5 reasons Dario Saric Is Valuable But Not Untouchable

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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Apr 10, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) warms up before action against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) warms up before action against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The return

So this is the key right? We’ve established that in his rookie campaign in the NBA, Dario Saric is already a valuable player. When compared directly to some of the top power forwards in the game, he is not outclassed statistically.

There are teams that would absolutely love to have someone of his vision, heart and hustle. There are teams who have reached their natural ceiling and may be considering starting a rebuild and covet a 23 year old Rookie of the Year finalist.

More from The Sixer Sense

I’m not suggesting that the Philadelphia 76ers should give Dario Saric away. He is not Jahlil Okafor, as I believe he brings much more value to the league. What I’m saying is that, if Danny Ainge called and offered the number one pick in the draft for a package that included Dario Saric, I don’t believe Bryan Colangelo should hang up the phone.

When wondering who would replace Dario at the Power Forward position there are a number of options.

Power Forward Options

  • Robert Covington — Some say that Covington’s best position is as a small ball stretch 4. I think his defensive versatility and relatively lack of ball handling skills make this perhaps his best fit.
  • Ben Simmons (Defensively) — Simmons would guard the opposing power forward thus putting him closer to the basket for defensive rebounds and also to stress the other team on the other end.
  • Premium Free Agency — Serge Ibaka, Paul Milsap,
  • Bargain Free Agency — Nikola Mirotic,  Ersan Ilyasova
  • Richaun Holmes — Holmes has the length and three point potential to fit in a big lineup as a secondary rim protector. May struggle in space defensively.

Next: Dario's Defense Should Keep Him in 6th Man Role

I mean, none of this really matters since hes never coming over anyway…