Top international prospect Dario Saric could withdraw from the 2013 NBA Draft amidst plans to return to Europe for next season, according to Sportando.net. In an extended interview with the Taking the Charge podcast, Saric reportedly explains that he has no plans to play NBA hoops next season and will stay in Europe.
NBA Draft 2013: Dario Saric will play in Europe next year, may withdraw from draft
Arguably the top international prospect in this year’s class could withdraw from the draft to stay in Europe.
USA TODAY Sports
With all of that in mind, Saric says withdrawing from the draft entirely remains a possibility even as teams look to solidify their draft boards and target certain players. Here’s a brief quote from the interview, via Sportando:
“I expect to be picked in the 1st round. Being picked is a dream which comes true. But I may pull my name out of the draft. I will talk with my agent. Even if I get selected in the draft, I will return to Europe next season.”
Saric, a 19-year-old out of Croatia, boasts a long 6’10 frame and intriguing skills for a player of such size. He’s currently ranked No. 22 among all prospects by Draft Express, making him a likely first-round pick should he stay in the draft.
It remains to be seen how this news affects Saric’s draft stock, but some teams may view his European plans as a positive. Because his salary stays off the books as long as he’s in Europe, teams looking to avoid adding another sizable salary in the draft, such as the Mavericks, could be attracted to the short-term savings.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
