Exclusive: Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner donates gift cards to kids, talks Indiana Pacers season

Turner and his W.A.R.M. foundation conducted a giveaway on Tuesday

Myles Turner speaking with a young fan and signing autographs at a Dick's Sporting Goods on Tuesday, November 8, 2023. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Tony East)

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner surprised over 20 kids at a Dick's Sporting Goods on Tuesday afternoon with $150 gift cards for a shopping spree.

Turner, 27, matched a donation from Dick's Sporting Goods via his W.A.R.M. (We're All Role Models) foundation, and the kids in attendance were from the organization New Breed of Youth and its sister organization Inner Beauty. Both youth groups focus on empowering young men and women to make good life choices and avoid gun violence, drugs, and crime.

Turner surprised the kids and spoke to them as a group for a few minutes before sitting down one-on-one with every single one of them. He had a personal conversation with everyone who approached him and signed memorabilia. 

"I'm here today just to be that role model for you all," Turner said to the group. He stressed getting good grades and listening to parental guidance before the one-on-one conversations, which featured more personal stories and basketball topics.

Afterwards, Turner walked around the store and helped the kids pick out what items they should buy. 

Indiana Pacers Myles Turner addresses a group of kids at Dick's Sporting Goods on November 7, 2023. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Tony East)

"I think it's important that I'm... putting myself out here," Turner said of being in the community. "They see me on TV all the time, but to actually be able to see me in the community and actually being one of them I think is huge. It's paramount." The Pacers center held a basketball camp near the city back in August and has more events planned for later in the year.

Turner had a realization toward the end of last year that he's been in Indy for nearly one-third of his life. He was drafted by the Pacers in 2015 and is in his ninth season with the franchise. He has deep roots in Indianapolis, and that is part of his motivation to do more in the community.

It's important to him to have real, one-on-one conversations with young men and women. He wants to have a positive impact on their lives and give them a sense of hope.

"I'm obviously in a fortunate position in my life. It's only right that I give back and just try to inspire other people around the community," Turner said.

Turner also took some time to discuss the Pacers season with AllPacers at the event. His team currently sits at 4-3, and Turner is averaging 16.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.

"I feel like we're starting to make a little bit of our way on the defensive end," Turner told AllPacers of his team so far this season. Indiana has had some better defensive games in recent weeks and is climbing in the defensive rating leaderboard after being in last at times last week.

He's been important to the team in a few wins, including 27 points in a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers and a three block outing against the Washington Wizards. He's also trying to get better within the Pacers high-paced offense.

Leadership is important for Turner this season, as is defensive growth. He wants to see his team take some steps forward on that end of the floor and is starting to see that of late.

"It's getting there. I think that having new players, having a new scheme, and having just a new overall mindset when it comes to the defensive thing, it's gonna take some time to adjust," Turner said. "We can't just keep coming in week-in and week-out and saying 'we've got time'.

The offense, though? Turner doesn't see any problems there. Things are going great for the blue and gold with the rock — as of today, they sit on top of the league in offensive rating.

"When you're in the game and you see six or seven guys in double figures, that's fun basketball. That's how it's supposed to be played," the big man said.

Turner wants to partner with some small businesses throughout the year and has a drive coming up at the end of December. He also wants to get some initiatives going around the All-Star game. The Pacers big man is having a solid season on the court, and he's taking the time to have an equally strong impact around the city of Indianapolis. 

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