The Sixer Sense
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5 Things We Learned From Philadelphia 76ers Loss To Atlanta Hawks

By Bret Stuter

Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia 76ers cheerleader performs during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia 76ers cheerleader performs during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) dribbles the ball against Miami Heat forward Derrick Williams (22) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Philadelphia 76ers defeat the Miami Heat 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) dribbles the ball against Miami Heat forward Derrick Williams (22) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Philadelphia 76ers defeat the Miami Heat 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Takeaway Two: (obviously) Dario Saric Is Struggling So Far

Dario Saric was one of the Philadelphia 76ers hottest shooters in the preseason. The preseason was a mirage, it seems, as the start of the NBA season marked a new facet of Saric’s game, one that is still a work in process. Averaging just five points per game while playing 26.5 minutes per game is officially struggling.

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But there is reason to be patient here.  It was the injury to Ben Simmons that truly thrust Saric into a starting role of the Philadelphia 76ers.  He had come from Europe, flown to the USA (a new country) and taken on the role of power forward for the Philadelphia 76ers after a successful campaign in the 2016 Olympics.

In short, there is a very expected adjustment period happening right now.  Part of it is the realization that he’s finally “made it” to the NBA. He too had a two year hiatus following the 2014 NBA draft.

But part of it is the pressure the young man feels upon himself to deliver now and help carry the team before he has his own legs under him.  With Noel out and both Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor on minutes restrictions, Richaun Holmes has been diverted to filling center minutes for the team.  Meanwhile the team waived power forward Carl Landry and Elton Brand has retired once more.  That has forced the brunt of playing minutes to fall squarely upon Dario Saric.

But Saric has struggled before. In fact, it is his persistance, his resolve, to keep battling and play gigantic in large moments of the game which will endear him most to the Philadelphia 76ers fans. But for now? Patience.