Dario Saric happy with debut

Dario Saric couldn't wait to play in the 76ers' first preseason game, a 92-89 win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday in Amherst, Mass.

The 6-foot-10 forward from Croatia was acquired by the Sixers in a 2014 draft-day trade but opted to spend the last two years playing in Turkey.

So Tuesday was his NBA debut and he got off to a good start with 10 points, 6 rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes. He also hit 2 of 3 shots from beyond the arc.

"I was excited," Saric said Wednesday after practice. "My first time in an NBA game and for me [to play] against the Boston Celtics, one of the most legendary teams in the NBA . . ."

Saric was told to soak in the experience by veteran guard Jerryd Bayless.

"I am happy because Jerryd Bayless told me you must play two games in your life, your first and last one."

Saric has been suffering from back stiffness but says he has been feeling better. Hitting his first three-pointer allowed him to relax. "It is easier when you make your first shot," he said.

He made a good first impression on his coach. "Dario was solid all over the place last night," Brett Brown said.

Brown especially liked Saric's shooting. "His growth in that part of his game has been significant," he said.

Jahlil Okafor, who is returning from surgery in March to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, participated only in individual drills at practice. Okafor did not play Tuesday and a Sixers spokesman said he was doubtful for the home game Thursday against the Washington Wizards.

Guard Gerald Henderson (hip) went through individual drills and also took part in some five-on-five.

Rookie guard Cat Barber and veteran guard Jerryd Bayless did not practice because of wrist injuries. Also sitting out was guard Nik Stauskas, who injured his hamstring Tuesday.

Second-year point guard T.J. McConnell had a strong showing Tuesday. In 24 minutes, 33 seconds, he had 13 points, four rebounds and four assists but also three turnovers. McConnell was a little hard on himself.

"I was all right," he said. "I made some bad decisions, turned the ball over a couple of times."

The Sixers trailed by 25-15 after the first quarter and McConnell took responsibility. "I think we started off sluggish and that starts with me," he said.