Myles Turner

Turner is an American center who has built a lengthy NBA career as a defensive anchor, shot blocker, and stretch big. Drafted 11th overall in 2015, he spent a decade with the Indiana Pacers, evolving from a raw prospect into one of the league's most reliable rim protectors while expanding his offensive range to the three-point line. He reached the 2025 NBA Finals in his final season with Indiana before moving to Milwaukee.

Born Myles Christian Turner on March 24, 1996, in Bedford, Texas, he started playing basketball at age six. He attended Central Junior High School and, as a 6-foot-2 freshman, led his team to 28 wins. Between his sophomore and junior year, he broke his ankle during AAU play but recovered and gained 30 pounds through a rigorous weight training regimen. As a senior at Trinity High School, he averaged 18.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 6.8 blocks per game, leading the Trojans to a 24-7 record. He was rated a five-star recruit and the No. 2 center in the nation behind Jahlil Okafor. On April 30, 2014, he committed to Texas.

At Texas, Turner averaged 10.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game as a freshman and earned 2015 Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors. He represented the United States in the 2014 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship, winning gold. On March 30, 2015, he declared for the NBA draft.

The Indiana Pacers selected Turner with the 11th overall pick in 2015. He spent 10 seasons in Indiana, leading the league in blocks twice and developing into one of the most respected defensive bigs in the Eastern Conference. In his final season with the Pacers, he helped the team reach the 2025 NBA Finals. He was later traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Turner is a modern stretch center with legitimate three-point range and elite shot-blocking ability. His 6-foot-11 frame, combined with timing and verticality, makes him a formidable rim protector who alters shots without excessive fouling. Offensively, he spaces the floor from beyond the arc and scores on pick-and-pops and post moves. His ability to protect the paint while stretching defenses makes him a valuable two-way big in today's NBA.