What Olympic Star Dario Saric Will Bring to the 76ers
During the 2016 Rio Olympics, Dario Saric has proven that he is, without a doubt, a Croatian Sensation. Whether it is making outlet passes that not even a TV camera could cover the distance of or protecting the Croatian rim at all costs, Saric has shown he has expanded his game from merely being a sharpshooter who can distribute in a half-court offense. Croatia has a 2-2 record thus far in the Olympics, and Saric’s efficient, unselfish play has been a huge part of the small nation’s success. Let’s take a look at his value to the team and to his future NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers.
The most surprising part of Saric’s play in Rio is the fact that he has turned into something of a rim protector. He has been good for a couple blocks a game and even had the game-saving block on longtime NBA player Pau Gasol when Spain fell short against Croatia. The last thing that the Sixers need right now is a rim protector, but no team can possibly have too many good defenders. If he can work on his perimeter defense just as much as he worked on his interior capabilities, he will become one of the biggest threats in the league in terms of versatility.
Additionally, Saric has shown spectators that he can pass the rock exceptionally well, especially for a player of his size. If he gets stronger inside on offense and develops some reliable post moves, his combination of the ability to finish through contact and get past defenders in the low post and passing ability will make it hard for teams to cover him correctly.
Saric has not been shooting like his usual self in Rio, but that is fine as Croatia are still winning games and Dario is still getting his points. In the team’s two losses, to Argentina and Nigeria, Saric had 19 points and 7 points, respectively. The difference between those two games was Bojan Bogdanovic, who hogged the ball against Nigera and scored 28 points but was -16 on the night, and who also went for 18 points on 5/13 shooting. If players on the Sixers keep their efficiency high and move the ball to help the Croatian create shots, he will thrive in the NBA.
The ex-Efes big man has a secure handle, but does not have the blow-by quickness or slick ball control of a great point guard. All in all, he is a classic stretch-four who can shoot well and pass like a point guard. Look for him to have his biggest effect when throwing outlet passes from defensive rebounds and when handling the ball in a half-court offense. In a few years, it will be compelling to see whether or not the 22-year-old point forward can strengthen his low post game to add yet another terrifying element to his game that defenses will need to prepare for. Though the Sixers tend to play fast, look for him to be the pace neutralizer for the young team. He can carve up defenses with his passing ability while stretching them out with his shooting range. If he can hit consistently from NBA three-point range, we could be looking at a future max contract-caliber player and maybe even an All Star.