What Are Dario Saric’s Ethnicity & Religion? All About Nuggets Star’s Nationality & Early Life Revealed

For most young basketball players, getting drafted into the NBA is a dream come true. But Dario Saric turned down his golden ticket to the world’s biggest basketball stage. In 2014, he was selected as the 12th overall pick by the Orlando Magic and immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

But Saric chose patience over prestige, staying in Europe for two more years to refine his skills with Anadolu Efes in Turkey. “After NBA draft, I wasn’t ready to come here,” the forward said. “Not like a basketball player, like a man.”

When he finally arrived in the NBA in 2016, he quickly became a crucial part of the Philadelphia 76ers’ young core, averaging 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His performances earned him a place on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. But this was the tip of the iceberg. Dario’s journey has been a long stretch, beginning from his own basketball obsessed homeland.

Where is Dario Saric from?

Dario Saric was born on April 8, 1994, in Šibenik, Croatia. His Croatian nationality and heritage are steeped in the country’s rich basketball tradition. Raised in a sports-loving family, he was introduced to the game early on by his father, Predrag Saric, who is a former professional player.

Croatia has long been a powerhouse in European basketball, producing legends like Dražen Petrović and Toni Kukoč. Dario was heavily inspired by Drazen Petrovic in particular, as he was his father’s team mate. In an interview with Hoops Hype, he talked about Drazen, saying, “He’s an example for anybody who loves sports and wants to be someone in sports.”

Before making the leap to the NBA, Saric had already established himself as one of the top young European talents. In 2014, he led Cibona Zagreb to victory in the ABA League (Adriatic League) Championship, where he was also named Final Four MVP. The rising star has been a key player for the Croatian national team, representing his country in multiple international tournaments, including the 2016 Rio Olympics and the FIBA World Cup.

“Europe is a better place to learn to play within a team concept, to improve as a team player,” said Darius, reflecting on his basketball lineage. After proving himself in Philadelphia, he went on to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors before joining the Denver Nuggets in 2024. Throughout his career, his European roots have remained evident in his intelligent playstyle and adaptability.

Dario’s journey across NBA

“He really—like, really—loves to win. I’ve been around plenty of guys who love to win, but Dario doesn’t really care about anything else, and that’s rare.” Team mate T.J. McConnell once remarked while Darius played for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016. 
But his on court personality is coupled by a vibrant energy in the locker room, this earned him the title of “the homie.” 
“I try to show everybody I’m a guy who loves to joke. I’m not a guy who’s all the time quiet.” Saric had stated in his initial NBA days.

Later in 2019, Saric joined the Phoenix suns and added a new dimension to the Suns’ offense. He managed to hit a career-high of 17 rebounds not once but twice. However, his impact was most felt during the 2021 NBA Finals run. An unfortunate injury sidelined him, and his absence highlighted his importance to the team’s dynamics. Analysts noted that his injury “impacted the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals and last season despite a deep big-man rotation.”

After his tenure with the Suns, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in February 2023 in exchange for Darius Bazley. Subsequently, Saric signed a one-year contract with the Warriors as a free agent in July 2023. His natural play was appreciated by teammates there too. Stephen Curry observed, “He kind of knows how to play in a motion-style offense… When you can shoot and you know how to play and you fill a position of need for us, that’s huge.”

On July 2024, Darius signed a 2 year contract with the Denver Nuggets. “He’s a hell of a talent. So versatile, does a multitude of things on the floor. Can pass the ball, can shoot the ball, can score the ball, can defend. Can play big, can play small … I don’t think you guys understand how big of an impact he will have on this team …” Team mate Aaon Gordon had summed up in his presser upon the homie’s arrival to the nuggets.

Looking ahead, Saric’s versatility positions him as a valuable asset for the Nuggets. His experience and skill set provide Denver with depth in the frontcourt, which is crucial for navigating the challenges of a demanding NBA season.

As the team aims for a deep playoff run, Dario’s contributions, both as a starter when necessary and as a reliable presence off the bench, will be integral to the Nuggets’ success. From turning down the NBA in 2014 to becoming a crucial piece for multiple teams, he has carved a unique path in the league.