FanPost

Debating Potential vs. Productivity in the Form of Evan Turner

As the Sixers continue to struggle, it becomes easy to point the finger at the many things that have gone wrong this season. Now that Andrew Bynum has reportedly had another setback in his recovery, let the debating of who the team should keep and let go begin. Evan Turner, the former second overall pick, has been the focus of much criticism in his third year. After a successful postseason stretch, it was expected that Turner had gotten over the hump and would finally begin to live up to his potentially. It turns out, Sixers’ fans had gotten their hopes too high.

At the trade deadline, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that the Sixers were open to moving Turner in order to give the team completely to All-Star point guard, Jrue Holiday, while getting him some much needed health. While it is yet to be determined what the third-year swingman can do with a true center on the court with him, it has become obvious that he is inefficient as a scorer. Turner ranks 311th in the NBA in points per possession averaging a very mediocre 0.82. His shooting ability has also been the focus of the criticism of his overall skill set, and for good reason. He has shot just 42.3% from the field and 36% from 3-point range in 56 games this season. With just a 12.95 Player Efficiency Rating, it has become more and more that Evan Turner offers nothing that NBA defense’s can not handle. Averaging career-low in shooting at the rim and from mid-range (16-23 feet), it is hard to defend the former NCAA National Player of the Year.

The Sixers signed Jrue Holiday to a 4 year, $44 million extension last offseason that kicks in next year. Holiday’s rookie contract ends at the end of this year, and the cap hit the team will take on with his new deal is much increased. Regardless of whether or not Bynum is back next year, the Sixers will have to make a decision on Evan Turner soon.


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