2012 NBA Playoffs: Why Evan Turner Is the X-Factor in Philadelphia's Playoff Run

I've written about the 76ers before, and I said the team has lots of all-around talent, which is true. But all teams need one X-factor, and Evan Turner is the one for the 76ers.

Turner played very well at Ohio State, but his NBA career got off to a slow start. However, this season he started playing better, and recently his minutes have picked up. How is he responding?

By performing like a star.

In the 67 games he's played in this year, Turner only scored 20-plus points seven times. However, he only played around 25 minutes per game, and with his minutes picking up, so are his stats.

It's obvious now that Turner is a much better shooting guard than Jodie Meeks, and that Turner should get the bulk of the minutes at the 2. He can find the open man and give him a good pass, he can rebound, he can drive, he can defend and he can shoot.

Turner sparked Philadelphia's Game 2 win over Chicago by scoring 19 points, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out six assists. In the third, Turner got his shot going, and when he gets his shot going, he can't be stopped.

He finished with 11 points in the third, scoring on free throws, jumpers and layups. Turner played good defense as well, like he always does. Turner is known for his aggressive rebounding and defense, which have catapulted him to his current level of success. With athletic teammates that dominate the fast-break, his rebounding and defense will be key.

Because of his defense, he's getting the offensive opportunities he deserves.

Philly has been wearing down Chicago, and at home it'll be easier to continue doing that. When they start to go on a run, expect Turner to be a huge part of it. His teammates will set Turner up for the best scoring opportunities, and he will take advantage.

Turner can play point guard and guard the best guards, like Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade. If a point guard manages to tire out Jrue Holiday, or if Holiday isn't playing well, Turner can fill in at the 1 and give Holiday a rest.

Turner doesn't let opponents get good shots, as he applies great on-ball pressure against guards. If the Bulls start feeling sorry for themselves, like they did in Game 2, Turner will capitalize with steals, and he'll start fast breaks.

It would be Game 2 all over again, only in front of Philadelphia's crowd.

Turner's D won't be needed much against Chicago, but his offense will be key. If Turner can shoot well and play like a point guard (making good passes, driving to the hoop) and like a small forward (boxing out and grabbing rebounds), he will be invaluable for Philadelphia.

I think Philly will beat Chicago in five or six games, and I have them facing Boston next. The Celtics are the worst rebounding team in the NBA, and Philadelphia is the seventh-best. If Turner can get down low and box out Boston's big men, he will get rebounds and make a difference.

Turner could guard Rondo, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, or Avery Bradley. If one of those players caught fire, Turner or Andre Iguodala could guard him. Turner can guard guys on the ball very well, so guarding Rondo or Pierce could be a good fit. If he guards Rondo, he could force the star guard to take jumpers, which isn't exactly Rondo's strength.

Against a Boston team that comes out flat at times, Turner will be able to get the shots he wants and he'll be able to set his teammates up for the shots they want. The Celtics let Atlanta shoot open jumpers, and I think Philly will be able to get jumpers as well.

Boston is old and has a scarce bench, so in the third or fourth quarter, Philadelphia could get fast-break opportunities. Turner would grab a rebound, and he could start a fast break. When Boston gets tired, they turn the ball over, and Turner can force a TO and start a fast break. Turner's D and rebounding will be crucial for Philly's fast break, and late in the game, his D and rebounding will be huge.

From just about every angle, Turner looks like a key piece to the 76ers. He can rebound, defend, shoot, drive and pass. Once he starts piling up minutes, his impact will be felt.

And Philadelphia will keep winning.