Daily Knicks
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Ranking 4 Knicks free agent targets with ties to Tom Thibodeau

By Zachary Bachar

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 7: Taj Gibson #67 of the Washington Wizards reacts after being whistled for a foul during the first half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 7, 2023, in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 7: Taj Gibson #67 of the Washington Wizards reacts after being whistled for a foul during the first half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 7, 2023, in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Dario Saric, Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) New York Knicks
Dario Saric, Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) New York Knicks /

3: Dario Saric

Similar to Josh Okogie, Dario Saric played for Thibodeau during the 2018-19 Timberwolves season after being acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the Jimmy Butler trade. He suited up in 26 games prior to the midseason firing of the head coach, averaging 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Saric isn’t an elite rebounder and his defensive acumen often fluctuates, but he brings two aspects of his game that the Knicks currently lack. Namely, shooting and positional versatility.

At 6’10” with an identical wingspan, Saric has spent large chunks of his career playing both power forward and center. He began his career as a stretch four, typically spacing the floor alongside centers such as Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns.

However, he’s spent 61% of his minutes at center since the start of the 2020-21 season. Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams began deploying Saric as a small-ball center with immediate results. He had the highest net rating of any Suns player in both the regular season and playoffs that year, playing a large role in Phoenix’s NBA Finals run.

Dario Saric would add a new element to the New York Knicks’ offense

A major reason why Saric has been so successful as a center is his shooting, which has been consistent throughout his time as a pro. He’s a career 36% shooter from behind the arc and hit 39.1% of his triples this past season.

With Obi Toppin hitting restricted free agency next summer, it appears that the Knicks’ chances to re-sign him are slim. This could lead to a potential trade involving Toppin so that the front office wouldn’t have to watch him walk for nothing.

After being dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder and playing less than 14 minutes per game with them this year, Saric will likely be looking for a new home in free agency. If Toppin is traded, he could become New York’s next backup power forward and potentially get some run at center as well.