DARIO SARIC got to know the basketball fans of this city before he was even introduced to most of his teammates, as his arrival to Philadelphia in July to sign a contract attracted many onlookers at the airport.
None knew him personally, but they appreciated what they had seen of him on the internet and in international games. The Croatian star was Philly through and through, with a toughness that showed in his rebounding, his effort for loose balls, his pounding presence in the lane at the offensive end.
It was those qualities that endeared him to his teammates once they got to be around the 6-10, 245-pounder on a daily basis.