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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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 6: Isaiah Thomas
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 6: Isaiah Thomas /

Don’t discount versatility

While the team needs more specialization from players, that is not to say the team is shying away from versatility.  It’s that versatility which gives the Philadelphia 76ers such a huge competitive advantage.

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Golden State Warriors: 1 aspect for every player to improve upon – Dario Saric
Golden State Warriors: 1 aspect for every player to improve upon – Dario Saric /

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    • With Saric able to play the center, power forward, and small forward roles, he becomes a chess piece for head coach Brett Brown to outflank his opponent. If they face a small ball roster, he rotates in as a center, allowing the team to flood the floor with smaller fast guards.  If the team faces a physical team, he can rotate through as a power forward and bang against big bodies. But if the team opts for a big rotation, he can slide to the three as the Sixers take to the sky.

    Physicality plus

    Saric is not the quickest nor fastest guy on the court. Offensively, that is no problem as he has tremendous court vision and can initiate a fast break from the rebound with a long pass. Defensively, he will not replicate the prowess of Robert Covington.  So what is his forte?

    He is a solid rebounder. He has a good instinct for positioning and can pull in a solid number of rebounds, particularly when defending the basket.  From that point, he leads all front court players at 2.2 assists per game.  He is also good at disrupting the opponent , with .7 steals per game as well. It’s not Nerlens Noel Numbers, but it’s a solid contribution.

    Next: Philadelphia 76ers: First Impressions of Markelle Fultz

    This is a team player. He will do whatever he is asked to do.  He started 36 of 81 games last season, and that’s probably a pretty good number for this year. But after losing out on NBA Rookie of the Year, you can bet he is playing with a chip on his shoulder.   And as tough as he is, he just got tougher.  I believe Philadelphia will love the 2017-2018 version of Dario Saric.