For the first time in a long time, the Sixers are getting a pure shooter with a solid midrange game. Evan Turner, the SG out of The Ohio State University, was drafted second overall on Thursday, ending nearly a month of waiting.

Kentucky freshman phenom John Wall went first to the Washington Wizards.

The drafting of Turner by Sixers GM Ed Stefanski was a mere formality. The team needs to improve in the win column now and doesn’t have time to wait for a prospect to develop. Turner is the player most ready to step in and contribute now.

Evan Turner will be house hunting in the Philadelphia region. The Sixers made him the second overall pick in the NBA Draft on Thursday.

With PG Jrue Holiday, last year’s top selection, the Sixers have a shot to have a formidable backcourt for the next decade. If new coach Doug Collins can get Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young to rediscover the promise they showed before Eddie Jordan rolled into town, the team may have the young pieces in place to contend down the line.

The first step is making the playoffs, and Turner can help. The consensus National Player of the Year last season, Turner averaged 20 points, nine rebounds and six dimes last year. His numbers improved each year he was in college.

What Turner lacks in athleticism, he makes up for in his basketball IQ. He is a smart guy who can pull up and fire jumpers, or slash the lane when needed. He’s also unselfish and will pass the rock.

Turner may or may not end up being the best player in the draft after John Wall. Doesn’t matter.

Right now, tonight, he was the best pick for the Sixers.