The Indiana Pacers will host the Milwaukee Bucks on November 3 in what should be Myles Turner's return game. Interestingly, this game will not be nationally televised, and this is a big missed opportunity.
After 10 years in Indiana, Turner joined the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this offseason as a free agent in one of the more shocking moves of the summer. Heading into his free agency, it seemed like a guarantee he would remain with the Pacers, especially after their NBA Finals run. However, the Texas native opted to join their division rival instead, something that justifiably made fans upset.
Turner's return to Indiana would have been a great nationally televised game for multiple reasons. Outside of the obvious one, this is not only the first matchup between these two division rivals, but it is also a playoff rematch from each of the past two seasons.
Regardless of what channel the game is on, Pacers fans now know exactly which date they can circle on their calendars as they prepare to see Turner on the opposite side for the first time in his NBA career.
Myles Turner's departure left a sour taste for Pacers fans
Not only did Turner join one of Indiana's rivals, but he seemingly did it without giving the team a fair chance to bring him back. Furthermore, the big man has thrown quite a few shots at his former team since leaving, which is another reason Pacers fans are not too happy with him.
Even beyond all the personal reasons, many Pacers fans are upset with Turner's departure for basketball reasons, though this opinion is a bit more split.
After leaving the team after a decade, Turner's departure has now left a huge void that Indiana must fill. And if their activity this summer has proved anything, it is that they are going to have a difficult time doing exactly that.
He was far from a perfect center, but there was a reason Turner was so important to the Pacers' recent success. The former first-round pick is fantastic at stretching the floor and protecting the rim. It was always going to be difficult for the Pacers to find someone who could do both of those at such a high level, and that has been made even more obvious given their offseason moves.
Instead of committing to finding a one-for-one replacement for Turner, Indiana is opting to run a committee at center. This might be the right choice, especially if someone eventually sticks out above the rest. However, none of their options have established themselves as legitimate starters on a championship team.
On the flip side, as was seen during the NBA Finals, Turner can often be a negative on the court. When his shot is not falling, he does not provide much offensive value. Additionally, his defense took a big step back last season, and it is fair to wonder if he is simply regressing.
Re-signing Turner would have moved the Pacers into the luxury tax, which is something they have not had to pay in two decades. Because of this, many fans question whether bringing him back would have been the right call. Regardless, it didn't happen, and now Turner is with the opposition, and it may take a while for fans to forgive him, if they ever will.