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Philadelphia 76ers: 2016 Offseason Grades

By Gerald Bourguet

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (25) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) pose for a photo at a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (25) and number twenty-fourth overall draft pick Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) pose for a photo at a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia 76ers
Aug 13, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Croatia forward Dario Saric (9) goes up against Nigeria defense during the men’s preliminary game in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Signing Saric

Technically speaking, the Sixers made this move in the 2014 NBA Draft, when they traded the No. 10 pick (Elfrid Payton) to the Orlando Magic for a future draft pick, a 2015 second-rounder and the No. 12 pick, Dario Saric.

A Croatian sensation who is as well known for his cocky on-court antics as he is for his actual skill, Saric automatically makes the Sixers more fun, even in a crowded frontcourt where minutes may be scarce as a rookie.

After signing a five-year deal (third and fourth years are team options, fifth year is a $4.8 million qualifying offer) this summer, the Sixers are hoping Saric can join Simmons as one of the team’s foundational pieces moving forward.

A 6’10”, 22-year-old stretch-4, Saric has the length, three-point shooting and competitive fire to carve out a place in this league and in Sixers fans’ hearts. He was a Turkish Cup winner in 2015, won the FIBA European Player of the Year Award in 2013 and 2014, and earned Adriatic League MVP honors in 2014.

Saric has spent the last two years playing for Anadolu Efes and averaged 11.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season. He also joined the 50-40-90 club, posting superb .500/.403/.939 shooting splits.

It may take Saric awhile to adjust to the NBA, but Sixers fans should be excited they finally get to see what he can do, especially if he’s able to spread the floor for Ben Simmons.

Grade: A

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