Myles Turner is a good big man in theory due to his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim, which is exactly why the Milwaukee Bucks pried him away from the Indiana Pacers. However, his poor rebounding, inconsistent shooting, and regressing defense often make him a non-factor more than an asset, and Milwaukee is quickly learning that firsthand.
Myles Turner has struggled recently for the Bucks
The idea of pairing Turner with Giannis Antetokounmpo was a no-brainer for the Bucks. On paper, they can complement each other perfectly and make for a threatening frontcourt duo. And to begin the season, it looked this way.
In his first 13 games of the season, the former Pacers big man averaged 12.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.2 steals while shooting 40.8% from deep. He became a big part of Milwaukee's offense, being used as a facilitator much more than he was in Indiana, and it showed. However, the tables have quickly turned since then.
Across his last seven games (including four without Antetokounmpo), Turner has averaged 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 42.7% from the field and 31.9% from beyond the arc.
The Bucks are quickly learning just how inconsistent Turner can be and that he can't really elevate the team on either side of the ball (much less on the boards). Plus, Milwaukee is seeing just how badly his defense his regressed.
While Turner can still block shots, he isn't the Defensive Player of the Year candidate he once was. He can get bullied in the post, and he is too slow and immobile at this point in his career to be a switchable big. The 29-year-old also leaves backdoor cutters open far too often, and he can't catch up to them because of his physical limitations.
As for Indiana, things are beginning to look great for the team as it looks to replace Turner. Jay Huff, who the Pacers essentially brought in to be Turner-lite, is leading the league with 2.3 blocks per game. Plus, he looks much more comfortable on the court and acts as a defensive anchor when needed, calling for switches, rotations, and helping on double-teams.
An ugly breakup shouldn't make Pacers fans forget how valuable Turner was during his time with the team. But it seems like they are seeing just how replaceable he might be, and that does not bode well for a Bucks team that has him on the books through at least the 2027-28 season.