Dario Saric, a 6-foot-10 swing forward from Croatia, could be ticketed for the Boston Celtics — eventually.
Saric is expected to sign a contract within the next 24 hours that will keep him in Europe for at least two years, ESPN.com’s Chad Ford reported Monday, citing sources. Saric will still be available in the 2014 NBA draft, but whichever team selects him will now have to wait for him to arrive.
This development could be good news for the Celtics, who have the sixth and 17th picks in Thursday’s draft. Although No. 6 was probably a bit high for Saric, he is now more likely to fall to No. 17. His combination of passing, dribbling and improving shooting skills could make him a steal in the post-lottery portion of the first round.
Saric averaged 16.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game for Cibona of the Adriatic League, winning the league’s Most Valuable Player award in the process. His new club, Anadolu Efes, is said to be a powerhouse in Turkey.
Saric’s contract prohibits him from playing in the NBA for two years, according to Ford, with a player option for year three.
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