Winter is Here: Welcome Dario Saric

[Ericb5]

I think Dario has special traits that don't show up on advanced stat sheets. Math misses the human operating the machine some times.

Hinkie clearly saw something different in him, doesn't fit his drafting style at all.

Saric did fit Hinkies' drafting style. Nearly every Hinkie draft pick had high Rebound, high assist and/or high blocks/steals per minute before entering the NBA. Saric had the high Rebounds and assists in his league. The only player Hinkie drafted who didn't really fall into those categories was Okafor. But Saric absolutely fit his statistical model.

Hinkie drafted Embiid + Saric knowing they wouldn't play for a year or two. This increased the odds of getting a very good draft pick, which worked perfectly.

Hinkie liked prospects that were tall, long wingspan, or exceptional in a specific category. Saric was an exception, he really doesn't fit into that description, except for his elite hustle.

Noel, Holmes, Jerami Grant, Jakarr (6'9 defensive PG), and Embiid were more typical of Hinkie's prospects. The 1st Furkan was the best rebounder in Europe, unfortunately, he didn't translate to the NBA too well.

The only way Embiid and Saric not being able to play right away factored into Hinkie drafting them is that they wouldn't have been available at the slot that we got them had they been ready to play right away.

He would NEVER take a less talented player over a more talented player just to prolong the tank, and that is basically what you are accusing him of if he factored in their delayed arrivals to the league.


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[Chris76]

Saric did fit Hinkies' drafting style. Nearly every Hinkie draft pick had high Rebound, high assist and/or high blocks/steals per minute before entering the NBA. Saric had the high Rebounds and assists in his league. The only player Hinkie drafted who didn't really fall into those categories was Okafor. But Saric absolutely fit his statistical model.

Hinkie drafted Embiid + Saric knowing they wouldn't play for a year or two. This increased the odds of getting a very good draft pick, which worked perfectly.

Hinkie liked prospects that were tall, long wingspan, or exceptional in a specific category. Saric was an exception, he really doesn't fit into that description, except for his elite hustle.

Noel, Holmes, Jerami Grant, Jakarr (6'9 defensive PG), and Embiid were more typical of Hinkie's prospects. The 1st Furkan was the best rebounder in Europe, unfortunately, he didn't translate to the NBA too well.

The only way Embiid and Saric not being able to play right away factored into Hinkie drafting them is that they wouldn't have been available at the slot that we got them had they been ready to play right away.

He would NEVER take a less talented player over a more talented player just to prolong the tank, and that is basically what you are accusing him of if he factored in their delayed arrivals to the league.


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Hinkie took chances and used opportunities to get assets. His moves were always to get better. Some moves had future benefits that most didn't recognize. He would take the more talented, injured player, patiently waiting. This wouldn't help the current team, but this would increase the chances of a better pick.

Embiid and Saric's delayed arrivals and the greater chance of 2 #1 picks may have influenced Hinkie a little.

[PhilasFinest]

I still think Dario can become a Kevin Love like PF. He has that type of game/skillset. Im not necessarily talking the gaudy 20/20 nightly Kevin Love in Minnesota, but more the Kevin Love role on the Cavs with LeBron.

Obviously the 3 ball has to improve, but he has shown incremental improvements on it since getting drafted. Last year was in a new league/level, and the amount of ball he played certainly could have factored in to losing legs.... but he remained someone who can hit the shot.If he can continue to improve on his 3 ball and become a more consistent 36-37% shooter from distance, He could become an even more intriguing piece for us going forward.

He certainly has some limitations athletically, and mainly on defense with his speed....but at the PF spot, he will likely be able to be at least an average defender w/ high energy and effort, plus Embiid will be anchoring the paint. He rebounds pretty well on the defensive glass, and his vision/passing is very high for a big. You put him on the floor at the 4 with Simmons/Embiid/Fultz and the passing/IQ could be amazing at times, especially once they gain some chemistry and grasp the concepts of Brown's system (Spurs/Hawks ball). 4 players capable of grabbing a rebounding and going, with pace is a hell of a task to guard.


I understand wanting to give him a more higher usage role off the bench, and I can see that logic....but I also think we need to take a hard look at pairing him up with the starters. The upside is extremely intriguing.

[Ericb5]

Hinkie drafted Embiid + Saric knowing they wouldn't play for a year or two. This increased the odds of getting a very good draft pick, which worked perfectly.

Hinkie liked prospects that were tall, long wingspan, or exceptional in a specific category. Saric was an exception, he really doesn't fit into that description, except for his elite hustle.

Noel, Holmes, Jerami Grant, Jakarr (6'9 defensive PG), and Embiid were more typical of Hinkie's prospects. The 1st Furkan was the best rebounder in Europe, unfortunately, he didn't translate to the NBA too well.

