Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner failed to make the playoffs for the first time in his six-year career this past season.
Despite averages of 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.4 blocks in 47 games played this season, the 25-year-old’s contributions were not enough to save head coach Nate Bjorkgren’s job.
Bjorkgren was fired this week following the Pacers’ disappointing 34-38 campaign that saw them win their first postseason play-in game against the Charlotte Hornets, only to then get dismantled by the Washington Wizards.
While Bjorkgren was the first domino to drop, he likely won’t be the last. The obvious question many have now is: What’ll happen to Turner?
According to J. Michael of the IndyStar, six teams are currently in the running for Turner’s services: the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
So what does all this mean?
Well, clearly the Lakers in the midst of some big changes. One star is on the trade block, another clearly wants out and a third’s status is up in the air. Adding Turner is a high-risk, high-reward proposition.
The Hornets, Knicks, Pelicans and Timberwolves all also stand to uniquely benefit from bringing in someone with Turner’s skill set. And that’s presuming the Pacers are even willing to part with him.
One way or another, this promises to be an interesting next couple of months.
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