Philadelphia 76ers: Saric Didn't Come Over Because of Poltics

Dario Saric had many reasons to come over and play basketball in the United States, but avoiding a bad situation in Turkey politics was not one of them.

Dario Saric is officially a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. Not allegedly. Not “going to be.” Not, “he told his teammates he’s coming over this season.” He’s signed his contract and was in Philadelphia on Friday.

It’s real. Some Sixers fans may still find a way to believe that it’s not happening though.

Of all the speculation leading up to Saric’s signing, there was a lot of talk of why Saric wouldn’t come to the NBA. The biggest issue was the financial side of things. If Saric waited just one year, he would have been off of the rookie pay scale, and the Sixers would have to pay him more money. By coming this year, he will also make $650 thousand less due to his contract buyout. The Sixers could only contribute the other part of his $1 million-plus buyout.

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Another issue discussed in great capacity was the idea that Saric won’t start with the Sixers. That certainly might be true, but I would challenge that notion, as Saric seems to be the type of player who can slip into the small forward slot. Still, assuming he plays as a power forward, Ben Simmons will easily start over him.

In the midst of Saric’s decision to come over, we talked about why he wouldn’t. But we forgot about why he would.

The biggest reason is he now gets the chance to play basketball in one of the best countries to do it in. He is on a huge stage now, whereas in Turkey, he was not.

The second reason is that, amidst all of the money that Saric is missing out on, he wanted to keep his word. That just shows Saric’s character.

But what wasn’t discussed much was the political nature of Turkey, where Saric has been residing. It’s not in the greatest place, and some would describe the politics of the country to be in “turmoil.”

In his debut press conference, however, Saric told the media that his decision to come to the NBA had nothing to do with politics, and had everything to do with basketball.

Speaking to the media, he said:

"“This timing was just about basketball and not about the situation in Turkey… Because I lived there for two years and was with those people every day, I am very sorry to see what’s happening in Turkey. But the only reason why I’m [in Philadelphia] is basketball.”"

Saric clearly grew to love where he lived, and loved the people of Turkey. It’s not a great situation, and Saric knows that. He’s also aware that it looks as if he was running away from the situation in Turkey. Even if he was, who could blame him?

But Saric says he’s only here for basketball, and I’m inclined to believe him. Saric may be the most honest person, that I can see, based on his desire to keep his word with the Sixers.

Next: Dario Saric's NBA Journey

Despite any reason why he came, it doesn’t matter all that much. He’s here now. He’s going to help turn this team around.

Dario Saric Just Wants to Play in the NBA, and for the Sixers

By Josh Wilson | Jul 15, 2016

Dario Saric had many reasons to come over and play basketball in the United States, but avoiding a bad situation in Turkey politics was not one of them.

More from The Sixer Sense