Sixers play final Summer League game today
Maybe an early morning game will awaken Evan Turner's game.
Sixers play final Summer League game today
Bob Cooney
New Sixers guard Evan Turner says in his bio that he likes to golf during his off time. In golfing terms, then, Turner is probably going to take a mulligan on his play this week down here in the Orlando Summer League.
The second pick in the draft had a tough go of it again last night, making just 1-of-6 shots from the floor, scored 5 points, committed five fouls and had three turnovers in his 19 minutes of play. So frustrated is he with his play that he has gotten into the bad habit of showing it with his body language and, at times, not hustling up and down the floor at time.
Last night, towards the end of the third quarter, Turner failed to run hard down to the offensive end after a Bobcat turnover. At the end of the quarter, coach Doug Collins, seated at the end of the Sixers bench with assistants Michael Curry and Brian James, seemed a little upset. He then talked to assistant Aaron McKie, who is running the team, and McKie removed Turner from the game. He didn't go back in at all in the fourth.
The signs are there that Turner is a terrific athlete. It certainly isn't a time to panic. He seems to be a step off in everything he does, and it really does appear to be rust from not playing much basketball since the end of March in order to stay injury-free before the draft.
The body language and the lack of hustle is annoying, and it is certainly something Collins has/will address with Turner. Collins talked earlier this week about a player needing to have his motor constantly running at a high level when playing the game. That needs to happen with Turner, whether he's playing well or not. He is a good, smart kid. It wouldn't be surprising if that problem is corrected soon.
Not a great start, but at least the kid is showing emotion at his lack of good play. He just needs to convey that into wanting to rip the other teams heart out. As much as I hate Kobe, he has the killer instinct. Not many guys in the overpaid group of thugs have it, but hopefully this kid can get it.— jphil- To everyone who says "who cares" why did you open this link? You knew what it was about before you clicked on it. Get a life.— sixers_610
- At least he isn't like the stiff Walls who got injured in his first practice.— Rod72
- Let's see Guy who hates practicing but will pay his heart out and take it to ANYONE on the court / or guy who loves practicing but is a gotdam pansie in the games ; Which one do you want!?!— BooDuhBud
- I hope he continues to work hard and hustle - so that the Sixers can improve their -10% chance of beating teams like Miami, Boston, or any Western Conference team, and boost it to a 0% chance. The NBA. What a sorry joke.— Fozzie27
- I want them to keep Meeks so who goes at the guard position? Hopefully, Green.— KGKoons
- do not worry - the man hasn't played a basketball game in 4 months...he will be better in training camp— osuphan
- He will not be better in camp. Foot speed and shooting touch cannot be taught. When Collins gathered with the other coaches at the end of the bench, he was asking if Turner signed his deal. Don't sign him and pick up Mike Miller.— LA Mike
- What a lousy article no Lebron story.I been reading many comments on here , many of you need to get a clue concerning sports. Stop hatin on the young dude already branding him a bust. I am so glad you losers don't decide such branding, many on here can't even carry his jock. Evan Turner will be great.— Jayjayhithard
- LA Mike dude get a laugh loser.......Evan Turner will be fine, your comments are just stupid stupid.— Jayjayhithard
- Many hating losers on here talking sideways about Evan Turner. Why jealous of his millions? what no skill.....LA Mike folks is just stupid right stupid?— Jayjayhithard
- Trade Andre Iguodala to the Timberwolves for Al Jefferson— zaituna
- Its Obama's fault!!!!— MrPink
When do the EAGLES begin training camp?- Collins teams always failed in the playoffs because he has no clue how to rest players. This deal will end up culminating in a few first round playoff exits then another GM and another coach and on and on.— JonKap
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.
