Saric has scored double-digit points in 35 consecutive games, averaging 17.1 points and shooting 41 percent from deep over that stretch. Given his struggles with inconsistency last season, that’s a significant improvement.

1. 3/15/2018 Philadelphia 76ers: Is Dario Saric the Sixers' third-best player?
https://thesixersense.com/2018/02/21/philadelphia-76ers-is-dario-saric-third-best-player/ 1/4
Dario Saric (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/saricda01.html?
utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-) has been
playing stellar basketball this season. Is he already the Philadelphia 76ers
(https://thesixersense.com/)‘ third-best player.
We didn’t really know what to expect out of Dario Saric entering the season. He was supposed to
come off the bench, taking on a sixth man role as Markelle Fultz (https://www.basketball-
reference.com/players/f/fultzma01.html?
utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-) was integrated into the
Philadelphia 76ers (https://thesixersense.com/)‘ new-look starting lineup. When Fultz was
struggling, Jerryd Bayless (https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bayleje01.html?
utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-) simply took his spot.
Is Dario Saric the Sixers’ third best player?
by Christopher Kline 3 weeks ago Follow @KlineNBA (https://twitter.com/KlineNBA)
TWEET SHARE COMMENT
The Sixer Sense 
(https
76ers
mailb
what-
if-
paul-
georg
joins-
free-
agenc


2. 3/15/2018 Philadelphia 76ers: Is Dario Saric the Sixers' third-best player?
https://thesixersense.com/2018/02/21/philadelphia-76ers-is-dario-saric-third-best-player/ 2/4
MORE FROM OPINION
3/14 - Another Playoff Team, Another Loss
3/13 - Sixers V.S. Pacers Is The Biggest Game Since The
Process Began
3/13 - How Likely Is Home-Court Advantage For The
Sixers?
3/12 - 3 Ways To Maximize The Sixers’ Offense
3/12 - Dear Sixer Diary – Week Of Mar. 5-11
That only lasted seven games, though, with Brett Brown quickly reverting back to Saric in an effort
to establish some much-needed rhythm for his second-year forward. It took a while, but that
move has paid off in a big way.
Saric has scored double-digit points in 35 consecutive games, averaging 17.1 points and shooting
41 percent from deep over that stretch. Given his struggles with inconsistency last season, that’s
a significant improvement.
Those numbers will likely regress to the
mean at some point, but this is no
longer a fluke. Saric has more arc under
his shot and looks comfortable in his
role next to Joel Embiid
(https://www.basketball-
reference.com/players/e/embiijo01.html?
utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-) in Ben Simmons
(https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/simmobe01.html?
utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-).
If his shooting continues to progress, Saric should be a legitimate piece of the Sixers’ future. His
offensive skill set, even if it isn’t maximized in Philadelphia
(https://thesixersense.com/2018/01/21/philadelphia-76ers-can-dario-saric-max-out-
potential-sixers/), brings a lot to the table. He’s a nifty passer, while his scoring prowess in the
post has led to more possessions being devoted to getting him the ball around the paint.
He’s also a solid rebounder, displaying constant energy on the boards. That energy translates to
the defensive end as well, which helps make up for his limited athleticism in some scenarios.
The question now boils down to whether or not Saric is already the third-best player on this team.
Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons obviously top that list, but The Homie has made a compelling case
against the likes of Robert Covington (https://www.basketball-
reference.com/players/c/covinro01.html?
utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-) and J.J. Redick
(https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/redicjj01.html?
utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-) over the past few months.
The benefits of each player are fairly obvious. Redick is an off-ball killer, tirelessly running through
screens and finding his way to open spots on the perimeter. One of the best shooters in the league
and the Sixers’ second-leading scorer, his impact on their offense is evident on a nightly basis.
(link)
FanSided - Daily Highlights ()
Sponsored by Connatix ()
Want your voice heard? Join the The Sixer Sense team!
Write for us! (https://draftday.fansided.com/?brand=thesixersense.com)

3. 3/15/2018 Philadelphia 76ers: Is Dario Saric the Sixers' third-best player?
https://thesixersense.com/2018/02/21/philadelphia-76ers-is-dario-saric-third-best-player/ 3/4
Covington has been slumping lately, but he still brings a lot to the table. He’s capable of hitting
shots from well beyond the arc, while his defense puts him among the best perimeter defenders
in the NBA. He takes on the challenge of guarding the opposition’s best player most nights, while
his length and quick hands allow him to switch between positions and force steals with regularity.
Dario’s skill set seems to cover more ground than those two, though. He’s not the same two-way
presence that Covington is, but he has been more effective as a shooter lately while boasting a
more advanced all-around game on the offensive end.
Saric’s passing can get lost in the shuffle behind Embiid and Simmons, but he still breaks out the
occasional Jokic-esque (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2017/12/26/16816722/trade-
deadline-tyreke-evans-dario-saric-lou-williams-nerlens-noel) dime. His ability to attack off the
dribble or work out of the post, using his strong frame and touch to carve out shots, is something
Covington simply can’t match.
NEXT: Grading every Sixers player at the All-Star break
(https://thesixersense.com/2018/02/21/philadelphia-76ers-grading-every-
player-all-star-break/)
In short, this debate comes down to a handful of factors: what parts of the game you value most
and whether or not you think Saric can sustain his current rate of production. As things currently
stand, it feels like Saric has earned the title of third-best player on the roster.
SPONSORED STORIES
2018 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Who Will Go #1?
New Arena
Microsoft changes its E3 2018 venue,
promises larger presence
Digital Trends
Are You Kidding? That's The New Line up of
2018 SUVs. Wow!
Yahoo! Search
What Laura Ingraham’s attack on LeBron
James really means
The Undefeated
[Gallery] This Is Why He Will Never Discuss
His Military Service
Direct Expose
The Worst NBA Draft Pick Every Year Since
2000
The Sports Drop
Recommended by (https://www.outbrain.com/what-is/default/en)
 Load Comments
Build your own custom daily newsletter with updates on your favorite teams,
sent directly to your inbox.
Your Philadelphia 76ers.
Your inbox. Every Day.

4. 3/15/2018 Philadelphia 76ers: Is Dario Saric the Sixers' third-best player?
https://thesixersense.com/2018/02/21/philadelphia-76ers-is-dario-saric-third-best-player/ 4/4
Your privacy is safe with us. We’ll never pass along your email address to spammers, scammers, or the like.
Enter your email address
Sign up! It’s FREE
© 2018 FanSided Inc. All Rights Reserved.
(https://fansided.com)
ABOUT
About
Masthead
Press
Openings
Swag
STAY CONNECTED
Our 300+ Sites
Mobile Apps
FanSided Daily
Google Newsstand
FanSided Deals
CONTACT
Technical Support
Advertise
Writer Application
Tips
DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APPS
Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fansided-sports/id553311886?ls=1&mt=8) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?
id=com.noticesoftware.FanSided)