The NBA used to be ruled by big men. At one point, having a dominant big man wasn’t enough. You had to have two. Teams typically opted to run twin towers lineups. Are the Twin Towers coming back?
In a sense. Teams have started to lean back into dual big-man lineups. With that said, we’re not seeing a pair of two slow, lumbering big men as we did in the days of old. Instead, we tend to see a stationary rim protector paired with a quick-footed, versatile defensive big. This is the modernized Twin Towers approach.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Al Horford and Robert Williams III. This is an increasingly fashionable look around the NBA. Could the Miami Heat put their own twin towers look together by acquiring Myles Turner from the Miami Heat?
The Trade Proposal
Indiana Pacers Receive: G Kyle Lowry, F Nikola Jovic, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: C Myles Turner
Meanwhile, the NBA is a copycat league. When a team has success with a particular strategy, other teams are likely to try to use it. That’s the way of the NBA. Why would any team want another team to have an edge?
For a while, small ball was the trend. In a sense, it still is. The 4 is a wing position now, and in all likelihood, it always will be. Sure, you can play a big there – but if he’s not quick enough to guard wings, he’s going to struggle defensively. Take a player like Jackson Jr. – is he a big wing or a thin big? Does it matter?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Miami Heat Updates
Even still, teams need small lineups at their disposal too – otherwise, teams that have them will kill them with speed. More than anything, versatility is the name of the modern game. Does this deal make the Heat more versatile?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
It sure does. Some Heat fans may question our wisdom here. Miami already has one of the best big men in the NBA. Doesn’t this deal minimize Bam Adebayo? We don’t think so – in fact, we think it does the opposite.
Think about Adebayo’s defensive profile. This is one of the best perimeter-defending big men in the NBA. On the other hand, Adebayo isn’t an especially stout rim protector. In other words – isn’t he a 4 as much as he’s a 5? Some will say otherwise. They’ll argue that since Adebayo can’t shoot, he’s relegated to duties at the 5.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Miami Heat Updates
That’s where Turner comes in. The Heat’s spacing won’t be compromised one bit by moving Adebayo to the 4. Meanwhile, defensively, this duo ought to be devastating. Turner can thrive as a stationary rim protector while Adebayo functions as a free safety. Should the Pacers help the Heat put this duo together?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Forget everything we’ve discussed so far. The Pacers aren’t ready to think about it. This team is rebuilding, and they ought to operate as such.
Does this deal have them taking a step backward? Yes. In all likelihood, it’s got them taking a massive one. That’s fine. The Pacers would be tanking 2023-24. If they end up pairing Tyrese Haliburton with a prospect like Ron Holland or Matas Buzelis, they won’t miss Turner for long.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Miami Heat Updates
Of course, Turner has tremendous trade value. The Pacers wouldn’t move him simply to tank. That’s why they’re landing ani intriguing young player in Jovic and a pair of unprotected first-round picks here. All told, that should be enough for them to move on from Turner. The Pacers can figure out how their frontcourt is going to look later.
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