Dario Saric's draft stock might be slipping. (USATSI)
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Dario Saric isn't coming to the NBA just yet. The Croatian forward, seen as one of the most versatile and skilled players in this year's draft, has agreed to a deal with Anadolu Efes that will "essentially prohibit Saric from playing in the NBA for a minimum of two years," according to ESPN's Chad Ford:
Saric was widely considered a top-10 prospect by the majority of teams in the NBA. He averaged 19.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game for Cibona in the Adriatic League this year.
NBA sources say that Saric's decision to stay in Europe will affect his draft stock. He was getting looks as high as the 76ers at 10, the Nuggets at 11 and the Magic at 12. However, because he's unlikely to come to the NBA for at least two years, those teams are now hesitating to draft him that high.
However, it's possible that Saric won't slide too far. Sources say the Hawks at 15, theCeltics at 17, the Suns at 18 and the Bulls at 19 are all looking at Saric and are more comfortable drafting him and keeping him in Europe for the next two seasons. The Celtics, Suns and Bulls all have multiple picks in this year's draft.
Saric is only 20 years old, and there were rumors that he might pull out of the draft. He decided to stay in, and was invited to the green room, per DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony, but now teams looking at him will have to think long-term.
The three-year deal, which has a player option on the final season, according to ESPN, will be signed in the next 24 hours. This is obviously disappointing for those teams that wanted to bring Saric over now, this news means he could end up being a huge steal.
He's one of the most talented players available, and you'd think a team like Philadelphia would still give him some thought. If the Sixers aren't expecting to be competitive in two years, should this make that much of a difference? Several other teams will surely be weighing the pros and cons of selecting Saric in between now and Thursday.
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Enes Kanter to get PRP treatment in knee, will skip FIBA World Cup for Turkey
The second half of last season you started to really get a taste of what Enes Kanter can bring to the table — for the season he averaged 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds a game, he started to show some efficiency and the ability to hit a midrange left side jumper along the baseline consistently.
He’s starting to show shooting range and as that becomes consistent he becomes a bigger threat.
Kanter came into last season off shoulder surgery and had some knee issues, but he’s getting them taken care of and getting some rest, reports Jody Genessy of the Deseret News.
Kanter’s knee will receive an injection of platelet rich plasma to treat quadriceps tendonitis, a common overuse condition in athletes that causes soreness and inflammation above the kneecap…
However, the 22-year-old Kanter has been advised by his doctor that it would be best for his knee to not participate in this summer’s FIBA Basketball World Cup with his Turkish national team.
Platelet rich plasma thearapy is the blood spinning treatment similar to what Kobe Bryant got done to his knees (Kanter is getting the treatment in Chicago).
Kanter had been in training for the World Cup but may now take it off. The Jazz would like that, they want him healthy at the start of camp.
Maybe new coach Quin Snyder can do something crazy like play Kanter and Derrick Favors and Trey Burke and whoever they draft at No. 5 together and let the young players learn together. You know, develop the talent.
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