Evan Turner coincidentally made his NBA debut on his 22nd birthday. The Philadelphia 76ers selected Turner second overall in the 2010 NBA Draft, and he played his first NBA game on October 27, 2010, against the Miami Heat.
The game took place at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center during the 2010–11 season opener. Turner came off the bench and led the 76ers in scoring with 16 points, adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists in a 97–87 loss. The birthday coincidence made the debut especially memorable, even though Philadelphia did not win.
Turner had arrived in the NBA after a standout career at Ohio State, where he won major national awards and was widely regarded as one of the draft’s best all-around prospects. His versatility allowed him to contribute as a ball-handler, scorer, rebounder, and playmaker.
A nearby fact often confused with the debut is Turner’s first NBA start. That came later, on November 7, 2010, against the New York Knicks, when he recorded a double-double.