Ranking 3 free agent centers the Golden State Warriors should consider

3. Dario Saric

Saric may not be your typical big man but in a Warrior system that prioritizes shooting and quick-minded passing, he’s an intriguing option given his offensive skillset. Prior to his ACL injury in the 2021 NBA Finals, the Croatian was a rotational piece for a Phoenix Suns team who sat atop the Western Conference.

Saric’s return last season wasn’t spectacular — he got traded to OKC midway through — but he showed enough to suggest he can still be an impactful NBA player. He averaged 6.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 57 games, shooting a more than useful 39.1% from three-point range.

Golden State have already seen how a skillful European big man works in their system — Nemanja Bjelica was a capable contributor in their 2021-22 championship season, averaging 16 minutes per game.

Saric could provide a similar role for Steve Kerr — someone who can be a pick-and-pop threat while also holding the capability of putting the ball on the floor, reading plays, and executing passes off the dribble or from a standing start out on the perimeter.

Perhaps the Warriors will be after a more athletic, shot-blocking presence behind Kevon Looney, but those types almost always become futile come the postseason. There’s some offensive versatility with Saric that’s valuable during the regular season, and could prove helpful in certain situations during the playoffs.