Saric Seals the Flush
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Philadelphia 76ers have improved: both this season and well into the future. But in the same breath, the quality of this team is hinged upon an “all or nothing” off-season. For three years, the Philadelphia 76ers were austere, exchanging players, cap space, and present day draft picks for future players and picks.
With Embiid and Simmons now about to play for this team, it was already a very good off-season. Dario Saric completes the team, the 2016 stage of the process, the royal flush. Why am I so upbeat on the guy who has yet to set foot onto an NBA court?
I. He Fills A Huge Need.
The Philadelphia 76ers need shooters. Dario Saric is a very good shooter. He shot 55.2 percent from the floor, including better than 40 percent from three-point range. he even completed 93.7 percent from the foul line.
On an average of 22.4 minutes per game, Saric scored 11.7 points per game, hauled in 5.8 rebounds per game, dished out 1.5 assists per game, and caused .5 blocks and .5 steals per game.
II. He Is Versatile Enough To Play All Five Positions.
He is incredibly versatile. With his well rounded game, he can produce from virtually anywhere on the basketball court. We already have known that Saric can play the center, power forward, or small forward roles. But some analysts believe he could translate his ball handling and shooting all the way to shooting guard or even point guard in an emergency.
Brett Brown has proven to be one of the most resourceful NBA coaches, particularly when he was handed a roster with no point guard on it last season.
With Saric, Brown adds one more player who can slot in at multiple positions. That gives him an advantage, one that other successful coaches have exploited on their own rosters.
Next: From Olympics to 76ers