The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Why Dario Saric is better than Ben Simmons

By Owen Nelson

PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 28: Ben Simmons #25 and Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 28, 2017 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 28: Ben Simmons #25 and Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 28, 2017 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

An unpopular Philadelphia 76ers opinion: Dario Saric is better than Ben Simmons. Hear me out.

Ever since moving from Melbourne, Australia to the United States, Ben Simmons was a highly touted prospect. Many believed, and still do, that Simmons is the second-coming of LeBron James and Magic Johnson. Hype has never been an issue for Simmons. Conversely, few people knew of Dario Saric before entering the NBA. The Croat has always been one to fly under the radar and to work his butt off.

Simmons’ jaw-dropping athleticism catches the attention of everyone. At 6-foot-10, 230-pounds, Simmons simply shouldn’t be doing the things he’s been doing. However, if you take Simmons’ athleticism away from him, he becomes a Saric-clone without a jump shot.

Saric doesn’t have that elite athleticism. Without the athleticism, it’s tough to get your name out there. Look at Stephen Curry and Trae Young, for example. Both guards are not explosive and struggled to gain attention before letting their I.Q. and skills do the talking.

This season, we’ve seen Saric emerge as a reliable, go-to option for the Philadelphia 76ers. As each game passes by, Saric becomes more and more comfortable in his role. This leads to more potent and impressive plays from the second-year man. Here’s why I think Saric is better than Simmons.