Dario Saric showed his true potential in Philadelphia 76ers. He is expected to take bigger role while Ben Simmons is out due to his injury.
Saric made a good impression on his teammate, Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Guard Gerald Henderson praised his ability to make play for himself and his teammate, as he can also shoot the ball. While forward and center Nerlens Noel said that Saric can become an X factor for the team.
Philadelphia 76ers signed the 6'10" power forward on July 15, wherein they expect that his versatility and hard working ethics in the low post will benefit the team. Saric is a back-to-back winner of FIBA European Young Player of the Year in 2013 and 2014.
During his junior career, he was an acclaimed player that helped his nation Croatia winning gold medal in 2010 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship and 2012 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship. The 22-year old is a complete player, a power forward with point guard ability to pass and make play.
Coach Brett Brown also praised him as a player that can fill up the position left by the injured Simmons. He plans to give more opportunities and responsibilities to Saric in his gameplay strategy.
"I think that's where my head goes to first, that Dario's going to have more opportunities, more responsibilities," Brett Brown said after Sunday practice as quoted by NBC. "I feel like it's going to be very fluid. I think that how we rotate this group now has changed."
With its jam-packed frontcourt, Brown tried to make adjustment by utilizing distinctive versatilities from Simmons and Saric. Both players have the unique ability to play in guard position and can create a mismatch in a team with smaller guard. Now, as Simmons has to miss months of game, Brown expect Saric to play more role.
Saric highlighted his debut in the pre-season game against Boston Celtics in which the Sixers win 92-89. The game was held on Tuesday, Oct.4 at the Mullins Center, Massachusetts.
Watch the highlight of Dario Saric as he became MVP in the 2016 Olympic Game Qualifying Tournament from the official FIBA Channel below:
