The Indiana Pacers have decided to select Myles Turner in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft. They were looking for someone to replace Roy Hibbert, who was the anchor of the defense while they were contenders in the Eastern Conference. A decade later, Turner is still here.
Turner broke the franchise record for blocks Friday night against the Warriors. It’s the culmination of ten years of hard work he put in with the Pacers. He’s been through a lot in his ten-year career, and that’s why he’s one of my favorite Pacers of all time.
When he was first drafted, Turner thought he was going to be more of a focal point offensively. He has always shown elite scoring traits. His career high is 40 points and he’s done it multiple times. But it’s his commitment to the team’s needs that sets him apart.
Turner’s name has appeared in trade rumors several times over the past four years. That was ultimately put aside when Deandre Ayton had his offer list matched by the Suns in 2022. Turner then signed an extension and is clearly the center the Pacers want moving forward.
Despite all the noise that he was in these rumors, Turner never complained. He just went about his business, worked and did what was best for the team. He focused on his shooting by blocking and making three-pointers. He’s exactly the type of three-and-D center the NBA wants these days.
Turner has evolved with any coach he’s had. Under Frank Vogel, the Pacers directed players toward him in the paint so he could knock away shots. His offensive game wasn’t as involved in the game plan as it is now under Rick Carlisle. Everything the team needed, he did. Even if he’s not happy about it.
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Turner never became who All-Star Pacers fans hoped for when he was drafted. It does not matter. He’s still a very good player and a very good teammate. I’m happy with all the success he’s had and all the success he will continue to have.
