The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Dario Saric training from downtown this offseason

By Bret Stuter

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Joel Embiid #21 and Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers participate in media day on September 26, 2016 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Joel Embiid #21 and Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers participate in media day on September 26, 2016 in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 21: Dario Saric
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 21: Dario Saric /

Excel at three-point shooting

The Philadelphia 76ers are becoming rather compartmentalized as the team improves.  While the team has had a proclivity (tendancy) to value versatility, there is more need now to excel at something rather than be better than average at everything. Right now, three-point shooting is the most prized of all.

The debate rages as to what role each player fills on the 76ers roster, and the depth chart.  But no matter who is on the floor, the team will need offensive punch from the perimeter.

When you look at two pieces for the team, you see Joel Embiid as a dominating NBA center.  And however you see Ben Simmons defensively, he is the point player on offense. Simmons also has reason to work closer to the basket. So the default need for this team is around the perimeter, simply from the spacing perspective.

Three-point shooting needed

Right now, that is where Dario Saric is focused.  As well he should be. He was one of the three-point shooters for the team last season, averaging 4.2 attempts per game in 81 games played.  But he sank just 31.1 percent of those shots.  That was well below a disappointing team average of 34.0 percent from the three.

Saric could fix that. Just in getting his average up to a modest 35 percent, the team average would rise as well, perhaps above 36 percent.  The team no longer has Gerald Henderson (35.3 percent), Sergio Rodriguez (36.5 percent) nor Ersan Ilyasova (35.9 percent). Saric must elevate his long range to compensate.