Final grade
Given Turner’s skill-set and age, it’s tough to grade him out much worse than this. Still, for a player the Pacers organization considered a franchise cornerstone before the season started, they have to be at least a little concerned that they’re entering this summer with more questions than answers surrounding their young big man.
What will they do if Turner demands a max rookie extension, as you’d have to think he’s going to? Does it make sense to keep both him and Domantas Sabonis – who is a year younger and arguably had a better season than Turner – together long-term? In a league getting smaller and smaller, does it really make sense to have two of your three foundational pieces be guys best suited to play center? If the answer is no, is now the time to trade Turner before his value gets any lower? Or do you keep him because of the unique combination of skills he provides?
None of these answers is obvious. It’s made even more complicated by the fact that the Pacers could be one of the few teams in the league with cognizable cap space this summer – space that vanishes into thin air (spoiler alert!) faster than half the Marvel Universe at the end of Infinity War the moment Turner signs a long-term deal.
For Indiana, it’s a good problem to have. For Turner, “put up or shut up” time has officially arrived. By this time next year, we should all have a much better idea of whether he’s going to be just another complementary piece or a perennial contender for the All-Star team. At this point, both scenarios are equally in play.
Next: Full two-round 2018 NBA Mock Draft
Grade: B-