By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Dario Saric has been sidelined by the Phoenix Suns since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals. Updating his status, he mentioned he can potentially play in the 2022 Playoffs if the Phoenix Suns find themselves in an emergency situation.
“Right now, I’m feeling like I’m kind of like out for the season,” he told reporters after practice on Thursday, “I don’t know, if three players, three big guys, get injured and you need somebody and I’m feeling healthy, maybe it’s a different story.”
Saric, 28, being on the injury list for the entire 2021-22 Regular Season was addressed by the Suns with the addition of JaVale McGee in the summer and Bismack Biyombo coming in for head coach Monty Williams in January. They managed to secure the top seed of the Western Conference and the homecourt advantage through the Playoffs.
“Obviously, my season is a bit different direction,” explained the Croatian big man, “I’m still here in my mind with the team and my heart too. I know it’s sometimes when you’re injured you kind of know you’re going to be out a while but sometimes your mind is not ready. Obviously, I’ve played basketball for 20 years and I want to be out on the court.”
Back in his fifth NBA campaign and second in Phoenix, Saric averaged 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per contest over 64 appearances between the Regular Season and the Playoffs.
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