Fit with Simmons
And that’s the last big area that Saric is going to help the Sixers. The team has already said that they are looking to build around Ben Simmons. He’s a special player, and they recognize that, and they recognize that he is the player that needs to be catered to.
The Sixers had the opportunity to bring in several pieces this summer that fit with Simmons through free agency. That was the rationale for bringing in Jerryd Bayless, Gerald Henderson, and Sergio Rodriguez.
But the Sixers actually lucked out with Dario Saric. Saric, who was drafted in 2014, and stashed away for two seasons, fits really well with Simmons. The Sixers had no idea that they would be selecting a player like Ben Simmons when they drafted Dario Saric, so there was certainly some risk involved in drafting a player, putting him away for two seasons, and bringing him over and hoping he fits with the team.
Although some do believe Saric and Simmons can’t play in the same lineup, that’s simply not true. An NBA “source” even told Tom Moore that Saric would not be happy coming over to America and not starting, and that he couldn’t do that with Simmons starting at the four.
Are we forgetting about the three? Why couldn’t Saric slip in as a small forward? The Sixers are certainly lacking in that position — Robert Covington is good, but not great — and Saric could easily do well there.
Sure, he’s listed as a power forward, but he can be mobile like a small forward, and has that 3-point ability to be a wing. Saric can move around off the ball pretty well, and has a solid range on his shot like we’ve already discussed.
Next: Why Did the Sixers Sign Jerryd Bayless?
The only area I see Saric being a liability in as a wing player is on defense, which he will certainly have to work on. But as far as offense goes, Saric will fit well as a three with Simmons, being able to space the floor for him and be available for any masterful passes Simmons is looking to make.