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.
avenues to upgrade the roster</a> that Team President Leon Rose will explore in July.</p>
<p>One of the reasons why New York’s postseason run came to an end was inexperience. Six of the team’s nine rotation players are 25 and under, which showed against the veteran-laden Heat roster.</p>
<p>Adding some cheap battle-tested help could provide extra depth while simultaneously doubling as a calming presence in high-intensity playoff atmospheres. Some possible additions also have ties to head coach Tom Thibodeau.</p>
<h2>Ranking 4 free agents targets that previously played for Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau</h2>
<h3>4: Josh Okogie</h3>
<p>The veteran Phoenix Suns shooting guard was originally picked by Tom Thibodeau in the 2018 NBA Draft, back when he served as coach and president of the Minnesota Timberwolves.</p>
<p>Okogie’s per-game averages of 7.3 points and 3.5 rebounds on 39-34-72 shooting splits don’t jump off the stat sheet, but his impact goes beyond the raw numbers. Perimeter defense is his calling card, which is something the Knicks need after allowing the fourth-most three-point attempts per game this season.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is why they call him non-stop. 💨</p>
<p>Josh Okogie just keeps on going! 😮‍💨 <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://t.co/yqpcYfcc0J">pic.twitter.com/yqpcYfcc0J
<p>— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1641265567121170433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>March 30, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>There’s also hope that a consistent role could help Okogie become more efficient as a scorer. In his 26 starts this year, he averaged 10.7 points per game and shot an even 36% from behind the arc. While he wouldn’t be a starter in New York, a locked-in rotation spot could help him find his shot.</p>
<p>Thibodeau is obviously fond of Okogie dating back to his Minnesota days, as he put him in the starting lineup as a rookie in just the third game of his career due to a Jimmy Butler injury. He started a total of 10 contests in the first few months of the 2018-19 season before Thibodeau was fired in early January.</p>
<p>At just 24 years old, he still hasn’t hit the prime years of his career and wouldn’t command a high salary given his below-average efficiency. He would be an ideal buy-low pickup for the Knicks and could outplay his value quickly.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> A center with three-point range </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_143307" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-143307 size-full" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1848,w_2560/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1455868510-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1848" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1455868510-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1455868510-768x554.jpeg 768w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1455868510-1536x1109.jpeg 1536w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1455868510-2048x1478.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Dario Saric, Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) New York Knicks</p>
</div>
<h3>3: Dario Saric</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://www.nba.com/stats/players/advanced?Season=2020-21&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&TeamID=1610612756&dir=A&sort=NET_RATING%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">highest net rating</a> of any Suns player in both the regular season and playoffs that year, playing a large role in Phoenix’s NBA Finals run.</p>
<h2>Dario Saric would add a new element to the New York Knicks’ offense</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dario from deep. <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://t.co/A5urX8DCAY">pic.twitter.com/A5urX8DCAY
<p>— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1613021026925023234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>January 11, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> A veteran locker room presence </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_143362" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-143362" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1707,w_2560/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1384866314-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1384866314-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1384866314-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1384866314-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1384866314-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px"><p class="wp-caption-text">James Johnson, Brooklyn Nets. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) – New York Knicks</p>
</div>
<h3>2: James Johnson</h3>
<p>The longtime NBA vet first entered the league in 2009, picked 16th overall in that year’s draft by the Chicago Bulls. He suited up in 65 games as a rookie before being dealt midway through his sophomore campaign, netting a first-round pick in return.</p>
<p>Before he was traded, he played 13 games for first-year head coach Tom Thibodeau. There may not have been a substantial connection formed between the two, but a reunion would be beneficial for both parties.</p>
<h2>James Johnson could help the New York Knicks off the court</h2>
<p>After playing just 18 games last season and celebrating his 36th birthday in February, Johnson wouldn’t cost any more than a vet minimum. He also wouldn’t have any expectation of a guaranteed rotation spot, so none of the Knicks’ young core would have to worry about losing minutes.</p>
<p>Johnson has been an excellent defender throughout his career and has made the playoffs as a part of four separate franchises. It’s easy to imagine him taking on a mentor role with RJ Barrett, Josh Hart, and Quentin Grimes.</p>
<p>With the Knicks expected to make a return trip to the playoffs barring injury, there are likely going to be some veterans that want to come to New York and be a part of another postseason run. James Johnson might be one of them.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #007BC1" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> A hometown favorite returns </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_143429" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-143429" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1066,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fdailyknicks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1436569119.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1066" srcset="https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1436569119.jpeg 1600w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1436569119-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dailyknicks.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1436569119-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Taj Gibson, Washington Wizards. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) – New York Knicks</p>
</div>
<h3>1: Taj Gibson</h3>
<p>Speaking of veteran mentorship, Taj Gibson has<a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://dailyknicks.com/2022/07/15/farewell-knicks-veteran-taj-gibson-undeniable-positive-impact/"> already fulfilled that role</a> for three seasons. He spent 2019-2022 as a Knick, appearing in 159 games including five playoff contests. His bond with Thibodeau runs deep, having played for the coach at all three of his coaching stops.</p>
<p>After the Washington Wizards failed to meet expectations last season, the Brooklyn native could be looking to return to his hometown team. Similar to Johnson, Gibson is well into his late 30s and would sign for a minimum contract.</p>
<p>He’s already been teammates with most of the current Knicks roster, so the familiarity is already there. He also wouldn’t be stealing minutes from anyone, likely operating as a third-string power forward behind Obi Toppin.</p>
<h2>Taj Gibson can be effective for the Knicks on the sidelines and court</h2>
<p>The former first-round pick can operate in a player-coach role, helping to make sure everyone is on the same page while also remaining effective when called upon to play spot minutes here and there.</p>
<p>Gibson is an exceptional rebounder and solid defender given his age, while also adding a new wrinkle to his game that he developed while with the Knicks. Over his past two seasons, he’s shooting 37.1% from three. This includes a showing in his final game of the year against New York, in which he shot a career-best 39.5% from behind the arc.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">dial it up, <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://twitter.com/TajGibson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@TajGibson 📞 <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://t.co/ttADL45vQB">pic.twitter.com/ttADL45vQB
<p>— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) <a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1642659410332770305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>April 2, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>Given his countless ties to both the coaching staff and roster as well as his small upcoming contract value, a return to the Knicks would help both sides.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="6bw27Kt0PT"><p><a href=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://dailyknicks.com/2023/03/13/7-worst-free-agent-signings-new-york-knicks-history/">The 7 Worst free agent signings in New York Knicks history</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" title="“The 7 Worst free agent signings in New York Knicks history” — Daily Knicks" src=https://dailyknicks.com/2023/06/11/ranking-4-knicks-free-agent-targets-ties-tom-thibodeau-gibson-saric/2/"https://dailyknicks.com/2023/03/13/7-worst-free-agent-signings-new-york-knicks-history/embed/#?secret=Jk58KA0o6a#?secret=6bw27Kt0PT" data-secret="6bw27Kt0PT" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p></div><!—pageview_candidate—>">
