Dario Saric has faced unwarranted challenges due to societal bias surrounding his cleft lip disability.
However, he has consistently risen above the discrimination, demonstrating an admirable resilience.
Rather than succumbing to negativity, Saric embraces his unique attributes and responds to adversity with love and respect.
Dario Saric serves as a professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He entered the NBA scene as the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft and has been a valuable member of the senior Croatia national team.
Beginning his NBA journey with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, Saric spent two seasons with the team before a trade took him to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Following a season with the Timberwolves, he was subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns during the 2019 offseason.
Dario Saric Disability: Cleft Lip
Born with a cleft lip, Dario has endured relentless discrimination from fans who target his appearance.
The 2014 FIBA tournament, for instance, saw him subjected to severe online bullying by opposing fans.
In response, a radio host from the Philippines urged fans to redirect their energy positively rather than engaging in hurtful behavior.
Even today, sporadic tweets circulate about Dario’s appearance, often using demeaning language or comparing him to characters in media whose features are typically not used as compliments—many of whom have disabilities or facial differences.
Despite facing such adversity, the Golden State Warriors player refuses to reciprocate with hate.
His remarkable ability to respond with kindness in the face of bullying reflects a profound strength of character, inspiring others to prioritize understanding and acceptance over perpetuating discrimination.
Moreover, Dario actively seeks opportunities to connect with kids with the same disability, becoming a beacon of inspiration for many.
In a league where players conform to a specific expected norm, Dario’s proudly unconventional presence makes his support for fans even more impactful and appreciated.
Saric’s Comeback After Knee Surgery
In May 2022, Dario Saric underwent arthroscopic surgery to address meniscus damage in his right knee, adding to the challenges he faced in recovering from a torn ACL sustained in Game 1 of the previous NBA Finals.
This dual setback ruled him out for the season, preventing his participation in any postseason action.
While diligently navigating his rehabilitation program, Saric encountered meniscus issues, necessitating an additional minor procedure that definitively ruled out his involvement in the postseason.
After months of dedicated recovery, he returned triumphantly to competitive basketball in August, marking his first appearance since the knee surgery and ACL tear.
Eager to resume playing, Saric expressed his desire to contribute to the Croatian national team before rejoining the Phoenix Suns for training camp.
Saric remarked,
“I’m trying to do the national team this year, a couple of games before training camp, to have some competition games.”
True to his aspirations, Saric donned the Croatian national team jersey in the August FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers and Friendly International.
Impressively, he exhibited no limitations, showcasing the skills and qualities that have established him as a critical player for the Suns.
Dario Saric’s Injuries During A Match
In 2018, Dario Saric’s contribution to the game took an unexpected turn during the team’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks when he encountered an elbow to the mouth from John Collins in the opening possession.
The aftermath revealed that Saric sustained a lacerated upper lip and a chipped front tooth.
Despite the seemingly manageable nature of these injuries, their impact on the team was underscored when Saric, after falling to the court, swiftly made his way to the locker room and did not return to the game.
Although the initial reports might have downplayed the severity of the injuries, coach Brett Brown provided a broader perspective, acknowledging that losing a player at that particular juncture was far from ideal.
