Myles Turner

Myles Christian Turner (born March 24, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) and weighing 250 pounds (113 kg), Turner plays the center position. He played one season of college basketball for the Texas Longhorns before being selected 11th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2015 NBA Draft. 

Turner is a two-time NBA blocks leader (2019, 2021) and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2016. Known for his “3-and-D” capabilities as a center, he is one of the premier rim protectors in the league. Following the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to waive Damian Lillard in July 2025, the team utilized the created cap space to sign Turner to a four-year, $107 million contract on July 12, 2025. This move ended Turner’s ten-season tenure with the Indiana Pacers. 

Early Life 

High School Career

Turner was born in Bedford, Texas, to parents David and Mary Turner. He began playing basketball at a young age, though his development was nearly sidelined by a significant growth spurt in middle school that led to knee issues and awkward mechanics. Under the guidance of his father and specialized trainers, Turner transformed his physical profile into one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.

Turner attended Trinity High School in Euless, Texas. As a junior, he averaged 15.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 8.0 blocks per game. During his senior year in 2013-14, Turner exploded onto the national scene, averaging 18.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 6.8 blocks per game. He led Trinity to a 24–7 record and was named a McDonald’s All-American. He was ranked as a five-star recruit and the No. 2 center in the 2014 class by ESPN. Turner chose the University of Texas over offers from Kansas, Duke, and Arizona.

College Career

As a freshman at Texas under coach Rick Barnes, Turner made an immediate impact as a defensive anchor. He averaged 10.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. He led the Big 12 in blocked shots and was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year.

On November 15, 2014, in just his second collegiate game, Turner recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds against Saint Francis (PA). One of his standout performances came against Texas Tech, where he recorded 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Despite a disappointing first-round exit for the Longhorns in the 2015 NCAA Tournament, Turner’s individual stock remained high due to his unique ability to protect the rim and shoot from the perimeter. He declared for the NBA Draft on March 30, 2015.

NBA Career

Indiana Pacers (2015–2025)

Turner was selected 11th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2015 NBA Draft. He enjoyed a strong rookie season, averaging 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. By his second season, Turner became the full-time starting center and a defensive cornerstone for the franchise.

Turner led the NBA in blocks per game twice during his tenure in Indiana, averaging 2.7 blocks in 2018-19 and a career-high 3.4 blocks in 2020-21. On February 23, 2023, Turner tied his career-high with 40 points in a game against the Boston Celtics. Over his ten seasons in Indiana, Turner became the franchise’s all-time leader in blocked shots, surpassing Jermaine O’Neal. Despite constant trade rumors that spanned nearly five years, Turner remained a loyal and productive member of the Pacers until the 2025 offseason.

Milwaukee Bucks (2025–present)

On July 12, 2025, Turner signed a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks viewed Turner as the perfect defensive partner for Giannis Antetokounmpo, providing elite rim protection while allowing Giannis to roam as a help defender.

Turner made his Bucks debut on October 23, 2025, recording 18 points and 5 blocks in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers. 

International Career

Turner was a member of the 2019 USA Basketball Men’s National Team that competed in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China. He averaged 6.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game as the starting center. While the team finished in a disappointing seventh place, Turner was one of the few consistent defensive bright spots for the squad. He also participated in the 2014 FIBA Americas U18 Championship, winning a gold medal.

Playing Style and Legacy

Turner is the quintessential “modern center.” He is widely respected for his verticality at the rim, possessing the timing and length to block shots without fouling. Offensively, he is a “stretch-five,” capable of hitting three-pointers at a high volume, which forces opposing centers out of the paint.

He is frequently cited as one of the most underrated defenders of his era, often finishing near the top of Defensive Player of the Year voting without ever winning the award.

References

External Links

• Myles Turner on NBA.com
• Myles Turner on Basketball-Reference.com