We’ll get our first look at Myles Turner, the 11th overall pick in last month’s draft, Saturday morning (9 a.m.) when the Pacers open Summer League action against Miami.
“We’re all eager to see every minute Myles Turner is out on the court, and hopefully Joe Young will get back out there soon as well just to see what we have,” coach Frank Vogel said Friday before the team headed to the airport for its flight to Orlando.
Turner working with big man coach Popeye Jones.
The Pacers will be one of two teams competing in the Orlando Summer League. Most others play the following week in Las Vegas. Orlando is a smaller, more intimate setting and closed to the public.
Just seven days ago, Turner arrived in Indy with a small bag and was introduced to local media. He did countless interviews and then finally hit the court for the first time as a Pacer.
Still, he admits, it all continues to be a whirlwind. Turner impressed the first day with a huge dunk in transition that had Summer League coach Dan Burke saying “OH ————” to a nearby observer.
I asked Turner about it and he vaguely remembered.
“Yeah, I might have had one in the beginning,” he said, wheels spinning in his head. “I don’t even remember. It was like 33 hours ago.”
Actually about one, but I get the point.
“When I’m out here, a million and one things are racing through my head,” he continued. “It’s kind of hard to stay focused when you have all of these new plays coming at you, new concepts, defensive rotations.”
One teammate who can help ease the burden for Myles — and others — is Solomon Hill. This is his third straight year being involved, although last year he couldn’t participate due to a sprained ankle.
“We run the same stuff that we run during the year so if I can help guys in any way to get it right the first time, that’s what I’m here from,” Hill, 24, said. “Shed light on some weak areas guys don’t know about. Myles is 19 years old so he’s not going to get everything right away and my job is to make it easy for him.”
Turner will wear No. 33.
The team will play five games in Orlando spanning from July 4-10, but draft picks Turner and Young are unlikely to play in everyone of them. Hill expects to play in just two. (Young missed most of practice this week with illness but should play in several games.)
“I’m excited about Myles,” said Burke. “His length, of course. Even when he wasn’t in the right spot defensively he made a difference a couple times. Getting to the ball he won’t reach. He’s an eager learner. He seems to be a sponge. He’s got a quiet confidence about him.
“We talk about playing above the rim. He plays above the square.”
The Pacers’ roster for the upcoming season continues to evolve. They added guard Monta Ellis and re-signed forward Lavoy Allen on Thursday. Roy Hibbert and Ian Mahinmi are the other two bigs on the roster. The Pacers want to play at a faster pace, which better suits Turner.
Coach Vogel was asked if he planned to limit Turner’s play in his rookie year.
“The best case scenario is he comes in and kills it, impresses everyone, becomes a big-minute guy for us and a major contributor,” Vogel said. “That’s the hope. Obviously with someone that young, it might be a reach. The kid looks pretty good. He’s got a chance to definitely contribute for us next year and obviously the sky is the limit for what he can be.”
After practices this week, one area he’s worked on is his stroke from beyond the arc. It’s very natural looking and he does it with such ease. The results were mixed, but remember he’s only been familiar with the NBA line for a few months.
“He shoots the 3 after practices really well. Really well. Easily. He does have a natural stroke. We probably not going to have him shooting 3s right away early in his career but he’s got the potential to do it for sure.”
To conclude practice, Turner swished not one but multiple half-court shots.
Turner should go down to Orlando, play significant minutes in at least three games, record double-doubles, and protect the rim. Like team officials, Pacers fans and media alike will be watching closely at how Turner, who’s just 19, plays and begins to adapt to the big leagues.
His stated goal is simple. “Go out there and compete. That’s all you can do.”
See the interview with Frank Vogel in the embedded media player below: