National Basketball Association

Trail Blazers: Evan Turner an Acquired Taste

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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It might take some time for the Trail Blazers’ fans to embrace Evan Turner

The Trail Blazers biggest free agent acquisition over the summer was landing the services of Evan Turner. Adding a veteran ball handler to the wing rotation proved to be near the top of Neil Olshey’s (GM) list over the summer, and only a few players covered those skills better than the former second overall pick. But the fanbase in Portland has been a little hesitant to embrace the new signing. Perhaps it is the price-tag attached to his name (70 million dollars), or it could be due to his rough-around-the-edges style of play.

Turner did very little to win over the home crowd in his debut against the Jazz. In his first regular season game he shot an abysmal 1-7 from the field, but he still managed to help out in other ways. Turner quickly racked up five assists once he entered the game. He arrived at that number by riding the hot hands that surrounded him.

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If you want to enjoy Turner’s time with the team, you will need to learn how to evaluate how he impacts the players around him. Nearly every reserve player from Tuesday’s game came away with a positive +/- (except Meyers Leonard), which goes to show how well Terry Stotts’ bench can function when working cohesively.

It is far from a finished product though, as Turner will have to get the ball out of his hands a little quicker on certain possessions. Taking contested mid-range shots is part of his game, but it should be abandoned if it begins to deprive other shooters of opportunities. It is a fine line to walk, but Turner was able to find that balance in his time with the Celtics.

Judging by salary alone, Turner should be one of the best players on the court for the Trail Blazers this season. While that is entirely possible, he won’t be doing it by putting up Crabbe-like shooting performances. Instead, he should be judged by the things he does to make his teammates better. If the Trail Blazers second unit is to become elite, it will take the veteran leadership of Turner.

It is perfectly justifiable to criticize a player when the shots aren’t falling, but don’t be to quick to label Turner as a bust. His value comes from the work he does for those around him. Was it a perfect start to the season? No. Will he adjust to his surroundings as the season progresses? Well, that is the 70 million dollar question.

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