The only way Embiid and Saric not being able to play right away factored into Hinkie drafting them is that they wouldn't have been available at the slot that we got them had they been ready to play right away.

He would NEVER take a less talented player over a more talented player just to prolong the tank, and that is basically what you are accusing him of if he factored in their delayed arrivals to the league.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hinkie took chances and used opportunities to get assets. His moves were always to get better. Some moves had future benefits that most didn't recognize. He would take the more talented, injured player, patiently waiting. This wouldn't help the current team, but this would increase the chances of a better pick.

Embiid and Saric's delayed arrivals and the greater chance of 2 #1 picks may have influenced Hinkie a little.

I would say that he was aware of the added benefit of their delays, but that he would have taken the same players in the same slots had they not been delayed. He just wouldn't have had that chance had they NOT faced the delays because Embiid would have gone first, and Saric would have gone 8th or so.

[Chris76]

Hinkie was good at judging value. I wonder if he knew Embiid was such a good shooter. It seems he got a lot better during his recovery.

Dario should be a good playmaker and shooter. I'm surprised so many people think he is a bad shooter. He has a good technique.

[timLH]

Before Simmons improves his jumper, Saric is our best forward to part with Embiid. So far, I don't see Embiid/Okafor or Okafor/Saric front court going well.
Embiid/Saric/Roco/Redick/Fultz(TJ)
Johnson(Okafor)/Simmons/TLC/Korkmaz/Bayless

[Chris76]

Before Simmons improves his jumper, Saric is our best forward to part with Embiid. So far, I don't see Embiid/Okafor or Okafor/Saric front court going well.
Embiid/Saric/Roco/Redick/Fultz(TJ)
Johnson(Okafor)/Simmons/TLC/Korkmaz/Bayless

Embiid helps to make everyone better. He reduces the pressure or nerves of teammates.

TJ....................Fultz
Redick.............TLC/Bayless
Covington........Korkmaz
Simmons.........Saric
Embiid..............Amir/Okafor

That seems like a balanced rotation. BB can try different options against certain matchups.

I did like Simmons at SF, Saric, and Embiid. A strong lineup with Simmons creating open shots or feeding Embiid to go one on one.

[spikeslovechild]

Hinkie was good at judging value. I wonder if he knew Embiid was such a good shooter. It seems he got a lot better during his recovery.

Dario should be a good playmaker and shooter. I'm surprised so many people think he is a bad shooter. He has a good technique.

Hinkie was human he made mistakes like anyone else what he was best at was putting himself in the best position to succeed via the things he could control.

There are so many known unknowns via the draft. The very best drafters in the league isn't going to hit on the majority of his picks. Heck, Dumars at one time was considered a great GM then Darko happened. Ainge is a great trader but his draft record is spotty.

All you can do is put yourself in the best position to succeed and trust your scouts that is what Hinkie did.

[Chris76]

Hinkie was good at judging value. I wonder if he knew Embiid was such a good shooter. It seems he got a lot better during his recovery.

Dario should be a good playmaker and shooter. I'm surprised so many people think he is a bad shooter. He has a good technique.

Hinkie was human he made mistakes like anyone else what he was best at was putting himself in the best position to succeed via the things he could control.

There are so many known unknowns via the draft. The very best drafters in the league isn't going to hit on the majority of his picks. Heck, Dumars at one time was considered a great GM then Darko happened. Ainge is a great trader but his draft record is spotty.

All you can do is put yourself in the best position to succeed and trust your scouts that is what Hinkie did.

Optionality was an important factor in Hinkie's plan.
Dario and Covington give BB good options, whether a perimeter or stronger player is needed.

Dario was impressive with Embiid and Simmons. 5 for 8 on 3pt shots is not bad, hope his efficiency continues to improve.

[Unbreakable99]

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[76ciology]

I still think Dario can become a Kevin Love like PF. He has that type of game/skillset. Im not necessarily talking the gaudy 20/20 nightly Kevin Love in Minnesota, but more the Kevin Love role on the Cavs with LeBron.

Obviously the 3 ball has to improve, but he has shown incremental improvements on it since getting drafted. Last year was in a new league/level, and the amount of ball he played certainly could have factored in to losing legs.... but he remained someone who can hit the shot.If he can continue to improve on his 3 ball and become a more consistent 36-37% shooter from distance, He could become an even more intriguing piece for us going forward.

