Philadelphia 76ers: 10 Reasons Evan Turner, Jrue Holiday Lead To a Bright Future
The Philadelphia 76ers currently reside as the Eastern Conference's No. 7 seed in the hunt for the NBA playoffs with a record of 19-25.
With all of the Andre Iguodala trade rumors going around, Sixers fans must find something different to discuss. Something that will give a break from the trade rumors, something that is for once optimistic, and I know just the thing.
Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday.
That's right, with all of the trade buzz flying around, many 76ers fans have forgotten all about the potential the young duo has.
Turner and Holiday are on their way to a bright future in Philadelphia and it is unknown by most fans.
This slideshow is for the fans who want to take a break from the trade rumors and focus on the bright side of things rather than just reading about the same trade rumor all day.
Well, now we're off to 10 reasons why Turner and Holiday make for a promising future.
10. They Are Young
1 of 11
One thing that can be said about the duo is they are very young.
Holiday is just 20 years old and averaging 14.3 points and 6.5 assists per game. In just his second year in the league, he is already establishing himself as a solid point guard and is still up and coming.
Turner who is just 22, is averaging 7.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
They may not be the best of statistics, but Turner still has plenty of time to develop. Plus, he has received limited playing time in most games this season.
Holiday and Turner are young with plenty of time to focus on the little things they need to improve.
9. They Both Have Potential
2 of 11
Say what you want about them, but you cannot deny that they have potential. Both of these athletes were first round picks for a reason.
Turner was drafted second overall and was the NCAA Player of the Year last year. He led Ohio State far in the "Big Dance" and had an incredible season.
So I bring you to this Sixers fans, why can't he do it again?
He has proven he knows how to lead a team and make them very good. Potentially, Turner can flourish when surrounded by shooters.
Holiday also has a ton of potential.
He has been the Sixers most consistent player and has improved on his shot ever since coming out of UCLA.
Holiday has scored double-digit points in almost every game this season. And when he isn't, he is dishing out plenty of assists.
8. They Are Both Versatile
3 of 11
A great aspect both players bring to the table is versatility.
Both of these guys have shown they can take over games and they can both play like a 1 or a 2. When one guy is shining, the other is distributing.
In Turner's best games this season, Holiday has recorded double-digit assists almost every time and vise-versa (when Turner gets playing time).
They are each starting to become a threat for the opposing team, causing them to spread their defense out more. This provides more gaps for Elton Brand to work with and a bigger lane for the guards to drive.
The versatility that these guys provide for the team provides dangerous guard play.
7. They Have a Great Coach
4 of 11
Who would have thought the Sixers would be pushing for the sixth seed in the playoffs? (OK, we all know Eddie Jordan couldn't coach a middle school basketball team and they are in the Eastern Conference, but still).
Doug Collins has done a great job of coaching these two particular players and the entire team for that matter. Collins has put the 76ers in the right direction and continues to do a great job.
He has struck discipline in the young lineup and shows that he is here to win.
He is taking it game by game the way they should.
I don't think there was any other coach the Sixers could have brought in that would have done a better job than Collins.
If there is anyone to make the combo of Turner and Holiday live up to its potential, it's Collins.
6. They Are Developing Chemistry
5 of 11
In their short time together, they are already starting to develop team chemistry and playing very well together.
As they play you can tell they are starting to develop a feel for each other's game style and are adapting to it. In other words, they are doing a great job of complementing each other.
A prime example of this is Turner's penetration and the three-point shooting from Holiday.
Holiday has improved a lot on his three-point shot and will always put up the shot if the defender gives it to him. Turner comes into play with his penetration skills.
He does a great job of driving and if he finds himself caught in a clogged lane or purposely draws the defender, he knows that he has Holiday waiting beyond the arc to drain a three.
Plus once Iguodala leaves, they will develop even more chemistry.
At their peak, these two can be a very scary duo to go up against.
5. They Will Gain Experience
6 of 11
Over time, these guys will have plenty of years playing with each other under their belt. After all, they are only 20 and 22, respectively. When Holiday is 25 and Turner is 27, they will have five years under their belt.
Five.
They would be like veterans, but still young.
In the near future, they will learn and overcome many obstacles together. These two players will have completed many different challenges five years from now. They will become smarter too.
The amount of time these guys have is quite reassuring and should be looked at as a positive thing by 76ers fans.
4. They Both Have Something To Prove
7 of 11
Both of these young rising stars have something to prove.
Holiday is trying to prove that he can run this team at the point-guard position, but Turner is the one who has the most to prove.
It's not even halfway through his rookie season and for some reason people are already placing the bust label on Turner.
Why so soon, people?
Turner has plenty of time to live up to his potential. There's no rush. I mean, it's not like we are making a run for the championship this season.
Well, this season and in the near future, he is looking to prove the people wrong who are calling him a bust already. Turner almost has a chip on his shoulder and will have a bitter taste in his mouth after the All-Star Break.
Don't be surprised if he turns it on the second half of the year.
3. The Players Around Them Are Getting Better
8 of 11
During this season, the players around the duo have certainly gotten better. Lou Williams, Thaddeus Young and even Elton Brand to name a few.
In the month of January, Williams has been on fire scoring double-digit points off the bench every time with the exception of once. In fact, he has broken 20 points five times and is averaging over 16 points for the month.
Turner flourishes around shooters and the better our shooting gets, the more comfortable Turner is.
Brand has also made a terrific bounce back from his previous two seasons with Philadelphia. He has been rejuvenated.
This season, the Sixers' bench has been great and the more bench players that emerge leads to more options for Holiday to look for.
The better the supporting cast gets, the stronger the duo becomes.
2. They Have Been Competing Against Good Teams
9 of 11
Throughout this season, the Sixers have faced a number of very solid teams. They may not have won them all, but they have constantly been putting up a great fight.
They have beaten teams like the Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks. They have also given teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks a rough time. Not to mention, four overtime losses that easily could have and should have resulted in wins.
The Sixers are doing a great job of showing they are legit about things and may make a run for the playoffs. They have taken it game by game and it's a strategy they will continue to execute.
Specifically, Holiday and Turner have stood out against the good teams.
For example, in the season opener against the Heat, Turner dropped 16 points with seven rebounds and four assists.
Holiday has also been hot in many games, but one that stood out was his double-double against the Lakers.
Turner and Holiday are showing this season that they aren't going down without a fight and can take on even the best of teams.
1. Have Faith
10 of 11
Okay, I know this sounds cheesy, but I'm serious.
Sixers fans need to find the bright side of things and be optimistic about their rising stars. They must realize that they have a lot of potential in their young lineup.
Don't doubt these guys because they will show you up. I'm not asking you, but now I'm telling you to cheer these guys on and have confidence in them.
Right now the Sixers may not be winning, but in a couple of years, just wait and see.
These two young players are determined to do great in Philadelphia.
Conclusion
11 of 11
Over the next couple years, Holiday and Turner will have played with each other for so long that they will know each other's game inside and out.
They can potentially build an unstoppable duo and the best guard play in the league.
Philadelphia fans, just walk away from the trade rumors for a second and come around to realize that you have a lot of potential in Holiday and Turner.
These guards have a great mentor in Collins, they are young and do a great job of complementing one another.
Fasten your seat belts Sixers fans because Holiday and Turner are on the path to a positive, bright and promising future.
