NBA Draft Prospects: Evan Turner, Ohio State

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Stats: 20.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 6.0 apg, 1.7 spg, 4.4 t/o's, 51.9% FG

Listed Size: 6'7", 205 lb, 21 years old


About Him: Evan Turner seems destined to be the second pick in this draft, and rightfully so. There haven't been many players in recent draft history to have his all around skill set. It isn't easy to average 20-9-6.

Its Turner's skill set that makes him such an enticing prospect. Turner can just about do it all on a basketball court. He's an instinctive scorer, using his array of hesitation moves and ability to change speeds to keep defenders off balance. He's not an above the rim kind of player, but his size allows him the ability to finish around the rim. Turner also has a developed mid range game, knocking down pull-up jumpers with a good deal of consistency.

But perhaps his best attribute on the offensive end is his passing ability. He can draw a defender and find the open man, he can lead a fast break, and he can run a pick and roll. He's also unselfish and more than willing to rack up assists instead of forcing up tough shots. He's an excellent ball handler with good footwork and a variety of moves offensively. There are times when he gets turnover prone, but given what else he brings to the table, a couple of turnovers aren't a huge problem.

Turner is also a very good rebounder for his size, especially on the defensive end of the floor where he can start a fast break without the benefit of an outlet pass. He's been lauded for his ability on the defensive end, being called "one of the best perimeter stoppers in this draft" by Draft Express, as well despite having a relatively small wingspan and being just an average athlete.

One of the bigger questions about Turner is the position he will eventually play in the league. He played the point for Ohio State this past season, but at 6'7" in shoes, he isn't exactly the typical size for a point guard. But he doesn't have a consistent three point shot (something that I believe he can develop at the next level -- he is a good free throw shooter and can knock down mid-range jumpers) and that average athleticism has given some doubts as to how effective he can be playing on the perimeter in the NBA. Can a team (the Sixers?) find a role for him as a point forward?

Comparison: A lot of places have compared Evan Turner to Brandon Roy, which I don't necessarily disagree with. I've seen a rich man's Anthony Parker listed as well. Personally, I like comparing Turner to Hedo Turkoglu minus the jump shot.

Outlook: Turner doesn't have the upside of a John Wall, but that doesn't mean that Turner won't be a good player in the league. He doesn't have otherworldly tools, but the talk about Turner being a subpar athlete has been a bit overblown -- he's not exactly Shawn Bradley. I think a best case scenario for Turner is a couple of all-star teams and 8-10 years of 20+ points, 8 boards, and 5 assists. Not a bad career.

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