Giannis Antetokounmpo rushed to the defense of Myles Turner and called out the Indiana Pacers fanbase for their recent behavior. After making it all the way to the 2025 NBA Finals and forcing the Oklahoma City Thunder to their limit in a seven-game series, the Pacers ended up falling short in the Finals.
Moreover, Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles, a serious injury that affected the Pacers’ chances of defending their position as Eastern Conference champions. Although many presumed the team would be eager to retain Myles Turner, their center and an instrumental part of their roster, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.
The Milwaukee Bucks took advantage of the situation and offered Turner a four-year contract worth $108 million. As Turner returned to play against his former team, he was subjected to boos from the audience, prompting Antetokounmpo to address the situation during the postgame interview.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Feels Sympathy for Myles Turner
Turner spent the first decade of his career with the Pacers. Over the past several years, the star center has frequently been involved in trade rumors. However, he continued to focus on the team, aiding their recent trip to the NBA Finals.
Since Turner was not traded and instead left the Pacers by signing with the Bucks, the Pacers’ fanbase felt a great deal of frustration when Turner returned. They booed their former player every time he touched the ball, creating a negative and hostile environment in the process.
Although the crowd’s behavior did not prevent the Bucks from winning 117-115, it may have impacted Turner. He tallied nine points and seven rebounds in 34 minutes of play and also recorded five blocks against his former team.
After the game had concluded, Antetokounmpo was questioned about the atmosphere that the Pacers fans created and how it affected Turner.
“He might not say it, but he hurt for sure. But we are here to pick him up, tell him how much we love and respect him. We understand how much he gave for the team Indiana and how much he’s willing to give for Milwaukee. So he’s a great person, great character…”
#Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo on Myles Turner being booed in Indy:
“It is bigger than sport. … He’s gonna go back home and he’s gonna be like, ‘OK, 10 years just went down the drain.’ And that’s not fair for anybody that gave 10 years to the game and 10 years to the #Pacers.” pic.twitter.com/MXzoJW6fCB
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 4, 2025
Antetokounmpo concluded, “So anybody that was booing him today…Think about yourself working in your job and all of a sudden you decide to make a move for your family, for yourself, because you have different goals…and then you go back and your boss is like booing you, and you’re like, ‘Man what the hell?'”
The Pacers have struggled to start the season, holding a 1-6 record. Meanwhile, the Bucks have exceeded expectations, winning five of their first seven games.