Power Forward Matchup: Thaddeus Young v Dario Saric
Thaddeus Young
Pertinent Stats:
11.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 32.2% 3 point shooting, 60.5% free throw shooting
Thad Young does a bit of everything for the Indiana Pacers. While no one stat is going to wow anyone, his contributions, on the whole, add up to be incredibly important. Young gets his hands on everything and is currently in the top three in the NBA in deflections. He sneaks in for awkward looking offensive rebound putbacks, bullies smaller guys on switches with herky-jerky post moves, and has been more than willing to step back beyond the 3 point arc and launch jumpers when left unattended. His percentage from deep isn’t anything special, but it’s enough that teams pay attention and try to run him off the shot. He’s quick to attack the closeouts in those situations and can get to the rim and collapse the defense around him. He’s also had several big games in March, averaging 16.4 points and 9.6 rebounds per over the five-game stretch from the Lakers to the Warriors.
vs
Dario Sarić
Pertinent Stats:
15.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 40.1% 3 point shooting, 86.8% free throw shooting.
In only his second season, Sarić is a complete and potent offensive threat. He was miscast as an offensive hub and creator last year, but he excels functioning as a third or fourth option. He can bully smaller matchups. He can absolutely make it rain from deep. He’s a heady passer, though he can get tunnel vision occasionally. Sarić is, uh, a less complete defender, but he’s capable enough and excels at drawing charges.
Advantage: Thaddeus Young.
Sarić’s offensive numbers are certainly superior to Thad’s, and Philly fans will probably flame me for this choice. However, Young is a fantastic defender in the right matchup, and I think this will be one of those matchups. They are similarly sized, with Thad probably having a slight advantage in both strength and quickness. Sarić excels with intellect on defense, but that’s how Thad rolls on offense. I think Sarić will have one or two big games, but the matchup favors Young over the course of a series.