Former Philadelphia 76ers draft pick Evan Turner ruffled some feathers this week.
As the Sixers approached their Monday, March 30, action against the Miami Heat, Turner sent a clear four-word message to the Sixers and the city they represent.
“I can’t stand Philadelphia,” he said on the pregame show, despite choosing the 76ers to win a game they ended up losing.
As expected, the comment didn’t go over well with Philly fans. Turner would later take to social media to downplay his comment.
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via Evan Turner on X: Philly, Yall gotta take it easy
I just be trolling, I am not worth your anger (humor) Philly, Yall gotta take it easy. Iâm showing some BROTHERLY love ð«¶ð¾
Evan Turner’s History In Philadelphia
GettyEvan Turner #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives against DeMarre Carroll #5 of the Atlanta Hawks.
Professional athletes in Philadelphia have high expectations to meet. When they aren’t met, it comes with tough criticism.
Turner was one of many to find that out firsthand.
In 2010, Turner was selected second overall by the 76ers out of Ohio State.
He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Sixers, appearing in 279 games.
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During Turner’s Sixers stint, he posted averages of 11.5 points (42.8% FG, and 31.5% 3PT). The veteran forward also produced 5.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
After seeing the court for 54 games in 2013-12014, Turner was included in a trade to join the Indiana Pacers. He left Indiana in free agency the following summer, joining the Boston Celtics, where he spent two seasons as a Sixers rival. Turner clearly embraced being on that side for 163 games.
GettyIsaiah Thomas #4 talks with Evan Turner #11, Avery Bradley #0, and Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics.
On the Celtics, Turner averaged 10.0 points per game, while making 44.2% of his shots from the field. He also came down with 5.0 rebounds per game, and dished out .50 assists per game.
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After the two-year run in Boston, Turner had stints with the Portland Trail Blazers (three years) and the Atlanta Hawks (one year). Turner turned in a 10-year NBA career. Clearly, he has some sort of animosity towards Philadelphia and the Sixers, despite masking his comments with trolling.
Either way, the energy will forever be mutual. Turner certainly didn’t live up to the early first-round hype that surrounded him during his time with the 76ers.
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