Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner joined the Podcast Club 520which is hosted by former Pacers guard Jeff Teague, and discussed many topics related to his career, the Pacers and the Eastern Conference.
At the end of the conversation, Turner was asked what his team needed to get through this period. Last year, his team reached the Eastern Conference Finals, but was eliminated by the Boston Celtics.
“We have to be a better rebounding team. We’re still a little small,” Turner said. The Pacers’ ability to rebound has been one of their biggest weaknesses in recent seasons, and it has cost them dearly at times in the playoffs.
Turner then noted that the blue and gold added a player who can help somewhat with rebounding. “We just got [James] “Wiseman helps a little bit. He’s about 7’4″,” Turner said. “You just have to have more of a presence on the front line, especially as a backup.”
Wiseman joined the Blue and Gold earlier in the offseason on a two-year, minimum-salary deal that’s guaranteed for just $500,000 this season. He’s a seven-footer and a great finisher around the basket. His size-speed combination is special, but he struggles on defense and with his overall feel away from the basket.
“I just want to develop, I just want to learn. I don’t have any expectations or anything,” Wiseman said to join the Pacers. “They’re already a winning team. So I’m just coming in, learning, trying to see what I can do to [have an] impact.”
The 23-year-old big man has averaged 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game over his career. The full podcast appearance can be found here.
