The Sixer Sense
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Joel Embiid, Dario Saric Can Bail Philadelphia 76ers Sinking Ship

By Chaz Bergfeld

Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016-2017 was never JUST about Ben Simmons. It’s about assembling the Philadelphia 76ers into a champion team. Now other players must step up, and they will.

The Philadelphia 76ers have not been able to escape the injury bug for yet another season. The news of Ben Simmons fracturing his right foot has struck Sixers fans in an all too familiar area. Going through the wait of Dario Saric, injury to Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid, season ending injury of Jahlil Okafor, filled the team’s quota of agonizing setbacks.

Now Ben…

Ben will be sidelined for around 3 months, hearing that news, a lot of 76ers fans are ready to hop off the hype train and back to reality.  But Joel Embiid and Dario Saric might be able to change your mind.

Joel Embiid

After sitting out the past 2 seasons because of his own foot injury, Joel can finally suit up. Embiid has the potential to achieve a  generation-type player.  Unfortunately much of his pre-draft hype was deflated over two years of rehab. Brett Brown assigned “Jo Jo” as the starting center for the opening preseason game on Tuesday, October 4th.  We won’t have to wait long to see what he’s made of.

Joel has been working non-stop this off-season. We have all seen the workout videos, showing his unique athletic ability for his size. The consensus of coaching staff and analysts believe Embiid could become a 2 way threat over the season.

With Ben SImmons missing the early part of this season, many believe Embiid will get the ball often.  Increased looks should help him develop his offensive skill set. Embiid is someone you need to watch, because if you look away, you could miss him doing something spectacular

Dario Saric

Selected 12th overall in the 2014 draft, by the Orlando Magic, people didn’t know what to expect of power forward Dario Saric. Dario has really grown in the interest of 76ers fans, as he confirmed earlier that he will be coming to the NBA. He plays a lot like Ben Simmons, combining his size with  excellent court vision.

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) shoots around during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) shoots around during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Saric will have an easy time rotating into the vacant  four spot.  He is nearly as proficient as SImmons with his IQ and vision – enabling him to see the court similar to a point guard.  While not as finesse as Simmons, the difference is much closer than many may think.

Another thing helping Dario is his ability to hit the three-pointer. Saric is comfortable in stepping beyond the arc, and making the defense pay for sagging off. He won’t be as solid defensively as Ben.  For the most part, he will be able to fill the spot and add a bonus of his shooting range..

These two guys have a chance to recapture the positive buzz so crucial to this team.  Their first opportunity to do so is Tuesday against the Boston Celtics.

Joel and Dario are going to have a special task. Not only are they going to have to work on their own game, the team needs this first game victory desperately.  Doing so will provide that  flash of excellence which will confirm that the team has turned the corner.

Next: Positives For Philadelphia 76ers In Ben Simmons Injury

I might be overly optimistic, but even without Ben, this team still has  young unique talent waiting for their chance to flourish.