Sixers get Dario Saric, picks in deal with Magic

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After spending the third overall pick in the draft on Joel Embiid (see story), who may not suit up at all next season, the Sixers next ended up with a player that is guaranteed not to play for them for at least two years.

Elfrid Payton, from Louisiana-Lafayette, was the selction at No. 10, but his time with the Sixers lasted barely two picks. That’s because the Sixers and the Orlando Magic, who had the 12th pick, completed a trade. The Sixers will get Dario Saric (see bio), the MVP of the Adriatic League last season, along with a second-round pick in 2015 and a first-round pick in 2016 or 2017, according to a source.

The Magic are returning the first-round pick they received from the Sixers in the three-team Andrew Bynum trade in 2012.

With Saric, it’s possible the Sixers will have two first-round picks sit out in the 2014-15 season.

Embiid, of course, is recovering from a broken foot and will miss four to six months. Whether or not the Sixers hold Embiid out for the rest of the season remains a strong possibility.

Meanwhile, Saric, 20, signed a three-year deal with Anadolu Efes in Turkey. He will have to play for the team for at least two seasons and has a player option to play a third. The Sixers hold the rights to sign Saric until his contract ends. If the Sixers fail to come to a deal with Saric, he can return to the draft.

Will the Sixers ever see Saric suit up? One has to assume they will. At 6-foot-10 and 230 pounds, Saric is a stretch four with a soft touch from the outside and deft passing abilities. He’s been on NBA scouts’ radar since he was 15, and they rave about his basketball IQ.

Saric needs to work on his shooting, according to reports. Given that the Sixers were the worst shooting team in the NBA last season and have not improved after two top-10 picks in the draft, it’s clear the team is still a work in progress.

It’s also clear that general manager Sam Hinkie is taking the long-term approach. The No. 10 pick was acquired with last year’s No. 6 pick (Noel) when the Sixers traded All-Star Jrue Holiday to New Orleans.

“Dario is an extremely versatile and highly accomplished player at various international levels," Hinkie said in a statement released by the team. "His basketball instincts, his ability to pass and his desire for greatness drew us to him. Our staff has tracked him across the globe for many years now, and we were ecstatic to be able to acquire him.“

The team also dealt away veterans Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes with only Thad Young remaining from the team of two years ago.

But how long will Young last? The Sixers have five picks in the second round and plenty of assets.

Can the team add on even more potential?

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