Myles Turner didn’t get an invitation to the Rising Stars Challenge at All-Star Weekend, something coach Frank Vogel believes he deserved if it weren’t for his previous injury.
The rosters for the NBA All-Star Weekend’s Rising Stars Challenge were announced yesterday and despite Myles Turner’s recent stretch of greatness, he was left off the list.
That’s understandable when you remember he missed 20 games this season with a broken thumb. That’s the only reason why Frank Vogel believes the rookie isn’t heading to Toronto.
#Pacers coach Frank Vogel believes rookie Myles Turner was not named to Rising Stars Challenge “only because of injury."
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) January 28, 2016
Vogel on Turner: “I didn’t know he didn’t make it but that’s the only reason (injury). Obviously he’s 1 of the top rookies in the league."
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) January 28, 2016
Myles Turner missed 20 games due to a chip fracture in his left thumb. In Jan., Turner has averaged 10.8 ppg at 61.5%
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) January 28, 2016
In Turner’s last six games he’s averaged 18 points, 5.7 rebounds, and shot 63%. His play is making a reasonable argument for an expanded role or even the starting job.
According to Mark Montieth on Pacers.com, Vogel considering it, maybe even tonight.
"Coach Frank Vogel studies the numbers and understands the complexities of such a move. He’s indeed planning to increase Turner’s playing time beyond 25 minutes per game and wants to get a look at how Turner plays alongside center Ian Mahinmi. But starting Turner on Thursday against Atlanta?He’s considering it, but hasn’t committed to it.“We’ll find the right time to put him in the starting lineup based on way he’s playing,” Vogel said following Wednesday’s practice at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.Vogel’s decision regarding the roles of Turner and Allen is made easier by the fact both are willing to play off the bench. But it’s made more difficult by the contrast between the box score stats and the more subtle ones — primarily, the fact Allen leads the Pacers in the plus-minus rating and Turner ranks … well, last."
Plus-minus isn’t everything, but Turner has certainly looked like a rookie at times on the defensive end.
Myles Turner in the Last Seven Days | PointAfter
Vogel isn’t committed to starting him yet, but if Turner keeps up these averages on offense he might need to reconsider it.
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He’s averaged 15.4 points and 7.6 rebounds with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and is one of the team’s statistical leaders in both categories.