Can Dario Saric max out his potential with the Sixers?

By Christopher Kline | Jan 21, 2018

PHILADELPHIA,PA - JANUARY 15 : Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center on January 15, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dario Saric is a valuable piece of the Philadelphia 76ers‘ future, but he might not reach his ceiling here.

After a slow start to the season, Dario Saric has played some solid basketball lately. He isn’t producing the numbers he did over the second half of last season, but that’s the product of a smaller role more than anything else.

That role, however, is the issue. It’s tough for Saric to unlock the best parts of his game playing next to Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and eventually Markelle Fultz. His playmaking ability and scoring around the basket just isn’t going to be featured.

He’s not a traditional point forward, but Saric has the playmaking chops needed to run the offense on occasion. Whether it’s whipping passes out of the post or handling on the perimeter, his unique combination of size, strength and vision — at 6-foot-10 — always made Saric a unique weapon coming out of Croatia.

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A player with his skill level probably shouldn’t have fallen to 12th in the 2014 draft.

The Philadelphia 76ers obviously got a steal in the that regard, even if Saric has some flaws. He’ll never be an elite defender or an overly impressive athlete, but is capable of being a stellar offensive player long term. It comes down to whether or not he can reach his ceiling with Philly’s current core.

Saric has the makings of an offensive focal point. His crafty scoring around the rim is underused, and that’s largely due to Embiid’s presence in the paint. That also keeps him from passing out of the high post or taking defenders into the paint as often as he could.

He’d need to share the floor with another ball handler, but Saric is somebody who’s capable of scoring 15-plus points per game while leading his team in assists. His vision and flare is comparable to Nikola Jokic, even if he’s not quite as tall. It’d be really, really fun to see him taking on a bigger role.

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We’ve seen that in flashes this season, especially when Embiid sits. Saric has the ability to play a big role in the Sixers’ offense and be successful while doing so, there’s just too much talent ahead of him. That’s a good problem to have if you’re Philly, but you can’t help but wonder what Saric would look like as a go-to guy.

I still want to see the Sixers hold on to Dario, though. He’s too good to give up for pennies and still brings a lot of value to this team. If he’s willing to stay in Philly and buy in to a complimentary role, there’s no reason to get rid of him.

That said, he could be a valuable trade piece if a star is available. The Hornets are looking to get rid of Kemba Walker, and Saric could be the best asset Philly has in such a deal. A team like the Hornets could give Saric the freedom to take the reigns offensively.

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Saric should be a long-term piece for the Sixers, but he might not reach his full potential without taking his talents elsewhere.