So what's changed? I see a LOT of post-ups for Turner now - is that a change?
I think Terry has figured out how to let Evan Turner be Evan Turner and maximize what he can do vs. what Stotts wanted him to do. Last year it seemed like Stotts wanted Turner to be a Batum replacement. That didn't work out so well. Nic has always been much more perimeter oriented and Turner has been more of an old school drive and post wing.
I'd be real curious to see what Turner's average FG distance it this year. Unfortunately, there isn't any 2017-18 shooting data listed on basketball-reference, yet. However, what is listed (obvious small sample size disclaimers) is that Turner's 3PAr (3-point fielded goal attempt rate), which skyrocketed to a career high of .214 last year is down to .150 this year - much more inline with Turner's career average 3PAr of .139.
Also, Turner's FTr (Free Throw Rate), which dipped to .187 last year is up to .300 so far this season. Drawing fouls at a much higher rate would also be indicative of more field goals attempted in the paint.
It's only been two games, but it does seem that Stotts' is playing more to Turner's strengths this year than last. His role and style of play are much more similar to what they were in BOS, but so far (against some pretty weak competition), Turner is even more efficient than he was as a Celtic.
I'm actually surprised it took Stotts this long to figure out how to use Turner effectively. He's usually pretty good at bringing out the best in role players with limited skill sets (Aminu, Crabbe, etc.). All the talk at the time of the signing about Turner being a terrible fit in POR sure looked to be accurate based on the way Terry tried to use him last year. If Turner continues to produce this year, all that talk will disappear.
Evan Turner has a unique skill set (big guard that is a great ball handler and a solid defender), but his poor 3-point shooting prevents him from being the type of 3 & D player that is all the rage these days. So, let him play to his strengths and don't force him to be something he is not. Both Terry and Evan seem to have figured that out.
Between Turner and Connaughton on the wings, Davis returning to form and the additions of Swanigan and Collins, our bench is looking so much better and so much more balanced than it's been in a LONG time.
BNM
