There has been much discussion in the “City of Brotherly Love” as to just why last year’s #2 overall Draft pick Evan Turner struggled to crack Coach Doug Collins’ regular rotation for most of the ‘10-’11 campaign. Was it just a case of not getting acclimated to the NBA game in timely fashion or should the word “bust” begin entering into the conversation?
I say we all should wait before throwing around the old “bust” word, especially since Turner showed signs of his limitless potential by breaking D. Wade’s ankles early last season.
Part of the problem was that Turner’s true position in the Association is undoubtedly at SG, a position that the Sixers have a surplus of, with Andre Iguodala, Jodie Meeks, and the high scoring Lou Williams all playing some time at lead guard during the season.
After taking home the NCAA POY Award in 2010 behind some amazing highlight reel performances at Ohio State, many in Philly saw Turner as the savior to a franchise that has been mired in mediocrity since Allen Iverson left town during the 2006 season.
After another 1st Round Playoff exit, this time at the hands of the Miami Heat, 76ers management has been seriously considering offers for longtime Sixer stat-stuffer Andre Iguodala. “Iggy” has been on the trading block leading up to the Lockout, rumored to be traded for anyone from Monta Ellis to Lamar Odom.
With the newest Sixer, the near 7 foot rookie Nikola Vucevic, now on deck to help provide more of a low post punch alongside the under-achieving Elton Brand, and Evan Turner poised to have a breakout sophomore campaign, the time may be ripe to get some valuable resources in return for trading Iguodala once the season begins.
Apparently all of the doom and gloom surrounding the Lockout and trade talk hasn’t affected team chemistry as Turner and Iguodala tested out their knowledge of each-other against a Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge of the Trailblazers while taking part in a mock “Dating Game” on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, called the “Team Mating Game.”
Check out Turner and Iguodala on “The Team Mating Game” – Part 1:
Turner and Iguodala – Part 2:
Turner and Iguodala – Part 3:
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen also provides content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
