As the Indiana Pacers transition away from running the team through a traditional center, after dealing away Roy Hibbert to the Lakers, they may have drafted their big man of the future in Myles Turner, who is impressing early in the Orlando Summer League.
The Orlando Summer League runs from July 4-10 and includes the Pacers, Orlando Blue and White, the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers are 0-2, but perhaps more importantly, have received monster efforts from the No. 11 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
Turner, in 28 minutes per game, is averaging 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 blocks in his two games thus far. He’s shown flashes of a turn-around game that seems unblockable, while swatting away shots from all angles. With the NBA headings towards a small-ball era, Turner is looking like the prototypical “big” man that can guard three or more positions, while still offering protection at the rim ala Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors. He could turn out to be an influential force that drives Indiana Pacers ticket sales this season, not to mention while driving up their win-loss record from a season ago.
Pacers fans don’t have to wait until the season starts to watch Turner and the rest of the Indiana roster hopefuls. Hipmunk.com has flights to or from Orlando to get any fan to Summer League action. Orlando hotels starting from $55 can be booked as well through Hipmunk, making it the one-stop shop for any basketball fan.
Other members of the summer roster include Joe Young, the Pacers’ second-round draft pick out of Oregon, and 2015 undrafted free agents Matt Stainbrook, Jonathan Octeus and DaVonte Lacy.
The Pacers lost to the Miami Heat in the opener on July 4 despite a 20-point, eight-rebound performance from Turner. Two days later, the Pacers lost by nine points to the Orlando White team. After Turner, Shayne Whittington is second in scoring with 12 points-per-game, along with Jarell Eddie, who is also averaging 12 a night.
Indiana has two games remaining; they play the Pistons on July 8 and face the Orlando Blue team on July 9 to conclude the league.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
