With the continuing rise of star quality European talent in the NBA, Philadelphia 76ers fans hope to have their own gem in 22-year-old Croatian star Dario Saric, who just officially signed with the team. Saric was drafted 12th overall in 2014 by way of a deal with the Orlando Magic on NBA Draft day.
Given his size as a listed 6-foot-10 forward with the gift of shooting, passing, and putting the ball on the floor, Saric has earned comparisons to Croatian hoops legend Toni Kukoc, a member of the second three-peat Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan. Saric’s skill set is definitely similar to that of Kukoc’s, but he has no desire to be compared to great players so soon.
via Matt Mullin of PhillyVoice.com:
“I always say it’s stupid to compare me and Toni Kukoc because Toni Kukoc is like, the big player, like Sixth Man [of the Year] in the NBA,” Saric said. “One day, I want to become that level of player. I will work for that. But only God knows if I will get there or not.”
Saric is headed back to Croatia to compete in the Olympics. Even though he’s not a fan of the comparison, he has been working with Kukoc along with others to prepare for the NBA.
“I had a chance to work — in this preparation for the Olympic Games — with Kukoc, with [Dino] Radja, with [Stojko] Vrankovi?. My father played with Drazen Petrovic. They are unbelievable people. They are always ready to help. Now when I come back to Croatia, I will talk with them about how they can help me to [transition] faster to the NBA. First, they are unbelievable players And on top of that, they are great people.”
There is a real opportunity for Saric to carve out his competitive niche and showcase the bulks of his talents in Philly. Having his game compared to others comes with the territory. Initially he’ll have to prove his competitive spirit to 76ers fans, and then we’ll see what he can do.
