Philadelphia 76ers: Why the Team Can Build Around Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner

Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner are both young players, and they certainly have things they can improve on. However, they can and have led the Philadelphia 76ers to a lot of success.

Turner's defense and Holiday's leadership were key throughout the 2011-12 season and playoffs, and without the two young players, the 76ers probably would've lost in the first round or missed the playoffs entirely. Instead, they went to the second round and nearly advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.

Although he is very young, Holiday is a great player. He can drive, pass, score and make any shot at any time. His ability to penetrate and pass are key, because he's able to get everybody involved. 

And his ability to hit any shot is huge, because whenever the 76ers need someone to score, Holiday is always there.

Turner is more of a defensive-based player, but there's no denying that he played a huge part in Philadelphia's miraculous run. He made shots, he penetrated, he contested shots and he blocked off the middle.

On a defensive-based team like Philadelphia, that was more than enough.

Philadelphia has guys like Andre Iguodala, Lavoy Allen, Lou Williams, Thaddeus Young and Spencer Hawes, and they're all good players. However, with the possible exception of Iguodala, no one on that list can really lead the team where they need to go.

Even though Holiday and Turner are both very young, they're on the right track, and they have the 76ers going in the right direction.

In a couple years, when both of these players polish their respective games and add experience, they will be dangerous. If the 76ers can acquire a talented big man like Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum, Turner and Holiday will have a great option down low, and their job will be that much easier.

If the 76ers can't pick up a great big man, they can still win on the perimeter. As long as they continue to play hard-nosed defense, stay energetic, block the middle and contest shots, they'll be fine.

On the offensive side of the ball, Holiday will need to get everyone involved and set them up for good shots so the 76ers have great chances at scoring. Even with 40 percent shooting, Philly's defense will probably net it a victory.

What the Sixers have done is not to be overlooked, and even though Boston and Chicago were both banged up, think about what an extra year of experience can do for the 76ers. Holiday and Turner could both be All-Stars, and they can definitely lead the Sixers to the Eastern Conference finals, maybe even the NBA Finals.

All Holiday and Turner need to do is execute their style of play. If they do, even a young team with no true star can build a winner and shock the world.