Turner Gets Benched

Sixers top pick Evan Turner will start his first NBA season on the bench.

Coach Doug Collins chose not to start Turner for Wednesday night's opener against the Miami Heat. Turner was selected with the No. 2 overall pick out of Ohio State in this summer's NBA draft.

Turner, the Associated Press Player of the Year, averaged 20.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists while leading the Buckeyes into the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament.

But Turner has struggled to find his stroke during the preseason. He averaged just 7.7 points on 31.1 percent shooting and 5.9 rebounds while averaging 29 minutes through seven games.

Instead of Turner, sharpshooter Jason Kapono will get the start. The rest of the Sixers starters are point guard Jrue Holiday, guard Andre Iguodala, power forward Elton Brand and center Spencer Hawes.


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