Turner to Portland: Grading the Blazers Latest Addition
Turner signing: What grade do the Blazers get for their first free agent of the summer?
The Blazers’ first move in free agency came with controversy as Portland agreed to a four year, 70 million dollar deal with Evan Turner. The move has the NBA talking, labeling this signing as the first real effect of the new raised salary cap. Most have said that Portland overpaid Turner; that he won’t provide a new piece to the Blazers offense and could potentially harm it.
However, if there is one thing Blazer fans have learned, it is in Neil Olshey, we trust. The Portland GM will have to silence doubters again this season, with expectations high after last years’ breakout playoff success. I mean c’mon, we all know Olshey has something up his sleeve, just look at last season and the recent positive comments from Damian Lillard to show for it.
Let’s grade the signing, considering his skills, contract and chemistry.
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Skills
Turner has made his mark in recent years as a versatile playmaker. Although he isn’t the fastest player, his high basketball IQ and ball handling abilities have made him a fan favorite in Boston. His career stats from behind the arc aren’t great, but he’s an established mid-range scorer that can find a spot on a Lillard or C.J. McCollum drive and dish.
Turner will earn his spot with his defense and playmaking. Turner really shined in a Brad Stevens coached defensive scheme, using fast hands and smart decisions to harass offensive players. Both games against Boston last year saw Turner team up with fellow defensive force Avery Bradley to bother Lillard into some of his worst games of the year. That defensive intensity could do wonders for our young team still trying to find their defensive footing. GRADE: B+
Contract
This is where things get a little dicey. With many role players around the league landing large deals (Matthew Dellavedova, Jeremy Lin, Timofey Mozgov, etc.) this one seems to be the largest of the bunch. For a largely unproven player, Turner is going to have a lot of critics to answer to with the huge salary bump he received.
Yet, one thing that’s promising is the length of the contract. Four years is a lot of time to get used to an organization, and by the unwritten rules of the NBA, we got Turner in his prime playing years. But… it’s no secret the Blazers really wanted Chandler Parsons, and as a consolation prize, this is one of the priciest in recent memory. GRADE: C
Chemistry/Fit
By most accounts, Turner seems to be the perfect teammate. He works hard, understands the game and is honest about himself and others. His move out of Boston seems to be mostly a financial move, however he’s gone on record praising the Blazers program and respecting both the team and coach Terry Stotts.
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In an interview with the Oregonian, he praised Portland’s toughness and willingness to compete, saying, “I respect the mindset and the work ethic it takes to do that. To still have faith and believe after losing so many guys — and then to make the second round of the playoffs. That’s huge.”
To be honest though, the main thing I’m excited about is Portland just got the soundbite king. If you haven’t already, you need to check out this hilarious Reddit thread with some great quotes from a guy who isn’t afraid to make fun of himself. The best part about his humor, from a basketball standpoint, is that he keeps it off the floor.
During a game, he’s as serious and committed as any other NBA vet, but he emanates a positive persona in the locker room and for fans. That alone could sway a Portland doubter, as our fan base seems to love players with interesting lives off the court. GRADE: A
Next: Blazers Sign Evan Turner
OVERALL: B
The contract is very large and it’s still early to really judge the weight of this signing. On the positive side, the guy is a great role player, even cracking the top five in sixth man of the year voting last year. Let’s hope that he unleashes his potential, with Terry Stotts, Lillard and company utilizing his versatile skill set on the way towards a successful four years.