Imagine If The Celtics Landed Myles Turner?

Imagine If The Celtics Landed Myles Turner?

Let’s be honest; the Boston Celtics kinda suck. Thus far during the 2020-21 season, Boston is just 13-13. I can’t say I’m too surprised. During our offseason chat, I knew the Celtics offseason can be chalked up as nothing else except a loss. What if this could have all been avoided?

I’ll be the first to admit, I didn’t jump out of my chair when the Celtics were rumored to land Myles Turner in a potential sign and trade with the Pacers involving Gordon Hayward. Frankly, I was the only rational human that knew the importance of Hayward. Of course, that’s proving out this season. Gordo was the magic elixir for Boston’s offense. Charlotte looks miles better than a year ago.

I was sour grapes when I found out Hayward was leaving for nothing. At the same time, playing hard ball with the Pacers felt like the right move. Force Hayward to come back to Boston. Which would have happened if Charlotte wasn’t borderline insane and ready to cut Nic Batum to make things happen.

Myles Turner felt like an expensive consolation prize that I don’t blame the Celtics for passing on. Then again, it looks a hell of a lot better than Tristan Thompson. Imagine what this Celtics team could look like with Turner at the 5?

Turner has taken the leap with Indiana this year. After years of looking like a poor fit next to Domantas Sabonis, the two look functional. Sabonis can score with the best of them down low. Turner has turned himself into a defensive wizard. The former University of Texas product is a legit candidate for defensive player of the year.

Turner, 24, leads the NBA in blocks with 3.5 per contest. He’s not lighting up the rebound or assist categories. However, someone this elite on the defensive end that can hit shots at an efficient rate is something the Celtics don’t have. It’s the same old story with the Celtics. You can bookmark them getting torched by Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Turner would have solved a lot of issues on the defensive end.

Tristan Thompson has been nothing short of a colossal failure. Forget about capable starter, he looks less functional than Enes Kanter. Daniel Theis is what he is. Theis is capable and a smart player but still limited. This version of Turner would have been a game changer.

Furthermore, it was rumored that the Celtics would also land Doug McDermott and a first round pick. Forget about McDermott. Another first round pick would have given the Celtics ammo to chase someone on the trade market. Instead, Boston is stuck with this stupid trade exception that Danny Ainge will almost use. Keep in mind, an exception the Celtics had to give up draft ammo to go get.

Outside of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Payton Pritchard (yes, I went there. Fight me) the Celtics have nothing to be optimistic about. Kemba Walker is shot and the rest of the roster really can’t play. Thompson is a -2.4 when out on the court. It’s hard not to think of what high flying Turner could have changed the formula. Unless a major move comes, the Celtics title hopes can be flushed down the toilet.