The Sixer Sense
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Does Ersan Ilyasova Arrival Push Dario Saric Back To Bench?

By Bret Stuter

Oct 13, 2016; Tulsa, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) shoots the ball in front of Memphis Grizzlies forward Vince Hunter (32) during the third quarter at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Tulsa, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) shoots the ball in front of Memphis Grizzlies forward Vince Hunter (32) during the third quarter at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) and guard Sergio Rodriguez (14) react to a score against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) and guard Sergio Rodriguez (14) react to a score against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Wake Up Call

But the alarm sounded in Saric’s ears. Again, it was a long and loud cry to wake him up. As a matter of fact, it led to was a smashing 21 point 3 rebounds 1 assist on 60 percent shooting from the floor kind of evening from Dario Saric.  For all the struggles of the past, it was a huge performance by a rookie, let alone one who was playing on an NBA court for just the third time this season.

It could very well be that the team sought to help out their rookie power forward by bringing in a veteran player. Nevertheless, the performance displayed the offensive savvy which this team is in dire need of.

The plan may be to give options to the power forward role for the Philadelphia 76ers, and not rely exclusively on the rookie from Croatia to carry the team’s entire season on his shoulders.  But developing Saric means playing Saric.  He won’t improve or grow by watching from the bench.