On the latest episode of his podcast, the Roommates Show (YouTube link), New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson called Myles Turner's free agency decision "weird." Brunson particularly referred to Turner's decision to leave the team after a decade, which was one of the main talking points of his departure.
“I thought the Myles Turner thing was weird,” Brunson said. “Like he just said, ‘It’s been a decade here’ and all this stuff and everything, and then, boom, gone.”
After 10 years with the Indiana Pacers, the 29-year-old signed a four-year, $108.9 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
This move was a big shock around the league. Heading into the offseason, the general consensus was that Turner would return to Indiana, especially after their NBA Finals appearance. Furthermore, it was widely expected that Turner would stick with the team as it seemed like he was finally out of the trade rumors for good. However, the Texas native had different plans, signing with their division rivals instead.
Ultimately, the reason for Turner's departure does not matter at this point. All that matters for the Pacers is that they now have to replace their long-time big man. With next season likely being a gap year, they will have some more time to be able to do so. However, they should be able to re-establish themselves as title contenders once Tyrese Haliburton returns from his Achilles injury.
Indiana must figure out their center problems next season. Unfortunately for them, that might just be close to impossible to do.
The Pacers might have a hard time replacing Myles Turner
Turner is far from a perfect center. His defense has regressed, he cannot rebound, and he provides little offensive value if his shot is not falling. This was notable during the NBA Finals, and he was a big reason the Pacers did not pull it off. However, he was still an incredible fit for the team, and replacing him is going to be a challenge.
Despite his flaws, Turner was excellent at stretching the floor and protecting the rim. Additionally, he could run the floor for Indiana, which not many centers in the league can do. He was also a fantastic fit alongside Pascal Siakam in the frontcourt. It was always going to be tough for the Pacers to replace him, especially this offseason. However, they may have found a solution. Or at least a temporary one.
As it stands, the Pacers are going to run a center-by-committee next season. Rick Carlisle had success with this during his time with the Dallas Mavericks, and there are reasons to think it can work this time around. It is not ideal, but it might be their best option.
The Pacers currently have four centers on the roster: Isaiah Jackson (the presumed starter), Jay Huff, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley. It is unlikely they will head into the regular season with all four guys rostered, so this will be a battle worth following through training camp and the preseason.
Turner's "weird" departure is not a death knell for the Pacers, but it is still an obstacle for them to overcome. Hopefully for them, they can find a solution sooner rather than later as they look to re-enter the title picture.