Turn the clock back a bit. Coming off a seven-game loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Finals, everyone in the NBA world thought Myles Turner would return to the Indiana Pacers in free agency.
Turner had spent all 10 of his seasons with the Pacers and made it very publicly known that he loved the fans and the city. Fans, to their credit, adored him.
When he shockingly signed a four-year deal with the rival Milwaukee Bucks, Pacers fans were devastated, quickly turning on him. At media day, Turner sounded off on Indiana.
Getty Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and assistant coach Josh Oppenheimer (top left) watches as Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates.
Myles Turner Offers Stance on Indiana Pacers
Turner is not an All-Star player. He is an excellent floor spacer and shot-blocker, although he struggles to defend in space and rebound. In short, he is a very good center, but he is not a superstar.
After ten seasons in Indiana, fans were willing to look the other way when it came to his flaws. Now that he’s on a rival, they are quick to remind him of times that he has disappointed.
In the Finals, the offensive-minded center shot a lowly 37.7% from the floor, going only 3-of-13 in the final two games, ending the Pacers‘ season.
“I’m in a city now that wants to celebrate me,” he said to Milwaukee-based media on September 29th. “There’s a great quote that says, ‘Go where you’re celebrated.’ I feel like that’s here. People are excited to have me here.”
Naturally, his old fans were quick to turn on him.
Indiana Pacers Fans React to Turner’s Comments
At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, there was a section named after him. “Turner’s Block” was one of the rowdiest parts of the arena. Turner, by and large, was the fan favorite in Indiana even if he was not as talented as Tyrese Haliburton or Pascal Siakam. By insinuating that he was not “celebrated” in Indiana, Turner made his fair share of enemies.
One of my favorite moments of both playoff runs of the last two seasons is Gainbridge chanting Myles Turner right before he hit yet another 3 against the Bucks,” posted a fan. “The way the internet reacted to him leaving got to him too much if he really feels like Indy didn’t celebrate him.”
“Judas,” declared another. “Most of us had his back since day one and always believed in him. Shame he couldn’t see it.”
“Bro, Indiana loved you, what are you talking about?” asked a third. Also, when Bucks fans find out you can’t rebound more than 3-4 times a game, they’ll hate you so good luck.
Why is he throwing a fit like 95% of Pacers fans wouldn’t die for him lol,” posted another.
The Pacers, without Haliburton, are expected to take a step back next season. Indiana will host the Bucks and Turner for the first time on November 3rd. It’s fair to expect bitter fans to show out, hoping Turner has a disappointing game.
Indiana Pacers Fans React to ‘Judas’ Myles Turner After Bucks’ Appearance