To end most practices, the Indiana Pacers finish on a good note then gather at mid-court for a final talk from coach Frank Vogel and then shoot free throws. On Friday, however, after the team’s fifth and final practice for Summer League, the guys lined up at half-court for a shooting contest.
Pacers rookie Myles Turner was about the fourth one to fire away and he nailed it. Those involved in practice, including coaches and ball boys, had a chance. Pacers longtime assistant coach Dan Burke, who is leading their Summer League entry, connected as well. Turner and Burke then attempted another half-dozen before Turner sealed the deal with a swish.
(How about his Tiger-like fist pump, too!)
Sitting courtside while all of this was going on was Larry Bird and head coach Frank Vogel.
“No, I wasn’t taking any notes,” Vogel said afterwards. “I was down getting my trainers ready to ice Dan Burke’s shoulder.
“The half-court shot is (Myles’) specialty, apparently. We didn’t know that coming in. When we were drafting, it wasn’t part of the book we have on him but I’m picking him next time we have a competition.”
[VIDEO: Myles Turner shoots 3s, learns from Popeye Jones]
Shooting from distance isn’t new to Turner. He said he shot them in middle school and high school. Last season, his only year at the University of Texas, Turner attempted 62 3-pointers but hit only 17.
The Pacers will play five games in Orlando with the first one slated for 9 a.m. ET Saturday morning and running through July 10th. All games can be seen on NBA TV — and online (NBA.com and the NBA mobile app) for a cost.