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Evan Turner believes he could be draft’s top pick

by

May 20

Over 50 prospects for this summer’s NBA Draft are in Chicago this week for the 2010 NBA Draft Combine. Workouts are being held at Attack Athletics on the city’s West Side and are closed to the media, but players are being made available at a downtown hotel.

Thursday morning’s first group was headlined by former Ohio State star and consensus national player of the year Evan Turner, expected to be a top three selection on June 24.

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Turner, a Chicago area native, said he thinks it’s possible he could be the top pick and will visit the Washington Wizards for an individual workout.

“I did a lot of work this year, thinking about all the adversity I came back from,” said Turner, when asked to make his case to go No. 1. “I’m mature now, and not to be arrogant or cocky, but I won every player of the year award. That puts some inner confidence in me. I think I can help a team.”

However, Turner said, he wouldn’t be all that disappointed not to be the draft’s first pick.

“At the end of the day, it’s basketball. When you wake up and play basketball, it’s a good day,” he stated.

If Turner does “fall” to Philadelphia, owners of the second pick, the Sixers should benefit greatly from his versatility. The 6-7, 210-pounder who left Ohio State after his junior season is capable of playing the point guard, shooting guard and small forward positions.

His offseason workouts have included making—not taking—550 shots a day. Turner acknowledges that his outside shot is probably the element of his game that needs the most work.

“It needs to be more consistent,” he said. “But I don’t think I’ll ever be a guy who lives or dies by the three. I like to penetrate, work around the mid-range level, get teammates involved, and put pressure on the defense.”

Listen to audio from Turner, John Wall, Derrick Favors and several others from this year’s prospects at the Draft Combine in Chicago.

John Wall (PG, 6-4, 185) meets the media at the NBA Draft Combine—Parts I & II (05.20.10):

Evan Turner (SG, 6-7, 205) meets the media at the NBA Draft Combine (05.20.10):

Oklahoma State product James Anderson (SG, 6-6, 195) talks about his recent workout with the Bulls (05.20.10):

Kansas product Xavier Henry (SG, 6-7, 220) discusses his schedule as of late and why he feels his game compares best to Joe Johnson (05.20.10):

Butler product Gordon Haywood (SF, 6-8, 200) talks about making the transition to the NBA and his team’s remarkable run to the NCAA championship game (05.20.10):

Fresno State product Paul George (SF, 6-8, 185) talks about the challenge of competition and gives a self-scouting report at the NBA Draft Combine (05.20.10):

Georgia Tech product Derrick Favors (PF, 6-9, 215) on which aspects of his game he thinks will translate the best in the pro game and how he might fit in with the Nets (05.20.10):

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