The Philadelphia 76ers aren’t sure when Joel Embiid will take the court for the first time, but at least they now know when their other pick from the 2014 NBA Draft will join the team.
According to the Croatian outlet Vecernji list, former lottery choice Dario Saric will join the Sixers next summer (hat tip to NJ.com for the translation).
“‘I’m in constant contact with the Sixers,’ Saric told Croatia’s Vecernji list. ‘They wanted me to come this summer, but I couldn’t get out of the contract. Next summer I have a way out, and I’m gonna take it. I’ll try to go out as the Euroleague champion. That’s the dream.'”
However, before the Sixers and their fans jump for joy, Jonathan Givony of Draft Express has a word of caution.
Encouraging news for 76ers fans on Dario Saric. Would be nice if there was video? There's a history of him misquoted/sending mixed messages.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) November 5, 2015
Hopefully, this isn’t another one of Saric’s mixed signals and he’s actually shooting straight. If he is indeed on the Sixers’ roster next year, it’ll be a huge leap forward for the team’s rebuilding plans (although, with Embiid, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor, Saric’s fit with the team will be a concern). They won’t necessarily be better, but he’s an immediate talent upgrade, and a player the Sixers hope can be one of the foundational pieces as they build toward the future.
(Vecernji list and NJ.com)
