If you weren't able to watch the ping pong balls drop live, it was quite the dramatic event. I think I peed a little as the Sixers were skipped over (thus guaranteeing a top 3 pick). At that moment, I could not have been more excited.
I'm sure Jrue Holiday, who was attending the event as the Sixers representative, was sneakily happy about getting #2 over #1. By winning the first pick, Holiday would've found himself fighting for playing time with Wall. But instead, the Sixers will getting a guy who can slide right into the role of shooting guard - a position which has been a huge hole for this squad for quite some time.
Since a lot of people don't follow college basketball, I’ll give a quick glimpse of what you can expect from Turner. As a junior from Ohio State, Turner averaged 20ppg/ 9 boards/ 6 assists and has had his game widely compared to NBA star Brandon Roy. Evan Turner is going to give the Sixers a creator on offense. He's a true scorer with an ability to establish an offensive flow. But not to be overlooked, the guy is a willing defender and will be an above average one at the next level. And God knows the Sixers need a guy with all those qualities.
For those keeping score, the Wizards get the first overall selection. The Nets and their gigantic Russian owner were left holding their dicks on stage as they were awarded the #3 pick. Did anyone else see the sly, snickering look come across Jrue's face at that moment? Classic.
Today is a day to be happy Sixer fans. There weren't many of them this season. But the excitement this pick will garner made the awful 2009 campaign kind of worth it.
I'll leave you with the most dramatic highlight reel I could find. Enjoy what's to come.
*if the Sixers blow this and pick someone else – or worse, a...European – I’m gonna be hella pissed
This is honestly the happiest I've been in forever. Phillies in first place, I kinda like hockey again and now the Sixers will finally get a potential franchise player. If Kevin Kolb turn out to be good...sports utopia.
ReplyDeletei've seen a few places debating whether Favors may be the guy. clearly i'm all aboard the evan turner bandwagon. who's everyone else thinking they should take?
ReplyDeleteTurner is the only sure thing in my mind. It's possible that one of the big guys could end up being the better player but its not worth the risk. I can't wait to coach whoever it is they take.
ReplyDeleteCouldnt agree more. This is what this team needed. Turner is polished and knows what he's doing. I dont want to take a chance on upside. After the lottery, I spent a solid 45min on youtube watching Evan Turner highlight videos. Plus Turner has a pretty sweet nickname in "The Villian". Oh, and I can't wait till you get your interview. I'm expecting you to put in a good word and give me aaron mckie's job.
ReplyDeleteWhat about that big dude from UCONN, Thebeet(?), He's looks like Dwight Howard. Is he coming out this year?
ReplyDeleteNevermind, he got drafted last year... I'm stupid.
ReplyDeleteWe'll screw this up and get DeMarcus Cousins aka Derrick Coleman 2010. or we'll select some unknown European player who will refuse to come to America for 6 years.I got 2 words for ya Sixers...Sam Bowie.
ReplyDeletei remember my dad took me to a sixers game when i was a kid and i got to slap hands with all the sixers as they went in and out at halftime.
ReplyDeleteDerrick Coleman is the sweatiest person of all times.
ALL. TIMES.
by the way..."Anonymous"...Thebeet is in the D-League now. picked #2 overall and in the D-League.
ReplyDeleteYou just lost all rights to talk basketball forever.
Remember when you had that break away Senior year, and you didn't dunk even though you're 6'8? I remember.
ReplyDeleteHe had the third most blocks, and 11th most rebounds of all rookies last year, and played a lot less minutes. I'll admit that I don't know shit about this guy other than he's 7'3, But come on, I wasn't that far off, he plays for the Grizzlies, that's kinda like being in college still.
ReplyDelete