The Sixer Sense
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Ben Simmons May Complicate Dario Saric’s 2016 Debut

By Bret Stuter

Mar 12, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball in the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies during the SEC conference tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball in the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies during the SEC conference tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dario Saric (Croatia) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number twelve overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dario Saric (Croatia) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number twelve overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Similar skills

Both Dario Saric and Ben Simmons are projected right now into a power forward role in the NBA.   Both are 6’10” tall, and both have an uncanny ability to thread the needle with powerful precise passes to teammates.  Both are versatile big men who have the ability to play center against small ball opposition, all the way down to at least the small forward position.

It’s that versatility which has added to the allure of each prospect.  It can be perceived as complimentary or competitive, and it will be up to head coach Brett Brown to shape the roles of each to emphasize the complimentary tasks.

Saric’s strength is physicality.  He can mix it up with guys are are bigger and stronger and hold his own.  But as he can play a post game, add rebounds with strong work on the boards, and take the shots in the paint, he can give you perimeter shooting as well.  Saric adds a huge upgrade to the transition game because he can block the shot or pull down a defensive rebound, pivot, and launch the ball half way down the court to a teammate with ease.

That’s how to get some fast breaks going.

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