Turner it is: 2010 NBA Mock Draft Round-up

With the NBA Draft coming up on Thursday, I figured it was time for me to do my annual mock draft round-up where I collect the opinions of who all of the various experts think the Sixers will pick. Usually, the experts have a variety of opinions about what the Sixers will do but things are a little different this year: every expert thinks the Sixers will draft Evan Turner. What that basically means is, despite those early grumblings that the Sixers were going to draft Derrick Favors, there won't be much drama this year as Turner is basically a lock to be coming to Philly.

Here is a round-up of what the experts are saying about Turner:

Ian Thomsen, SI.com:
New coach Doug Collins will hope Turner -- the most mature player at the top of this draft -- becomes the Eastern version of Brandon Roy, settling down the Sixers and providing the leadership and playmaking that were lacking last season. The 76ers may also consider a trade to move back in the draft while picking up a veteran in the package.

Hoopshype.com:
Smooth, versatile wing prospect who can play any of the backcourt positions. Tremendous shot-creator with an especially impressive mid-range game. Gets to the free throw line with ease and fills up the stat-sheet with rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. Needs to improve perimeter shooting range and become less turnover prone. NCAA player of the year.

RealGM.com:
Even without the accidental preview on their web page, all indications are strong that Turner will be Philadelphia's pick. His skill and feel for the game is excellent, but his ability to work on his body to get as athletic and strong as All-Stars will be what potentially separates him because he doesn't have the physical gifts to get anywhere he wants on the floor right now.

Steve Alexander, NBCSports.com:
Perhaps no player is as NBA-ready as the Ohio State product, who should be a lock to the Sixers at No. 2. He should vie for Rookie of the Year in Philly, who was the other big winner on lottery night. Rumors are still swirling that the Sixers might take Derrick Favors with this pick, but I get the sense Doug Collins wants to use Elton Brand at center and Thaddeus Young at power forward. Their biggest hole is at shooting guard, and Turner will step right in and likely start for the Sixers next season – as long as they follow the script and pass on Favors.

Jeff Goodman, FoxSports.com:
New coach Doug Collins and the Sixers brass could use a perimeter shooter, but they’ll go with Turner -- the safe pick. Turner is versatile and can play multiple positions.

CollegeHoops.net, InsideHoops.com, DraftExpress.com:
All project the Sixers will take Evan Turner

My take: I've said it all along: the Sixers aren't good enough to pass on the best available player with the second overall pick. A guy like Turner, who some think could be better than John Wall, has to be drafted even if the Sixers already have a glut of swingmen. Sure, the Sixers could use a big man after they traded Sam Dalembert, but in Elton Brand, Spencer Hawes, Marreese Speights and Andres Nocioni they have plenty of bodies to hold down two positions. Do the right thing, Sixers, and draft Evan Turner to be the starting shooting guard for the next decade.