Many anticipated a massive drop-off for the Indiana Pacers after Myles Turner signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. But roughly three months into the season, it's looking like Turner might miss Indiana more than the other way around.
Pacers might not miss Myles Turner all that much
Don't get it twisted: Turner was a crucial part of Indiana's roster for a decade, and he was a tremendous fit in its system. However, it's becoming increasingly clear that he has been the biggest loser of the divorce so far.
At the halfway point of the season, the Texas native has averaged 12.2 points, 5.3 rebounds (career-low), 1.6 assists, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 42.1% from the field (career-low) and 39% from deep. Additionally, he continues to show signs of regression on defense as he looks even slower than he did during his final year in Indiana.
Turner has had solid moments in Milwaukee. He has logged five 20-point performances and has had four games with four or more blocks. He hasn't been horrible for the Bucks, but he leaves a lot to be desired. Plus, a lot of his problems from his time in Indiana are still there, if not even worse.
He still can't rebound, is a regressing defender, and has been an incredibly inconsistent shooter. Given that he is in just the first year of his four-year, $108.9 million contract (which includes a $29.1 million player option for the 2028-29 season), it's looking like the Pacers may ultimately walk away happier with Turner's decision than anybody else.
That said, they still some problems on their own.
While losing Turner might not be the end of the world for Indiana, it still needs to find a legitimate replacement for him. Jay Huff has mostly looked solid this season, but the jury is still out on whether he can truly be the Pacers' starting center of the future. Additionally, it is unclear just how much they can trust him as their starter once they are ready to re-enter the title picture next season.
If the Pacers choose to look for some external help, they could be a team to monitor ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. They have already been linked to numerous centers, including Ivica Zubac, Daniel Gafford, and Yves Missi. And if the latest reports are true, they could land their next starting center sooner rather than later.
Next season, the Pacers should be ready to re-establish themselves as title contenders once Tyrese Haliburton returns. And while they will look to get back to the NBA Finals, Turner might be in a completely different boat on a Bucks team that doesn't seem to have a clear direction.