The start of the 2022-23 NBA season was delayed for Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner as he injured his ankle warming up for the season opener when he got tangled up with one of the ball boys. He has been no worse for the wear since, as he is playing some excellent basketball.
Turner is off to the best offensive start in his career. In five games, he is averaging 18.4 points per game, making 50 percent of his shot attempts overall and 40 percent of his 3-point attempts.
He has said for a while that he can offer a lot more than just spot-up shooting on offense and is being given the chance to showcase it. He is taking full advantage and looks comfortable in Rick Carlisle’s offense playing off of Tyrese Haliburton.
In addition to the improved scoring, Turner is putting up career-high rebounding numbers as well. He has always been a presence in the paint because of his shot-blocking defensively, but he is now making an impact on the glass, too. The New Orleans Pelicans felt the brunt of his impact first-hand on Monday night.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Turner was dominant against one of the better frontcourt pairings in the NBA as the Pelicans started Zion Williamson at power forward and Jonas Valanciunas at center. They were no match for Turner, who scored 37 points, going 11-of-18 from the field and 4-of-7 from 3-point range. He also didn’t miss any of his 11 free throw attempts. One assist and three blocks rounded out his stat line.
Indiana has been more competitive in the early going this season than many people predicted they would be, as they are 5-5 and Turner is a big reason why. He is playing at a high level, something that Pacers brass has to be happy about.
The more that Turner produces, the more trade value he will have. Trade rumors have involved him for years and will continue through the trade deadline. The Los Angeles Lakers are a team to keep an eye on, as they have been linked to him often. But, other center-needy teams are assuredly going to arise during the season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Every shot he blocks or 3-pointer he knocks down has to elate ownership. His future in Indianapolis is unknown, as he is playing out the final season on his contract. If he keeps this up, Indiana could look to lock him into a long-term deal themselves. If not, you can count on him cashing in on a lucrative deal as a free agent next summer.
