After a decade with the Indiana Pacers, Myles Turner did the unthinkable this summer: he signed a four-year, $108.9 million deal with the rival Milwaukee Bucks. His return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse as a visitor was never going to be easy.
Still, no one expected the reception he received from the fans he once played for, especially after helping lead the team to the Eastern Conference championship just last season.
How Did Myles Turner React to the Pacers Fans’ Boos?
From the moment the starting lineups were announced, the boos rained down on Myles Turner. The crowd’s reaction didn’t faze him early on, as he hit his first 3-pointer to give the Bucks a 9-6 lead. In response to the jeers, Turner mocked the fans as he jogged back down the court. However, his feelings changed after the game.
In his postgame comments, the former 11th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft expressed his disappointment with the supporters. “It was disheartening…You give 10 years of your life, your blood, your sweat, your tears, you take pay cuts, you survive trade rumors, you try to do everything the right way… It is what it is,” Turner said.
The fans’ resentment likely stems from the former University of Texas center signing with Indiana’s rival, but Turner explained that the decision was “easy.” The Pacers offered him a three-year, $66 million contract, which was significantly less than the offer from Milwaukee. “[Indiana] made it very clear how they valued me,” Turner stated. “And so did the Milwaukee Bucks.”
Adding to the complexity of his departure was Tyrese Haliburton’s torn Achilles tendon, which he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. That injury, combined with the lower contract offer, likely contributed to Turner’s decision to leave the Pacers.
Ultimately, Turner and the Bucks secured the victory, as Giannis Antetokounmpo hit a game-winning fadeaway at the buzzer. Antetokounmpo finished with 33 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists, while Turner contributed nine points, seven rebounds, and five blocks.
Is Turner Finding His Role in Milwaukee?
So far this season, Turner is averaging 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. While his elite rim protection has carried over to his new team, his offensive production has slowed compared to his days in Indiana.
Turner is currently taking 9.3 shots per game, a noticeable dip from the 11.3 and 11.8 he averaged over the previous three seasons. Furthermore, his usage rate of 16.7% is the lowest it has been since the 2020-21 campaign. It often takes time for a player to adjust to a new system and new teammates.
However, his skillset as a stretch-big who can space the floor seems to be a perfect fit alongside Antetokounmpo’s relentless drives to the basket. The nine-time All-Star’s presence also helps compensate for Turner’s lower rebounding numbers for a center.
As the season progresses, expect Turner to settle into his new role. Despite his individual struggles, his contributions have helped Milwaukee get off to a strong 5-2 start.