Before signing with the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, Myles Turner spent 10 years in Indiana, the organization that drafted him 11th overall in 2015. Despite a lackluster Finals, Turner was a key cog in the Pacers’ run to get there and a franchise cornerstone, anchoring the roster through repeated transformations: from coaches Frank Vogel to Nate McMillan to Rick Carlisle, on teams led by Paul George to Domantas Sabonis to Tyrese Haliburton.
In free agency, many assumed that Turner would remain a member of the only team he’d ever known. Despite claims to the contrary, however, the Pacers were seemingly unprepared to pay him, and the Bucks stole him away on a four-year, $109 million deal. As far as starting centers go, even with a p layer option in year four, that’s hardly an exorbitant salary.
Naturally, Pacers fans weren’t happy with Turner’s defection to their fiercest foe; if that wasn’t enough, he just threw some more shade their way beaming at how his new fanbase has received him.
“The camaraderie, just the welcoming has been different than anything I’ve experienced in the past,” Turner said of his experience in Milwaukee. “I could tell people are actually really excited to have me here. It’s been a very warm welcome.” Ouch, Pacers fans.
Aside from a more generous contract, one of the main draws for Turner in joining the Bucks was the ability to continue playing in a competitive environment. Fresh off two straight Conference Finals berths for Indiana, it’s something he’s well acquainted with.
Of course, the Bucks are not recognized as title contenders entering this season, nor should they be until proven otherwise. But they are better off than the Pacers, who lost their best player, Haliburton, to a torn Achilles even before losing Turner as well.
And the pedigree is there. Despite recent playoff shortcomings, Milwaukee has won more regular-season games in the last eight years than any other team. It may feel like a long time ago – a lot has happened in the meantime – but it’s only been four years since Giannis Antetokounmpo hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2021.
For his part, Turner has loved his first impression of the franchise. “It feels amazing, man. Honestly, I’ve had some good times in this city, and now to be a part of the organization, you know, the rich history behind it. Just knowing you’re part of a championship organization, that means everything to me.”
No longer an enemy, he will solidify a formidable frontcourt as the Bucks pursue a home playoff series in the wide open East. When the team travels to Indiana on November 3, he can count on having a bevy of supporters cheering for him back home, in addition to Bucks fans – don’t underestimate the number – who make the trip in person.
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