Evan Turner is grateful for his time in Boston
He came to Boston trying to rejuvenate a career that was quickly spiraling downward, so when Evan Turner inked a two-year deal with the Celts two summers ago, for just above $6.5 million, nobody expected he would have much impact on the team. The signing by Danny Ainge and the C's was a low cost, low risk move since the former second overall selection in the 2010 draft was quickly being labeled a bust. Turner was coming off four rocky seasons in Philadelphia followed by a brief stint with the Indiana Pacers where his game didn't fit.
Instead, with the C's, Turner flourished under coach Brad Stevens, averaging 10 points, five rebounds and five assists per game in his two years donning his Celtics number 11 jersey, while being in the conversation for sixth-man of the year this past season. But when the season ended, the six-year veterans became an unrestricted free agent, and had a number of suitors inquiring about his services. One of those organizations knocking on his door was the Portland Trail Blazers, who threw a lot of money at the former Ohio State Buckeye on Friday afternoon.
As Turner, who was always a media darling with his comical quotes, departs the city that helped save his career, the 27-year-old had nothing but good to say about his time and experience:
Per the Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach
It’s tough to leave.I liked Boston a lot, bro. The organization, and it’s just a sports city and the city is super nice. If you put money and everything aside, I would play in Boston every single day of the week. Seeing all those Hall of Famers come back and everything, that’s a real franchise. I was just having fun playing again. When I played in Philly, it was pure hell. But to go to Boston and rock out and play was crazy
Turner went on to personally thank all the fans through his Instagram account:
The heartfelt message from Turner is a great ending to a brief stint in Boston, for a guy who showed the city and the team his worth on and off the court.
Photo Credit: Bill Streicher USA Today
Follow Rob Welch on Twitter @CelticWelch
