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Although this isn't as much of a bummer as an injury, some more frustrating news to report just a few days away from the NBA Draft. Chad Ford informs us that Dario Saric has signed a contract to stay in Europe for three more years. The Sixers taking him with the 10th pick excites me a little less now.
The deal will essentially prohibit Saric from playing in the NBA for a minimum of two years the source told ESPN.
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 23, 2014
Saric's draft stock will likely take a small hit. He was projected at No. 12 in last mock. Will fall to 17 to Celtics in our newest one.
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 23, 2014
This no surprise. We reported months ago Saric was going to Efes. Still several top NBA teams are bummed. Wanted him here now.
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 23, 2014
I wouldn't shy away from him entirely, but I was operating under the assumption that the appeal of starting right away and playing major minutes for a young team would appeal to Dario enough to send him this way this season. Alas, it'll take more than just a buyout to bring him stateside. Two years isn't that long, but it would slow down the team's developmental curve if we're talking establishing building blocks to grow together.
But now that I'm writing this, I sort of disagree with myself. Keeping him overseas for two years means starting the clock on his rookie contract when he's closer to his prime. This allows him to get better without the Sixers paying him yet, and 2-3 years is manageable.
If Sam Hinkie thinks he's the best player on the board at #10, I'd still feel very comfortable taking him and waiting patiently. That being said, maybe the delay will spur a trade for the top pick after all.
The possibilities, which were endless, are getting endlesser by the day.