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G/F Evan "The Villain" Turner (2010 Naismith Winner)

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The No. 2 pick, however, is a little trickier. "Especially if it's Evan Turner," said former Sixer Jim Jackson, an Ohio State and NBA star and now an analyst for the Big Ten Network. "If you look at Turner's growth from where he started as a freshman to how he's evolved now, it's been great. His versatility is his asset. There ain't too many guys who can do all the things he can do."

But . . .

"His size, his work ethic, his knowledge of the game are all his strengths," Jackson continued. "He's a lot like Joe Johnson in that all those things can make him an all-star, because he just knows how to play. But [Turner] is not seen as a tremendous athlete, and a lot of his success came from him having the ball in his hands. So what it really may come down to with him is what system he's playing in, and whether that system works for him."

Did anyone get that?

Turner didn't lead the Buckeyes last season in every statistical category that matters - points (20.4), rebounds (9.2), and assists (6.0) - because he's some high-wire act comparable to Scottie Pippen or, more accurately, a silky-smooth guard like Brandon Roy. Turner excelled because the ball was in his hands, because coach Thad Matta put him at point guard. If he didn't have to run off screens to get the ball at Ohio State, what makes anyone think he'll be interested in doing so for Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday? Or, worse, Lou Williams, who may never want to pass him the ball?

"That's a pretty darn good question," said one team executive with a lottery pick Tuesday. "It's definitely one I'd be asking myself if I were the Sixers."

Scouts would not disagree.

Three of them gave analyses of what they thought of Turner's game, and the reports were practically identical.

They were impressed with Turner's averaging 20.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists against Big Ten competition last season, especially after he missed six games and overcame two fractured bones in his lower back. But the two triple-doubles he recorded meant little to the scouts because they were against Alcorn State and Lipscomb.

The scouts focused on Turner's impressive midrange shooting. His good hands. His craftiness and his basketball IQ. The problem is NBA teams also focused on his lack of speed and athleticism, along with questions about his long-range shooting. His struggling defense struggles because of suspect lateral movement is also a minus, particularly for someone considered an NBA 2-guard.

"Ask anyone and they'll tell you Turner is the No. 2 pick," one scout for a lottery team told me. "All-around, he's the second-best player in the draft. But Wesley Johnson is a better athlete, defender, and shooter. He actually might be a better pick if it were not for questions about his man-to-man defense, since Syracuse plays that matchup 2-3 zone all the time.
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Read more: Stephen A. Smith: Second thoughts on 76ers' draft pick | Philadelphia Inquirer | 05/20/2010

Turner the Obvious Choice for Sixers at No. 2
By drafting Evan Turner with the No. 2 pick in next month's draft, the Sixers can move Andre Iguodala to his more natural position, small forward. (AP)
Wednesday, May 19, 201

By Sean Kane
CSNPhilly.com Contributor

For the Sixers, the hard part is done.

Their jump from the sixth spot to the second spot in Tuesday night's NBA draft lottery defied the odds, and the benefit to the franchise is two-fold. It will land them a player who will contribute right away and potentially develop into an All-Star. But in the immediate future, the improbable leap up the board generates some much-needed excitement around a team coming off a 27-win season and still searching for its seventh head coach since Larry Brown bolted for Detroit in 2003.

Now, the easy part: Take Evan Turner.

Over the next month, theories will be tossed around and rumors will swirl regarding the Sixers trading the second pick to one of what will surely be a number of teams itching to move up to the spot. Including the second pick in any sort of trade package would make it much easier to move Elton Brand or Andre Iguodala. The Sixers could rid themselves of either one of those contracts and at the same time pick up a solid player later in the first round. They need help on the frontline and this draft is brimming with solid big men expected to go in the 5-15 range.

But this decision shouldn't be that complicated. Turner was hands down the best player in college basketball last season as a junior at Ohio State. Playing out of position (he was moved from off the ball to the point out of necessity by coach Thad Matta), he led the Buckeyes to 29 wins by averaging 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists. In addition to leading the Big Ten conference in scoring, the 6-foot-7 Turner was the conference's top rebounder -- a remarkable feat for a point guard. Turner was the runaway Big Ten Player of the Year and also garnered every major national player of the year award. A back injury cost him six games in the middle of last season. Ohio State went 3-3 in those games and 26-5 in games in which he played.

