NBA Rumors: Dario Saric may come to NBA, 76ers in 2015

Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dario Saric (Croatia) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number twelve overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

After Dario Saric signed a contract with Anadolu Efes of the Turkish Basketball League days before Thursday’s NBA Draft, it was assumed that he wouldn’t play in the NBA for at least the next two seasons.

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However, on the heels of the Philadelphia 76ers acquiring him in a draft night trade with the Orlando Magic, it appears Saric’s absence from the NBA might be not be as long as previously thought.

From a Q&A with ASAP Sports:

"Q. Is there any chance you could come into the NBA next year, or will it definitely be two years? DARIO SARIC: I think we can talk about that with Turkey team after the next season. If a chance to be, I will come here to 76ers of Philadelphia."

The most interesting aspect of this news is there’s reason to wonder whether Philly would actually strongly desire Saric coming to the NBA for the 2015-16 season. With the Sixers grabbing Joel Embiid, who has a foot injury that will keep him sidelined for 4-6 months and Saric, who won’t play in the league immediately, it’s clear the 76ers want to continue losing as many games as possible in the near future so they can continue to acquire high-lottery picks.

Regardless, Saric should be able to help this team whenever he comes to the NBA. At 6’10” with guard skills, he was regarded as one of the most versatile players up for selection in Thursday’s draft.

Draft Express ranked him as the No. 1 international prospect and the No. 13 prospect overall.

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