Phoenix Suns backup big man Dario Saric is done for the 2021 NBA Finals after tearing his right ACL in Game 1, the team announced Wednesday.
Saric played just two minutes in Tuesday's 118-105 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks before suffering the injury in the first quarter. This is a tough blow for Phoenix's bench and could mean we see more Frank Kaminsky, though he only played four minutes in Game 1 as Deandre Ayton played 39. But if Ayton gets in foul trouble, Kaminsky will likely see more action.
The 27-year-old played a key role off the bench for the Suns all season. Dario Saric can play both the 4 and 5, and he was primarily Ayton's backup after playing power forward for most of his career before this season. He averaged 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 44.7% from the field and 34.8% from 3-point range in 17.4 minutes per game.
Saric's playing time predictably decreased in the playoffs with Ayton breaking out. In 14 playoff games, Saric averaged 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 10.5 minutes per game.
The Suns had been healthy coming into the NBA Finals and had been mostly healthy throughout the playoffs. Chris Paul did deal with a shoulder injury early on and then COVID-19, while Devin Booker suffered a broken nose and initially had to wear a mask. However, Booker hasn't missed any games and Paul only missed two after his positive COVID-19 test.
Phoenix can obviously withstand the loss of Dario Saric, but it's a bummer for him that he won't get to play on this big stage. He also could miss all or most of next season.
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