While it’s not outlandish to see players posturing for draft position by declining workouts and/or interviews with teams, Australian point guard Dario Saric has taken it a step beyond.
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For months we’ve heard the potential top five draft pick only wanted to play for the Los Angeles Lakers and while the Boston Celtics have apparently been added to that list, the young talent appears to be holding steady in his demands.
According to David Pick, Saric says he will only come to the NBA if he’s drafted by either the Celtics or Lakers.
“Dario Saric, I’m told, has let it be known he plans to go to NBA next season if drafted by Celtics or Lakers,” says Pick.
We heard in recent weeks that Saric may have lessened his stance and would be willing to come to the NBA if he was a lottery pick, but that seems to be questionable at the moment as it appears Saric has reverted back to his original demands (with the inclusion of the Celtics, this go around).
Boston holds the sixth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft while the Lakers hold the seventh, so it’s within reason to believe Saric could be available when either team picks. The Lakers are in more need of a point guard currently, though if the Celtics are contemplating moving Rajon Rondo they’d also be in need as well.
Whatever the case, both teams could benefit from drafting the 6’10” 20-year-old who could be attempting to scare teams in the top-five away so he can fall to Boston or Los Angeles.