By Sean Kennedy (@PhillyFastBreak)
A couple weeks ago, we discussed how Dario Saric indicated he was ready for the NBA and prepared to join the Sixers next season. With the way he’s playing in the EuroBasket tournament right now, fans around Philadelphia are praying he’s true to his word.
Through three games in the group stage for Croatia, Saric is averaging 11.3 points on 60% shooting (2/6 from three), a team-high 6.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Easily his best performance came yesterday in his squad’s comeback victory over Macedonia. Dario scored 7 points in the third quarter to spark a 16-5 Croatian run, as the Croats took control after a surprising halftime deficit. The future Sixer finished with a game-high 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, while shooting 5-8 from the field and 5-6 from the line.
More impressive than just the stat line, Dario’s performance displayed his wide array of NBA-caliber skills. He showed off a variety of post moves, scoring off spins and hooks down on the block. Saric drained one long jumper, and while he missed both of his credited three-point attempts, he was fouled on another and sank all three free throws. You also have to love the intensity he plays the game with, constantly diving on the floor for loose balls. And finally, the court vision. Oh my, the court vision,
Dirty. https://t.co/9Q31Pml61V
— Max Rappaport (@MaxRappaport) September 8, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe ability to foresee Bogdanovic cutting into an open area through a crowd of player is astounding. One thing I love about the potential future Sixers frontcourt is Saric, Okafor, and Noel are all willing and able passers.
When it comes down to it, this sequence basically summed up the contest for Saric.
Dario with a block on one end, then an and-1 bucket on the ensuing possession. The Zagreb crowd chanting his name as he steps to the line. — Max Rappaport (@MaxRappaport) September 8, 2015
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They’re already chanting his name in Europe. Hopefully, we’ll hear something similar in the [not-Wells Fargo] Center next fall.
Croatia takes on the Netherlands this afternoon, before finishing out the group stage Thursday against Georgia.
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