After publishing a farewell to Pacers fans on Thursday, Myles Turner was formally introduced as a member of the Bucks at a Friday press conference in Las Vegas, per Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com. Indiana’s longtime starting center has been the top free agent to switch teams so far this offseason.
“For me, ultimately it was about just staying competitive,” Turner said of signing with Milwaukee. “Two years ago, (the Pacers) got to the conference finals. Obviously, last year we got to the Finals. Being a big part of winning basketball just changed my entire perspective on this league. I saw a chance to remain competitive here.”
The 29-year-old big man said the chance to join forces with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was a significant factor in his decision, Wright notes. Turner said he briefly exchanged text messages with the Greek superstar.
“I was tired of taking damned shoulders and elbows to the chest all the time,” Turner joked of playing with Antetokounmpo. “It’s a rarity to be alongside him. He’s a generational player, arguably one of the greatest players to play this game. I’m sure we’re going to talk here in the weeks to come. I’ve played against Giannis for quite some time now. Very familiar with his game and what he’s capable of. I do see a seamless fit. He’s someone that is able to push the ball, get out in transition, create for people. He’s developed a jumper.
“Defensively, his intangibles are there. I think our fit is going to be a pretty cohesive fit. But not even that, I just look at this roster and I’ve competed against these guys. There’s a respect from afar of just how they go about their business. There’s a reason why guys are there. Gary Trent just signed. Bobby Portis just signed. Taurean Prince just signed. Ryan Rollins just signed. Everybody sees the vision. They didn’t sign just to do it. I just think that there’s a real belief in this organization. I’ve aligned myself with that.”
According to Wright, Bucks general manager Jon Horst and head coach Doc Rivers flanked Turner at the presser and said they view him as an optimal fit for both Antetokounmpo and the way the team wants to play. Rivers also tried to put any speculation to rest that Antetokounmpo might request a trade at some point before the season begins.
“Giannis came to me the day after the season and we were talking about next season already,” Rivers said. “So, there’s far more talk outside of Milwaukee than there is inside of Milwaukee. Giannis loves Milwaukee. We love Giannis, and it’s been a great relationship. We’ve had some of our young guys in Greece already playing with him. I think we had six or seven guys go down (to Greece), several coaches. So, we are communicating a lot. It’s about next year, and it’s about winning.”
Pacers disrespected him. Naz Reid is a good player, gets 5/$125m. Turner is better than Naz Reid, I mean cmon it’s not even debatable – the Pacers were being stingy. They should’ve just paid him, they could’ve always traded him down the road. instead they lose him for nothing.
I always like to read all these armchair GM takes – “he could EASILY be traded down the road.” You seem to forget that Turner was on the trade block for the last 5+ seasons and guess what – he was never traded. Most of the rumored offers to the Pacers from other teams involved dumping bad contracts in exchange for Turner.
Basically the only team that coveted Turner was Boston.
Indiana is a cheap organization that got what they deserved- a good player leaving for nothing. But luckily they have James Wiseman so no big deal lollll. They never should had him on the trading block all those years. Why would you trade a good center that can make 3’s and protect the rim? He’s exactly what every team wants.
If “every team” wanted him, why didn’t ONE single team step up and trade for him the last 5+ seasons when he was on the trade block? Myles Turner was probably the most polarizing player on the Pacers. He received both lots of love as well as lots of hate from the fan base. Probably because as a player, he is so inconsistent – he could string several fantastic games together and follow that up with one or two weeks worth of duds. Yes, he can make 3’s and block shots…but he also has his share of flaws. He never was a good rebounder. He isn’t a great defender. By all accounts though, as a person, he seems to be a good dude.
I agree he’s worth more than Naz. But that’s also too much for a sixth man.
Way too much for a 6th man especially a center.
Turner was a solid pickup for Bucks. He fits well with Giannis imo. He is better than Lopez at this point. What they need is a pure shooter next to them. A 3 who can pass and shoot. That’s the mix that works best for them. I don’t know if they can. Bucks should be trying to sign Brogdon. That makes them a competitive playoff team. And anything can happen by TD. Turner is a good addition and smart move.
Myles you hit the heart of what I was thinking about the Bucks period sans you. There is a reason those guys are staying.
I get it. Adding you makes it more get it.
Giannis and Nikola are by far the best two players in the league right now. And they do it without all the antics.
What’s the salary cap look like in 3 years? Makes these 25-30m seem pretty decent.