Pick 12 - Round 1 - New Orleans Pelicans

Dylan (SAC) wrote:

Dario Saric Gets His Crown

With the 12th overall selection, the Kings drafted Dario Saric, a 6'10 Small Forward from Croatia.

Saric was reportedly one of two players being considered at #12 (after the Kings moved down from #9), the other being Perry Ellis. Ellis being selected at pick 11, one pick before the Kings selection, it cleared the way for Saric to be named the newest member of the Sacramento Kings, something he couldn't be prouder about.

Dario Saric wrote:I'm so happy to be the newest member of this great Kings organization. I had a long talk with Dylan and I'm even more excited to be part of the process here in Sacramento. I'm looking forward to playing my game with all my teammates and making the great Kings fans proud.

In a conference call with reporters the next day, Kings GM Dylan had this to say about picking Saric:

Dylan wrote:Dario is a versatile forward who, being 6'10 can play both positions. We view him more as a small forward, but no matter where he plays we're confident he can make an impact. We know Saric will be able to put the ball in the basket and distribute pretty well, and we're excited to have him on board.

There are some glaring holes in Saric's game however, particularly in his jump shot and on the defensive side of the ball. Both will be the top priority for Dario to work on over the off-season in preparation for his rookie year.

Dario Saric wrote:I know my strengths and my weaknesses, and I know what I need to do to improve. I work hard at my craft and plan to work even harder to continue making my dream a reality. I'm exciting to be an NBA player for this team, but I know the work doesn't stop here. I know I only have to work harder from here and I'm excited to start working with the guys.

Jake0890 (MIN) wrote:Ouch. Sucks for Dylan. He gets Saric instead of Ellis. Probably should have stayed put in hindsight.

emplep7 (DET) wrote:Solid pick and if I didnt have Melo I would have drafted this guy possibly, but I like what Ellis could bring.

Dario Saric wrote:I'm so happy to be the newest member of this great Kings organization. I had a long talk with Dylan and I'm even more excited to be part of the process here in Sacramento. I'm looking forward to playing my game with all my teammates and making the great Kings fans proud.

Dylan wrote:Dario is a versatile forward who, being 6'10 can play both positions. We view him more as a small forward, but no matter where he plays we're confident he can make an impact. We know Saric will be able to put the ball in the basket and distribute pretty well, and we're excited to have him on board.

Dario Saric wrote:I know my strengths and my weaknesses, and I know what I need to do to improve. I work hard at my craft and plan to work even harder to continue making my dream a reality. I'm exciting to be a CSL player for this team, but I know the work doesn't stop here. I know I only have to work harder from here and I'm excited to start working with the guys.