Myles Turner and the Indiana Pacers are without a doubt going to be an interesting team to watch throughout the 2021-22 NBA season. After having a relatively quiet offseason, the team is hoping to be able to get healthy and compete in the Eastern Conference. Rick Carlisle was hired to be the team’s new head coach, which was the biggest addition the Pacers made during the offseason.
One of the biggest keys to contention for the Pacers this season will be the development and play of Turner. He has been one of the NBA’s elite rim defenders over the last few years and has showcased the ability to score the ball as well.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, one NBA executive spoke to NBA Analysis Network’s Evan Massey and made a shocking prediction for Turner’s future.
“I think (Myles) Turner is going to win Defensive Player of the Year this season, but I don’t think he will win it with the Pacers. Indiana has long toyed with the idea of trading Turner and they had some competitive offers this offseason. If the Pacers get off to a slow start or the Turner/Sabonis front-court pairing isn’t working, Turner is going to get moved quickly.”
During the 2020-21 NBA season with the Pacers, Turner ended up playing in 47 games before going down with an injury. He averaged 12.6 points per game to go along with 6.5 rebounds and 3.4 blocks. Turner also shot 47.7 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 33.5 percent of his three-point attempts.
This offseason, it has been clear that Turner is taking things seriously and has been working hard on his game. He is looking to become a more consistent offensive presence and is motivated to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Even if he does end up getting traded, fans should expect to see a much improved version of Turner.
At 25 years of age, Turner is entering the main stage of his prime. With the athleticism and talent that Turner possesses, the sky is the limit for him with the hard work he is putting in.
Expect to continue hearing Myles Turner’s name mentioned in trade rumors. The Pacers might very well end up moving him this year, but if they don’t, expect to see the talented big man put together a big-time year with Indiana.
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