The Sixer Sense
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Just How Good Are Philadelphia 76ers 2016 NBA Rookie Class?

By Bret Stuter

Dec 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) misses a dunk attempt past Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Denver Nuggets won 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) misses a dunk attempt past Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Denver Nuggets won 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 8, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) celebrates after a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The 76ers defeated the Pelicans 99-88. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) celebrates after a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The 76ers defeated the Pelicans 99-88. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Trust Me, I’ll Be There

The Philadelphia 76ers were building the 2016 team in the 2014 NBA Draft. Where Joel Embiid was projected to rule the paint, the perimeter needed a sweet shooter who could mix it up against big bodies. But in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers walked in with the third and tenth picks of the draft.

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Golden State Warriors: 1 aspect for every player to improve upon – Dario Saric
Golden State Warriors: 1 aspect for every player to improve upon – Dario Saric /

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    • Without the opportunity to trade up, the team doubled down by selecting point guard Elfrid Payton with the tenth pick of the 2014 NBA Draft, and immediately flipped him. As the Orlando Magic patted themselves on the back, the Philadelphia 76ers watched the plan unfold.

    The Philadelphia 76ers had power forward Dario Saric, and they wiped the slate clean on owing future draft picks as a result of the trade (the Andrew Bynum – Arnette Moultrie trade aftermath). Win Win.

    Now He’s Ready

    Dario Saric has matured in the Euroleague, facing seasoned veterans and improving with each competition. While so many focused on the economics of when would the Croatian standout venture to the NBA, his only consideration was his pledge to do so in two years.  It was two years that was needed, per Saric’s own opinion:

    So far this season, that red-shirted-NBA-hiatus seems to have been the secret recipe. As a rookie, Saric is averaging 9.9 points on 24.6 minutes per game.  He is also contributing 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, .5 steals and .3 blocks per game.  But on a team looking for shooters for the future, Saric is a consistent 39.6 percent  on shooting from the court, and 39.3 percent shooting from three-point range.  It’s a solid showing for the rookie.

    Oh, did I mention Saric is the runner up in the 2016-2017 ROY?

    Rookie Grade: A