The demand for promoting Saric into the starting lineup was really high from Wolves fanbase in the last 2 weeks. Last year, it happened something similar with Bjelica. Jimmy was out indefinitely as he was healing up from a meniscus injury, Wolves were losing size and shooters, and Thibs gave him a starting role, especially for his 42.9 percent from the arc.
But this time is different, Wolves are not trying to maintain a top 4 seed in the Western Conference, they’re stacked in a playoff race where they’ll have one of the toughest schedules.
They got the 5th highest strength of schedule in the 25 games left, per Tankathon.com.
That’s why Saunders waited for some days before taking this decision while they were trying to stay afloat through injuries.
Reducing the margin of error matters even more right now. Minnesota is 2-0 since Saric is starting: why is he responding so well?
MINUTES DISTRIBUTION
In the last two games, Saric is playing 4.1 more minutes than his 24.8 season’s average, but two things have really changed when he plays: his impact with certain teammates and Saunders rotation.
When he was coming off the bench, if he finished the 2nd quarter, he’d rarely start in the 3rd. Over this short stretch as a starter, he played continuously after the halftime, helping to make an 18-2 run in less than 4 minutes against the Clippers.
Good post up defense on Zubac, that translates in good transition offense. He relocates quickly on split cut actions.
While Wiggins sat out with an illness, Saric has been used consistently more alongside multiple effort guys like Okogie and Deng who can play 2-3 and 3-4.
SPACING
Even if Taj has shown some stretch 5 improvements on the corners, with Saric on the court as a 4, opponents have to respect interior and perimeter game of both bigs.
KAT and Saric can give each other space.
Dario is also great in early seal situations, finding mismatch in his favor or for the other big.
MULTIPLE EFFORTS
The Rockets game has been a 1on1 defensive clinic of Okogie on Harden, but having Saric since the first minute means you can count on a solid rebounder who always tries to maintain the possession alive.
He’s not a supreme athlete and he can’t box out as Taj regularly does, anyway he got double bounce, he’s smart and relentless on second-chance opportunities.
