6. PF Dario Saric
It’s tough to pinpoint just how good Saric will be next year based off his lack of a clear role heading into next season and the overwhelming glut of talent around him in the frontcourt. With that said, despite his somewhat subpar showing against Spain in Croatia’s Olympic opener, his upside is as high as anybody elses on the roster.
While he doesn’t run the point to the same extent as Simmons, Saric has the playmaking skills needed to attack off the dribble and be the primary on-ball creator during some offensive stretches, showing excellent body control with the ball in his hands and court vision that’s not often found in guys with his physical stature. He’s also a whiz passing the ball off the low block, and has a myriad of moves he’s able to fall back on around the basket that make him difficult to contain in several facets.
Saric’s offensive game, while not necessarily explosive in many areas, is incredibly polished for somebody his age. He understands where to search for shots and how to maneuver his way through the defense in any given situation. While he has been dreadfully nervous at times during Croatia’s first couple of games in Rio, the skill has still been apparent, and it’s something he has shown no shortage of during his successful stint with Anadolu Efes Istanbul in Turkey.
Saric’s floor spacing is going to be one of his most important skills as a Sixer next season. With the team lacking shooting, still, in many respects, his ability to slide in at the four and knock down jumpers from the outside will be imperative for him reaching his utmost success. He hasn’t exactly been stroking the ball from deep by any means thus far with the Croatian National Team, but much of his role has been revolving around slashing to the basket and looking for means of production through that route.
Defensively, Saric has the mobility to stretch out to the perimeter and the competitiveness to at least remain respectable down low. He has filled out his frame significantly in his two years overseas in lieu of draft night, and has the subtle athleticism needed to rack up a couple of blocks when opportunities present themselves– just ask Pau Gasol.
He’ll struggle in some respects to get acclimated to the next level on the defensive side of the basketball, but he should be able to be a fairly consistent all-around producer off the bench, most likely, next season. He’s capable of offering more varience in their rotational strategy, while also bringing over someone who has been far more impressive than most players his age in Euroleague and international competition. He’s more than skilled enough to live up to this ranking.
Next: 5. Embiid