.

Crowder and Craig are perfect as a two-way PFs that can switch on small guys and are strong and tough enough to defend bigger guys around the rim.

With Saric out Jalen Smith will be automatically our backup C to start next season. If he does not play well enough he will be out of the rotation again and will be a third string, but will be his to lose it.

I doubt he will be starting 4 for a long while. Crowder probably will be for the next two years much to RunDogGun's dismay (unless traded, which is unlikely), and then Cam after that (unless they move Cam to the 3 if Jalen can play the 4. I think backup 5 is more likely next year with Saric out unless we sign someone else. I can't pencil in someone like Queeta in front of him if Jalen has been working with the team for half a year already.

Yeah, I agree.

Step by step. Backup 5 playing around 15 mpg on a nightly basis would be a nice role for Jalen next season.

[RunDogGun]

I doubt he will be starting 4 for a long while. Crowder probably will be for the next two years much to RunDogGun's dismay (unless traded, which is unlikely), and then Cam after that (unless they move Cam to the 3 if Jalen can play the 4. I think backup 5 is more likely next year with Saric out unless we sign someone else. I can't pencil in someone like Queeta in front of him if Jalen has been working with the team for half a year already.

I don't mind Crowder starting, just as long he doesn't chuck, and play super lazy in the damn finals. I don't see Stix beating out Crowder or CamJ for starting four spot. Because both CamJ or Craig could start at the four, both equally as good as Crowder at both ends of the court, certain match ups could insert either of them in the starting line up. For example, in the LAC series, CamJ would have been the better starter. This series, maybe Craig would do a better job on Gainnis. If Crowder does start, I am ok as long as Johnson gets significant minutes. He is just a very good basketball player right now. Not flashy at all, and not super athletic, but a solid hustle player, who makes smart basketball choices.

But I would love Stix making it tough on the coaches keeping him on the bench, hopefully he can find a rhythm next year, and doesn't have injuries and Covid.

[Frank Lee]

‘A more athletic Saric’..... seriously ?

that’s a joke. This kid has had a yr... and we’ve seen how shittttty both Saric and Shank have been. And he still can’t get minutes.

We ought not to be counting on anything from him in the future.

[SunsRback4Good]

Saric better be ready to play the next game. I dont care if Monty has to pump steroids throughout his whole body so he doesn't feel any discomfort instead a numb feeling & be ready in 65 hours. We need him now or never my preference is now of course.

[Mulhollanddrive]

Reality might prevent that.