Tag: Evan Turner

Evan Turner on his front row seat to a losing streak like the Detroit Pistons’

Turner had some thoughts on epic losing streaks based in his own experiences as a player for the Philadelphia 76ers.

The lowly Detroit Pistons are poised to equal an infamous record of all-time consecutive losses should they drop their looming tilt with the Boston Celtics this coming Thu., Dec. 28, but former Celtics player and assistant coach Evan Turner had some thoughts on epic losing streaks based in his own experiences as a player for the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the record for the most consecutive games lost in a streak spanning the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.

Speaking with cohost Andre Iguodala on his “Point Forward” podcast, ET related that he was part of a different iteration of the Sixers which nearly reached such ignominy with 26 straight losses. Turner breaks down what such a rough ride is like for the players — as well as the motivation behind some of those long losing streaks from a front office point of view.

Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what Turner and Iguodala had to say about epic losing streaks from the perspective of the players on the team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MbHCdS01Qc

(Click on the ‘Watch on YouTube’ link above if not available in your area.)

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Jayson Tatum reveals “Jesus Shuttlesworth-like” relationship with his dad

Jayson Tatum discussed his relationship with his dad during a recent appearance on the Point Forward podcast.

Jayson Tatum is one of the best players in the world. He’s a two-time All-NBA first-team selection. The face of the Boston Celtics. And unquestionably a future Supermax contract recipient. To develop into such an elite basketball player, Tatum needed a strong support system. However, that doesn’t always mean he had to agree with the type of support he received.

During a recent appearance on the “Point Forward” podcast, Tatum discussed his relationship with his father. He noted how his dad used to push him to be better, and they developed a “Jesus Shuttlesworth-type” relationship as a result. Although Tatum was quick to stress, their relationship has improved throughout the years.

“He taught me the game.,” Tatum said. “Was my coach and trainer till I got to about eighth grade. And it was like a Jesus Shuttlesworth type of relationship; we’ve definitely gotten better and closer as I got older, but it did kind of put a strain on our relationship…He pushed the limits at times. But looking back on it, that is a big reason why I made it in some ways.” 

Tatum’s journey has taken him toward the mountaintop. His dad’s guidance and tough love have empowered him to come within one game of winning an NBA championship and have given him the hunger to continue improving his game and pushing to make history.

The Celtics are expected to be among the front-runners for a championship this season. If they can finally secure the elusive 18th banner, Tatum’s rise to being among the best players in the world will finally be complete.

Listen to the “Green With Envy” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DoLhYK

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Oj4dhD

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3K8MbvY

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Jayson Tatum on how Kobe Bryant inspired him to put all his eggs in an NBA basket

“It’s like I was 50 Cent — get rich or die trying,” Tatum said. “I’m going to get to the league or die trying — and I live by that.”

Star Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum never had a backup plan when it came to trying to make the NBA, a perspective he picked up from a player he grew up idolizing and most Celtics fans grew up hating. That would be Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, and the story behind that point of view came to light in a recent interview with the hosts of the “Point Forward” podcast, acting NBPA chief Andre Iguodala and former Boston forward and assistant coach Evan Turner.

The St. Louis native spoke at length on a number of subjects in the wide-ranging interview, but when it came to his formative years and what his backup plan was should he not make the league. Tatum admitted it was Bryant who had him all-in from day one.

“Growing up, I remember Kobe spoke at a camp one time,” began Tatum.

On this day: Celtics Carlisle, Turner, Morgan born; Tsioropoulos debut; Beenders passed

On this day in Boston Celtics history, Rick Carlisle, Evan Turner, and Rex Morgan were born, Lou Tsioropoulos debuted, and Hank Beenders passed away.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, small forward and current Indiana Pacers head coach Richard “Rick” Preston Carlisle was born in Ogdensburg, New York in 1959. Carlisle played his college ball with the Universities of Maine and Virginia, leading the latter to a Final Four loss to Hakeem Olajuwon’s Houston Cougars in 1984.

The former Cavalier would be selected 70th overall in the 1984 NBA draft (there were several more rounds in that era), and would go on to win a title with the team in 1986 in a reserve role before being waived by the team in the fall of 1987.

Carlisle averaged 2.2 points and an assist per game as a Celtic.

Evan Turner, Andre Iguodala, JJ Redick on the smartest NBA players they know

The conversation touches on fellow Boston alum Rajon Rondo’s basketball acumen.

Who are the smartest NBA players of all time? Former Boston Celtics player and assistant coach Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala joined former NBAer and host of the “Old Man and the 3” podcast JJ Redick to try to answer that question on a recent episode.

One player they highlight is Andre Miller, known for his basketball IQ and his ability to see the game at a high level. Miller’s soft-spoken demeanor off the court contrasts with his on-court intelligence. The conversation also touches on fellow Boston alum Rajon Rondo‘s basketball acumen. Rondo was noted for his preparation, understanding of defenses, and ability to guide his teammates to the right spots on the court. He was not only a talented player but also a student of the game who sought advice from coaches and past opponents.

