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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Reason #3

Saric has that sturdy mindset that every player needs to succeed. His mindset is perfect for someone who plays in Philly. Saric isn’t scared to get dirty, hustle, dive for the loose ball, and everything in between. Simmons also does this from time-to-time, but not to Saric’s level. Additionally, Saric has that aggressive factor to his game — he can be unstoppable at times.

Moreover, Saric has had to work for everything that he’s achieved in his young NBA career. The 23-year-old kept his word and came over after two-years of being drafted — had Saric stayed overseas one more year, he would’ve made much more money. I respect Saric so much for this, he only cares about the game and not the money.

To start his NBA career, Saric began on the bench and stayed there until Ersan Ilyasova was traded at the deadline. Following on from this, this season Saric began on the bench in place of Simmons. An injury to Jerryd Bayless saw Saric inserted back into the starting five.

Contrarily, Simmons has never experienced starting the game from the bench in the NBA. In a way, everything has been handed to him. In the early portion of the season, Simmons had something to prove since he was out for a whole season. Now, however, it appears that he’s become complacent. Hopefully, this doesn’t continue.

A reason for this could perhaps be that Brett Brown has a soft spot for Simmons because he’s known him all his life and coached Simmons’ father, Dave Simmons in Australia.

Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Each of us are entitled to our own opinions, I just happen to think that Saric is a better basketball player than Simmons right now. Both players have blindingly bright futures in the NBA, the 76ers are in great hands.