Sixers forward Dario Saric looks to heighten international status

Sixers forward Dario Saric went from unknown to international sensation with an incredible Olympic stint, and an impressive rookie season to follow.

Dario Saric was the only stable force the Sixers had last season. For someone who was an “unknown” in all sense of the word, Saric did quick work to rid that name from his reputation. After a heavy summer of Olympic qualifiers and the tournament itself, the Croatian went on to play 81 NBA games, being the team’s main focus on offense for much of the season.

Now, he enters another summer of international competition. EuroBasket 2017 will be another platform for Saric to show his potential. Just as he elevated his status by leading the Croatian charge towards the Olympics, Saric can be an integral part of one of the more feared European teams in this tournament.

Croatia have a pretty light path to move on from the group stage. Spain is the only real threat in Group C, and with stud guard Sergio Llul out for the tournament, Croatia should be the favorites. Saric’s game is suited perfectly for international play. His passing game is above average for a big man in this tournament, and his improved shooting should allow for a high point total.

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His defensive weaknesses are somewhat hidden as well. With more emphasis on team defense and less individual play, Saric should look better on the defensive end than he did last season with the Sixers. He does seem to elevate his game when he dons the Croatian jersey, however. In last year’s qualifiers, he held would-be All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo to his worst game, erasing Greece’s Olympic dreams.

Now, Saric will have to keep his team above the rest. Greece, France, Turkey, and Serbia all have the talent to knock off Croatia’s veteran team. This will continue a large stretch of basketball for Saric. Who seemingly has played non-stop for over two total seasons, including his time in Turkey. Of course, the questions of fatigue will be shot towards Saric’s way as he looks to enter another grueling 82-game season.

This time, Saric comes in with a different role. Projected as the sixth man, he will see big minutes in various positions and countless lineups. Saric stands as one of the four most important players to this team’s success this season. But before the Sixers, he has the chance to take his team to the ultimate European honors.

Next: The case of Jahlil Okafor

Saric is no longer “the man who’ll never come over”. He’s now the man all over the world.