Dario Šarić Bio
Dario Šarić is a Croatian professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on April 8, 1994, in Šibenik, Croatia, he was selected 12th overall in the 2014 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic, with his rights traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on draft night. Standing 6 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 225 pounds, Šarić has built a career on versatility, floor vision, and a high basketball IQ. Since entering the NBA in 2016, he has suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and Denver Nuggets before landing in Sacramento.
Beyond his club work, Šarić is a long-time member of the senior Croatia national team and a decorated figure in European youth basketball. He has represented Croatia at the FIBA World Cup, multiple EuroBasket tournaments, and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Early Life and Background
Dario Šarić was born on April 8, 1994, in the coastal Croatian city of Šibenik. He grew up in a deeply basketball-oriented household, as the son of Predrag and Veselinka Šarić, both of whom played the sport competitively. That family foundation helped shape his early love for the game and gave him a steady introduction to organized basketball.
Šarić began his professional career as a teenager, suiting up for Zrinjevac in 2009 before moving to Zagreb later that same year. He spent much of the 2010–11 season on loan at Dubrava, where he gained valuable senior minutes. During this developmental stretch, he also represented Croatia in youth categories, winning tournament MVP honors and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising young big men.
Path to Basketball
Šarić’s climb through the European ranks was rapid. In 2011, while still a teenager, he helped his team win the Città di Roma EuroLeague (IJT) and was named the tournament’s MVP after recording a triple-double of 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in the final. He was nominated for the FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year Award in both 2010 and 2011, signaling his arrival on the international stage.
In 2012, Šarić signed a four-year contract with the Croatian powerhouse Cibona Zagreb. With Cibona he captured the Croatian National Cup and the Croatian League championship in 2013, taking home MVP honors for the Croatian finals. He was again nominated for the FIBA Europe Young Men’s Player of the Year, finishing second in 2012 and winning the award outright in February 2014. That same year he was named MVP of the Adriatic League Final Four, cementing his status as a top prospect heading into the NBA draft.
Dario Šarić Career
Early Career (2009–2014)
Šarić’s first professional chapter was spent largely in Croatia. After debuting with Zrinjevac and Zagreb, he spent time on loan at Dubrava and, in 2012, committed to Cibona Zagreb on a long-term deal. With Cibona he became a dominant force in the Croatian league and the ABA League, winning domestic titles and individual awards that drew the attention of NBA scouts.
He declared for the 2013 NBA draft but ultimately withdrew to gain more experience in Europe. By the spring of 2014 he had captured ABA League MVP and Final Four MVP honors, and was widely regarded as one of the most polished European forwards in his class.
Anadolu Efes (2014–2016)
On June 24, 2014, Šarić signed a two-plus-one contract with Turkish club Anadolu Efes, even as the Orlando Magic selected him 12th overall in that year’s NBA draft. His draft rights were immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for Elfrid Payton, but Šarić opted to continue developing in Europe.
At Efes, he became the youngest player in EuroLeague history to win a monthly MVP award when he took the November 2014 honor. In January 2015, he was again named the FIBA Europe Young Men’s Player of the Year. He finished second in EuroLeague Rising Star voting in both 2015 and 2016, before making the jump to the NBA in 2016.
Philadelphia 76ers (2016–2018)
Šarić signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 15, 2016, and quickly became a key piece of the team’s young core. In his third NBA game, he dropped 21 points against the Orlando Magic, and he went on to set a career high of 32 points in a March 2017 win over the Chicago Bulls. He was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for both February and March 2017, and finished the season on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, placing second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Malcolm Brogdon.
In his second season he remained a steady contributor, posting multiple 20-plus point games and helping Philadelphia push the Boston Celtics to five games in the 2018 Eastern Conference semifinals. He was named a Rising Star at the 2018 All-Star Weekend alongside teammates Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2018–2019)
On November 12, 2018, Šarić was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the package that brought Jimmy Butler to Philadelphia. He debuted two days later with nine points off the bench in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans and later recorded a 19-point, 14-rebound performance against the Chicago Bulls. Despite solid production, he grew unhappy with a bench role and saw limited starting opportunities during his lone season in Minnesota.
Phoenix Suns (2019–2023)
On July 6, 2019, Šarić was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he reinvented himself as a stretch big and reliable rotation piece. He set a career high with 17 rebounds against the Denver Nuggets in November 2019 and later matched it in Mexico City. He signed a three-year extension in November 2020 and helped the Suns reach the 2021 NBA Finals.
His tenure in Phoenix was cut short by a torn ACL suffered in Game 1 of the 2021 Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks. He missed the entire 2021–22 season and underwent meniscus surgery in May 2022, but returned in time for the 2022–23 campaign.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2023)
On February 9, 2023, Šarić was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He debuted on February 15, recording 12 points and five rebounds in a lopsided win over the Houston Rockets.
Golden State Warriors (2023–2024)
Šarić joined the Golden State Warriors on July 12, 2023, adding frontcourt depth and shooting to the defending champions. He spent one season with the Warriors before moving on in free agency.
Denver Nuggets (2024–2025)
On July 12, 2024, Šarić signed with the Denver Nuggets, where he served as a veteran reserve on a contending roster. His stint in Denver lasted one season.
Sacramento Kings (2025–Present)
On July 13, 2025, Šarić was traded to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Jonas Valančiūnas, bringing his career full circle back to a California team with playoff aspirations.
Driving Style and Strengths
On the court, Šarić is best known as a connective, skilled forward-center who can pass, shoot from distance, and rebound at a high level. His ability to play multiple positions and serve as a secondary playmaker has made him a valued role player throughout his NBA career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most memorable moments: a 32-point outburst as a 76ers rookie, a Game 4 playoff performance of 25 points against the Celtics, and the 2021 NBA Finals run with the Suns. On the international stage, he once scored 39 points to lead Croatia to the 2012 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship gold medal.
Dario Šarić Career Wins
Šarić’s trophy case spans continents, from youth titles in Europe to an NBA Finals appearance with the Phoenix Suns in 2021.
Club Honors
With Cibona, he won the Croatian National Cup and Croatian League championship in 2013, and the ABA League championship in 2014, earning MVP of the Croatian finals and the ABA League Final Four. Earlier, he helped win the 2011 Città di Roma EuroLeague (IJT) and was named tournament MVP.
Other Wins & Performances
On the international stage, Šarić led Croatia’s Under-16 team to the 2010 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship, was named MVP, and won gold with the Under-18 squad at the 2012 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship. He also earned back-to-back FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year awards in 2013 and 2014.
Dario Šarić Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Basketball runs in the Šarić family. Dario is the son of Predrag and Veselinka Šarić, both former basketball players who introduced him to the sport at a young age and helped nurture his development in Šibenik.
Personal Life
Known by nicknames including “The Homie,” “Super Dario,” and “Šiši,” Šarić was born with a cleft lip. He released a personal documentary, Always the Same, on March 1, 2020, and has said that sharks are his favorite animal.
2025 Season Performance
Šarić entered 2025 coming off a one-year stint with the Denver Nuggets and was traded to the Sacramento Kings on July 13, 2025, in exchange for Jonas Valančiūnas. The move placed him on a Kings roster looking to return to the Western Conference playoff picture.
He is expected to provide Sacramento with frontcourt depth, shooting, and veteran poise off the bench. With his track record as a connector and stretch big, Šarić figures to play a complementary role as the Kings chase a postseason berth in the 2025–26 campaign.