Celtics may start Evan Turner at PG with Rajon Rondo out

While Rajon Rondo doesn't care much for the six-to-eight week timeline laid out for his return from a broken hand, the Boston Celtics are proceeding as if they'll be without their lead point guard to start the season.

The initial assumption was that it would be rookie Marcus Smart taking over the starting job, backed up by Phil Pressey and with shooting guard Avery Bradley spotting in at times, but it appears Evan Turner is in the mix as well. Not only for playing time, but for the starting job.

"Notwithstanding Rondo, (Turner is) as good a pick-and-roll player as we have," head coach Brad Stevens said this week, also indicating that he's "not planning" on using Bradley at the one.

For his part, Turner doesn't see the potential adjustment as too daunting a task.

"It's how I grew up playing for the most part," Turner said. "I'm more comfortable with that as opposed to being a catch and shoot guy which I've done in the past. I think it's advantageous to what I like, too."

The move may garner some eye-rolls considering Turner's struggles last season, but he's always been known as somewhat of a point-wing, a secondary ball-handler at shooting guard or small forward. He even played a handful of minutes at the point with the Indiana Pacers last season, and his assist rate of 18.8 percent ove the last two seasons is above-average for a wing.

Even if he doesn't end up wresting the starting job from Smart - and to be clear, Smart's preseason performance will probably go a long way in making Stevens' decision - Turner's versatility should be an asset for Boston. Playing multiple positions should also ensure he's on the floor plenty, perhaps affording the 25-year-old the opportunity to repair his reputation and find the consistent footing that eluded him in Philadelphia and Indiana.

(Dap PBT)