Sixers want
Evan
Turner to play more PG next season
Philadelphia 76ers coach Doug Collins might be planning something special for his prized rookie following reports that Evan Turner will likely see more minutes at the point this upcoming
2010-2011 NBA season.
Several sources indicated Monday that Collins, 59, is seriously considering asking Turner to play the point guard position to maximize his size and terrific ball handling skills.
Turner, the second overall draft pick in last April’s draft, tried to play the point guard position during junior year in Ohio State, but his eagerness in running the offense often results
in a number of turnovers.
In spite of Turner’s tendency to panic, Collins thinks Turner can eventually learn how to be more sure-handed and bring out his best abilities as a playmaker.
Many college and professional basketball followers agreed Turner is gifted with incredible versatility and the high basketball I.Q needed to play the position.
Collins, who also demonstrated versatility as a cornerman for the 76ers, might also be thinking that Turner can be able to read the defense effectively due to his 6-foot-7 stature.
Nevertheless, Collins said he did the experiment to help Turner discover his ability and become a more efficient basketball player.
The Sixers coach added he tried to assign Turner at the two-guard spot, but the rookie obviously struggled with the pace and offensive set-up.
Moreover, Turner had difficulties playing alongside Lou Williams, prompting the coach to switch their roles – which paved way to a better teamwork between the two guards.
“What I saw was when Lou and Evan were together, when Lou was on the ball and Evan was off, they struggled, because Evan wasn’t sure and Lou didn’t do a very good job of getting us into
our stuff,” Collins told reporters at camp. “Then we moved Evan to the ball and moved Lou and they both were good. So you can see where they’re most comfortable right now.
Collins said Turner will be spending his first year as a backup guard for Jrue Holiday, but the coach never ruled out the possibility for the rookie to start at the two-spot, saying it
all depends on the situation.
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