Josiah Turner, gone but NOT forgotten Soldier..

Josiah Turner, of the Los Angeles DFenders, got released Monday, March 16, 2015.  Fans of the DFenders could probably see that was coming.

Josiah Turner has made a career out of jukes and kicks

Manny Harris, the D-League's top prospect for much of last season and Laker for consecutive 10-day contracts (last season) decided to not hang around much this year.  Jabari Brown, just fresh off signing another 10-day contract with the Big Squad, was a new addition going into this season for the DFenders, Vander Blue had been added as well, Jordan Clarkson was "playing down" a handful of times earlier this year and other guards, like Keith Appling were ALSO pulling minutes away from JT.

The first time I saw "JT" play was last season and I was impressed.
The second time was more impressive.  Last year's DFenders' squad included perimeter talent: Manny Harris (eventually), Terrence Williams, Josh Magette, Andre Ingram, and Josiah Turner.  JT would usually come in, off the bench, and play tandem with AI (Andre Ingram).  The defensive intensity would always pick up and these guys turned up the speed and quickness in a D'Antoni schemed offense.

As much as people either "love" or "hate" MDA himself, much of the criticism lies solely on his focus for creating as many "looks" or "shots" which relies more on pace of the game and less (Seven Seconds or "Less") on the fundamentals of defense and rebounding.   Essentially, the "system" relies upon volume.  And, yes, it can and does work.  However, you need to have the personnel.  Last season, the DFenders had that personnel, albeit in the NBA D-League.  Bob McKinnon had his team running the "D'Antoni offense" extremely well and with efficiency.  They were running, and gunning and ended up setting multiple single-game scoring records.  Meanwhile, the Lakers were en route to their worst record in Los Angeles franchise history.  One main difference:  The DFenders HAD "the horses" and the Lakers?  Well, they did not.

JT was a huge part of that.  His quickness and speed were prominently on display.  And, even though he has those great attributes, and had great moments in "that" system, he ended up with sporadic playing time.  He was also on that very talented squad that could "afford" to sit a player like JT and still be successful.  But, when he did play, and when he did play major moments, he was fun to watch.  Josiah has a nice hitch and hesitation that let many a lane open up for him to either get one of his signature finger rolls while gliding up to and over the rim from center of the key.  Pretty.

This season began with a new coach.  With a new Coach came a new system.  One that does NOT rely upon the quick releases of three-pointers and a faster pace of the game.  This year's DFenders also had new personnel, including the aforementioned Jabari Brown and others.  On paper this team, again, had a lot of talent, and it seemed from the beginning that Josiah just did not have a "spot." 

The DFenders REALLY struggled with cohesion at the outset.  Josiah had this to say in his exit interview,

" With the team we had, when we played together, we played great basketball. Anytime we came out and played together and played the right way, the sky was the limit for us.”


Very kind and very true statement from this young man.  The problem had been when they decided to actually really play together.

Josiah played with Jabari Brown in AAU ball as an Oakland Soldier.  Here is some footage of them:

Kiwi Gardner Makes an Impact on and off the court

You may notice, there is another Soldier in the video clips that is also in "The D," Kiwi Gardner.  He seems to be on a similar path up in NoCal where is just not getting the PT.  When he does, he makes an impact.

        

JT showed, with PT, he is MORE than capable.











ONE (so-called) MAN's Opinion:

I wonder. Is there a team out there that is willing to  start a guard tandem of  these former "Soldiers?"   Josiah's former backcourt mate, Jabari Brown, is en route to perhaps landing an NBA contract.  It would be great to see this path unfold for JT.  Not sure about past history and the various politics that go into certain decisions, but no doubt they are present.  I have seen crazy politics while volunteer coaching youth that would surprise most people so I can only imagine what goes on in the pro realm.  Some of "us" may know... others think we know.  In reality, mostly, "we"
fans assume and speculate as to why a player gets DNP-CDs (Did Not Play-Coach's Decision) when "we" fans see the talent, the skill, and the impact of certain players.

Doesn't the Coach see what we see?

Decisions are made for a variety of reasons.

Let's hope this one, for Josiah Turner, leads him down a path of great success.  If he chooses basketball, let it BE basketball.  He has the talent and the skill to keep playing ball whether that be the D, overseas, or should that "Callup" happen.