If you weren't able to watch the ping pong balls drop live, it was quite the dramatic event. I think I peed a little as the Sixers were skipped over (thus guaranteeing a top 3 pick). At that moment, I could not have been more excited.
I'm sure Jrue Holiday, who was attending the event as the Sixers representative, was sneakily happy about getting #2 over #1. By winning the first pick, Holiday would've found himself fighting for playing time with Wall. But instead, the Sixers will getting a guy who can slide right into the role of shooting guard - a position which has been a huge hole for this squad for quite some time.
Since a lot of people don't follow college basketball, I’ll give a quick glimpse of what you can expect from Turner. As a junior from Ohio State, Turner averaged 20ppg/ 9 boards/ 6 assists and has had his game widely compared to NBA star Brandon Roy. Evan Turner is going to give the Sixers a creator on offense. He's a true scorer with an ability to establish an offensive flow. But not to be overlooked, the guy is a willing defender and will be an above average one at the next level. And God knows the Sixers need a guy with all those qualities.
For those keeping score, the Wizards get the first overall selection. The Nets and their gigantic Russian owner were left holding their dicks on stage as they were awarded the #3 pick. Did anyone else see the sly, snickering look come across Jrue's face at that moment? Classic.
Today is a day to be happy Sixer fans. There weren't many of them this season. But the excitement this pick will garner made the awful 2009 campaign kind of worth it.
I'll leave you with the most dramatic highlight reel I could find. Enjoy what's to come.
*if the Sixers blow this and pick someone else – or worse, a...European – I’m gonna be hella pissed
