Evan Turner Will Have Breakout Season In 2013

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Former Philadelphia 76ers guard Jrue Holiday had a breakout year last season. This season’s breakout player seems to be Evan Turner. Thaddeus Young would appear to have a big year as well, however, Young has posted consistent numbers and is expected to continue as the team’s leader.

Turner is well overdue for a breakout season, considering he hasn’t played up to expectations, plus this season will be a make or break one for Turner. He has a better chance of putting up big numbers this season with his role being more important now. The Sixers’ roster is mostly young and inexperienced. Most of the players are under 25 years of age.

The Sixers will rely on his scoring and rebounding this season. Turner’s scoring, rebounding, assists and steals have seen an improvement every season. His scoring alone has gone up from 7.2 his rookie year to 13.3 last season.

The former NCAA National Player of the Year has been a disappointment since being drafted second overall by the Sixers. He may have put up disappointin numbers, but at Ohio State, his numbers went up drastically after a bit of time, so look for Turner to put up bigger numbers this season.

Three-point shooting will be another area the Sixers will use Turner for as his percentage was his highest last season. The Sixers will be slim on outside and clutch shooters overall, however.

As long as he stays healthy and keeps improving, expect Turner to average 18 points, seven rebounds and 4.8 assists this season while his outside shooting will go up. Turner will play a lot at shooting guard since the Sixers lack talent in that area, especially with scorer Jason Richardson being out.

Young and Turner will share the scoring load, however, Young will be playing a lot in the paint. Turner will be the primary scorer on the perimeter.

Alan Gung is a Philadelphia 76ers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlanGung, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.