Embiid, Saric make the most of all-star weekend
NEW ORLEANS - 76ers rookies Dario Saric and Joel Embiid made their introduction to the NBA's all-star weekend a memorable affair.
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NEW ORLEANS - 76ers rookies Dario Saric and Joel Embiid made their introduction to the NBA's all-star weekend a memorable affair.
Saric stood out at small forward in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday. The rookie also had a blast Saturday as an honorary coach in the NBA Cares Special Olympics basketball game.
A bone bruise and a minor tear to the meniscus in his left knee kept Embiid out of the Rising Stars and skills challenges. However, the rookie center had an enjoyable weekend, socializing and networking. There were pictures on Twitter of him with NBA great Michael Jordan and rap artist A$AP Ferg, among others.
"I was building relationships with all of the guys around the league," Embiid said. "I was just enjoying my time."
The rookie-of-the-year favorite hopes to play Friday against the Washington Wizards after being sidelined for 11 straight games and 14 of the last 15. Meanwhile, Saric hasn't missed any of the Sixers' 56 games.
He showed on Friday that the small forward spot could be a solid role for him in the future. The Croatian helped the World team to a 150-141 victory over the United States at the Smoothie King Center. Sixers teammate Jahlil Okafor scored 10 points for the U.S. stars.
Saric scored 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting - including making 3 of 5 three-pointers - to go with five rebounds and four assists.
"I like playing the 3," the 248-pounder said of the small forward spot. "But I need to cut maybe 10, 15 pounds to play the position. I like [the idea] in the future, maybe in Philadelphia. That will be my position, maybe more than [power forward]."
He added, however, that it depends on what Sixers coach Brett Brown is looking for. Plus, Saric said that the position one plays doesn't matter when he is on the court.
"If you are a smart player, you will find the points for you," he said, "and you will find a good game for you."
That's exactly what he did on Friday. But he'll tell you that he made the most of the entire weekend.
"This all-star week was to have fun and enjoy other players to hang out with them on the court and off the court," he said. "I happy of that first of all, and I think because of that, I'm a better person to get some other experience."
Embiid did the same.
The Cameroonian center goofed around with Saric before the Rising Stars world team's practice. He later posted amusing thoughts on Twitter during the game. Embiid was also on hand for the Skills Challenge, three-point and slam dunk contests.
He was also a fan favorite of the foreign media.
A reporter from China told Embiid that he was nicknamed the Emperor by basketball fans in his country. Another reporter - this one from Africa - later asked Embiid if he had a message for aspiring basketball players from his native continent. The 22-year-old started playing basketball at the age of 15.
"Looking back at my story and the way I got here and how I started," Embiid said, "it just shows you that anything is possible."
@PompeyOnSixers