The Philadelphia 76ers have a storied draft history, particularly highlighted by their 2014 selections. Initially, the Sixers drafted Joel Embiid third overall before surprising fans by selecting Elfrid Payton with the tenth pick. However, they quickly traded Payton to the Orlando Magic, acquiring the twelfth pick, which they used to select Dario Saric from Croatia. Saric went on to make a strong impact in his debut season, averaging 12.0 points and 6.1 rebounds, and was a key part of the Sixers’ 2018 playoff run.

Although Saric later moved on to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, and currently, the Denver Nuggets, his time with the Sixers remains significant. Notably, he was part of the Suns’ 2021 Finals team, showcasing his growth despite a setback due to injury. This draft is a prime example of the strategic moves that shaped the Sixers’ future.