Phoenix Suns: Dario Saric should be the sixth-man

Now that Kelly Oubre is ruled out, Dario Saric will likely return to the Phoenix Suns starting lineup, but he is more suited to be a sixth-man.

Phoenix Suns fans almost got what they wanted entering the restart for the 2019-2020 season, but yet again came up short. With Kelly Oubre ruled out, the team retains its big goose-egg on the scoreboard showing the number of games played at full strength with a healthy roster this year.

With a void now in the Suns starting lineup, there should be little to question in who will be replacing Kelly. Welcoming back Dario Saric.

Saric’s likely return to the starting lineup is an unwanted wish from the hard-hustling big guy. How many more games does this man need to start before he begins to lower his aim? After all, there is a Sixth-Man of the Year award.

Dario Saric is better suited for the sixth-man role for the Phoenix Suns.

Waiting for Bridges to bring his game to the next level in earning a starting job took till the end of the shortened season. Saric truly gave the organization and fans 100 percent of an all-out effort trying to hold his own in the starting lineup. You could see Bridges catching up and also becoming more of a missing link, showing his hustle and skill set, surpassing what Saric brings to the court by miles.

Will Saric settle as a sixth man? I would love that idea to be cemented by the beginning of the 20-21 season (assuming the Suns retain him). The move needs to be made by coach Monty Williams before more games are wasted.

His per-36 stats include 14.6 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game. Compared to Kelly’s 19.5 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game. That might make for an argument saying there isn’t much of a difference between the two, but we all know Saric’s ceiling. Kelly is continuing to improve each and every season and Saric stays still. When asking what the Suns need this offseason and who shall we use as trade bait, Kelly’s name is unfortunately always to first to be replaced and quickly.

Kelly doesn’t play the four right? In the B.O.B.R.A. (Booker, Oubre, Bridges, Rubio, Ayton) lineup, he does. Between Bridges and Ayton, Kelly fits the position perfectly. The small forward/wing spot looks to be filled by Bridges for the next few years. That is why Kelly is always the first one to be left out in future renovations to the team roster.

If Kelly can’t hold down the four spot, then Saric surely doesn’t stand a chance. That isn’t me telling a man not to fight for what they want in life, it’s me just saying in the NBA there are ceilings and Saric’s ceiling has sixth-man of the year written all over it.