SIxers Draft.zip

Sixers first-round pick Dario Saric address the media following the 2014 NBA Draft

((Eliot Shorr-Parks, NJ.com))

NEW YORK The Sixers took two risks with their first two picks on Thursday night in the 2014 NBA Draft, taking injured center Joel Embiid of Kansas and forward Dario Saric of Croatia.

While the risk with Embiid is related to injury, the risk with Saric is that he may never come to the NBA, as he recently signed a three-year contract to play in Turkey.

Speaking after the being selected, however, Saric said that there is no need to worry.

"I am not a liar. I told them I would be back," Saric said. "I will play in Philadelphia."

The Sixers landed Saric with the 12th overall pick after trading their initial pick at No. 10, Elfrid Payton, to the Orlando Magic. Saric averaged 19.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game for Cibona in the Adriatic League this past season.

It was his all-around game that likely lead the Sixers to take Saric. Saric said that he promised general manager Sam Hinkie that he will indeed come over, and there is even a chance it could be as soon as 2015.

"I think we can talk about that to my Turkey team after this season," said Saric. "If there is chance to leave, I will come here."

For now tho, Saric will head back overseas, a decision he feels is the best one for him to ultimately succeed in Philadelphia.

"I think it was the best route for me, to stay two years in Europe, to get more experience, and bring my basketball to another level," explained Saric.

Something the Sixers are counting on -- even if it is a year or two from now.

Follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks