NBA Free Agency 2014: The Boston Celtics near deal with Evan Turner
1Here is some news that will go over well with Boston Celtics fans. According to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, the Celtics are nearing a deal with free agent forward Evan Turner.
Celtics finishing deal for FA Evan Turner, sources tell Herald. He will get a portion of their mid-level exception.
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) July 21, 2014
The second overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Evan Turner’s career hasn’t panned out as expected. On bad teams, Turner managed to pile on solid stats as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, but as a member of the Indiana Pacers–acquired in a trade deadline trade for Danny Granger to be “insurance” in case Lance Stephenson bolted in free agency–all of Turner’s deficiencies were put in the spotlight.
Evan Turner: as a scorer, his mediocrity is uniquely versatile pic.twitter.com/1ufw7c6GJK
— Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) July 21, 2014
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Expected to give the Pacers a boost in their chase for a championship, Turner’s arrival did the opposite, negatively affecting the team on both the offensive and defensive end of the floor. It got to the point where Frank Vogel opted to play veteran Rasual Butler over Turner.
Prior to the beginning of free agency, the Pacers withdrew their qualifying offer, making Turner an unrestricted free agent as opposed to a restricted free agent.
At this point, the Celtics have to hope for Turner’s potential to finally shine through. With Jeff Green and Avery Bradley in the picture, Turner will be forced into a reserve role, competing for playing time with the likes of Marcus Thornton and 2014 first-round selection James Young. Prior to finding a contract with the Celtics, the Minnesota Timberwolves were reportedly interested in Evan Turner.
Last season, Turner averaged 14.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.