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Sixers draft history: Dario Saric acquired from the Magic in 2014
Sixers draft history: Dario Saric acquired from the Magic in 2014
With the NBA draft right around the corner, now is the time to look at some past drafts and see what the Philadelphia 76ers have done in their history. The Sixers have selected some big-time players in the past who have become an important part of the fabric of the franchise's history.
This edition continues to focus on 2014 as the Sixers made a draft night deal with the Orlando Magic. After already drafting Joel Embiid with the No. 3 pick earlier, the Sixers surprised many when they selected point guard Elfrid Payton with the No. 10 pick. It was a little shock due to Philadelphia having Michael Carter-Williams at the time fresh off winning Rookie of the Year.
However, the Sixers then flipped Payton to the Magic for the No. 12 pick which turned into Dario Saric from Croatia. After spending two more seasons overseas, Saric made his Sixers debut in the 2016-17 season and averaged 12.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while finishing second in the Rookie of the Year race. He was a starter for Philadelphia on its 2018 playoff run and had a big game against the Boston Celtics in Round 2 of the postseason.
The Sixers then flipped Saric to the Minnesota Timberwolves early in the 2018-19 season in the blockbuster Jimmy Butler deal. He has since played for the Wolves, Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and is now with the Denver Nuggets. He was a key member of Phoenix's 2021 finals team, but suffered a torn ACL in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
