Philadelphia 76ers: What To Make Of Dario Saric Report

The Philadelphia 76ers will now have to face reports of Dario Saric second guessing his decision to join the team next season.

Dario Saric might not join the Philadelphia 76ers. That is according to a report by Tom Moore of the Burlington County Times. Moore’s report is based off of an anonymous source that is apparently close to the situation.

Basically, what the whole report comes down to is one thing. Money. Money has always been the main issue with Saric’s buyout, as joining the Philadelphia 76ers would cost the Croatian forward multiple millions of dollars.

Tom Moore’s sourced report reads:

"“(Saric’s parents are) counting every dollar because this is their gravy train,” the source said.The addition of the 19-year-old Simmons, who, like Saric, can initiate the offense and handle the ball, would likely mean a reserve role for Saric.“He’s not coming over to be a backup,” said the source, who could envision Saric asking for a trade if he does leave Turkey this summer. “Why would he come over now? How is he going to play?”The source called Saric “not as athletic (as Simmons). He has a high IQ, but he’s never going to be a star.”"

The source’s comments can be taken as mere speculation or insight knowledge on the tricky situation, but either way it creeps doubt into the minds of the Philadelphia 76ers on whether Saric will be joining the team this upcoming season.

Saric has stated in the past that his dream is to come to the NBA as soon as possible, seemingly disregarding monetary factors. What the source says about his parents “counting every dollar” is a factor many who cover the Philadelphia 76ers failed to bring to light.

At the end of the day, Dario Saric is a 22-year old young man from a close family, most likely meaning he would consider their opinions about the situation. Monetary motives don’t seem to be the main importance in Saric’s decision, but that won’t completely halt the needs or wants of his family.

The problem is, Saric is stuck in a financial pickle that could hinder him either way he decides. If he decides to come over and fall to the rookie scale, potentially missing out on big money. This would also mean he won’t hit the free agent market until his mid-20’s. Say he plays out the season in Turkey, the short-term opportunity cost for him would be roughly $2 million next season and then goes into contract talks by the summer of 2017.

This could work both ways for Saric. If Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid, or Jahlil Okafor excel this upcoming season, the team would be worried less about adding front court talent. With the belief that Ben Simmons will be running the point forward, this fills up the starting front court and while Saric could fit offensively with Simmons and another big, the defensive scheme would suffer as Saric is average at best defending the ball.