Evan Turner
A versatile NBA guard turned coach whose high basketball IQ defined his transition from a number-two draft pick to a trusted sideline strategist.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American basketball player and coach·Birthday: October 27·Millennials
Biography
Evan Turner's basketball narrative is one of adaptation. Drafted second overall in 2010 by the Philadelphia 76ers, the expectations were immense for the do-everything guard out of Ohio State. While his scoring averages as a pro never matched his collegiate dominance, Turner carved out an 11-year NBA career by mastering the nuances of the game—facilitating, defending multiple positions, and providing veteran savvy. He became a valued rotation player for teams like the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers, known for his mid-post game and clutch moments. This deep understanding of team dynamics made his move to coaching feel inevitable. After retiring, he quickly joined the Celtics' staff, where his perspective as a recent player and his communicative style made him a natural fit for developing talent.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Evan was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Evan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Evan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 2nd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2010 NBA Draft.
- Played 11 seasons in the NBA for six different franchises.
- Served as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics following his playing career.
- Won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2010 at Ohio State.
Did You Know?
He and fellow 2010 draftee John Wall were traded for each other in 2019.
He is known for having a charismatic and philosophical personality in interviews.
He led the NCAA in scoring during his final season at Ohio State.
“Control what you can control. The rest, you just gotta let it go.”
