Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Turner’s pick-and-roll usage was second on the team to Isaiah Thomas. Per Synergy/NBA.com, 37.2 percent of Thomas’ possession came as the pick-and-roll ball handler to 35.2 percent for Turner and just 23.5 percent for Smart. Of the primary pick-and-roll ball handlers, Turner’s points per possession also ranked second, with Thomas scoring an elite 0.94 PPP, to 0.72 for Turner and 0.59 for Smart.
The Celtics were clearly better off with Turner taking on the point guard duties; Stevens made him do what he does best: penetrate the paint to create offense or score from mid-range.
But this year is different.
Thanks to the on-hands tutelage of Boston’s coaching staff and a supreme work ethic, Smart was significantly more advanced as a pick-and-roll ball handler the last two months of the season and showed substantive progress with his change-of-speeds and direction throughout summer league. If the team intends to progress Smart’s offensive impact beyond spot-up shooting, something’s got to give.
The Evan Turner Domino Effect: How Turner’s Presence Could Affect The Boston Celtics-Kevin O’Connor
The always thorough Kevin O’Connor out together a great piece last night detailing how Evan Turner could affect Boston’s rotations next season-specifically when it comes to minutes. As O’Connor noted, Ainge was hell bent on having Marcus Smart play as many minutes possible at the 1 over the NBA Summer League. Well mission accomplished, as Smart logged quite a bit of time playing the point, and probably would have played more if not for a finger injury neae the end of the league.
With Terry Rozier and RJ Hunter tossed into the fold, the Celts have a logjam at the guard spot. You’re going to have Bradley, Smart, Turner, Thomas & Jones all vying for PT. Some fans will look at Turner’s production last year and use that as an argument to play him over the rookies. Others will point to his penchant for turnovers and defensive liabilities in their rebuttal.
O’Connor breaks down what the minutes might look like if Turner is still around come opening night:
Turner is a hot topic around these parts. Most either love him or hate him. Check out the rest of O’Connor’s piece for more.
On Page 2: Jazz could be in the market for someone like Turner
From FOX Sports:
“I am told Dante Exum was diagnosed with a torn ACL in the arena in Slovenia and the Jazz will confirm ASAP,” reports Utah radio host Tim Montemayor.
Exum was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, and averaged 4.8 points and 2.4 assists in 22.2 minutes per contest during his rookie season, while starting in 41 of his 82 appearances.
Turner for Rudy Gobert, who says no? Kidding! I don’t expect the Celtics to get much in return for Turner. Maybe a 2nd round pick.
The rest of the links
CSNNE: Celtics Camp Battles: Wings | ESPN: Kobe: Lakers Can Absolutely Make Playoffs
