The Sixer Sense
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2 things the Sixers need from Dario Saric this season

By Ethan Piechota

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 13: Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a play against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 13, 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)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 13: Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a play against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 13, 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) /
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Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 13: Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a play against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 13, 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) /

Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric has often been regarded as the “X-Factor” towards his teams’ success throughout the early stages of his young career.

Whether it’s spacing the floor for Ben Simmons, finishing tough layups around the basket, offensive rebounding or diving on the floor for a loose ball, Dario Saric is a “do everything” guy for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Since his arrival to the NBA in 2016, Saric has brought grit and heart to every game he takes part in, quickly developing into a fan favorite in the city.

The early perception for “The Homie” was that he would have his potential maxed out by playing sixth man and anchoring the 76ers’ bench rotation for the bulk of his career. However, after a tremendous sophomore campaign, Saric showed his true value as an NBA basketball player and starter.

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Saric averaged 14.6 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game, while shooting around 40 percent from three-point land as a stretch four for the Philadelphia 76ers last season.

Saric played in 78 games last season, and came off the bench in the first five, where his numbers were very underwhelming. He averaged just 5.6 points per game on 33 percent shooting coming off the bench to start the season, prompting head coach Brett Brown to start the Croatian forward for the remainder of the Sixers games, and he delivered.

At 6-foot-10 and lacking a good amount of natural athleticism, Saric is crafty and extremely intelligent with the basketball, but also moves his feet very well defensively. With Robert Covington injured for a few games last season, Saric started a couple of games at small forward and held his own against the likes of athletic wings Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins.

The Philadelphia 76ers are projected to start Saric on opening night after a somewhat quiet offseason, and he will need to make key contributions offensively and defensively for the team to take the next step in the Eastern Conference this season.

Here are 2 things the 76ers need from Dario Saric next year to be successful.