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Boston Celtics Player Profile: Evan Turner

By Eric Laboissonniere

Oct 14, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets guard Sergey Karasev (10)during second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets guard Sergey Karasev (10)during second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics are returning practically every player from last year’s playoff team, and combo-guard and small forward Evan Turner was a big part of last year’s squad. Coach Brad Stevens called on Turner a lot during the end of the season, especially in the playoffs.

Turner was one of the most consistent scorers on the team for the Celtics last season by averaging 9.5 points per game, and he averaged 5.5 APG and 5.1 RPG. Turner is back for the Celtics this season, and his role might be a little more different this year.

Turner’s outlook

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Turner impressed for the Celtics last season because of his versatility on the offensive end. He ran the point guard position at times for the Celtics, and he has impressive size on the perimeter. He has a great mid-range jump shot, and he has many creative ways to attack the rim.

Turner was the go-to scorer at the end of games along with Isaiah Thomas, but if the team just needed a basket not a three, then Turner most likely had the ball in his hands because he is terrific at creating his own shot. Turner hit a few buzzer-beaters for the Celtics last season as well, and he is known to be clutch since his college days at Ohio State.

Turner does struggle on the defensive end because he is not very quick, and sometimes he is matched up with quicker players. He can guard multiple positions because of his size, but primarily he guards small forwards because he cannot always keep up in the backcourt.

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Coach Stevens and the Celtics love that Turner can play multiple positions and score in a variety of ways, but this season he might see a decrease in minutes. The team has a very loaded backcourt and frontcourt, and the Celtics are going to need to have two big men in at almost all times down the stretch or they will struggle rebounding.

Turner will still get minutes, but he also cannot shoot very well from deep, where the Celtics need better three-point shooting, which is why players like Jae Crowder, R.J. Hunter, Jonas Jerebko, and maybe even James Young will see more time on the floor.

Turner will still be called upon to help out the Celtics because of his experience and this team is rather young. He will be a big part of the team at the beginning of the season, but do not be surprised if some of the younger wings that can shoot the ball start playing a little more as the season goes on.

Turner could serve as good trade bait because of his versatility and because he had a good season for the team last year.

Overall

Turner is loved by the Celtics because of his versatility, leadership, and clutch gene, but he does struggle shooting from deep and on the defensive end. The Celtics need players that can help out on both ends of the floor, especially late in the games, which is why Turner might not be in the game down the stretch.

Turner can still contribute, but the Celtics might not use him as much as they have in the past.

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