3. Dario Saric continues to evolve as an underrated star
With the hype surrounding Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, it’s understandable that the rise of forward Dario Saric would slide under the radar. However, now entering his third season in the league, it won’t be long until Saric is more widely recognized around the league.
In his second season, the 6’10” Saric averaged 14.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 29.6 minutes per game. However, the most notable rise from his rookie season was his overall efficiency, increasing his field goal percentage from 41.1 to 45.3 percent, and his 3-point shooting return from 31.1 to 39.3 percent. As a legitimate stretch-4 with the ability to face the basket and put the ball on the floor, Saric acts as a terrific sidekick for the likes of Embiid and Simmons.
Possibly the most impressive aspect of Saric’s second year was his performance in the postseason. In 10 playoff appearances, Saric raised his numbers to 17.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting at a 38.5 percent clip from long range
Despite the loss, @dariosaric (27 PTS, 10 REB) balled out in Game 5. #NBAPlayoffs | #PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/spETnyLDST
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 10, 2018
This is far removed from the start of the regular season, when Saric was moved to a bench role for the first five games of the season, as the Sixers reverted to a true small-ball lineup. However, after a combination of injuries and the team getting off to a 1-4 start, Saric was re-inserted into the starting lineup and never looked back.
With the loss of stretch-big Ersan Ilyasova over the offseason, Saric will be fully aware that more responsibility is going to fall on his shoulders. However given the progress he made over the course of last season, Saric should be able to carve out a name for his own in 2018-19.