Turner can play three positions -- point guard, shooting guard and small forward. More importantly for the Sixers, he can defend three positions and defend them well. Pairing him with Jrue Holiday instantly gives the Sixers one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA. Both have good size for their respective positions and each has the rare desire to dig in on the defensive end.
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Turner the Obvious Choice for Sixers at No. 2
 
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Turner Not Convinced He's #2

By: Eric Pincus Last Updated: 5/20/10


With the Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets coming out of the lottery with the top three picks, the order is finally set as teams prepare for the NBA Draft.

The early consensus has John Wall and Evan Turner as the top two picks.

Turner addressed the media Thursday and speculation the Sixers will take him second on June 24th.

"I think it's a good city. I think they're on the rise," said Turner. "They've got some great young talent. If I'm going to be in that type of situation . . . I can't complain about that."

Evan is a 6'7" guard/forward out of Ohio State. He's often compared to Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy - citing the common ability to not only score but play make for their respective teammates.

Turner has NBA size and at 21 years old is mature enough to help a team immediately.

So far the excitement surrounding the process has been overwhelming for junior out of Ohio State.

"This whole thing right now is just kind of a little crazy. It hasn't really hit me yet. I kind of have to pinch myself a little bit," said Turner. "Everything has been moving so fast that I can't slow down right now to even get a real thought on it. I'm really fortunate."

Evan will go through the individual workout process - with both the Wizards and Sixers. Most project point guard Wall will get the nod ahead of Turner but even that's not a lock.

Turner thinks he'd be a good fit in Washington.

"I mean John Wall's a great player and he's a great kid. I love John Wall," said Evan. "With my versatility, Gilbert Arenas is still there. I'll probably fit in a little bit better with him. You never know.

"We're definitely going to do an individual workout for them and see what's going on from there."

Through 31 games with the Buckeyes this past season, Turner averaged 20.4 points a game on 51.9% shooting. He also put pulled down 9.2 boards along with 6.0 assists a game.

On the comparisons to Roy, Turner is modest.

"Honestly I don't want to fall into comparisons, I don't want to disrespect . . . Mr. Roy," said Turner. "He's an NBA All-Star. I think that's really nice that people say that but at the same time i don't want to disrespect him.

"I admire the way he takes the ball up and makes big shots."

When discussing why he should be the number one the pick in the draft, Turner's competitiveness shows.

"I did a lot of work this year. Thinking about all the adversity I came back from. I have a maturity level now," answered Turner. "Not to be arrogant or cocky but I won every national player of the year award. I think I can help [a] team."
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Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=16271#ixzz0oVk3J4Pd
Just who is Ohio State's Evan Turner? - 5/20/2010

Today and tomorrow, Sixers.com is in Chicago at the NBA Draft Combine Media availabilities to hear from some of the nation's top prospects - John Wall, Demarcus Cousins, Derrick Favors among others - about their thoughts on the draft and possibly being selected second overall in the upcoming draft.

Today: Just who is Ohio State's Evan Turner?

From what we found out during his media availability session this afternoon at the Sheraton, the Associated Press National Player of the Year revealed to the assembled press corps that he has been making 550 shots a day (he estimates it takes him about 800 shots to make that many). He thinks his shot needs to be more consistent and that he doesn’t think he’ll “ever be the guy who is going to live or die by the three.” He wants to get his teammates involved, put pressure on defenses.
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http://www.nba.com/sixers/features/combine_turner_100520.html

Evan Turner wouldn't mind being No. 1 pick
May, 20, 2010
By Diamond Leung

Evan Turner has been the presumed No. 2 overall pick in this year's NBA draft camp, but the former Ohio State star sure didn't mind stating his case to be the top pick to the Washington Wizards.

Bulls.com has audio of what Turner said today at the NBA draft camp in Chicago.

"Not to be arrogant or cocky, but I won every national player of the year award," Turner said.

Asked to explain what makes him the No. pick, Turner offered this:

"My versatility. John Wall's a great player, and he’s a great kid. I love John Wall. I just think my versatility. I just think if Gilbert Arenas is still there, I would probably fit in a little bit better than him. But you never know. I think I've done a lot this year to be the No. 1 pick."

Meanwhile, Wall told Andy Katz on the ESPNU broadcast at the camp that he wasn't sure he was the top pick, either.

"I think it's a 50-50 chance," Wall said.
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http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebask...1680/evan-turner-wouldnt-mind-being-no-1-pick
Evan Turner thinks he could be first pick, but he'll take Philly
Thu May 20,2010
By Kurt Helin

Thumbnail image for turner_jumper.jpgJohn Wall is going to be the first pick in the draft. He is. That doesn't mean it's not debatable -- we'll be happy to play devil's advocate to the conventional wisdom.

