What should his role be?
Myles should have one of the most fun-to-watch and effective seasons next season, and it’s clear that he will be the player that most benefits from the coaching change.
Defense: Bjorkgren’s Defensive Frankenstein
If you haven’t been paying attention, Toronto has been one of the most well run and coached organizations in basketball for years now, and Nick Nurse and company are to thank for schematic basketball heaven. Not only this, but something that is very relevant to Myles is the successful utilization defensively of big men like Serge Ibaka, Marc Gasol, and Chris Boucher.
With Bjorkgren saying that he will most likely throw things at other teams defensively to cause strategic havoc, Pacers fans have to be excited considering what this could mean for the team, especially Myles.
Toronto was easily one of the best defensive teams in the pick and roll situation last year, and this was thanks to their comfort with “drop coverage”, which we’ve already explained is one of Myles’ most dangerous defensive weapons. Ibaka and Gasol were extremely productive as well, but Turner is just on another level.
Adding a coach who specializes and knows how to utilize this coverage combined with Turner will make Indy’s rim protection and pick and roll coverage absolutely elite.
Another interesting development could be how Toronto pseudo-pressed with Chris Boucher acting as a Free Safety with his athleticism and ability to pick off ridiculous passes.
Offense: 7 Foot Gunslinger
Toronto utilized their big men as big-time pick and pop trigger men with players who aren’t as talented in that area as Turner, and I think using Turner will easily open up the rest of his game. I don’t think it’s outlandish to think Turner could become a legit 15 point player under Nate’s help.
With how coach Nurse and Bjorgren influenced the development of Pascal Siakam, I’d love to see if Nate can at least attempt to develop Turner’s dribble game and closeout attacking.
Predicted Stats
I think with everything we’ve talked about, there is a real possibility that we see Myles Turner blossom into a player who puts up 15-18 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks while growing his three-point efficiency to 38% on 6-8 attempts.