The Indiana Pacers have a veteran on their team in Myles Turner, who has been with the organization for nine seasons since being drafted in 2015. Standing tall at six-foot-11, Turner has been through the highs and lows with the Pacers, experiencing multiple playoff appearances but falling short in the first round each time.
However, things changed last season when the Pacers made a deep playoff run, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite being swept by the Boston Celtics, Turner and his teammates got a taste of success in the postseason. Turner, now 28 years old, is hungry for more and believes that the team needs to make some adjustments to take the next step forward.
One area of concern for Turner is the team’s lack of size in the frontcourt. While the Pacers added James Wiseman, a seven-foot center, in the offseason, Turner feels that more size could benefit the team moving forward. With Isaiah Jackson and Obi Toppin also listed at six-foot-ten and six-foot-nine respectively, the Pacers have some length in their lineup, but Turner believes they need to prioritize rebounding and defense.
Last season, the Pacers were known for their high-octane offense, boasting the second-best offensive rating in league history. However, their defensive struggles were evident, as they ranked 24th in the league in defensive rating. Turner emphasized the importance of rebounding, as the team was often outmatched on the boards, leading to second-chance opportunities for their opponents.
Heading into the new season, Turner is optimistic about the Pacers’ chances but knows that improvements are needed to compete at the highest level. With a focus on size and rebounding, Turner is determined to help lead Indiana to even greater success in the upcoming season.