Ex-Sixers No. 2 overall pick speaks up about Lakers' LeBron James comparisons

While the prospects who have been compared to Michael Jordan are few and far between, his heir apparent has had heard several players mentioned as the next LeBron James.

Ben Simmons, the No. 1 pick in 2016.

Zion Williamson, the No. 1 pick in 2019.

Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in 2023.

In a recent sitdown with the Club 520 Podcast, 2010 No. 2 pick Evan Turner reminds fans that he also expected to display some similarities to James.

“When (the) No. 2 (pick) dropped, it's like, ‘Oh, I guess I'll be a Philadelphian or whatever,” Turner tells the shows co-hosts. “So, luckily that was the case and we went and did a workout… Everything worked well until the first game...”

“I was supposed to come in and be LeBron James,” Turner exclaims. “I had to go talk to my sponsors, I got partners and I didn't have them by the second year.”

Turner playing at Ohio State may have bled into his projections. Indeed, for basketball fans, the state of Ohio is all but synonymous with the Akron native. However, Turner’s all-around impact and playmaking at 6-foot-7 did most of the heavy lifting. A three-year player for the Buckeyes, the Chicago native averaged 18.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game in his All-Conference seasons.

Unfortunately, Turner would flame out after about four seasons in the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers decided not to keep him past his rookie contract. He came off the bench for the latter half of his career. After 10 years he ended his career without accolades or much ado. A cautionary draft tale.

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