Myles Turner: The Underutilized Future of the Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner has shown the potential to be a star on the offensive end of the floor with the Indiana Pacers.

Myles Turner is still so young. Although he has already burst onto the NBA landscape with a smooth outside touch and strong rim protection with the Indiana Pacers, Myles is still 3 days from being able to have his first legal taste of alcohol — if that’s his thing.

Though not quite 21, Turner already has the instincts and skills of a veteran. Myles has shown the ability to be a force on the defensive end but has a very underrated offensive game.

He has become a lethal pick and roll player who can score in multiple ways. He is already proving to be a match-up nightmare. Turner can choose to screen and pop with his effortless stroke from the outside. Or he can roll to the rim and finish with a thunderous dunk.

But he could be doing more.

Repetition is a huge and very important part in Myles Turner’s growth

Myles Turner simply does not receive the touches he should get.

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

Turner’s usage rate is surprisingly down from his rookie year. This stat is unacceptable. While you can say that the Pacers have more offensive options this year as opposed to last. Myles is a much better player than last year and the offense should run accordingly.

I understand that his offensive game is not yet ready to take on a superstar type of workload but he should definitely be the second option. He is only taking two more shots than his rookie season.

If Indy was a top team in the East and Jeff Teague had took control of that second scorer role then I would understand the lack of touches for Turner. But Teague is more of a natural point guard, better at being a play maker than a scorer.This being the case as it has all year, should have led to Indy seeking out Myles to be more of a go to scorer.

Building for the future as well as improving the present

The Pacers should start to realize what they have in Turner as a secondary option and play-maker on the offensive end. Everyone knows what kind of defensive force the young star is. But with more reps and sets run on the other end, Myles should start to come into his own.

I would really like to see more isolation post ups for Myles. Perhaps the best part of the Al Jefferson signing should be his ability to teach his skills on the block. As Myles improves on his strength and conditioning this should also help his post game. But more reps on the block should be in order to help Myles become a capable low post scorer.

Another set that should be used far more than it has is the Paul George, Myles Turner two-man game. A pick and roll involving these two young stars is almost unguardable.

Actions like these put both Myles’ defender and Paul’s defender in impossible positions.

Turner has yet to show just how good he can be

As Myles improves his strength and continues to mature as a player he should prove to be a very valuable asset on the offensive side of the ball. He has been in a minor slump as of late, but we also know that isn’t the Myles Turner the Indiana Pacers typically get night in and night out.

Next: The Mystery of C.J. Miles and Other Stars Receiving Potatoes

Although he has not quite shown it yet, Myles should ultimately grow into an offensive force for years to come.

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