Myles Turner Explains His Arrival in Milwaukee and the Importance of Competition
Myles Turner, after his unexpected departure from Indiana, has shared his first impressions of his arrival in Milwaukee. The player expressed his feelings through a letter on social media on Thursday, and then reiterated them on Friday at the Las Vegas summer league, accompanied by coach Doc Rivers and general manager Jon Horst.Turner also highlighted the opportunity to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, two-time MVP and NBA Finals MVP in 2021. To make room for Turner’s arrival, Milwaukee cut Damian Lillard and extended the remaining $113 million of his contract. Turner, 29, who was the longest-tenured player on the Pacers (10 seasons) before his departure, shot 39.6% from the three-point line this season, in addition to averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks.For me, it was about staying competitive. Two years ago, we made it to the conference finals. Obviously, last year we made it to the Finals. Being an important part of winning in basketball completely changed my perspective on this league. I saw the opportunity to continue to be competitive here.
Myles Turner
Turner’s incorporation, according to Horst, focused on improving the team, modernizing their playing style, and impacting Antetokounmpo’s development. Antetokounmpo’s involvement in the acquisition of Turner is unknown. Horst and Rivers assured that the organization has been in contact with Antetokounmpo throughout the offseason, while Turner mentioned that he briefly communicated with his new teammate via text messages. Turner joked about joining Antetokounmpo, and added: “It’s a rarity to be next to him. He’s a generational player, possibly one of the best players who have played this game. I’m sure we’ll talk in the coming weeks. I’ve played against Giannis for quite a while. I’m very familiar with his game and what he’s capable of. I see a perfect fit. He’s someone who can push the ball, get out in transition, create for people. He’s developed a shot.” Turner went on to say that Antetokounmpo’s defense is an important factor, and that the adjustment between both players will be very cohesive. Turner recorded a team record of 46 blocks during Indiana’s run to the NBA Finals. Horst and Rivers see the 6-11 center as an ideal fit alongside Antetokounmpo, as a player capable of opening the court and adapting to the fast-paced style of play that Milwaukee seeks.We had multiple paths throughout an offseason. All of our offseason planning before acquiring Turner was to think about how we can take this team to the next level. How can we improve? And Myles is there as the best free agent on the entire market.
Jon Horst
Giannis came to me the day after the season and we were already talking about next season. So there’s a lot more conversation outside of Milwaukee than inside of Milwaukee. Giannis loves Milwaukee. We love Giannis, and it’s been a great relationship. We had some of our young guys in Greece already playing with him. I think we had six or seven guys who went [to Greece], several coaches. So we’re communicating a lot. It’s about next year and winning.
Doc Rivers
