2010 2nd overall pick- Evan Turner (G, Ohio State)
This one is the absolute heartbreaker. At the time Turner seemed like the sure No. 2 pick but even then the fans were upset. Well it’s safe to say Tuner did not live up to being the second overall pick. Turner averaged a mediocre 11.5 points per game while shooting 43 percent from the field. Turner was traded after four seasons and the ‘wasted pick’ is seemingly blossoming for his third NBA team, the Boston Celtics.
Draft Grade: F
Now to be fair, Turner, at the time, was the right pick at number two. It’s unfortunate he couldn’t come close to the hype. In fact, he didn’t even show glimpses of greatness. The reason why this gets an F is more because of who the Sixers didn’t get. Turner was taken ahead of two franchise players and Sixers fans will look back at this draft with heartbreak and tears.
Who They Should’ve Taken: Paul George
Paul George is a superstar. That’s the simple way to put it. We can also talk about his stat line that reads 15.3 points per game, six rebounds per game, and a PER of 17.3 (league average 15). George is also a two time All-Star and was an absolute steal for the Pacers at 10 overall. Anyone would love this competitor on their team and the Sixers will be kicking themselves for a very long time knowing they had the chance to draft him. Another superstar they missed on was DeMarcus Cousins (fifth overall) and passed up on players like Derek Favors (third overall), Gordon Hayward (ninth overall), Hassan Whiteside (33rd overall) and Greg Monroe (seventh overall).
The basketball gods have to have something special in store for the Sixers, and hopefully they’ll find that player that can turn around the franchise and turn them into a championship caliber team.