Boston Celtics Must Re-Sign Evan Turner This Off-season

While this upcoming offseason will likely define the look of the Boston Celtics for seasons to come, as the team is in possession of a potential top-five draft pick from the Brooklyn Nets, there is one thing that Boston general manager Danny Ainge must take care of to continue the chemistry that the team currently has.

That task is re-signing shooting guard Evan Turner, who after being picked up by the Celtics as a low-level free agent signing in the summer of 2014, has morphed into one of head coach Brad Stevens‘ most reliable options off of the bench.

Turner was rumored to be incompatible with any of his teammates while with the 76ers, and then later got into numerous scuffles with former Pacers shooting guard, Lance Stephenson, in his short stint with Indiana in 2013-14. Turner was viewed by many as a locker room cancer when the Celtics inked him to a two-year, $6.7 million deal following his tumultuous 27 games with Frank Vogel‘s squad. However, Turner has altered his character while with the tight-knit Celtics, becoming a personable presence in the clubhouse, while also influencing a cohesive environment throughout the Boston roster.

Turner has also come into his own on the court with the Celtics, immersing himself in the role of the seventh-man on the Boston depth chart. Turner has been able to make his mark on games with his tremendous scoring skills, keen passing eye, tenacious defense, and rebounding effort.

Just as the 76ers knew when they selected him with the Number two pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Ohio State product has a knack for creating his shot and getting to the basket with relative ease. Turner effortlessly makes room for his patented 15-foot jump shot when in isolation situations, and he provides Boston with someone who can get to the rim on their own other than all-star Isaiah Thomas.

He not only affects the game scoring-wise as he has played a critical role in the creation of an offense rich in ball movement with his passing skills. Turner also can use his 6’7″, 220-pound frame to grab boards as well.

If you had any doubts about Turner’s worth to the Celtics, his performance in Sunday afternoon’s 121-101 victory over the Denver Nuggets should have quelled those questions.

The 27-year old dropped 17 points, including 13 in the first-half, on 6-8 shooting, while garnering nine rebounds and five assists.

His trademark hustle, which has defined his tenure in Boston, was clear in the fourth quarter. Turner forced a steal, while guarding Nuggets big man Jusuf Nurkic, chased down a tip-pass from point guard Marcus Smart and backhanded it to shooting guard Avery Bradley for an easy dunk before toppling out of bounds into the crowd.

Now, the unrestricted free agent, who has posted per game averages of 9.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in just over 27 minutes this season, will be looking to cash in this summer after proving himself as an all-around talent during his time in Boston. He will most likely command a contract within the range of four years/$55 million.

However, it is undeniably worth it for Ainge to keep Turner’s presence in Boston. A versatile swingman, with his type of build, who is a threat to record a triple-double on any given night, are few and far between an endangered species in the NBA.

Stevens has developed an attachment to instituting smaller lineups in games to increase defensive pressure. The Celtics ability to score in transition, featuring Turner at the small forward position, while moving utility man Jae Crowder to power forward has also flourished this season.

If you are Ainge, why would you wish to break this up?

Furthermore, the unabashed Turner has made his desire to stay in Boston clear.

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While receiving the honor of having his jersey retired at the Buckeyes’ home court this past week, Turner addressed Ainge, who was in attendance, in front of the Ohio State faithful, uttering, “Oh, Danny Ainge, thanks for coming. In July, you can pay me all you want.”