The Milwaukee Bucks secured a major free-agent acquisition by signing Myles Turner after his decade-long tenure with the Indiana Pacers. Turner agreed to a four-year contract worth $108.9 million, stepping into a more prominent role as the Bucks’ anticipated second-best player.
Despite the excitement surrounding Turner’s addition, some voices within the NBA express skepticism about how quickly he will adjust, with concerns that he may miss the competitive environment he left behind in Indiana.
Adjusting to a New Role Away From Indiana’s Success
NBA insider Justin Termine shared on Setting the Pace that Turner might immediately feel the difference after leaving the Pacers, a franchise accustomed to deeper playoff runs. Termine pointed out that players like Victor Oladipo, who also departed from Indiana, have previously expressed regrets about leaving a winning culture.
“I think Victor Oladipo is the perfect example of someone who regrets that decision (to leave the Pacers), and it certainly could happen with Myles Turner because even if Giannis is healthy this year and stays, that team isn’t winning a first-round series in my estimation,”
—Justin Termine, NBA Insider
While the Pacers have reached the Eastern Conference Finals and even the NBA Finals in recent seasons, Milwaukee’s last Finals appearance was in 2021, and they have yet to replicate that level of success since. Turner will also need to adjust to a point guard situation that might not provide the same quality of set-up opportunities he enjoyed with Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana.
Expectations and Challenges for Turner in Milwaukee
The Bucks anticipate Turner to elevate his three-point shooting and shot-blocking abilities to a star level, whereas with the Pacers he mainly needed to demonstrate solid competence due to strong supporting forwards on the roster. His previous averages of 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game indicate a dependable performance, but Milwaukee will rely on him to make a significant leap.
Success in the playoffs for the Bucks will depend heavily on Turner’s growth and ability to become one of the top centers in the league. The team’s future achievements, particularly advancing beyond the first round, hinge on his adaptation and increased impact on both ends of the court.