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Celtics coach Brad Stevens wants Evan Turner back in green
- Updated: April 30, 2016
1:47 PM ET
WALTHAM, Mass. — Evan Turner is admittedly intrigued by his impending foray into unrestricted free agency, but he’s not necessarily excited. If he had his druthers, he would simply sign somewhere on July 1 and be done with it. It won’t be that simple, particularly if Turner gives strong consideration to returning to Boston, and he might have to exercise some patience with the process.
But there is one thing that Turner is sure of with free agency: “It’s going to be way better than two years ago, right?” deadpanned Turner.
Two years ago, Turner barely registered on the free-agency radar. The former No. 2 pick had been dealt to the Indiana Pacers at the 2014 trade deadline, but the top-seeded Pacers bowed out in the Eastern Conference semifinals and Turner was criticized for being unable to make an impact.
So Turner, the former No. 2 pick of the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2010 draft, waited nearly three weeks into free agency in the summer of 2014 before the Celtics signed him to a modest two-year, $6.7 million contract.
With virtually no expectations on a rebuilding Boston squad, Turner emerged as an invaluable Swiss Army knife that coach Brad Stevens could rely on in a myriad of roles. Turner might have even been the team’s MVP during the 2014-15 campaign (even if it was Isaiah Thomas’ midseason arrival that ultimately boosted Boston into the playoffs).
The Celtics wouldn’t have been nearly as successful this past season without Turner’s presence. The 27-year-old swingman averaged 10.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists during the 2015-16 season. He spent most of the season in a reserve role and finished fifth in the voting for Sixth Man of the Year. Turner eventually elevated to a starting role in the postseason — helping Boston produce its two playoff wins — while providing balanced contributions.
Turner is set to be Boston’s only true unrestricted free agent this summer, assuming the team extends qualifying offers to big men Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller. Turner knows there is definite interest from the …
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