article based on the headline: “Myles Turner Calls Out Pacers in Introductory Press Conference With Bucks”.
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Myles Turner Calls Out Pacers in Introductory Press Conference With Bucks
By Jason Fray | July 10, 2025 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Just days after inking a three-year, $78 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, veteran center Myles Turner wasted no time making headlines in his first appearance before the Wisconsin media. During his introductory press conference at Fiserv Forum, Turner took a moment to thank the Pacers organization for “the years of opportunity,” but he didn’t stop there. The 29-year-old big man then proceeded to take pointed shots at Indiana’s front office, coaching staff, and even their locker room culture—painting a picture of dysfunction that may help explain his abrupt departure from the franchise he’s called home for nearly a decade.
“I gave everything I had to that team,” Turner said, seated next to Bucks general manager Jon Horst and head coach Chris Quinn. “But at a certain point, you realize when an organization isn’t trying to win at the level you are. I kept hearing about the future. About ‘growing pains.’ At some point, it just starts sounding like excuses.”
The Pacers, fresh off a thrilling but ultimately disappointing Game 7 loss in the NBA Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder, seemed to have finally turned a corner after years of rebuilding. Yet Turner’s comments suggest all wasn’t well behind the scenes—even during the team’s most successful run since the Reggie Miller era.
A Decade in Blue and Gold
Drafted 11th overall in 2015, Turner spent ten seasons with the Pacers, evolving from a promising shot-blocker to one of the league’s premier stretch bigs. A two-time NBA blocks leader and former All-Defensive selection, he became a cornerstone of Indiana’s identity—anchoring a defense that was often asked to compensate for a young, inconsistent offense.
In many ways, Turner’s prime coincided with Indiana’s transitional years, moving from the Paul George era to the Tyrese Haliburton-led resurgence. But despite his on-court contributions, Turner often found himself the subject of trade rumors, something he alluded to on Thursday.
“Every single year, it was, ‘Is Myles staying? Is he going to Boston? To Golden State? Is he going to be traded for cap relief?’ It wears on you. You want to feel valued, especially when you’ve been holding it down through the tough times,” Turner said.
Tension Behind the Finals Run?
Turner’s parting shots were especially surprising given Indiana’s deep postseason run this year, culminating in a hard-fought seven-game battle against the upstart Thunder. While Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Pascal Siakam received most of the media attention during the Finals, Turner’s defensive presence was critical—averaging 13.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks during the series.
Yet when asked about the Finals experience, Turner gave a somber reply.
“We were so close. And even then, it felt like we were dragging half the organization behind us,” he said. “There were decisions being made that didn’t make sense—rotations that didn’t reflect matchups, younger guys not being held accountable, and veterans being iced out of key moments.”
While he stopped short of naming names, Turner’s remarks seem to be directed at head coach Rick Carlisle, whose reliance on a deep rotation sometimes drew criticism for a lack of consistency.
“I respect Coach Carlisle, but I think we just had different visions. I wanted to win now. He wanted to build for later—even in the middle of the Finals,” Turner said with a shrug.
A New Chapter in Milwaukee
The Bucks, coming off a second-round playoff exit, view Turner as the missing piece in their pursuit of another title. With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton still forming the team’s core, the addition of Turner brings elite rim protection and floor spacing to an already formidable roster.
“This is about winning,” Turner said emphatically. “I’m here because I believe this team is ready to get back to the top, and they believe I can help them do that. That belief matters.”
Head coach Chris Quinn echoed the sentiment, praising Turner’s leadership and playoff experience.
“He’s battle-tested. He’s versatile. And above all, he’s hungry,” Quinn said. “We’ve been looking for a guy who can anchor our defense and stretch the floor. Myles fits that mold perfectly.”
Reactions from Indiana
Turner’s comments quickly made waves across social media and the NBA media circuit. Within hours, Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan released a short statement in response:
> “We appreciate everything Myles brought to the Pacers over the past ten years. While we’re surprised by some of his remarks, we respect his right to share his perspective and wish him success in Milwaukee.”
Teammates were more reserved. Tyrese Haliburton posted a cryptic tweet reading, “Perception ≠ Reality,” while Isaiah Jackson posted an Instagram story with a shrug emoji and the caption: “Lotta cap today.”
Fans across Indiana were left torn—some expressing frustration at Turner for “burning bridges,” while others saw his comments as a justified airing of grievances from a longtime soldier.
What This Means for the Pacers
Turner’s departure leaves a significant hole in the Pacers’ defense. While second-year big man Jarace Walker has shown promise, and Pascal Siakam is expected to return in free agency, the team lacks a true rim protector of Turner’s caliber.
Moreover, the situation raises broader concerns about the team’s internal dynamics. If a Finals run couldn’t paper over the cracks in leadership and communication, it may prompt Indiana’s front office to re-evaluate its long-term plans—and possibly even Carlisle’s future.
Looking Ahead
For Turner, the path forward is clear.
“I’m not here to throw dirt,” he said near the end of the press conference, slightly walking back his earlier fire. “I’m here because I believe in winning. I believe in Milwaukee. And I’m ready to do what I’ve been preparing for my whole career—bring a championship to the city.”
For the Bucks, that message fits perfectly with their win-now mentality. For the Pacers, however, it may serve as a wake-up call.
Turner’s departure isn’t just the end of a chapter—it might be the start of a much bigger story.
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Let me know if you’d like a version that’s shorter, more dramatic, or focused on a specific angle like Rick Carlisle or the Finals Game 7.