Evan Turner is going to be drafted second overall. But he thinks he should be considered for that top pick, something he said in an interview with reporters at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago today. (Adam Fluck at Bulls Blog posted the audio.)

"I think it's still a possibility and we're definitely going to do an individual workout for (Washington) and see what is going on for there," Evans said.

Evans said that he is a more versatile player -- he has played the point and had one of the nation's best assist rates last year but is projected as a shooting guard -- and suggested his game would blend better with Gilbert Arenas. Which assumes that Arenas will put on a Wizards uniform again, which is an entirely different debate.

Still, if he has to go second, things are always sunny in Philadelphia.

"I think they have a lot of good young players and I could help fit in," Evans said, emphasizing his ability to play either guard along with Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday.
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http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....-could-be-first-pick-but-hell-take-philly.php
 
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NBA pre-draft camp: Turner's versatility valuable
Projected swingman could leapfrog Wall, become first pick in draft
Friday, May 21, 2010
By Bob Baptist
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Evan Turner does not see himself playing point guard in the NBA, although he's confident that, when necessary, he can advance the ball upcourt and get his team into its offense.

"Probably a swing guy," Turner said this week as he relaxed in his Chicago hotel room before the NBA pre-draft camp yesterday and today.

"Teams like my versatility," he said. "They may put the ball in my hands some. It doesn't really matter."
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NBA pre-draft camp: Turner's versatility valuable | BuckeyeXtra

Posted on Fri, May. 21, 2010
The book on potential Sixers pick Evan Turner: Mature for his age
By BOB COONEY
Philadelphia Daily News
[email protected]

CHICAGO - At times during his career at Ohio State, Evan Turner struggled with confidence. Quite surprising considering he was an all-state performer at Chicago's St. Joseph's High, where he averaged 25 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks as a senior.

When he started seeing the cup half-empty, as he described it yesterday at the NBA combine for this year's potential draft picks, he would turn to his Buckeyes coach, Thad Matta, and to books. One in particular helped him tremendously.

"Lone Survivor" is a book by Marcus Luttrell in which the author tells of a harrowing experience he had during a 2005 mission as a Navy SEAL. Three men who accompanied Luttrell on the mission were killed in a huge gun battle with Taliban fighters. Luttrell, though severely injured, had to survive alone in the mountains of Afghanistan.

"That book taught me a lot," Turner said. "Sometimes there are certain things that occur, like on a basketball court, that you think are tough. But he was trapped in a foreign country and had to make it out. All I have to do is make some points, make some buckets to win a game."
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Read more: The book on potential Sixers pick Evan Turner: Mature for his age | Philadelphia Daily News | 05/21/2010

Posted on Fri, May. 21, 2010
Who's No. 1? Turner says he's it
By Keith Pompey
Inquirer Staff Writer

CHICAGO - Evan Turner would welcome the opportunity to play for the 76ers. But if the Ohio State junior had his druthers, he would become a Washington Wizard because that would mean he was the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft.

Turner made that known during Thursday's media availability at the NBA combine camp.

"I think going [No. 1 overall to the Wizards] is still a possibility," said the swingman, one of 52 prospects participating in the two-day combine at the Attack Athletics facility on Chicago's west side.

"We are definitely going to do an individual workout for [Washington] and see what's going on from there."
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Read more: Who's No. 1? Turner says he's it | Philadelphia Inquirer | 05/21/2010

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MySiHDuWx0"]YouTube- Evan Turner Draft Combine Interview[/ame]
 
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Players are doing drills at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago today.

In the standing vertical:

34.5" for ET
30" for Wall

In the 2-step vertical, Wall got higher, but they haven't shown the numbers yet.

25-yard sprint (unofficial times)

3.14 for Wall (fastest of the day)
3.27 for ET (5th fastest time)
 
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John Wall, Evan Turner talk to Washington Wizards officials
By Michael Lee
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, May 22, 2010

PH2010052104657.jpg

"We was just joking around," Evan Turner, left, said of playing one-one-one against John Wall at Friday's draft combine. (Charles Rex Arbogast/associated Press) Network NewsX Profile

CHICAGO -- While John Wall and Evan Turner prepared for their agility drills at Attacks Athletics gym during the NBA draft combine, they found themselves at half court with a basketball. Turner made a long jumper, then Wall grabbed the ball and Turner ran up to defend him. Suddenly, the top two prospects were playing a lighthearted game of one-on-one.

