Myles Turner in being part of Bucks: “In the end it was just a matter of remaining competitive”
Las Vegas – Myles Turner who signs with the Bucks was the biggest surprise in the low season of the NBA. Turner was considered a block to be signed again in Indiana (especially after the final race) and Milwaukee did not have the hood space to chase it. Therefore, the ownership of the Pacers opposed the luxury tax and low ball turns, while the Bucks were historically aggressive, giving up and lengthening Damian Lillard to create space to get their man.
For Turner, the reason to sign with the Bucks concerned more competitiveness than money alone.
“In the end, it was just a matter of remaining competitive,” Turner said in an introductory press conference by Las Vegas on Friday. “Two years ago, [the Pacers] I arrived at the Eastern Conference finals. Obviously, last year we arrived at the NBA finals. But being there, being part of it, winning basketball has just changed all my perspective on this championship and I saw the opportunity to remain competitive here. Jon [Horst]also doc [Rivers] He assured me that winning is an absolute priority here, and we align ourselves with our visions. “
Turner wanted to be paid at the level of other quality centers in the NBA-Isaiah Hartentein at $ 29 million a year on average on his contract, Jarrett Allen $ 30.2 million, NIC CAXTON $ 24.3 million, as examples-and the Bucks intensified a four-year contract, $ 107 million.
Last season, he scored 15.6 points per game on average while shooting 39.6% on 3 episodes, as well as adding 6.5 rebounds and two blocks per game.
For Milwaukee, Turner is an update on where Brook Lopez is at this point in his career. For Turner, the possibility of competing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, rather than against him, was part of the draw.
“I was tired of getting cursed shoulders and still chest elbows,” Turner said with a laugh. “It is a rarity to be by his side. He is a generational player, probably one of the greatest players playing this game. I am sure we will talk here in the weeks to come. I played against Giannis for some time. Intangibles are there.
It is much more than a simple Antetokounmpo, Turner sees the possibility of competing more in an eastern conference of the next season.
“I only look at this list and I competed against these guys. There is a respect from afar how they deal with their business. There is a reason why the boys are there. Gary Trent has just signed. Bobby Portis has just signed. Prince Taureo has just signed. Ryan Rollins has just been signed. Everyone has seen everyone.
The only thing that could put an end to the post -Bucks stained dreams would be Antetokounmpo who asks for an exchange, even if this seems increasingly unlikely than happens. Above all, Antetokounmpo said he was “probably” in Milwaukee. The Bucks Doc Rivers coach, sitting next to Turner, also threw cold water on the voices on trade.
“Giannis came to me the day after the season and we were already talking about the next season,” said Rivers. “So, there is much more speeches outside of Milwaukee than there is in Milwaukee. Giannis Ama Milwaukee. We love Giannis, and it was a great relationship … So, we are communicating a lot. This is next year, and it is about winning.”
That victory is helped by Turner in Milwaukee.