Education of 76ers' Turner proceeds

Behind the closed doors of Hagan Arena, the evolution of Evan Turner is in its earliest stages.

We do know that the 76ers rookie - sometimes point guard, sometimes shooting guard - is playing primarily with the second unit, working to expand his off-the-ball game, and dealing with the pressures of being the No. 2 pick in the 2010 NBA draft.

What we don't know, which seems so much more extensive, is how Turner is playing and whether there is reason to be concerned about his NBA potential.

The worrying began during July's NBA Rookie League in Orlando, when Turner's play didn't quite reflect that of a top draft pick.

On Friday, Turner called that experience the "worst of the worst," and the "bottom pits of my life." Hyperbole aside, he did not appear pleased at the memory.

The Sixers are in the final day of their training camp at St. Joseph's University; camp ends Saturday and the team opens its preseason schedule Tuesday against the New Jersey Nets in Roanoke, Va.

"I'm doing all right," Turner said. "I'm getting used to the speed of the game. People are so strong, and sometimes it takes more wear and tear on your body than it did in college. It's going well. I'm learning the plays and picking it up pretty well."

Coach Doug Collins said that Turner was playing mostly with backup guard Lou Williams - Jrue Holiday is running the first team - and that the pair was at their best when Turner handled the ball.

"What we're doing with Evan is we're mixing and matching him so he can do a little bit of both," Collins said of Turner's position.

The coach said Turner's game was "light-years" ahead of where it was in Orlando. He's faster, in better shape, more confident, and becoming a good teammate.

Collins called Turner a "facilitator" within the offense.

"He's picking his spots," Collins said. "He's shooting the ball well. And, more importantly, he's having fun. It's like the lights have gone on and he's having fun. All of a sudden he's joyous and smiling, and I'm seeing energy."

In and out. Both big man Tony Battie (right-knee inflammation) and forward Andres Nocioni (left-ankle sprain) took part in Friday morning's noncontact practice but did not participate in the night session. . . . Forward Darius Songaila (lower-back stiffness) sat out the morning session but scrimmaged at night. . . . Guard James Florence (hamstring strain) sat out both sessions and is listed as day-to-day.

Check out video of 76ers coach Doug Collins talking about top draft pick Evan Turner, a CineSport video dialogue with beat writer Kate Fagan, and her blog on on Deep Sixer, at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/deep-sixer/.

Catch her tweets, too,

at DeepSixer3.

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