2010-2011 Philadelphia 76ers: Can Evan Turner Bring Prominence Back to Philly?
It was a disastrous season for the Sixers last year. After reaching the playoffs the previous two seasons, they had aspirations to return to the post-season. Nothing went right for them though, which lead to a 27-55 record. Changes needed to be made, and they were.
The first thing the Sixers did was fire Eddie Jordan and replace him with a veteran, proven coach in Doug Collins.
In addition to hiring Collins, the Sixers lucked out by landing the second pick in the NBA draft. With that pick, the Sixers took Evan Turner, the reigning Naismith player of the year. Turner seems to be extremely pro-ready, and strikes comparisons to Brandon Roy. The Sixers would not mind that in the least bit.
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The Sixers also unloaded the contract of Samuel Dalembert to the Kings in exchange for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes. The Sixers got the best value they could out of Dalembert, and Nocioni brings toughness to their team. He’s the kind of player that is not afraid to throw an elbow or take a hard foul. The Sixers were lacking a player like that.
Not only did they ship out Dalembert, but also longtime Sixer Willie Green and fourth year forward Jason Smith to the Hornets. In return, the Sixers received veteran forward Darius Songalia, and first round 2010 first round pick Craig Brackins from Iowa State.
If Evan Turner is impressive in his rookie season, the Sixers may very well find themselves back into the playoff hunt. A potential trio of Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, and Andre Iguodala could be dangerous. This is a big year for Holiday, a good defender, who showed promise in his rookie season. Now he is the starting point guard, and the Sixers are expecting big things out of him. It would also be nice to see something out of Elton Brand who has been a big disappointment since signing with the Sixers two summers ago.
Don’t expect a lot out of the Sixers this season, but after a nightmare season last year, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
Prediction: 36-46
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