NBA Mock Draft 2013: Predicting Picks 21-30

21. Utah Jazz: Dario Saric, Croatia (SF)

Age: 19

Height/Weight: 6’10/223

Courtesy of NBA Draft Chat

The Jazz nearly made playoffs this year, pushed out by a late-season charge by the Los Angels Lakers along with the Mavericks. This year, they’ll look to add some more versatility to their bigger lineups to fill the voids of Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson, two impending free agents.

Enter Dario Saric. He was ineligible last year, but this time around, it looks like that actually helped him, as his stock is up from where it was, and he’s showing some rare skills for a guy his size.

He’s big enough to play a “stretch four,” having the size to play down low but ball on floor abilities and great court vision. That means he has the potential to be an uncommon passing talent down low, if he makes good decisions. He’s also a great ball handler for a big man.  Moreover, he has the ability to be an outside threat, though his odd release leads his shot to be inconsistent at times. In addition, his defensive quickness leaves something to be desired.

Saric will surely bring a lot to the Jazz, especially if he can turn into a point forward with an outside shot.