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Dario Saric’s Journey To the Center Of The NBA

Nov 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Philadelphia 76ers logo on the warm up shirt of center Jahlil Okafor (not pictured) prior to action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls won 111-88. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Philadelphia 76ers logo on the warm up shirt of center Jahlil Okafor (not pictured) prior to action against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls won 111-88. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The journey required two years to complete, but as of July 15, 2016, Dario Saric is officially a member of the Philadelphia 76ers

It was the story that nearly achieved fairy tale status. A player drafted in the 2014 NBA draft, stashed overseas for two seasons, and after two years, was expected to fly to the city of Philadelphia 76ers. It was the final act of former general manager Sam Hinkie, the last player “in reserve” to bolster the roster for the 2016-2017 season.

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His arrival was the point of clashing between the “Pro Hinkie” faction and those who were “Anti Hinkie”. The pro faction counted on the arrival of Dario Saric without question, believing it would happen because Dario Saric indicated that it would.  Anti factions swore that the money differential would be too great, and that the #TrustTheProcess fans were fools and imbeciles for thinking otherwise.

We don’t raise those qualities,but we have to note that pro’s were correct, and therefore it’s logical to address those who decried and bashed the Philadelphia 76ers for believing in a two year wait are themselves the ones who appear foolish and as imbeciles.

Dario Saric boarded the jet and landed yesterday afternoon.  He was taking his long anticipated journey to the NBA, to the city of Philadelphia, and to a place he will now call home.

And waiting for him at this end? A contract to become a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.

And so, we can put to rest the feuding among factions. We can bury the idea that nobody wants to play for the Philadelphia 76ers. We can even sink the concept that Sam Hinkie’s process was not to be trusted. #TrustTheProcess is now more alive than ever.  In one season, the team has managed to take on three very special and talented players in Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Dario Saric.    Now the challenge for the team will be where to play them all.  Embiid will play the center, but could slide to power forward. Saric plays power forward, but can slide up to center or down to small forward. Simmons will play point forward, but can slide up to center or down to point guard.

And so one adventure ends, and another begins.  The wait is over for Dario Saric’s appearance, but now the more difficult part begins.  Now he must compete and earn playing time, demonstrate he truly is NBA worthy, and help the Philadelphia 76ers to improve and one day compete for a championship.

Next: Can Dario Saric Win A Starting Role?

He has trusted the Philadelphia 76ers enough to come all this way for the opportunity.  Now it’s up to us to cheer him along for the rest of the way.