Bucks Introduce Myles Turner: Milwaukee Big Man Explains Decision to Leave Pacers After Reaching NBA Finals
In a shocking move this offseason, Myles Turner made the decision to leave the Indiana Pacers after a successful run that culminated in an NBA Finals appearance. The 27-year-old center, who had spent his entire career in Indiana, was one of the key pieces of a Pacers team that had made its way to the final stage of the postseason. However, with a major shift in his career now underway, Turner is ready to begin a new chapter with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee, fresh off their own championship aspirations, secured the versatile big man to help bolster their frontcourt for what they hope will be another deep playoff run. Turner, known for his elite shot-blocking and floor-spacing ability, will provide the Bucks with the type of defensive presence and offensive flexibility they have been seeking to complement their star, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
But why leave the Pacers now, after achieving the ultimate goal of reaching the NBA Finals? To understand Turner’s decision, we must take a deeper look at his career path, his time with the Pacers, and what drove him to choose Milwaukee as his next destination.
A Stellar Career with the Pacers
Turner was drafted by the Pacers in 2015 with the 11th overall pick. From the outset, he showcased a unique skill set that blended rim protection, rebounding, and an ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. His development into one of the league’s premier defensive centers, alongside his offensive efficiency, made him a crucial building block for the Pacers’ franchise.
During his time in Indiana, Turner earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s top shot blockers, leading the league in blocks per game multiple times. However, his role within the Pacers’ system was often fluid, as the team went through several roster changes and coaching shifts over the years. Despite his individual success, Turner and the Pacers struggled to make a significant playoff push. In fact, the team’s inability to break through as true contenders in the Eastern Conference was a persistent issue.
Although Turner was always a consistent performer for the Pacers, the lack of playoff success weighed heavily on the decision to leave. The franchise had not been able to build a team that could compete with the top contenders in the East, and after reaching the NBA Finals, Turner realized that in order to fully capitalize on his prime years, he needed a new environment.
Reaching the NBA Finals with the Pacers
The 2024 season was a breakout year for the Pacers. After years of rebuilding, Indiana found themselves in a position to compete at the highest level. With Turner anchoring the defense, the Pacers made a run that shocked many, eventually securing a spot in the NBA Finals.
For Turner, it was a validation of his hard work and commitment to the team. “It was one of the proudest moments of my career,” he said during his introductory press conference with the Bucks. “To see all the struggles, all the growing pains, pay off with a Finals appearance meant a lot. But I also realized that reaching the Finals wasn’t the end of the journey. It was just the beginning, and I needed to be in a situation where I could take that next step.”
Despite the excitement of the Finals appearance, the Pacers ultimately fell short, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. While the team had made great strides, Turner felt that the Pacers were still a few pieces away from truly competing for an NBA championship. “It wasn’t an easy decision. I have so much respect for the Pacers organization and the city of Indianapolis,” Turner continued. “But I also want to win a championship. I felt like the best place for me to achieve that goal was here in Milwaukee.”
Why Milwaukee?
Turner’s decision to join the Bucks may seem like a logical one given their status as championship contenders. Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are one of the most formidable teams in the NBA, with a roster that includes elite players on both ends of the floor. But what really stood out to Turner was the team’s overall vision and the opportunity to complement Giannis’ game in a way that no other team could offer.
“Giannis is an MVP, one of the best players in the world, and I get to play with him. That’s a rare opportunity,” Turner said. “Milwaukee’s been building something special, and they’ve been on the cusp for the last couple of years. I wanted to be part of that. It’s a team that knows how to win, and I feel like my game fits perfectly with what they do.”
Turner’s unique skill set aligns perfectly with the Bucks’ system. His ability to space the floor as a stretch five will provide Giannis with more room to operate in the paint. Additionally, his elite shot-blocking will enhance Milwaukee’s already formidable defense.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer has often said that the Bucks need a more versatile frontcourt to take their defense to the next level, and Turner fits that mold. Turner’s presence will give Milwaukee a much-needed rim protector and a reliable pick-and-pop option for the offense, making them even more dangerous in the postseason.
“I think Myles is going to be a huge asset for us,” Budenholzer said at the press conference. “His defensive impact and ability to protect the rim are unmatched. He’s also a great shooter, and that’s something we’ve been looking to improve upon. He gives us an added dimension that will help us on both ends of the floor.”
The Path Forward: Championship Aspirations
As Turner moves forward with the Bucks, he is focused on the immediate goal of bringing a championship to Milwaukee. Having experienced the highs and lows of the NBA in Indiana, Turner knows that the road to a title is long and difficult. But he is ready to take on that challenge with the Bucks.
“My time in Indiana taught me a lot about patience, perseverance, and what it means to be part of a team. But now, it’s about winning,” Turner said. “I’ve always believed I could be a key piece on a championship team, and now I have the opportunity to prove that in Milwaukee. I’m excited for this new chapter and ready to do whatever it takes to help us win it all.”
With Turner now in the fold, the Bucks are looking like an even more complete team. While they may have lost a Finals appearance to the Pacers just a year ago, their frontcourt now features one of the most complete big men in the league, ready to take on the next challenge in the pursuit of an NBA championship.
In the end, Turner’s decision to leave the Pacers was one born out of a desire to maximize his potential and seize an opportunity to play alongside one of the best players in the game. With the Bucks, Turner is no longer just a defensive anchor; he is now a legitimate contender, positioned to make the most of his prime years in the pursuit of an NBA title.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Bucks and their fans are eager to see how Turner’s addition will elevate their championship hopes. If his tenure with the Pacers was any indication, Turner is poised to make a huge impact in Milwaukee and finally help deliver that elusive championship ring.
