Milwaukee Bucks Myles Turner Takes Subtle Shot At Former Team During Media Day

Media day is typically a time for fresh starts, optimistic outlooks, and carefully crafted soundbites. For new Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner, it was all of that and more. As he was formally introduced, Turner made comments that were widely interpreted as a subtle but pointed critique of the Indiana Pacers, the only franchise he had known for the first decade of his career. His words about feeling “celebrated” in his new city have added an intriguing layer to an already significant divisional rivalry.

This article breaks down the Myles Turner Bucks media day comments, exploring what he said, the context behind his departure from Indiana, and why his remarks about feeling wanted in Milwaukee resonated so strongly across the NBA.

Milwaukee Bucks Myles Turner: “Go Where You’re Celebrated”

The most telling part of Turner’s press conference came when he was discussing his transition to Milwaukee after 10 seasons with the Pacers. He spoke about embracing a new chapter in his career as he enters his prime, and it was in this context that he delivered the quote that caught everyone’s attention.

“One thing I’m doing now is embracing change, embracing this cool part of my career, man. I’m heading to my prime, I’m 29 years old, going to my 11th season,” Turner explained. “And I’m in a city now that wants to celebrate me. Somewhere, there’s a great quote that says, ‘go where you’re celebrated.’ And I feel like that’s here.”

He continued, emphasizing the warm reception he has received since joining the Bucks. “I think that people are excited to have me here. People are nothing but welcoming and excited for the opportunity.”

While he never mentioned the Pacers by name in this specific quote, the implication was clear. By highlighting how celebrated he feels in Milwaukee, he indirectly suggested that he did not feel the same level of appreciation in Indiana. This sentiment, whether intentional or not, speaks to a long and often complicated history between Turner and his former team.

The Tumultuous History in Indiana

To fully understand why Turner’s comments landed with such impact, one must look back at his tenure with the Pacers. As a 10-year veteran of the team that drafted him, Turner was a cornerstone of the franchise for a long time. However, his name was also a fixture in trade rumors for much of his career.

From the moment the Pacers drafted Domantas Sabonis and tried to make the two-big-man lineup work, questions about Turner’s long-term fit persisted. His role often shifted, and his on-court production could be inconsistent, which fueled constant speculation about his future. Year after year, as the trade deadline approached, Turner’s name was inevitably brought up in potential deals.

This constant state of uncertainty can take a toll on a player. While professional athletes understand the business side of the NBA, being perpetually on the trading block can make it difficult to feel fully valued or secure within an organization. Turner’s “celebrated” comment seems to be a direct reflection of this experience. In Milwaukee, he arrives as a key piece acquired to help a championship contender, a stark contrast to feeling like a trade asset in Indiana.

The Surprising Departure

Turner’s departure from Indiana was surprising, especially considering the team’s recent success. He was the starting center for a Pacers team that made a remarkable run to the NBA Finals just last season. His unique skill set as a floor-spacing, shot-blocking center was a perfect complement to superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton. The pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop actions between Haliburton and Turner became a staple of the Pacers’ dynamic offense.

Given this success and his apparent chemistry with the team’s franchise player, most NBA insiders expected Turner to sign a long-term extension and remain with the Pacers. Instead, the Bucks made a shocking move, releasing superstar Damian Lillard in a deal that cleared the necessary cap space to sign Turner.

During his media day press conference, Turner also addressed the motivation behind his decision to leave a Finals team for their rival. “For me, ultimately it was about just staying competitive,” he said. “Two years ago, we got to the Conference Finals. Obviously, last year we got to the Finals. Being a big part of winning basketball just changed my entire perspective on this league. I saw a chance to remain competitive here.”

This comment suggests that Turner views the Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as having a better chance to remain a top contender than the Pacers, especially with the impending long-term absence of Tyrese Haliburton due to injury. He chose what he believes is the best situation to continue competing for championships in his prime.

A New Chapter and a New Rivalry

Myles Turner’s move to Milwaukee adds a fascinating new dynamic to the Central Division. The Bucks and Pacers were already fierce rivals, and Turner’s decision to switch sides—coupled with his pointed media day comments—will only intensify that rivalry. The games between these two teams will now be filled with extra emotion and scrutiny.

For the Bucks, they acquire a proven veteran center whose skills are an ideal fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting will open up driving lanes for Giannis, while his elite shot-blocking will anchor their defense. He is a player who is clearly motivated and feels appreciated, which could unlock a new level of performance.

For the Pacers, losing Turner is a significant blow, both on the court and in the locker room. They lose a key piece of their Finals run and must now find a way to replace his unique production. His comments, however subtle, also serve as a critique of how the organization managed his situation over the years.

Conclusion

The Myles Turner Bucks media day comments were more than just standard introductory remarks. They were a window into the mind of a player who feels he has found a new home where his contributions will be fully appreciated. His declaration that he has gone “where you’re celebrated” is a quiet but powerful statement about his tumultuous past and his optimistic future.

While his departure was a surprise, his motivations are clear: he wants to remain on a competitive team and feel valued. In Milwaukee, he believes he has found both. As he begins this new chapter, all eyes will be on him—not just to see how he performs, but to watch the newly intensified rivalry with the team he left behind. Time will tell if the grass is truly greener in Milwaukee, but for now, Myles Turner is embracing the celebration.