The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers 2017-18 Second Unit: Post-Draft Edition

By Rusty Gorelick

Jan 21, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks to guard T.J. McConnell (1) against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 110-93. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks to guard T.J. McConnell (1) against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 110-93. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) moves toward the net as Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) defends during the fourth quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won the game 116-74. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) moves toward the net as Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) defends during the fourth quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won the game 116-74. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward: Dario Saric

Playing the 6-foot-10 Saric at the small forward is a bit of a stretch.  But “The Homie” has potential to become a three-point sharpshooter. He only hit 31 percent of his three-point attempts in his rookie year.  Rookies struggle at shooting.  Still, he continues to acclimate to the NBA and works on his game with the Sixers coaching staff.   So, that number should jump.

Additionally, when the team found him a reliable player  after the All-Star break once Joel Embiid went down injured.  In fact, Saric stepped up and assumed a point forward role, and playing the small forward position should let him operate in that role when he wants to.

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As the focal point of the Sixers offense after the All-Star break, Saric’s assists average jumped from 1.8 to 3.4 per night. That’s an impressive tally for a rookie who was playing the 4 for the most part. In the second unit, Saric will have the opportunity to decimate opponents’ bench players with his athleticism and vision. He stood out at the star player for the Sixers after the All-Star break, and since he was putting up 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 30.4 minutes per night against starters, his numbers could look as good in less time per game.

By coming off the bench, Saric could be a perennial contender for Sixth Man of the Year.  Super Dario showed off that he truly belongs in the NBA last season, and he will certainly pick up the slack next season once guys like Fultz, Simmons, and Embiid take a seat.