Over the last two to three years, the Philadelphia 76ers has become a paradox. Although the team has loaded itself with enough talents to compete, the Sixers has continued with its wayward ways. At one point, four budding players have been expected to turn the ball club's fortunes around.
Philadelphia seems to be on its way to resurrect a faltering season until top picks Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons got shelved due to year-ending injuries. With defense stalwart Nerlens Noel gone to the Dallas Mavericks, Jahlil Okafor is left to man the fort but his inconsistency on both ends of the floor is a problem. Then, an emerging Dario Saric enters the picture.
Head Coach Brett Brown has a strong case for his 2014 draftee to become this season's Rookie of the Year (ROY). After Embiid has been put on ice, Saric has emerged as the Sixers' dominant force on the court.
After pouring in a 16-point, 5-rebound and two-assist performance against the Los Angeles Clippers in a recent game, the 6'10" forward has scored a career-high 29 points against the Lakers. Teammate Gerald Henderson thinks that Saric is playing more like a veteran. Considering his experience playing in Europe and Turkey, Henderson may be right.
The emergence of Dario Saric has been supplemented by another circumstance aside from Embiid's absence. Following the trade of Ersan Ilyasova to the Atlanta Hawks early this year, the former two-time European Young Player of the Year has blossomed into his own. After the trade deadline in February, Saric has begun filling the stat sheets.
By surging with 19.7 points and 4.8 free throw attempts per game, Dario Saric is now the leading figure among rookies. In terms of rebounds, he ranks second to New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez with 8.4 hauls per outing. His remarkable 4.4 assists average puts him in third place behind point guards Tyler Ulis of the Suns and Yogi Ferrell of the Mavs.
Moreover, a key factor in Dario Saric's rejuvenated play this season is his mother. According to the Croatian standout, the presence of his mom has made him feel that he is actually at home. While Veselinka Saric is no basketball expert, her comforting advices are truly vital to the young Sixer.
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