Enter the mind of 76ers' General Manager, Ed Stefanski. Highlights of Derrick Favors and Evan Turner alternate and scramble through, while voices of a mildly apathetic fan base echo for Turner. But others cry "mistake" and scream for Favors. The fan base knows they are about to endure a rebuilding process and acceptance is coming along slowly, but Stefanski knows that with rebuilding, he may jeopardize his job. He knows he could be near the end of his tenure in Philadelphia. He knows that he lucked out drawing a tough, but envious spot in the 2010 NBA draft. So who will save his job - Turner or Favors?
Turner is Brandon Roy in the making, while Favors is Antonio McDyess in his prime reincarnate. Turner's game is complete, refined, but lacks a pin-point long distance stroke. A 2009-10 Naismith Player Of The Year trophy headlines his sparkling list of accolades. Turner led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a two seed in the NCAA Tournament in his final year. His ability to play at different speeds and make his teammates better is what has elevated him to the position he is now in.
It is why Turner is expected to be Stefanski's choice, but the general manager knows that passing on a low-post presence like Favors is a risky choice, too. The book on Favors is that he is unproven, but his upside may be higher than Turner's. Favors' agile moves to the basket, work ethic, shot-blocking ability, and deft hands could convalesce into greatness. But he is also a project, and his aggressiveness does not match his ability. Stefanski knows that qualities like aggressiveness can be taught, but he also knows that to assume the player's attitude will change is not wise.
He scrolls through Philadelphia's roster. Mistakes like Elton Brand's $79 million, five year contract, Samuel Dalembert's $43 million, four year deal, and an overpaid star, Andre Iguodala clutter the starting line-up. But young players like Jrue Holiday, Thaddeus Young, and Marreese Speights provide a bright future. Adding Turner or Favors would not hurt. He knows that drafting Favors would not be the best fit. It would further reduce Speights' minutes unless Brand or Dalembert could be dealt.
Turner is a different story. He would slide in smoothly at small forward, and finalize another step in cementing a solid core. Turner's and Favors' ability to play well with teammates will make either a valuable commodity. Either one would net the 76ers a gem with the potential to become a star. Stefanski knows that this decision represents much more than that. He knows that a wrong decision may mean the difference between a winning franchise, and a losing one. His job is on the line along with his reputation. Breath easy, Ed Stefanski, select Evan Turner.
It is why Turner is expected to be Stefanski's choice, but the general manager knows that passing on a low-post presence like Favors is a risky choice, too. The book on Favors is that he is unproven, but his upside may be higher than Turner's. Favors' agile moves to the basket, work ethic, shot-blocking ability, and deft hands could convalesce into greatness. But he is also a project, and his aggressiveness does not match his ability. Stefanski knows that qualities like aggressiveness can be taught, but he also knows that to assume the player's attitude will change is not wise.
He scrolls through Philadelphia's roster. Mistakes like Elton Brand's $79 million, five year contract, Samuel Dalembert's $43 million, four year deal, and an overpaid star, Andre Iguodala clutter the starting line-up. But young players like Jrue Holiday, Thaddeus Young, and Marreese Speights provide a bright future. Adding Turner or Favors would not hurt. He knows that drafting Favors would not be the best fit. It would further reduce Speights' minutes unless Brand or Dalembert could be dealt.
Turner is a different story. He would slide in smoothly at small forward, and finalize another step in cementing a solid core. Turner's and Favors' ability to play well with teammates will make either a valuable commodity. Either one would net the 76ers a gem with the potential to become a star. Stefanski knows that this decision represents much more than that. He knows that a wrong decision may mean the difference between a winning franchise, and a losing one. His job is on the line along with his reputation. Breath easy, Ed Stefanski, select Evan Turner.
Follow Chase on Twitter @ yutz18
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