Myles Turner talks Pacers offseason, his growth, and more at his basketball camp
WESTFIELD — Myles Turner has had quite a refreshing offseason.
The Indiana Pacers center entered the summer healthy, something that hasn't been common throughout his career. He also is out of trade rumors and in a settled state contractually for the first time in a while, meaning he can focus on himself and his game. Turner has used all of that to his advantage.
"Very well traveled this summer... I feel like I really took care of my mental. I spent the beginning of the summer training in Denver for a month-and-a-half." Turner said at his basketball camp just north of Indianapolis on Thursday evening. He went to Denver just to be in a new environment, which benefited him in many ways. "Getting that time to myself, getting that time to really refocus and re-center was dope. Work hard, play hard. I got to have some fun."
The Pacers big man just wrapped up his eighth season with the Pacers, the only franchise he has played for in the NBA. He called Indiana his second home on multiple occasions at his camp, which was the first one that Turner has held in Indiana since being drafted. He spent time with every camper and worked with them on drills.
Turner's 2022-23 season was his best ever. He averaged a career-best 18.0 points per game and paired it with his best-ever rebounding (7.5 per game) and efficiency (65.1% true shooting) numbers. The center finally broke out after shifting back to his more natural position.
Playing alongside a dynamic passer like Tyrese Haliburton helped, too, but Turner took meaningful steps forward even outside of his fit with the All-Star guard. He became the player he always said he could be.
Now, he's trying to get even better, and training in Denver is a part of his next steps. "I think I've gotten better with my health," he said, noting that his body is in shape and he isn't playing catch up physically. He improved his mental health, too. "It's all coming together... [I'm] really excited for this year."
The Bedford, Texas native is entering the first year of a contract extension in 2023-24, and he has two years left on his deal. For the first time in a while, there are no questions about his role, his future, or his trade value. He's the Pacers starting center and an important piece of their puzzle.
He should be a great fit for the new-look group. Indiana made two key moves this summer by signing Bruce Brown and trading for Obi Toppin, and both of those transactions could improve the team in the short and long term.
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner speaks with campers at his basketball camp in Indiana. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Tony East)
Turner believes that the building Pacers will be better on defense this year, which is a goal for the squad. "I think we definitely got bigger. We added a championship mindset in Bruce Brown," he said. Turner shared that he was recently in Portland chatting about the team's defensive improvement with general manager Chad Buchanan.
"On paper, I think we definitely got better... I love what we've done. We've definitely gotten fast and more athletic," Turner said.
He also believes the team will be able to remain one of the more up-tempo groups in the league. Both Toppin and Brown thrive in transition, and Haliburton is one of the best players in the league in the open court.
Indiana ranked second in transition frequency last season, and they were effective when pushing the pace and getting into their offense quickly. Turner did well in that environment, and he believes the team will be even better in that way after their offseason additions.
"We always want to play fast, we know we're going to be great offensively," he said. To get out in transition and play fast, the team will have to get stops. "Defensively is where we're going to try to make our mark this season. I love how fast we're going to be."
Beyond free agency, the Pacers center likes the draft-night additions of Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard. Sheppard's shooting impressed Turner in Summer League, and he has liked what he's seen from Walker so far, especially from a mentality and energy perspective.
Turner's improvement, combined with the team's talent upgrades, has the big man excited about what the team could be this coming year. He also thinks Haliburton could improve after playing for Team USA, something that helped Turner himself grow in 2019. If all of his predictions are correct, Indiana could move into the playoff picture in 2023-24.
The blue and gold haven't been in that tier since 2020, and Turner only has 26 career postseason games under his belt. It may be difficult for the Pacers to be a contender this year. But they do have the talent and upside to return to the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Even if the Pacers are a similar level of squad next year, their starting center believes that he will individually be even better. He's had a refreshing offseason, and that will put him in position to start the season strong.
Turner has been everywhere since the season ended. He shared that his offseason travels have included multiple Italian cities, including Milan, as well as Hawaii, Turks and Caicos, the Cayman Islands, San Diego, and Las Vegas. That's on top of the aforementioned trips to Indianapolis, Denver, and Portland. Turner has truly been everywhere and has mentally reset.
That, along with the Pacers offseason, had the big man set up for a strong 2023-24 campaign.
- What moves can the Indiana Pacers still make during the 2023 offseason and free agency? CLICK HERE.
- Oscar Tshiebwe discusses his early time with the Indiana Pacers, his rebounding skills, and background. CLICK HERE.
- Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin are forming an early bond for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- How Bruce Brown can help the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
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