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Myles Turner's slow start on offense is becoming an issue for Bucks 1 Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard De’Andre Hunter (12) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Myles Turner’s slow start on offense is becoming an issue for Bucks

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 12:50 PM ET

It’s early, just four games into the season, but the Milwaukee Bucks didn’t give Myles Turner $109 million to average under 10 points per game. It’s only natural that he might encounter a learning curve as he adjusts to the Bucks’ offense after 10 years in Indiana – though from a pace standpoint, at least, he says there isn’t a huge difference. At some point, though, he has to snap out of his slump. The Bucks have battled their way to a 3-1 start, due in no small part to Turner’s defensive efforts, but they will not enjoy a successful season if Turner can’t contribute on both ends. It’s only so long before the clock on fan frustration starts ticking.

Turner must flip the switch before the Bucks get bit

So far, Turner is averaging 8.3 points on 31.6/22.7/66.7 percent shooting splits. Not great. He’s helping in other ways, like involving his teammates (three assists per game) and setting screens. Defensively he has come to play, averaging 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.

His shooting slump, however, is cause for legitimate concern. He is 5-22 on threes and has been consistently short on his attempts, many of which have been wide open. He hasn’t converted two-pointers efficiently, either, going 7-16. Obviously the sample size makes any sweeping judgments moot. There is no reason for alarm or panic. But he does have to get it together, soon.

Indeed, Turner’s 15.6 PPG with the Pacers last season ranks second on the team for 2024-25. His 3-point shooting is critical to the Bucks’ offensive vision, spacing the floor and clearing out the paint for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Without a second star, the team needs secondary weapons like Turner to make up the difference. Ideally, the Bucks would like to see him match his career-high 18.0 PPG in ’22-23.

Against the Knicks, Turner went just 1-6 for five points. Versus Toronto, 2-8 for four points.

What makes Turner’s slump really hurt is that backup big Bobby Portis hasn’t been providing efficient offense, either. Portis is shooting 35.9% from the field for 8.0 PPG. The Bucks simply can’t have that. Giannis can’t supply the totality of their frontcourt production. Is he going to sustain a 36.3 PPG average? No, probably not.

Myles Turner's slow start on offense is becoming an issue for Bucks 2 Mar 4, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) takes a shot against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Turner and Portis combined for 29.5 points per contest last season. Doc Rivers needs them to help carry the load or Giannis is going to become exhausted.

It’s only four games, true, but it won’t take long for Turner’s slump to drag them down if he can’t find his way out of it soon.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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