Rick Carlisle Takes a Dig at Myles Turner, Ex-Pacer Joins Israeli Team, Former All-Star Eyes NBA Return
For the first time in ten years, the Indiana Pacers will have a new starting center. Myles Turner has decided to sign a four-year, $108.9 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, officially making him their new starting big man. As a result, he now joins the team the Pacers have the most animosity toward. This shift means head coach Rick Carlisle will be working with a new center for the upcoming season.
The Pacers clearly weren’t too invested in keeping Turner, given the relatively low offer they made him. When asked how the team would move forward without Turner, Carlisle offered a straightforward answer. In response to a question from Tony East of Forbes, Carlisle simply said, “We’ll be fine.”
Though Carlisle had expressed interest in re-signing Turner during the NBA Finals and in subsequent interviews, he made it clear that the team could still find a way to replace him.
Turner was a classic “stretch five” — a center who can block shots at the rim and knock down threes. However, his lackluster performance in the Finals seems to have contributed to the Pacers’ decision to part ways with him.
Looking ahead, the Pacers are likely to focus more on lob action around the rim in their offense, given the center options available to them. Isaiah Jackson, for instance, is a more traditional rim-runner.
Despite Turner’s departure, the Pacers remain confident in their ability to compete in the Eastern Conference. They have three potential center options to choose from for the starting role this season. If none of them pan out, the Pacers can always look for a new center before the 2026-27 season, as next year likely won’t be their championship window anyway.
Carlisle, known as one of the league’s top coaches, remains optimistic he can develop and make the most of the centers he now has at his disposal. He’s proven his ability to do so over the years.
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle appeared to subtly criticize Myles Turner following his unexpected departure from the team. In just three words, Carlisle gave a glimpse into what life will look like without the big man.
In other news, a former Pacers forward has signed with a team in Israel. The Toronto-born player saw a notable rise in his points per game during his first season with the Pacers.
Lastly, a former All-Star is making a push for an NBA comeback. The 33-year-old shooting guard, who once earned a steals title, was named to an All-NBA team, and made an All-Defensive team, is working on re-entering the league.
Last season with the Pacers, Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
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