Suns power forward Dario Saric has suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, the team announced (via Twitter). Saric sustained the injury in the first quarter of Game 1.
It’s a tough blow for Saric, who won’t return this season and whose 2021/22 season is now in jeopardy as well, given the typical recovery timeline for an ACL tear. The 27-year-old remains under contract with the Suns for two more years.
Saric has served as a key cog off Phoenix’s bench, averaging 8.7 points and 3.8 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game this season. Suns forward/center Frank Kaminsky will likely see more playing time in his absence the rest of this series.
Despite losing Saric, Phoenix managed to take a 1-0 lead at home by defeating Milwaukee 118-105. The team was led by Chris Paul, who finished with 32 points, nine assists and a plus-17 net rating on the night.
The Suns will host the Bucks in Game 2 on Thursday before traveling to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Sunday.
They can trade him and a future First for a player in summer
Who going to want a player that most likely won’t play next season
Kings would trade Bagley for Saric and a top 5 protected First
Why would the suns want Bagley?!?! And to give up a pick to get him? You’re higher than normal
Being high doesn’t make you say things like that. Just a stigma from the naive people that don’t indulge in the nice substances.
Plus, it makes you say dumb stuff
Why?? He has an affordable 8.5M next year and spaces the floor for Booker and Ayton? Sometimes trading to trade doesn’t work out. See the Twolves.
I think he’s suggesting it because they need to re-sign Paul and extend Ayton. Although with Phoenix’s 2022 1st rounder already sent out with various protections it will be hard for them to deal a future 1st.
Ayton is making 12M next year I believe they will max him out before start of the year. If CP3 rejects his P/O, then reups 3/$90M that saves them $15M before Bridges and Ayton’s deals. I would trade Jevon Carter who has 4M next two years each season. Cam Payne is a nice story, but he will want to get paid and I think a team like Hawks will try to lure him away and they have the cash to do so. They have two cornerstones so I think they’ll be alright in Booker & Ayton. It’s just filling out the other pieces.
Paul would demand 3 year max or 4 year $140 million
Hawks can do $15 million per to sign Payne because Collins cap hold is so small
He’s not worth $15M. At best. 8-12M.
Payne is hot commodity
Knicks, Spurs, Raptors and Heat want him
Hot = overpay
I’m not saying he isn’t, I don’t think a team will give him $15M. I see a 4/50 at best.
CP3 3/110
No it won’t 2024 pick, there easy.
Silli you can say that about anyone. Banal
He is a true soldier and understands his role on the court. Hated to see him leave my Sixers a couple of seasons ago.
For some reason I’ve always liked his game. He’s not the best player in the world but the guy can shoot, he’s tough, and he looks like a good teammate. Doesn’t care whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Agreed. Always see this guy doing dirty work for his team. Not flashy but his play is meaningful
Saric is important to the mental go-get-them makup of the Suns. Suns should resist the idea of replacing him just to “improve” because he is uncoordinated. However he will be adsent next year and they should get depth and someone to push Ayton.
Sorry, maybe I’m misunderstanding you. ‘someone to push Ayton’ ? Have you watched the playoffs at all? Ayton is on a tear and clearly has tapped into his potential.
Yes he is pushed. Saric goes hard always by nature and Ayton did not used to play joyfully.
Why the stupid question, Have You seen the playoffs. Probably everyone posting has seen the playoffs.
Are you an idol-worshipper who would never dream of a post-title slump? You think a team make-up does not matter? How do you explain the sudden change in everyone?
I wouldn’t explain it by pointing at Dario. If you’re watching the playoffs, you see who’s been yelling at Ayton:
“Chris (Paul) will be talking to him, and I’ll be waiting right there, ‘you done, Chris? All right, let me go tell him something,'” Booker said. “So we’re all in his ear. We’re all on him.”
link to azcentral.com
I want Dario to stay—he’s got a good role as the playmaking small-ball center. But I don’t think he’s critical to Ayton’s continued performance, or the team’s chemistry (unless you’re replacing him with Marvin Bagley III, lol).
Wow, I asked a simple question – no need to fly off the deep end, go stroke your ego elsewhere.
You asked two and the second is used a lot but has no value. People watch games here, but opinions of them vary.
Heal and get better. Tough loss at Finals. Suxx
Just get well
Saw that one coming. It looked bad on the court and when he was walking off you could see he was in a lot of pain.
FRANK THE TANK. FRANK THE TANK. FRANK THE TANK.
This Sux, I am sorry to read this
I hated to see that happen, hope he recovers well! The Homie is still a legend in Philly!
If Milwaukee figures out who should play for them in this series, this might end up mattering. Kaminsky will definitely be needed in this series, and I think he can be a strong piece for them in this matchup
Luckily, if Milwaukee plays Lopez enough, that should allow Phoenix to get away with more minutes for Ayton, as we saw in their earlier matchup with Jokic