Myles Turner has already dissed the Indiana Pacers once following his departure earlier this offseason, and it seems like he just did it again.
The new Milwaukee Bucks big man left his former team on a bit of a sour note. Despite the Pacers' recent success, of which Turner was a big part, he left the team high and dry and never gave them a legitimate shot at re-signing him.
In a recent interview, Turner sent another message that some Pacers fans clearly do not want to hear.
Interviewer: "Most famous contact in your phone?"
Myles Turner: "Well, I guess I can't say Reggie Miller...umm, Shaquille O'Neal."
Interviewer: “Most famous contact in your phone?”
— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) August 8, 2025
Myles Turner: “well I guess I can’t say Reggie Miller…umm, Shaquille O’Neal.” https://t.co/eSNvMagYjH
Naturally, many fans took offense to Turner's comments. Not only did he diss the team he was a fan favorite with for a decade, but he also threw shade at the team's greatest player in franchise history, Reggie Miller.
"Why keep trying to hate on the pacers? Where’s the loyalty/respect," one fan wrote on X.
"I continue to be vindicated in my Myles hate," a second fan wrote.
"used to be my favorite but now my god is he insufferable," a third fan wrote on X.
"Dude has lost so much good faith in Indy over the past month it’s kinda sad," another fan wrote on X.
"He’s trying so hard to mention anything to do with Indiana he’s so obsessed," wrote another fan.
Myles Turner's departure puts the Pacers in a tough spot
Turner going from hero to villain in what felt like the blink of an eye is a bit surprising. However, it is not that far-fetched to say it is deserved. Not only did he shockingly leave Indiana after 10 years to join a division rival, but it seems like he is saying all the wrong things after his exit. Furthermore, many fans are not over Turner's horrific NBA Finals performance, and it will likely take a long time before they are.
Regardless of how fans feel about the Texas native, one thing remains true: the Pacers will have a difficult time replacing him.
This offseason, the team decided to run with a committee at center rather than finding a one-for-one replacement. This is not ideal, but it is Indiana's best move for two reasons. First, it is going to be incredibly difficult for the Pacers to find just one player who can replicate Turner's value, especially in one offseason. Second, with next year looking like a gap year anyway, this is as good a time as any for them to experiment a bit and see who or what can work for them in the long run.
Despite his flaws, Turner was a fantastic fit in Indiana. He could stretch the floor, protect the rim, and run in their fast-paced system. It is going to be a challenge for the Pacers to find someone who can do all of that at the same level as he could. However, there is a lot of potential in what they are currently doing.
A committee at center could work for Indiana, especially because head coach Rick Carlisle has experience with this during his time with the Dallas Mavericks. Additionally, every center currently rostered has something to prove, and that could be a sign of great things to come.
The Pacers are in a tough spot right now following Turner's departure. Even so, the sky isn't falling in Indiana, and they still have a bright future. Next season may look a bit grim at the moment, but another deep playoff run could happen sooner rather than later, regardless of where Turner has taken his talents.