He certainly has some limitations athletically, and mainly on defense with his speed....but at the PF spot, he will likely be able to be at least an average defender w/ high energy and effort, plus Embiid will be anchoring the paint. He rebounds pretty well on the defensive glass, and his vision/passing is very high for a big. You put him on the floor at the 4 with Simmons/Embiid/Fultz and the passing/IQ could be amazing at times, especially once they gain some chemistry and grasp the concepts of Brown's system (Spurs/Hawks ball). 4 players capable of grabbing a rebounding and going, with pace is a hell of a task to guard.


I understand wanting to give him a more higher usage role off the bench, and I can see that logic....but I also think we need to take a hard look at pairing him up with the starters. The upside is extremely intriguing.

His pick and pop game with Simmons was pretty effective.

[ziggy77]

So listen guys. I have been following Dario since he was much younger. And this is how things are. It's gonna be a long read

For him to maximize his talents (we all know his limitations), he needs to play with ball in his hands. He can't be that much effective off ball even though he is hard worker, adaptable and humble guy. We still haven't seen his 3pt shot in larger sample and it seems that he improved it on some level (we still need to see that). Maybe he can as the season goes on find his role and learn how to be effective off the ball and satisfied with 7-9 ppg being the spot up option and hustler (if he starts hitting 3s maybe more than that). But thing is you will not max his talents and deep down he will not be happy.

This team has 3 players that have goal to be in hall of fame some day and they demand the ball. Apart from them you have lot's of players in this team that are young and they want to prove and show themselves that are better then just reserve guys, plus Reddick and Bayless who will shoot every time opportunity comes.

That is real problem of this team. They are not playing as the team right now. Everyone wants to be a hero. Lots of high draft picks who see themselves as the future stars. And they all want the ball and the shots. They need to learn how to share the ball, and don't just take every opportunity that present itself to shoot or just go iso 1 on 1. Brown needs to implement this more strongly if team want's to go to playoffs this year.

That is just the thing, they need to decide if they want to go to playoffs or just develop their 3 stars and give them free reign.

Back to Dario.

If you have watched last game and focused on him you realized that he played poorly. But you need to ask yourself why?

Some of you said it: "He was invisible." And i agree, he did not have one action called for him, he did not pick and pop, he did not post up, he did not played some pick and roll with the center, he did not take the ball in transition, he did not attack Gortat of the dribble like he did to Cousins that game vs Scaramento and other slower centers. Only 5 FGA!

He was not utilized. He tried on his own couple of times and he forced it but can you blame him? He was spectator. But even with that said he had some plays down the line and the team that got on the run with him as center played good.

Only soulution is to turn him into the real Sixth man, let him have freedom and plays called for him when he plays with second lineup, but then Fultz needs to start because he will be Sixth man and main focus if he starts from the bench and share the court with Dario.

Second solution and maybe the best one. Trade him. Find some real stretch 4 and let Dario be Dario. Taller Draymond Green without athletic might.

I hope someone will read this and try to understand the situation.

[Kobblehead]

With nearly three years left on his rookie contract, now is the time I'd look to trade him.

He's unathletic and he isn't a skilled enough shooter to compensate for it. I just see him as a bad fit on our roster, going forward.

[Wilfried]

With nearly three years left on his rookie contract, now is the time I'd look to trade him.

He's unathletic and he isn't a skilled enough shooter to compensate for it. I just see him as a bad fit on our roster, going forward.

Because he has 3 years left and is very cheap, I would just keep him

[rzzzzz]

Saric picked some good moments to come through tonight, especially putting the hack-a-Ben finish to bed. definitely the glue guy we're going to need going forward. thanks, Sam.

[Skates]

I seriously love Dario, he has a nose for the ball and plays balls out. Slowly he is finding his way with different lineups on the floor, and although he isn't hitting the three well enough early on, his shot looks pretty good, just a bit flat at times. He is kind of the Swiss Army knife of the team, perhaps not great at any one thing, but good enough at a lot of things to get the job done. Fiery guy too, becoming a nitty gritty sort with skills.

[kriss73]

At least we're not going to trade Dario today.

[long range bomber]

Unless Dario is part of a package for a legit Allstar with 2-3 Years on their contract, I would keep him as he offers stable play with potential for improvement, All for very little cap hit for the next 3 Years plus restricted FA after that.

I could definitely see Dario being a Kukoc type, capable of meshing with starters as well as being a high impact 6th/7th man. 25-27mpg, 10-12ppg, 5-6rpg, 1-2apg with 36-38% from 3. Definitely a valuable piece behind our long term starters.

[rzzzzz]

that technical foul for, what, bouncing the ball too hard because he was exciting about securing the game?...that was interesting. guess the league needs to keep a lid on celebrating. or maybe it really is an obvious violation. but, for sure, no one can accuse Dario of getting star tx from the refs.

[Wilfried]

Great game, great hustle, good player, very good fit.

Dario stays (and will continue to get better)