Evan Turner

Evan Turner
Frenchieinportland · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Evan Turner
Position	Head coach
Weight lb	210
League	National Basketball Association
Team	Indiana Pacers
Birth date	27 October 1988
Birth place	Miami, Florida
Nationality	American
High school	Bishop O'Dowd High School (Oakland, California) / St. Joseph High School
College	Ohio State University (2007–2010)
Draft year	2010
Draft team	Boston Celtics
Career start	2010
Career end	2020
Career number	21, 12
Career position	Shooting guard / Small forward
Coach start	2022
Teams	* Philadelphia 76ers (2010–2012) * Indiana Pacers (2012–2014) * Boston Celtics (2014–2016) * Portland Trail Blazers (2016–2020)
Coach teams	* Indiana Pacers (assistant) (2022–present)

Evan Turner Evan Turner is an American former professional basketball player and current coach whose career spans high school basketball in the United States, a decorated collegiate tenure at Ohio State University, a decade in the National Basketball Association and a transition to coaching with the Indiana Pacers. Renowned for versatility as a wing capable of playmaking, rebounding and perimeter shooting, he earned major collegiate awards and served as a veteran role player in multiple playoff campaigns. Turner later moved into coaching and player development, continuing his involvement with NBA franchises and player personnel.

Early life and high school

Born in Miami, Florida, Turner moved during childhood and attended St. Joseph High School (Trumbull, Connecticut) before transferring to Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, California. In high school he faced competition in tournaments featuring prospects from programs such as Montverde Academy, Findlay Prep, and Oak Hill Academy, attracting attention from college basketball recruiters. Recruiting services and scouting outlets like Rivals.com, ESPN and Scout.com ranked him among the top players in his class, generating scholarship offers from programs including Duke University, University of Connecticut, University of Kansas, and Ohio State University. His high school résumé included all-state honors and appearances in national events such as the McDonald's All-American Game.

College career

At Ohio State University, Turner developed under head coach Thad Matta and played in the Big Ten Conference from 2007 to 2010. He emerged as a two-way playmaker, contributing to the Buckeyes' campaigns in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament and earning recognition from organizations like the Associated Press, the National Association of Basketball Coaches and USA Today. In 2010 he won major collegiate honors including the Naismith College Player of the Year and the John R. Wooden Award, joining a lineage of winners such as Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Oscar Robertson. Turner led Ohio State in scoring, assists and rebounds during his senior season, and his combination of size and court vision drew comparisons to wings who flourished in the NBA.

Professional basketball career

Turner declared for the 2010 NBA draft and was selected second overall by the Boston Celtics before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a draft-night transaction involving Samual Dalembert and draft assets. He spent his rookie season with the 76ers, then was traded to the Indiana Pacers in a multi-player deal that included veterans such as Roy Hibbert and David West. Mid-career he returned to the Boston Celtics via trade, providing perimeter shooting and secondary playmaking alongside players like Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo. In 2016 he signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, joining a roster built around Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum and contributing as a floor-spacing wing and veteran locker-room presence. Across regular seasons and NBA playoffs appearances, Turner was noted for streaky three-point shooting, defensive versatility and occasional high-assist games. Injuries and role changes influenced his minutes; he announced retirement from playing in 2021 and transitioned toward coaching and front office roles.

National team career

Turner had limited involvement with USA Basketball youth and senior programs compared with some peers, but he participated in national evaluation camps and training environments that included players affiliated with USA U19, USA Basketball Select Team and FIBA-sanctioned events. His international exposure included summer leagues and exhibition games against teams featuring internationals from Spain, France, and Argentina, reflecting the global competitive landscape of professional basketball.

Coaching and post-playing career

After retiring, Turner shifted into coaching, joining the Indiana Pacers staff as an assistant coach focusing on player development, offensive schemes and wing play. In that role he worked with coaches from the NBA coaching fraternity and with players such as Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield, contributing to scouting, skill drills and game-planning. Turner has also been involved in community initiatives and basketball clinics in cities where he played, collaborating with organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America and regional youth programs.

Personal life and legacy

Turner resides in the United States and has engaged in charitable work and mentorship for youth athletes, often returning to Ohio State University events and alumni activities. His legacy includes collegiate awards such as the Naismith Award and the Wooden Award, influence on wing-style skill development, and a coaching trajectory that keeps him within the NBA coaching pipeline. Turner remains connected to former teammates and coaches across franchises including the Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, and Portland Trail Blazers, and is frequently cited in discussions of versatile wings who transitioned from high draft expectations to long-term league roles.

Category:Living people Category:1988 births Category:American basketball players Category:Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball players Category:National Basketball Association assistant coaches