WIth the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup underway, Sixers fans can finally get a glimpse of Dario Saric....just don't expect him to smile anytime soon.

Croatian forward Dario Saric was drafted by the Magic with the 12th pick and was traded to the Sixers for the draft rights to Elfrid Payton and a future second-round pick. (Photo: footbasket.com)
Croatian forward Dario Saric was drafted by the Magic with the 12th pick and was traded to the Sixers for the draft rights to Elfrid Payton and a future second-round pick. (Photo: footbasket.com)
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The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Dario Saric with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, and he has shown us why, while playing for the Croatian National team during this years FIBA Basketball World Cup. He has helped Croatia to a 2-1 record in Group B play, averaging 27.3 minutes, 13.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in three tournament games. At 6-10, his athletic ability and aggressive nature had the Sixers front office salivating during June's draft, and Sixers fans excited about what may be, once Saric has the opportunity to play for Philadelphia in 2016. It was one play over the weekend in particular, that may have fans warming up to eventual arrival of Saric.

On Sunday, Croatia beat Argentina 90-85. During that game Saric took an elbow from former Sixer, and member of the Argentina National team, Andres Nocioni, which saw a couple of Dario's teeth spill out onto the court. That didn't stop the Croatian forward however, who proceeded to stay in the game finishing with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Aside from the size, and potential displayed, Saric's heart could be the most endearing characteristic to this fan base. There is no question that if he continues to progress as a player, and brings that same toughness with him, Sixers fans will be enamored with Dario Saric upon his arrival for the 2016 Season.

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