Celtics vs Jazz Preview: Meet Your Future Small Forward?!?

Jan 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard

(11) drives against Boston Celtics guard

(11) in the first half of their NBA basketball game at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Road Warrior: Evan Turner

I was tempted to go with Jared Sullinger here, based on the fact that he is averaging almost 18 points and 8.5 rebounds on this road trip.  Still, I already wrote about Sully today, and besides, without an effective floor leader running your offense, those numbers wouldn’t exist.

Evan Turner has been running the offense since Rajon Rondo was shipped out of town, and he really appears to be settling into the role.  In addition to the 12+ points per night he is providing, Turner is also averaging around 7 assists per game on this road trip, along with six rebounds.  Add to the fact that he nailed this baby against Portland . . .

. . . and you have a Road Warrior, indeed!

Surprisingly enough, Turner has also impressed on the defensive end, most notably last night.  Having to guard either of Golden State’s Splash Brothers is no easy task, but Turner helped hold Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to only 4-for-12 shooting from three, with Curry struggling to the tune of 1-for-5 shooting from deep and only 6-for-16 on the night.  Throw in a steal and a blocked shot last night, and you have a pretty solid defensive effort from Turner.

I won’t be surprised to see Turner playing for someone else next season, but for what Boston is paying him this season, they are certainly getting their money’s worth on this road trip, at least.

Next: My Pick