Myles Turner still battling expectations after his best season in the NBA
By Ben Gibson
Myles Turner didn’t make ‘the jump’ this season, but he did settle himself into a role as the Indiana Pacers’ best defender.
Myles Turner came up short in the All-Defensive Team and Defensive Player of the Year voting, but you’d be foolish to think the Indiana Pacers center wasn’t one of the best defenders and rim protectors in the NBA.
The ups and downs that marked Turner’s third season with the Pacers weren’t as prevalent last season, though he didn’t settle into his comfort zone until the end of November. Turner stepped up his game when Victor Oladipo went down with his injuries, both early in the season and for good in February, but not as much on the offensive side of the ball.
With Myles’ 38.8% 3-point percentage and ability to take larger players off the dribble, Turner invites questions of why he doesn’t do more on offense. While his 13.3 points a game aren’t a problem, the flashes he shows and the shots he passes up have you wondering if he can do more.
Exactly how much more, is the question. Turner’s career is so far a success. His defense, and in particular, his shot blocking, is his calling card. He led the NBA in blocks this season while blocking more shots than the entire Cleveland Cavaliers organization.
But there’s still pressure on him to be more and do more. With the upcoming season also being his first under his lucrative new contract, that pressure will only increase.