Myles Turner, a former Indiana Pacers star, has officially signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, marking a significant transition in his professional basketball career. In July, Turner signed a reported $107 million, four-year contract with the Bucks. And he is truly kicking off this new chapter with a bang! During his first game in the preseason, he scored 19 points and showed off his shooting ability, knocking down five shots of his eight three-point attempts.
The move follows a rocky relationship with the Pacers, where Turner was torn between loyalty and animosity. His leaving Indiana created enough controversy themselves. During his time there, he was tormented by constant trade rumors. The Pacers then countered his rejection with an offer of their own – a three-year, $66 million deal. He ended up rejecting the offer, surprised by the surprise overture. This decision has proven a fortuitous one, as it brought him to Milwaukee and the chance to make waves that he’s so hungry to create.
Turner remained unmuted here as he eagerly discovered his new city. He toured Milwaukee gems such as the Milwaukee Public Market and the stunning coastlines of Lake Michigan. The Bucks have started this season 4-1 out of the gates much to their delight. Their top-ten ranking in both offensive and defensive efficiency make Turner’s contributions critical as this still relatively new go-to guy for the Pacers continues to adjust to his new role as such.
Adjusting to the New Environment
Myles Turner’s first few days with the Milwaukee Bucks have been a nonstop blur of activity. So after signing his big dollar contract, he didn’t wait long to start developing rapport with his new teammates and city. He participated in workouts and scrimmages prior to the start of training camp, focusing on integrating himself into the team’s system.
Turner expressed his eagerness to learn from the Bucks’ style of play, which emphasizes an up-tempo pace and effective floor spacing. His experience with the Pacers, where he often felt pressure as a central player, has shaped his understanding of what it takes to succeed in a competitive league.
“This quote has nothing to do with Indy fans and everything to do with my free agency experience.” – Myles Turner
Turner is very excited at the prospect of joining the team and making a positive difference.
A Leadership Role with the Bucks
In addition to his on-court skills, Turner is stepping into a leadership role alongside veterans such as Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton. His experience in high-pressure tournament-style situations should help him guide younger players, as well as himself learn tremendously from established stars.
The Bucks’ brass understood Turner’s value as a player, but as a teacher to the up-and-coming players ready to make their mark on the league themselves. His presence on the court has already been felt, even as he navigates early-season struggles in finding his rhythm within the offense. To date, Turner has got things going with 8.3 points on 32% shooting, 22% from deep.
“I don’t seem that concerned about it at all because I’m not. He’s doing a lot of stuff for us that helps us win. He’s a winner and there’s going to be nights where all the shots go in and he’s going to look great. There are going to be nights … where he contributed in a huge way to his winning and it doesn’t show up in the stat sheet. We know it and that’s really all that matters.” – River, Bucks coach
Turner’s impact goes beyond the box score, and that’s what makes him special. This is an invaluable quality that his teammates and coaching staff have all recognized.
Embracing Change and Future Challenges
Myles Turner departed the Pacers for wider horizons than hoops alone. He made a difficult, cold-hearted business decision that shattered him personally. He understood the emotional toll of moving on from a team where he spent most of his adult life. Yet he emphasized that it was financial stability that played the biggest role in his decision.
“And that’s kind of what this decision was for me. It was a business decision. It’s unfortunate that it came at the time that it did, but it’s a $40 million difference at the end of the day.” – Myles Turner
The Bucks had made significant moves to accommodate Turner’s signing, including waiving Damian Lillard’s remaining $113 million and stretching it over five years to make room under their salary cap.
Through the ordeal, Turner has kept a great deal of respect for the Pacers organization and its leadership close to the surface. He credited their willingness to battle for him behind the scenes.
“I got to give a huge shoutout to the [Pacers owners] Simons [family] for never stopping believing in me.” – Myles Turner
While he settles into his new life in Milwaukee, Turner is getting to know the community around him. In mid-October he grabbed national attention by throwing out the first pitch at that season’s Milwaukee Brewers championship game on October 22. The fans gave him a hero’s welcome.
“Ain’t nothing like baseball in October, baby!” – Myles Turner
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