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Leonsis remains in the listening period
"We was just joking around," Turner said later in a ballroom at the Sheraton.

Neither kept score on Friday, since the only contest they are really trying to win is being the person Commissioner David Stern introduces as the Washington Wizards' choice as the No. 1 overall pick on June 24.

Wall and Turner both met with Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld, Coach Flip Saunders and other personnel on Thursday and likely will be the only two players to work out for the top slot at Verizon Center. Although he is considered the prohibitive favorite to go first, Wall said he didn't receive any assurances from the Wizards in his 30-minute meeting.

"Nah, that's what I'm waiting for, to see if I'm their guy," Wall said. "It's up in the air."

Turner said he came away with a similar sense of ambiguity. When asked if the meetings helped sway him one way or another, Grunfeld refused to publicly acknowledge his leaning. "They both were really impressive young men. Very serious, focused. They really know what they want out of their careers," Grunfeld said, without getting into specifics.
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washingtonpost.com

ET at the 3:45 mark...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M67RgXbAZ0]YouTube - Wall, Turner On Draft Combine[/ame]
 
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Evan Turner, the Player of the Year from Ohio State, is telling teams there is no trace of lingering problems from the broken back suffered in an ugly fall Dec. 5. It comes with supporting evidence of several big moments after returning. NBA doctors will obviously do their own checks, measuring potential long-term problems in years and now how Turner feels nearly six months since the injury. The swingman most often compared to Brandon Roy because he can play point guard as well is all but locked in to the 76ers with the second pick.
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NBA.com: The scoop out of Chicago: pre-draft camp happenings
 
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CentralMOBuck;1707551; said:
I wonder why Wall felt he had to let ET know that his team was so much better than ET's this past season. I'm obviously a little biased but I'd take all of the ET's teammates than those Me, Me, Me players that played with Wall. I'd also take Thad Matta over that snake Calipari.
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well he says that based on there being however many kentucky players at the combine compared to ohio state...kentucky 5 or 6 to ohio state 1...turner was right when he said "they got pros"...i think he was using to back up evan turner saying hes just as good if not better because hes done just exactly what john wall did, and john wall and his team were all future nba guys.
 
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Turner the Most NBA-Ready?

The 2010 NBA Draft is not expected to yield a plethora of All-Stars. In fact, after the lottery, most of the class of 2010 is fairly equal. More than one executive told us in Chicago, site of the NBA Draft Combine, that after the first 8-10 picks the talent starts to even out. There may not be a whole lot of difference between pick 15 and pick 25, which is why we see so many teams either looking to move up to get a better player or move down to avoid overpaying for a player they could get with a lower pick.

All of that being said, the 2010 class is not without its stars. John Wall is the real deal, and is likely to join the ranks of Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo and Brandon Jennings as the next class of elite point guards. Right behind him is swingman Evan Turner, who could the most NBA-ready player in the draft this year. His versatility, having played three positions for Ohio State, will make him an immediate impact player in a league that evolved to favor quick, versatile wing players. Wall may be the better player down the road, which is why he'll most likely be the top pick ahead of Turner, but Evan "T-Rex" Turner promises to be an elite NBA player for years to come. Here's HOOPSWORLD's exclusive interview with the likely second pick in the 2010 NBA draft:
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Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=16319#ixzz0p2B0csac
 
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What about Ohio State?s Evan Turner, the projected No. 2 pick?

RB: He can probably play three positions. I can compare him to a different version of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade where they are able to play three spots, from point guard to small forward. He is a guy who can get his own shot. He can slash and shoot, pass, rebound, set screens and has court awareness and looks like he can be a leader. Those other intangibles are important. I think John Wall can be a special guy like (Derrick) Rose and Chris Paul, but I think Evan Turner can be like a Dwyane Wade.
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Read more: HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Marc Narducci ? Ryan Blake: “Evan Turner can be like Dwyane Wade”
 
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CentralMOBuck;1707551; said:
I wonder why Wall felt he had to let ET know that his team was so much better than ET's this past season. I'm obviously a little biased but I'd take all of the ET's teammates than those Me, Me, Me players that played with Wall. I'd also take Thad Matta over that snake Calipari.
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He didn't say his team was so much better. He said, he had more talent to play with than Evan did. I thought he was complimenting him.
 
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