Boston Celtics X-Factor: Evan Turner

Evan Turner went from the starting point guard for the Boston Celtics to a permanent role on the bench, but that has had the opposite effect that you would expect. Despite being demoted to the bench, Turner has found a way to have  an even bigger and more important impact on the team. Turner has been one of the most improved players in the league this year and has even earned some recognition for sixth man of the year. It is hard to imagine after the wild and inconsistent season he had last year, but Turner could be the difference maker against the Atlanta Hawks.

Turner has always been a strong defender but he has taken on a key role as the offensive instigator with the second unit. The Celtics have depended greatly on their second unit and Turner is the one that needs to give them an edge when Isaiah Thomas is off the floor. Turner has always had an important defensive role but he needs to leave his mark on the offensive end.

Turner is the one that controls the offense with the second unit and he needs to make sure the second unit is able to play with the same great ball movement as the starters. Turner is the instigator and with how he has developed his game this season he can be trusted to give the Celtics that edge.

Turner has cut out the bad shots that plagued him a season ago and he has continued to be a main passer. Thomas topped him this season but Turner has been a leader leader in fourth quarter assists all season long. Turner has a great ability to generate offense for his teammates and if he keeps the ball moving then the Celtics have one of the best second units in the NBA.

The most important thing for turnover will be playing a smart game. A lot of Turner’s struggles last year were mental and he needs to avoid the harmful plays. Turner has found his sweet spots shooting the ball and has almost entirely cut out the three point shooting. Turner knows where he is most effective and if he sticks to his game then he will be taking high percentage shots in rhythm. Turner knows where he can be effective and the Celtics cannot afford to have him revert back to the inconsistencies of last year.

Thomas has been so successful running the offense this year because of his balance between passing and shooting. Turner needs to take a similar approach and make sure the number one priority is getting that high percentage shot in rhythm. Turner needs to be able to evaluate when he has a matchup to take advantage of but it is even more important that he realizes when his teammates are in better positions. Turner has the likes of Kelly Olynyk and Jonas Jerebko as two of the best there point shooters on the team playing on that second unit.

Turner has shown the ability to be the point guard that gives the second unit their edge. The second unit has often struggled when Turner is not controlling their pace and he is going to be the one responsible for keeping the second unit in rhythm.

Turner is far from the Celtics’ most important player in this series but his responsibility with the second unit will be crucial in this series. The Celtics need to find an edge against a Hawks team that does well on both ends of the court and the second unit should have an advantage. The Celtics have much less of a drop off from their starters to their second unit and how their second unit responds to that could be a deciding factor in this series.

Throw in that Turner has been a huge part of the defensive success of their back court and they need him to be at his best. Turner has too much responsibility on both ends of the court to become a liability. The Celtics do not need Turner to be their best player but they need him to be a positive player. If Turner reverts back to hurting the team with the ball in his hands then that second unit could be exploited.

Next: Preview: Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks Game One

The Celtics wound up against the toughest of the three teams they are tied with but their depth and pace gives them a chance against anyone. Turner is the most important player to that depth and he is also the second most important player (after Thomas) in setting the pace for the Celtics. Turner has come a long way this season but he can really separate himself and reach that potential that made him a number two overall pick if he is successful in these playoffs.