When the Milwaukee Bucks made waves by waiving Damian Lillard to bring in Myles Turner, the move had all the makings of a high-stakes gamble. The idea was clear: Turner, who had been somewhat overshadowed with the Indiana Pacers, could shine as Milwaukee's definitive second option. The hope was for Turner to have a career-defining season, statistically speaking.
Fast forward, and the reality hasn't matched the expectations. Turner's role has steadily diminished, and even when healthy, he isn't the go-to guy for Doc Rivers. For a player who cost the Bucks significant financial flexibility, it's been a tough turn of events.
Turner's Struggles in Milwaukee
The decline began in earnest around February. A calf strain kept Turner sidelined, but even after recovery, Rivers favored other options like Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims at center. Meanwhile, Turner, Milwaukee's $109 million investment, found himself more on the bench than on the court.
The stats tell the story. Since February 1, Turner has averaged the least minutes among starting centers with at least 20 games under their belt, clocking in at just 23.8 per game.
Offensively, he's been quiet, with only 7.6 shot attempts per game, ranking fourth-lowest under similar conditions. Even Brook Lopez, who was let go to make room for Turner, is getting more looks.
When Turner does play, his role is limited to perimeter shooting, averaging the fewest 2-point attempts of his career. This shift takes away a crucial part of his game that was effective in Indiana. While some of this is on Turner for not being aggressive enough, the Bucks’ strategies haven’t exactly played to his strengths.
The Bucks' Gamble and the Path Forward
The situation is far from ideal. ESPN recently dubbed Milwaukee’s signing of Turner as the NBA's worst move since last offseason. While it's late in the season to change that perception, Turner’s contract extends beyond this year, offering a chance to turn things around.
A significant issue is the coaching dynamic. Turner hasn't clicked with Doc Rivers, who prefers Portis and Sims. Yet, with the Bucks’ investment in Turner, finding a way to maximize his potential is crucial, and Rivers hasn't hit that mark.
Looking ahead, a change in coaching could provide Turner the reset he needs. At 30, he still has plenty of quality basketball ahead.
He hasn't lost his touch; he just needs the right environment to thrive. A fresh coaching perspective next season might be the key to unlocking the best version of Myles Turner.