The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 reasons Dario Saric Is Valuable But Not Untouchable

By Jason Blevins

Apr 10, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans wear shirts in support of Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (not pictured) during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center. The Pacers won 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans wear shirts in support of Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (not pictured) during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center. The Pacers won 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 14, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Trey Burke (33) drives to the basket as Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated Philadelphia 76ers 109-93. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan -USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Trey Burke (33) drives to the basket as Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated Philadelphia 76ers 109-93. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan -USA TODAY Sports /

On The Defensive Side

No one tries harder than Dario Saric on both ends of the floor. You can see by how he relates in defensive metrics that despite his physical limitations, he is not a terrible defender. He most closely equates to Blake Griffin on the defensive side of the ball.

Player TRB% STL% BLK% DRtg
Kevin Love 19.5 1.4 1 106.6
Anthony Davis 17.4 1.8 5.1 101.2
Dario Saric 13.3 1.4 1.1 108.9
Draymond Green 13.3 3 3.4 99.6
Blake Griffin 13.5 1.4 1 107.8
Derrick Favors 14.9 1.9 2.8 101.7
Paul Millsap 12.5 1.9 2.2 103.7
Serge Ibaka 12.3 0.9 4.2 107.8
Markieff Morris 11.7 1.7 1.5 108.9
LaMarcus Aldridge 12.8 1 3 104.8

Stats via RealGM

Draymond Green jumps out as an absolute monster defensively in this view. His length and quickness and ability to jump passing lanes and switch onto players bigger and smaller is just world class.

Pure Power Forward

Dario does not have the kind of defensive versatility to really defend anyone other than other power forwards. He lacks the quickness to defend the perimeter. Conversely he lacks the length to defend opposing Centers or protect the rim. Again in the right role he can clearly be an extremely valuable player but there is a huge gulf between good and great.

Dario can become a decent to good defender at the power forward spot. He will likely never be a great defender in Brett Brown’s switch heavy pace and space defensive system.