The 2025-26 season will be a refreshing campaign for Myles Turner. After 10 seasons with the Indiana Pacers, Turner made the move to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2025 offseason.
Now that he has left Indiana, Turner has spoken about a bizarre relationship with the Pacers and their fan base. This is surprising, considering he was one of the longest-tenured players on that roster.
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Sep 29, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) poses for a picture during Milwaukee Bucks Media Day at the Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesCredit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Many people within the NBA community found it bizarre that Myles Turner left the Indiana Pacers after their stellar run in the 2025 Playoffs. He was a fixture of the Pacers roster, but he left after their most successful campaign since the 1999-2000 season.
Turner signed a four-year deal with the Bucks worth $107 million. It was a surprise move that also led to the shocking Damian Lillard buyout. Now that Turner seems well-adjusted to Milwaukee, it seems he is loving his situation there compared to his time in Indiana.
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Turner is Embracing a City that “Celebrates” Him
During his time in Indiana, Turner was a polarizing player. Everyone knew his strengths, which included his rim protection and his ability to stretch the floor as a center who can shoot the three-pointer.
Unfortunately, Pacers fans also saw his weaknesses, which included his limited rebounding and inefficiency on offense. That led to him always being involved in trade rumors seemingly every season.
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Those trade rumors likely contributed to what he is feeling because it looked like the Pacers fan base always wanted him out. Now that he is with another team, he might feel more accepted by the fans.
“One thing I’m doing now is embracing change, embracing this cool part of my career. I’m heading into my prime, 29 years old, going into my 11th season. I’m in a city now that wants to celebrate me,” Turner said in his first statement during the media day presser.
“There’s a great quote that says ‘Go where you’re celebrated’. I feel like that’s here. People are excited to have me here. People have been welcoming. I’m excited for the opportunity.
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Turner is Ready to Replace Brook Lopez
When former starting center Brook Lopez left for the Los Angeles Clippers, Turner was the immediate answer. It will be challenging to replace someone like Lopez, but Turner is the right profile due to his three-point shooting and rim protection.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the perfect frontcourt partner because he can gobble up the rebounds, while Turner focuses on being the rim protector. On offense, the Bucks’ offense encourages the center to stretch out to the three-point line.
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“I have big shoes to fill, to say the least. We have an NBA champion in Brook Lopez, who departed here. I know what he was able to be not only for the organization but for the city,” Turner continued in his presser.
Turner is in a good situation personally, and it will be fun to play with one of the best players in the league. Of course, the rest of the team is not seen as the best supporting cast, but Turner could help them reach their goals.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.