Doesn’t Myles Turner kinda remind you of…

We always want to do it, take a current player and compare him to one from the past. In Myles Turner’s case, he reminds us me a lot of a young Patrick Ewing.

Oh historical comparisons, they’re tricky devils. We love making them even though no one’s really a carbon copy of someone from the past. It’s hard even comparing the stars of today with their counterparts from 20 years ago.

The NBA, in 2017, resembles the ’70’s ABA much more than the ’90’s NBA which was more MMA. Back then, Bill Laimbeer was a four-time all-star. Laimbeer wouldn’t start in today’s league, nor would he want to since he probably thinks it’s too soft. But that’s enough about Laimbeer.

What about Jerry West? Remember Jerry West? Of course you don’t, he retired from the NBA about a decade or two before most of us were born. West was dubbed “Mr. Clutch”, can you imagine a player today earning that moniker while losing in his first eight Finals? But that’s enough about Jerry West.

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I say these things not to imply that we shouldn’t honor West for his clutch-ness (it’s an apt title, West is one of the most under-appreciated legends in basketball history), or that Laimbeer wasn’t a good player (he was very good, especially for his time); I just say it to point out that times are different. The game is different. Shoot, Derrick McKey was Indiana’s starting small forward from 1993 to 1997. Derrick McKey would have been a power forward today. But that’s enough about Derrick McKey.

Let’s talk about Myles Turner.

Truthfully, Turner, like most modern NBA players, isn’t a clone from a bygone era. Just like how there is no avatar in today’s NBA for Bill Russell. But where’s the fun in that. We can dream a little, and when I kick back my heels and dream of Turner (disclosure: it’s an infrequent occurrence) highlights of Patrick Ewing float through my mind.

So, let’s look at Turner and Ewing. Where are they similar, different, and how high Turner may soar.

I. Superficial stuff

I want to throw out a few of these before we go any further. They both wore the same number, which is completely meaningless unless you’re my friend Alex who finds player’s numbers fascinating.

Facially they don’t look a thing alike, but structurally they’re nearly identical Ewing was listed at 7-0, 240 lbs; Turner’s listed at 6-11, 240 lbs. Ewing thickened up later, but he looked more like Turner in college.

This shades every point over the rest of this discussion, Ewing was significantly older, and more experienced than Turner when he entered the league. Ewing had been the focal point of Georgetown, and largely the nation, during his four years there. Turner was one of the many hyped-up freshman, who played one season at Texas before leaving for the draft. Ewing was 23 during his rookie year. Turner was 18. Ewing was the focal point of the Knicks the moment he was drafted. Until now, Turner’s performed in Paul George’s shadow. Keep that in mind the rest of the way.

II. The stats

I took the averages of their first two seasons to compile what’s below (thanks Basketball-Reference.com).

Something that’s a little surprising is how close Turner and Ewing’s stats are, even though Ewing was a much bigger emphasis of the Knicks’ offense than Turner has been for the Pacers. Most of that is a credit to Turner’s significant improvement between his rookie and sophomore seasons. Ewing’s stats, on the other hand, were much more consistent.

The usage divide is bigger than it appears. Ewing was the Knicks’ leader from his rookie year until the 1999-00 season. Turner hasn’t been higher than fourth. He’ll post a higher usage number, if all things go according to plans, in 2017-18.

III. Their games

The biggest similarity is on defense. Out of the gate, they were both elite rim protectors. Both were explosive defending the glass. While they would occasionally give into the temptations to swat a shot into the seats, they both were very disciplined at keeping their blocks in play, sparking offensive opportunities out of their defense.

They did have contrasting strengths on offensive strategies.

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Ewing was much more post-based, as was common with the time. You didn’t throw it to Patrick expecting to get it back. The moment Ewing caught the ball, and decided to score, he was in constant forward motion. He was either going by you, or through you, didn’t matter, he was going toward the basket with no wasted motion.

When he got to the rim he was mostly a reliable finisher. Something that can’t be said about Turner, yet. He does have his moments, but remains unrefined. He does finish at the rim a lot, but it’s normally on rolls to the basket.

Where Turner excels is with his mid and long-range shooting. He’s far more consistent from there than Ewing ever was, although Ewing did have a consistent short-range jumper that he deployed infrequently.

What unites the pair’s offensive games is that they are both proficient in their own ways. With Ewing feasting on post-ups and Turner on roles and his long-range shooting.

IV. What Turner can learn from Ewing

One would be leadership. Ewing was the most talented player on his team and played like it, New York invested heavily in building a roster around their Center. Ewing made the most of it, leading the Knicks to the playoffs in eight of his first ten seasons. It’s a task that Turner will have to duplicate.

The best tool that Ewing had at his disposal, was his aforementioned low-post game. If Turner can master just a few consistent post-moves, he’ll be at an advantage over many of his peers who also neglect the post. But that can be his strength. He wouldn’t need Hakeem Olajuwon’s Dream Shake, just enough moves to allow him to confidently and consistently score at the rim.

Next: Myles Turner is going to need a new bank account

If Turner can partner a consistent post game, with his burgeoning long range game and his elite defense, he might be able to go beyond the accomplishments of Ewing and be truly peerless.