The Indiana Pacers will enter the next NBA season with a new starting center after Myles Turner opted to join the Milwaukee Bucks on a four-year deal. Turner’s departure marks the end of an era, as he had been a key figure in Indiana since 2015. His decision to sign with a rival franchise that Pacers supporters particularly dislike has triggered strong negative reactions from the fan base, despite his decade-long contributions to the team.
Fans’ frustrations have been heightened by recent events during the Summer League, where Turner appeared to distance himself from his former team and its legends, further deepening the divide between him and the loyal Pacers following.
Comments That Intensify the Rift Between Turner and Pacers Fans
In an interview shared on Milwaukee Bucks’ social media, Turner was asked about the most famous contact in his phone. His answer, which excluded Reggie Miller—the Pacers’ most cherished figure—in favor of Shaquille O’Neal, unsettled many fans.
“Well, I guess I can’t say Reggie Miller,”
Turner said, before naming Shaquille O’Neal as his most notable contact.
Though O’Neal’s fame is undeniable, Turner’s unnecessary reference to Miller, who is considered the franchise’s greatest player and a key reason the Pacers remain in Indiana, was seen as a slight by many supporters. Miller’s legacy includes inspiring the team’s Finals appearance last season, making Turner’s remark appear especially disrespectful.
This interview has added fuel to the tension, paving the way for more criticism and possible boos when Turner visits Indiana again, given his perceived insensitivity and the circumstances surrounding his exit.
Performance and Frustrations Leading to Turner’s Exit
Turner’s departure also comes after a disappointing playoff performance, especially in the Pacers’ loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. His missed opportunities on open shots contributed to Indiana falling short of a championship, weakening his negotiating position in free agency. Many speculate that frustration over low contract offers and years of trade discussions pushed Turner to look elsewhere.
During his final season in Indianapolis, Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, maintaining a field goal percentage of 48.1 percent and an impressive 3-point shooting clip near 40 percent. Despite his solid statistics, his recent play failed to meet expectations in critical moments.
What Lies Ahead for the Pacers and Turner
With Turner gone, the Pacers and head coach Rick Carlisle face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement at center, as the team aims to build on last season’s Finals run. Meanwhile, Turner’s move to the Bucks positions him with a franchise hungry for continued success, yet his relationship with Indiana’s fanbase remains strained.
The controversy surrounding Turner’s comments and choices underscores the emotional weight that player loyalty and identity carry in professional sports. How Turner’s tenure with the Bucks unfolds and whether he can repair his standing with Pacers supporters remains to be seen. For now, his “Myles Turner Pacers departure” continues to provoke debate and disappointment among Indiana basketball fans.