To hear their assessment of the smartest NBA players they know, take a look at the clip embedded below.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala on white players in the NBA

They also touch upon the unique experiences of white players in the NBA and the respect they garner from their peers.

Ever wonder what Black NBA players have to say about their white colleagues? Former Boston Celtics assistant coach and player Evan Turner joined the host of his “Point Forward” podcast Andre Iguodala on JJ Redick’s “Old Man and the 3” podcast recently, and a discussion on this topic broke out with Redick enjoying the exchange.

Spencer Hawes, a former player, is remembered for his love of hip-hop, and fellow Boston alum Kelly Olynyk, another player, is revealed to be a rapper. It’s a reminder that musical tastes in the NBA are diverse, transcending stereotypes. They also touch upon the unique experiences of white players in the NBA and the respect they garner from their peers.

The conversation then weirdly evolves into a debate about the greatness of Hall of Fame Celtics legend Larry Bird in basketball history.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Evan Turner shares how he put Kelly Olynyk on the hot seat in the GOAT point guard debate

With a bit of luck on his side, the former Celtic wing and current team assistant had a secret weapon to boost his case.

Former Boston Celtics wing and assistant coach Evan Turner is known for his wild stories as much as he is his on-court play and coaching skills. And, for that reason, the hosts of the popular, Celtics team-produced podcast “The View From the Rafters: Behind the Scenes with the Boston Celtics” had ET on the pod to regale listeners with some of those nuggets of Boston lore early on in its existence.

True to his reputation, Turner delivered, with everything from new takes on the truck-in-his-pool story to why Brad Stevens doesn’t exactly deserve the “aw, shucks” rep he gets. But for us, our favorite tale he shared on the pod was the creative way he got teammate Kelly Olynyk to eat crow in a G.O.A.T. debate.

“We’re arguing on the bus about the best point guards,” began Turner.

Boston alum Evan Turner on the time a truck ended up in his swimming pool

Turner’s first instinct was to run to ensure the safety of his friends in the house.

You may have heard this story before, but former Boston Celtics player and assistant coach Evan Turner recently told the tale of how a truck ended up in his swimming pool while he was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers organization on the “The Old Man and The Three” podcast hosted by former NBAer JJ Redick. Despite the initial shock, the situation turned out to be comical. The truck driver survived, and ET’s reactions added humor to the incident.

Turner’s first instinct was to run to ensure the safety of his friends in the house. He shares the comical aspect of his attempt to get his friend downstairs and his mad dash up multiple staircases.

To hear this version of the hilarious story for yourself — whether for the first time or again — take a look at the clip embedded below.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Should the Boston Celtics try to trade for Jrue Holiday in the wake of the Dame-to-Bucks deal?

Celtics alum Evan Turner wants Holiday in Boston — but would it be feasible?

The dust has not even been seen by many fans of the NBA never mind settled since news broke of the trade of Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns before Boston Celtics alumni have started making suggestions about what Boston ought to be making calls about.

The trade in question sent Lillard to Milwaukee, but also saw the Bucks send out veteran guard Jrue Holiday to Portland, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that the Trail Blazers are looking to move Holiday in a separate trade. And the alum noted above is former Celtics assistant and player Evan Turner, who tweeted that Portland ought to “buy Jrue out so he can sign to the Celtics”.

We would love to see that happen but expect the Blazers to seek to maximize their potential in terms of bringing back young players and/or draft assets. Is there a way Boston could get involved, then?

We don’t expect the Celtics to trade Derrick White for Holiday and doubt that the Blazers are looking for a veteran guard in Malcolm Brogdon. But the possibility for Boston to get involved in a three-team deal is not out of the question if an unlikely outcome.

More likely, the Celtics could fortify their depth by getting involved as the third team in a deal sending Holiday elsewhere, but expect further moves soon around the NBA as the Lillard deal going through will allow many ball clubs to turn their attention to finishing their rosters for the season ahead.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Evan Turner, Andre Iguodala discuss their dissatisfaction with Sixers

Former Philadelphia 76ers forwards Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner discuss their dissatisfaction with the organization from the past.

Former Philadelphia 76ers forwards Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala had a solid time as members of the Sixers. Turner averaged 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while in Philadelphia and Iguodala averaged 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while being named an All-Star in 2012.

With that being said, the team didn’t have much success. Iguodala and Turner both made the playoffs during their time in Philadelphia, but they both had early exits. The furthest both players ever got was Round 2 while in Philadelphia.

Both players hopped on “The Old Man and the Three” and they discussed their dissatisfaction in Philadelphia with the lack of success under the older regime. Turner also touched on his experience with “The Process” era under former GM Sam Hinkie.