The NBA Draft is fast approaching and with the draft lottery setting the teams in order and the finals going on with the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs, one possible lottery pick is changing his mind, as Dario Saric may pull out of the draft.
According to ESPN.com, league sources told Chad Ford that he is leaning towards dropping out of the event and he can still change his mind up until June 17. Saric may decide to stay in Croatia for next season and try the draft again, but some big teams, including the New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks have reportedly been interested.
Pelicans general manager Dell Demps went to Croatia to scout him earlier in the week, but that may be all for naught now. Saric plays for Cibona in Croatia and while he understands that he will be a top pick and a possible lottery selection, he feels another year in Europe will improve his game even more.
The 19-year-old has a ton of potential in the league and after starting off the season poorly he has turned it on and he is now averaging 15.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in the playoffs for his team and he won the MVP award for the Croatian finals for his squad. Some mocks had him going as low as 21, but a number of top teams have been looking at him and they likely won't forget him if he returns next year.
