I started liking Turner last year and was someone I would have liked the blazers to get. He's a good defender at multiple positions, seems to have a good BB IQ and I think he'll fit in very well with the offense and culture. I do think that $17M / year seems a bit steep. But I also think people will look back at this thread and see their flipping out as wrong. I think the people here flipping out are the ones who would prefer a big name FA to circle jerk over instead of one that fits our system and is underrated and very skilled.
Aminu shot better from behind the arc for the season, it's not like he's a deadeye at 35% and he's not a ball handler.
"Turner, 27, has played five seasons in the NBA, including the last two with the Boston Celtics. He averaged 10.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 81 games last season, mostly as a backup. The Celtics featured one of the best perimeter defenses in the NBA and Turner's addition will help shore up that hole on the Blazers' roster. He is not a good three-point shooter — Turner shot 24.1 percent last season and 30.5 percent over his career — but he's eager to point out he shot 52 percent from long-range after the All-Star break last season." And while most focus on his weaknesses, Turner prefers to emphasize his strengths, which he thinks will be a welcome addition to the Blazers' roster. "I just think I can complement Dame and CJ so well," Turner said. "I think they need another playmaker on the court so teams don't focus so much on CJ and Dame. With all the great shooters they already have, I can help." And how can he help? "Off the ball," he said. "My IQ is great enough to make the right plays. Whether to drive and kick or throw a lob up to (Mason) Plumlee or something. You can never have too many playmakers on the court. My defense has gotten better throughout my career as well, so I can help there. Along with that, I can make plays. I'm a pretty good all-around player. I can perform in clutch moments." http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...land_trail_blazers_toughness.html#incart_2box
I am underwhelmed by the free agency so far, but Turner will help us. I still think Olshey will try to push for one rim protecting big. Aside from that I actually really like what Neil is doing with the team. We have two playmaking guards and it seems that Neil is forming the rest of the roster into a positionless unit where everyone else can guard multiple positions. This allows for so much versatility on defense when players can switch on everything. And we found out last year that Stotts can create great spacing even when every player out there isn't a great 3 point shooter. Was I hoping for a big bang? Yep. But I am a damned fan and I still see some huge positives in the team. And who knows, maybe Vonleh comes back with more confidence and polish. That would alleviate a lot of the current concerns.
I've put a lot of thought into this.... I like Turner, I think his defense is underrated, he's a great mid range guy, good slasher, very streaky from distance (shot 52% in the final two months). He's a decent pickup, I was expecting more, but you gotta realize this is Portland and its today's NBA. I'm not thrilled with the signing, but at the very least it gives us solid depth. Who knows, maybe he's a guy waiting to explode in the right situation.
I'm missing it, too. I guess it's just our curse to be beaten out by places like Memphis and Dallas and Indiana and Milwaukee and Atlanta and San Antonio and Houston and Golden State and Sacramento and Toronto and Los Angeles and Philadelphia and Boston and Chicago and Minnesota and Oklahoma City and Miami and Orlando and New Orleans and Phoenix and Denver and Salt Lake City and New York and Brooklyn and Cleveland and Charlotte and Detroit and Washington.
I mean, he does have a lil Roy to him offensively, which is something I love. He can bring the ball up the floor and dish to streaking Dame or CJ on fast breaks, it's gonna be a good fit. Just not "sexy" on paper.
His body kinda looks like old man pippen... And he has an old man game (dude came straight for '98 I swear!).
I'm warming up to this signing. He's great as a complimentary piece. I'm a lot happier with this signing if we can go get someone like Millsap or Gasol.
Funny my buddy, a real basketball guru has been wanting him for years. I was always like "meh" but if Neil likes him as well I trust the judgement. So far what Turner has to say IQ wise is on point.
I actually really like Turner. While ofc there are better options he's a real good player. When Boston beat GSW at home he was the one who stepped up and made a shot when Boston was struggling offensively. Plumlee is a player who can make plays but I wouldn't consider him a playmaker. When CJ/Lillard get doubled and teams force the ball out of their hands. Turner has shown the ability with Boston to make plays. His numbers might not jump off the page. But he's a player you get when you're building around Damian Lillard.
All of that is straight up old man Pippen. I like young guys who have old man game. They last in the league.
Interesting comparison: http://bkref.com/tiny/gZupX Look at the Per 36 stats. Except for his three point shooting, 2015-2016 Turner was a carbon copy of 1999-2000 Pippen (stat-wise). The eye test kind of helps me feel like the stats aren't lying, too. CAVEAT: the three point shooting added a ton of value to Pippen that Turner won't bring. But, facilitating? Defense?
I'm happy with this guy..he's got game and he's got Shawn Livingston length..quick release, quick hands and he's healthy. He schooled Gerald Henderson on that highlight reel.
I just wish he was our first target Makes it seem like we didn't want him till couple players said no to us
