Turner just wants to play ball
After two frustrating seasons, Sixers swingman Evan Turner is ready to put that all behind him and just prove he is ready to shine.
Turner just wants to play ball
Bob Cooney
Evan Turner has a chip on his shoulder. He feels the fans anxiety about his play - so far not living up to that of a No. 2 overall choice. His frustration level over his first two seasons has reached a boiling point several times.
But now Turner, entrenched as the team's starting small forward and expected to play bountiful minutes, is ready to put all of that behind him and just concentrate on what drives him - playing ball.
Monday at the team's practice facility at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Turner fidgeted when asked if this was a "make or break" season. He didn't care for the question as he, quite frankly, didn't think he was given the proper chance to prove his worth. He was stymied in a reserve role in most of his first two seasons as coach Doug Collins went with shooter Jodie Meeks over Turner. It wasn't until last year's playoff run that Turner started getting the minutes he expected from the day he was drafted out of Ohio State.
"I basically sat for two years," Turner said. "I have time to make up and get my rhythm back. Fitting in and playing situational minutes for two years, that takes a toll on your game. I’m just trying to find my niche, keep getting better and find my rhythm.
"I knew I was going to play in the playoffs. I knew that was coming I knew two or three months prior to that. I might not have played that much during the season but playoff comes and my number gets called because I can play like that. I remember certain situations (that will help him this season), playing against great wing players like Paul Pierce and Rip Hamilton and Ray Allen. I remember how poised they were. They kept chucking away the whole game. In certain game Paul and Ray might not have been on fire but when it came down to it they hit big shots and made big plays. (This summer) every time I worked out I OD’d and made sure I was dead by the end of the day."
So far this season, Turner seems to have taken on a role of leader, vocalizing to new teammates more than he ever has in the past. He seems stronger, absolutely more confident and, above all, more settled in his role. And his teammates have impressed him mightily so far.
"I think these practices (the past week) were better than all the ones my past two years, to tell you the truth," he said. "There’s competition every single day, everybody is going at each other. People are more hungry. I’m not saying guys in the past weren’t but spots were solidified and everything like that."
And now his spot is solidified.
"The one thing is I’m just playing basketball. If I see someone open I’ll kick it and if I see my own shot I’ll go get it. This is how I always play," Turner said. "It’s just change – change of scenery, change of personell. Spots were solidified the past two years no matter what. Whether somebody played better or whatever those teams just made sense in how they were."
The Sixers should've just drafted Demarcus Cousins #2 when they had the chance. They could've kept Iggy and had about the same production down low as Bynum.
I give. After reading all of the anti-ET posts, I have come to the conclusion that the Sixers should do one of two things: a) trade ET straight up for Sean Bradley; or b) hire a team of psychologists and psychiatrists to get at the root of ET's insecurities, phobias and, while they're at it, love of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.— iceman- Here is what I want:
16-18 ppg, 3-5 assists per game, 7-9 rebounds.
Anything less will a be a disapointment for #2 draft pick in his third year.
Show me this Evan and the rest of teams plays well, then we are in the ECF.— Loomus - Wow, thats pretty close to what he did average when playing 30 or more minutes per. Against winning teams he averaged 17.1 and 7.9 rebs when getting starter minutes. — ericthered1
- If ET had been given the reins to the team ( like most # 2 selections ) the guy would be in conversations about All Star teams by now. If he was given the team, ala John Wall or Cousins, to have the luxury of playing thru his mistakes, it would not be a question about make or break years, only how much to keep him in Philly. Turner came to a coach who placed winning above teaching, which isn't bad, it just stunted his growth and developement. I'm sure Wall or Cousins would have welcomed the playoff experience Turner got and only time will tell if his limited 2 years here will be a blessing or curse. As for his Ego, kudos to Turner. Some players drafted that high may have rebelled or totally lost their confidence over his 2 year ordeal here in philly. Those flashes everyone saw are not illusions, this kid can play. Reports out of training camp have him going strong to the Rim as well as physically stronger. God knows he must have tremendous mental strength to have withstood that 2 year circus. Expect 15 pts 6 rebs 5 asst. And next year we sweat out if he will extend here with the Sixers. Expect big things this year from Turner— kerryt
- Evan Turner talks like he's under water or something.— dasher
- Dude, rather than make an uninformed comment, why don't you find out the reason he talks like that.
- Turner is the NEW Team Cancer Gone By Trade deadline— Ubercatholic
- I've reached a boiling point with these comments today. Stick your chest out ET!! No one else will do it for you.— Facts before ignorance
- @KerryT.. I agree man.. Turner had the talent to become a great player. Alot of these guys bashing Turner because they never played basketball themselves and dont understand what you have to do in order to sustain what you are good at. It is easier to keep the things that make you an average player than it is to fight for the things that make you great. Ask Iggy about that. Probably one of the reasons why he got traded. He gave up on being a great player and Evan has not. I think he is a strong minded kid and Collins admired that regardless if he likes him or not. Go get it Turner. Hopefully you will have more sixer fans at the end of the year than detractors on the behalf of Collins.— Zeru
- Finally some comments with some sense and insight! I agree with you, Zeru. For years, everyone complained that Iggy didn't care, wasn't a leader, couldn't/wouldn't take the clutch shots, and they couldn't wait to ship him out of town. Now ET shows up with some passion about wanting to be the best, take the tough shots, be a leader, all the things that Iggy didn't want to do, and everyone is ready to jettison him? The guy works his tail off, wants to be the best, is tough as nails, and cares about his teammates and about winning. I'll take that combination any day.
- If your a star you're going to shine regardless of whose on the team. I don't buy that Iggy stunted his growth. If he was as good as a #2 Draft pick is suppose to be, nothing and nobody should get in his way. There is a reason why ET didn't get the minutes...— DESIXERSFAN
- Turner would have a problem consistently hitting 15 to 20 ft. shots with NOBODY covering him. The dude can't shoot. End of story.— gentian
- Who cares bottom line is he'll be given a great chance to play and play a bigger role with the squad... Majority of the things he said was right, ET barely talks and he can careless what anybody says about him because he knew this time would come.. He worked the hardest this offseason then anybody else on the squad he wants to be great and he now has the confidence and chance to be great past is the past... Can't wait until Jrue,Bynum and/or have the chance to take the last second shots— salis15
- Wow! Nothing like a column on ET to bring out the whole, polarized, gang. Presumably, since most posters here are diehard Sixer fans, we all hope he can be an important component in the Sixer's drive for a high seed in the Eastern Conference. DC seems to have confidence in him; guess we shall see. Definitely a make or break season for him.— chuckw
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
