The Sixer Sense
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Dario Saric questions the Sixers’ toughness

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA,PA - DECEMBER 15: Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers works out before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center on December 15, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - DECEMBER 15: Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers works out before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center on December 15, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With the Philadelphia 76ers struggling, is it time get gritty again?

Losing eight of nine games is never ideal, regardless of the circumstances. Injuries have certainly played a part in the Philadelphia 76ers‘ struggles, but it’s impossible to use that excuse to cover up all the other issues at hand. Something has to change, and Dario Saric might have an idea.

Saric thinks the Sixers need to get tough. To start playing tough, rather than making the highlight-reel pass. Considering how common that grit-and-grind style of basketball was before this season, perhaps it’s worth returning to The Process’ roots.

There’s obviously a lot more skill on the roster this year, starting with Ben Simmons and a (somewhat) healthy Joel Embiid. Their presence alone makes the Sixers more competitive than they have been in years past.

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But with youth and injuries compounding on one another in recent games, it’s becoming clear that the Sixers won’t make the playoffs on talent alone. There are too many holes that, when exploited, leave them a step behind some of the more experienced groups around the league.

That’s where toughness comes into play. The Sixers, during the prime years of Sam Hinkie’s rebuild, didn’t win games on talent. When they won games, it was because they constantly out-worked the other teams.

Of course they didn’t win many games that way, but that was because they lacked talent. If you have talent and you still out-work the other team, that normally leads to success.

It’s a bit cliche to preach energy and hustle, but it can’t be overstated just how important that is. Defensive energy can be the difference between DeMar DeRozan have a career night and the Raptors staying in a funk for four quarters. It’s about disrupting the other team’s rhythm to help establish yours.

Saric was a prime example of that hustle last night against Toronto. He found his way to loose balls, had a handful of stellar defensive possessions, and figured out ways to produce when the Sixers’ offense ran cold. We tend to overlook that aspect of Saric’s game, and it’s something we need to embrace more.

There’s an obvious difference between this Sixers team and the Process-era groups of years past, but that work ethic that Brett Brown instilled years ago is still important today. Those teams worked hard and played team ball because it was the only option they had.

Next: 5 things hurting the Sixers on this losing streak

Now these Sixers need to make that same choice.