Brad Stevens Gives Turner a Boost in Confidence

Before training camp started, everyone was speculating on who would be the odd man out as the Boston Celtics were holding one guaranteed contract too many. The two names that were constantly in question were Perry Jones and Evan Turner. There was a significant backlash that Chris Forsberg of ESPN addresses in How Evan Turner Got his Hoops Mojo Back.

Turner addressed the situation by saying “It’s not that I lost a little confidence. It was just being irritated and tired of stuff — a lot of stuff that occurred and a lot of negativity”. Turner clearly recognized a negative attitude towards him but he also addressed what a special season the Celtics had last year.

"I think this was my most happiest year because I think, mentally and stuff, as a unit, we saw a season all the way through. I thought that was the coolest thing about it. We traded people like three or four times and we still made the playoffs and we were still able to join together and do some amazing things. I think that’s my best year from that standpoint"

Turner has certainly not been immune to the criticism but it appears as though the Celtics were a perfect landing spot for him. The trust that Stevems put into Turner surely impacted his confidence as he allowed him to run the offense. Turner had some rough moments but there is no doubting that he was one of the most important players last season.

Apr 12, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) on the court against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Joe Harris (12) in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-78. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Now that training camp has begun it appears as tough Turner does not need to be concerned about his roster spot as Stevens discussed his value: “The guy loves basketball, he makes good plays, and he brings it every day. He’s a reliable guy to have on your team”

It is a little frustrating that Stevens called Turner reliable as his 27.7% from three point range and 2.4 turnovers per game often put the Celtics in difficult offensive situation. Turner may have been a main play maker but he mixed too many negative plays into the positive plays.

Even if the fans may not be satisfied with Turner, if he is going to be a part of the team then this is exactly what Stevens needs to be saying. Turner made it obvious that confidence has been an issue and can certainly impact his game. Stevens has put Turner into an offensive system that is easy to succeed in and he has given him an opportunity to be a main ball handler in that offense.

Even if Stevens has shut down any possibility of Turner not making the roster, there is still a good possibility that his role will be reduced. The Celtics are much more talented on offense with Amir Johnson and David Lee and they have added two new and exciting rookie guards. Those rookies may never get more playing time than Turner but he should be expected to sacrifice in order to give Hunter and Rozier opportunities to showcase their talents.

A lot of fans may have been happier with Turner gone but the reality is that Stevens sees something in Turner and he believes that Turner can be a leader of the offense. Turner is still young enough that he can improve in Stevens’ system and if he can focus more on making plays for his teammates then he can be one of the most valuable players on the Celtics.

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