Myles Turner left the Pacers for the Milwaukee Bucks after feeling underappreciated, signing a four-year, $108 million deal.
The Pacers' defense has suffered significantly without Turner, ranking near the bottom of the league in rim protection.
The Pacers took a jab at Turner during a home game, displaying a Jumbotron graphic highlighting Turner's lack of double-doubles compared to Isaiah Jackson.
Turner has made comments about feeling more celebrated in Milwaukee, further fueling the rivalry.
The beef is intensifying, with the next Pacers-Bucks game on December 23 expected to be highly charged. Why this matters: This feud adds an extra layer of drama to Pacers-Bucks games, turning them into must-watch contests. It also highlights the challenges teams face when a long-tenured player departs and the potential for lingering animosity.
The Pacers' decision to let Turner walk in free agency was a gamble, betting that players like Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson could fill the void. However, the Pacers' defensive rating has plummeted. The numbers tell the story: opponents are shooting a staggering 68.1% from within five feet of the basket against the Pacers, a bottom-five mark in the NBA. In contrast, during Turner's tenure, that number was just 61.2%. Turner, on the other hand, is averaging 12.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks for the Bucks, a noticeable dip from his Pacers production. The Pacers' Jumbotron jab, highlighting Jackson's double-doubles while Turner had none, underscores the pettiness of the feud. It's a clear sign that the Pacers' front office and fanbase haven't forgotten Turner's comments about feeling unappreciated. This has escalated with the crowd booing him in his return to Indianapolis earlier this month.
Q: Why did Myles Turner leave the Pacers?
Turner felt underappreciated by the Pacers and signed with the Bucks for a four-year, $108 million deal.
Q: How have the Pacers performed without Turner?
The Pacers' defense has struggled significantly, particularly in rim protection.
Q: What was the Jumbotron incident?
The Pacers displayed a graphic comparing Isaiah Jackson's double-double stats to Turner's lack thereof, a clear jab at their former player.
The Pacers are learning a harsh lesson about the value of a rim-protecting center like Myles Turner.
The feud between Turner and the Pacers is likely to continue, adding intrigue to future matchups.
Turner's departure highlights the business side of basketball, where feelings can get hurt and rivalries can develop.
The Pacers need to find a solution to their defensive woes if they hope to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Do you think this beef will last? Will Turner silence the critics in Milwaukee, or will the Pacers have the last laugh? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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