The Sixer Sense
Fansided

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, PA – APRIL 16: Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Miami Heat during Game Two of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on April 16, 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dario Saric
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 16: Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Miami Heat during Game Two of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on April 16, 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dario Saric /

Spacing the floor

A relatively new and prominent position in the current NBA is the “stretch four” spot that is an integral part of any team’s success. Dario Saric, Ersan Ilyasova, Kristaps Porzingis, and Ryan Anderson are all examples of this type of player.

His first year in the NBA, Saric struggled immensely with shooting the three, knocking down just 31 percent of his shots from behind the arc. He made an admirable leap in year two, hitting now 40 percent of his shots from deep and opening up his game.

Although he has somewhat of an awkward, two-handed, line drive release, Saric made it work last season and was key towards spacing the floor for point guard Ben Simmons.

Between him, Ersan Ilyasova, Marco Bellineli, Robert Covington and J.J. Redick, the Philadelphia 76ers had reliable floor spacing for the majority of the season for Ben Simmons.

This year, the 76ers will depend on Saric to space the floor even more after Ilyasova signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason. Dario will have more minutes and opportunities thrown his way, and needs to stay consistent all season in his ability to stretch the floor.

When shots are dropping from outside for Saric, his whole game truly opens up and allows him to penetrate and play-make or get to the cup.

The ability to knock down shots is there for Dario, but his most crucial task will be to stay consistent all season long. With the ball in Ben Simmons’ hands, he will undoubtedly have plenty of opportunities as well.

Through pick-and-rolls with guards, Saric has the ability to fade out to the three-point land and take shots off dribble penetration.  Joel Embiid garners tons of attention in the post as well, and kick-out passes out of the double-team will open up wide-open chances for The Homie.

Lastly, transition ball is a big part of the Philadelphia 76ers offense, and will lend many opportunities to the team’s shooters to knock down timely outside shots.

The Philadelphia 76ers should expect Saric to shoot around 40-45 percent from deep this season, and his consistency from behind the arc is extremely important towards the 76ers success.