Anadolu Efes has strengthened its frontcourt with a well-recognized face, saying the signing of Dario Saric on a 2+1 contract on Tuesday, June 16. The transfer marks Saric’s return to Istanbul practically a decade after he final performed for the membership.
The 32-year-old ahead started his European profession with Efes in 2014-15 and 2015-16 earlier than transferring to the NBA, the place he spent 9 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.
Saric brings in depth high-level expertise to an Efes roster present process vital modifications. The membership lately introduced the departures of Saben Lee, who signed with Zalgiris Kaunas, Nick Weiler-Babb, who is predicted to affix ASVEL, in addition to Cole Swider and Rolands Smits.
Throughout his first stint with Efes, Saric established himself as one in every of Europe’s most gifted younger forwards. In 55 profession EuroLeague video games, he averaged 10.1 factors, 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists whereas taking pictures 45.7% from the sphere and 35.0% from three-point vary.
His strongest EuroLeague season got here in 2015-16, when he averaged 11.7 factors, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists over 24 video games, posting a 13.5 PIR. The Croatian ahead additionally shot 40.3% from three-point vary that season.
Saric later turned a daily NBA contributor. He averaged 10.3 factors, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists throughout 498 NBA video games, together with a career-best 14.6 factors per sport through the 2017-18 season with Philadelphia. He additionally completed second in Rookie of the Yr voting in 2017.
Though his NBA position declined in latest seasons, Saric stays a flexible massive man able to spacing the ground, facilitating from the frontcourt and creating mismatches. He shot 36.0% from three-point vary over his NBA profession and has constantly been one of many higher passing forwards of his era.
Efes additionally confirmed the return of Jordan Loyd on a 1+1 deal. Loyd was one of many staff’s most dependable gamers through the 2025-26 EuroLeague marketing campaign, averaging 11.4 factors, 2.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 34 video games.
The signings come after a tough EuroLeague season for Efes, which completed nineteenth with a 12-26 file. The membership struggled offensively, scoring 78.7 factors per sport, however nonetheless maintained a powerful core round Shane Larkin and Loyd.
Saric’s arrival provides Efes a confirmed frontcourt possibility because the membership makes an attempt to rebuild after lacking the playoffs and put together for a extra aggressive 2026-27 marketing campaign. His familiarity with the group and expertise in each the EuroLeague and NBA make him one of many centerpiece additions of the offseason.
