Dario Saric: A “star” role-player

2018-04-13T11:59:50+00:00 2018-04-13T12:22:56+00:00.

Aris Barkas

13/Apr/18 11:59

Eurohoops.net
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 28: Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 28, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers have successfully completed the rebuilding process and the Joel Embiid – Ben Simmons duo will surely be one of the best in the NBA for years to come. But don’t sleep on Dario Saric’s role.

By George Efkarpidis/ info@eurohoops.net

Stars need a good supporting cast and effective perimeter shooting is a necessity in today’s day and age.

Dario Saric has been a perfect fit and he may very well be one of the X-factors as the Sixers look to make a deep playoff run.

The second year-man out of Croatia has improved in every statistical category since his rookie campaign and more has shown flashes of what former GM Sam Hinkie envisioned when he drafted him.

Saric has 13 double-doubles including six of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.

On the season, he’s averaging 2.0 makes from beyond the arc while shooting it at 39%.

He’s an excellent cutter without the basketball, has great vision and even though he only averages 2.6 assists per game most of them make the top plays of the night.

Season MP FG% 3P 3P% FT% RB AST STL BLK PTS
2016-17 26.3 .411 1.3 .311 .782 6.3 2.2 0.7 0.3 12.8
2017-18 29.6 .453 2.01 .393 .860 6.7 2.6 0.7 0.3 15.1

Hence, Saric perfectly fits the description of the modern position-less NBA due to his all-around offensive game and his ability to switch on the defensive end without creating a mismatch.

More importantly, Saric has been asked to step up in Embiid’s absence and has done just that.

Even though he’s a sophomore in the NBA, Saric has playoff experience from the Euroleague and with the all-star center potentially missing game one this Sunday, Saric will have a heavy workload on offense and defense.

It hasn’t been an easy path to success for one of the most talented young European players in the world.

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