NBA Draft Rumors: Dario Saric has a promise from Denver Nuggets?

Feb 18, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the Denver Nuggets logo on the court before the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the Denver Nuggets logo on the court before the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Many believed that when Croatian forward Dario Saric entered the 2014 NBA Draft, he may decide to return overseas and put the draft off for a year.

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After all, that is what Saric did the year before.

This year, Saric is not only remaining in the draft, but he as will be attending the event in New York on Thursday night.

Saric is a talented prospect but when he was invited to the green room for next week’s draft, there were a few who were surprised. According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, his invitation may be because he has a promise from the Denver Nuggets with the 11th-overall pick.

"There are strong indications that Dario Saric’s invitation to the draft-night green room is the result of a promise from the Nuggets to grab him with the 11th pick. Teams in the mid-to-late lottery have tried to get Saric to come in for workouts, but have been told he’ll be gone by the time they pick."

Saric measured in at 6’10 and 223 lbs. with a wignspan of 6’10 at the 2012 Hoops Summit. Last season, he averaged 16.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 49.7% from the field, 34.5% from beyond the arc and 68.1% from the free throw line. He is ranked by Jonathan Givony of Draft Express as eighth-best prospect in the draft.

The Nuggets are reportedly trying to make a move for Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love, potentially giving up the 11th-overall pick, power forward Kenneth Faried and swingman Wilson Chandler, but that seems like a long-shot at best.