Excited Evan Turner Says "I Can Help" The Portland Trail Blazers

Joe FreemanatOregonLivecaught up with Evan Turnerafter he reached an agreement to join the Portland Trail Blazers.Evan Turnermay not have been thePortland Trail Blazers'first choice, but the new swingman is happy to be a member of the team.

In an interview with Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/Oregon Live, Turner expressed a desire to help outDamian Lillardand CJ McCollum.

“我认为他们需要另一个球员在球场上so teams don't focus so much on CJ and Dame. With all the great shooters they already have, I can help."

Turner also expressed confidence in his ability to handle the ball and find the open man in Portland's fast moving offense.

The contract numbers (4 years, $70 million) were a factor in Turner's signing, but Turner insisted his potential role in the Blazers organization meant more.

"When I woke up this morning and the negotiations started — it blew me away. But it's much more than a number. The fit was important for me."

Turner is entering his seventh season after being drafted by thePhiladelphia 76ersin 2010. He spent the last two seasons with theBoston Celtics, where he finished fifth in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2015-2016. He averaged 10.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists last season while finishing with a career-best 3.0 defensive win shares.He is expected to start at small forward next to Lillard and McCollum this fall.