Does Ersan Ilyasova Arrival Push Dario Saric Back To Bench?

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
5 of 5
Nov 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (R) talks with fellow Croatian and Orlando Magic forward Damjan Rudez (L) prior to action at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (R) talks with fellow Croatian and Orlando Magic forward Damjan Rudez (L) prior to action at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Build Team, Not Group Of Players

While Joel Embiid continues to soar, and Ben Simmons is expected to do the same, the team must break the panic of an off-night and allow good players time to play through.  Dario Saric is just one of several high upside players experiencing the Philadelphia 76ers for the first time.  Each game adds experience which adds to development which adds to production.

According to a wise saying, a watched pot doesn’t boil.  Give Saric time to develop. Keep Ilyassova on standby to give him some rest as the season plays on.  Dario Saric showed that he is a man of his word when he left lots of money on the table to join our team.

Should the team allow him time to build chemistry with point guard Sergio Rodriguez and center Joel Embiid, the results will be profound.  It is that lack of familiarity which has stunted the improvement of the Philadelphia 76ers until now.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets Preview

As of today, the team can correct past mistakes. In whatever way the line-ups eventually shake out, the team should not be in a rush to bench a player of Saric’s potential.