Philadelphia 76ers: 15 players who defined ‘The Process’

The Sixers traded for the 12th overall pick in the 2014 draft, netting Dario Saric. At the time, that was controversial. Elfrid Payton was viewed as a high-end point guard prospect and the Sixers were lacking in that department. It was an odd decision from Sam Hinkie.

That decision garnered even more criticism when Saric spent his first two seasons overseas with little clarification as to when he would come over. When he did come over, though, Saric immediately made an impact alongside Joel Embiid in the 2016-17 season.

Saric started 36 of 81 games in his rookie season, averaging 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while flashing his offensive versatility at the four. He was the clear frontrunner behind Embiid for NBA Rookie of the Year, but ended up (somehow) losing out to Malcolm Brogdon, despite superior production.

Saric quickly became the full-time starter in his second season, upping his three-point percentage to 39.3 and becoming a reliable tertiary option alongside Embiid and Ben Simmons. Now he’s entrenched in their long-term plans, barring any trades.

As someone who fit the Hinkie draft model — upside, but without immediate contributions — Saric quickly became a hallmark process pick. A move that was questioned by national media members that inevitably worked out.

Going into his third season, Saric is looking to take another leap as the Sixers hit the national stage. Philadelphia is expected to compete in the Eastern Conference and Saric, in some capacity, will play a big role in their success.