Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner may have just made another Jump
Over the last season and a half, there had been times Myles Turner seemed to have stagnated. His recent jump is vital for the Indiana Pacers in the second half.
Consistently hitting draft picks is hard. This is especially true for a team like the Indiana Pacers who haven’t had the luxury of a top-nine selection since 1989. Hitting it big when at least the nine of the best options are off the board means a higher likelihood of failure, but also makes cutting ties on missteps a little easier sometimes.
The lowest pick the Pacers have had since 2011 was the 11th selection in 2015. That was when they selected Myles Turner. He also happens to be the only player since that 2011 threshold that was extended past their rookie deal by Indiana. He may not have become a superstar, but as of late he seems to have become comfortable in his role.
Over the last 16 games, Turner is averaging 15 points and 6.7 rebounds on 48.5/34.2/75.8 shooting splits. Those aren’t All-Star numbers, but they are a nice improvement from the first 16 games of the year. Scoring in double-figures during 14 of those recent 16 outings (and finishing with nine in each of the other two) is more than enough for a team that fields so many scoring threats.
One major difference over the stretch is Turner’s willingness and effectiveness attacking smaller players that switch onto him. A lot of times earlier in the season, Turner seemed indecisive when he got the ball in this position. Recently he has just faced-up and shot over his opponent.
This is the shot LaMarcus Aldridge has built his career around. Guards and wings have no hope in contesting a shot like this. Getting into this move quickly also gives Turner less to worry about when the ball is in his hands. Making quicker, more decisive plays is typically the step one sees players make when they finally understand their strengths within the offense.
That is exactly what is happening for Turner.
He doesn’t have to be the low-post bruiser. The Pacers have Domantas Sabonis for that.
He doesn’t have to take players off the dribble. The Pacers have Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. Warren for that.
What he does need to do? Stretch the floor to open up the paint for everyone else and drag the other team’s center out away from the rim. His 4.5 3-point attempts at a 35 percent clip does that. Improving his little face-up jumper against switches will make his life even easier. If teams can’t switch, he will get even more space on his pops and rolls.
This development coincides perfectly with the halfway mark and the eventual return of Victor Oladipo. Oladipo’s presence will springboard the effectiveness of everyone around him, especially Turner. His ability to work double teams will open up even more possibilities for the big man.
The chemistry the two will begin building looks to be extremely valuable moving forward. Sabonis may be the second best screener in the league, but involving Turner more in these actions will give the Pacers more options when his partner is resting.
It’s hard to believe Turner hasn’t turned 24 yet. His tenure seems longer than the four seasons he has completed to this point. He still has plenty of places to improve, but his recent run shows that the plateau may not be forever. He can still climb.
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Not every draft selection can be a home run. If every center was guaranteed to become Karl-Anthony Towns or Joel Embiid, the league would become a whole lot less fun. The mystery of the final heights a player will reach creates excitement through the developmental phases. The Pacers could have done a lot worse than 3-and-D center with a Defensive Player of the Year-level floor.