Just last month, Myles Turner signed a two-year, $60 million contract extension with the Indiana Pacers.
This came after literally seasons of trade rumors swirling around Turner.
It’s clear that the Pacers’ front office has a lot of belief in Turner.
After Thursday night, it’s also clear why.
Myles Turner is the first center ever to record
40+ PTS
10+ REB
8+ 3PIn a game. pic.twitter.com/4FByFda8Hb
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 24, 2023
In a loss against the Boston Celtics, Turner scored 40 points, 10 rebounds, and sank 8 of his 10 three-point attempts.
That made him the first center in the history of the NBA to put up 40+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 8+ threes in a single game.
While it is obvious that his new contract was money well spent by the Pacers, it hurts to see one player do so much while the team still falls short.
For the season, Turner has been averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds with a 54.3% field goal percentage.
Turner wasn’t on his own: Tyrese Haliburton scored 22 points, while Bennedict Mathurin was solid with 19, and Buddy Hield produced 18.
No one is debating the fact that the Pacers have multiple great athletes on the roster.
Yet, they are currently the 12th team in the East and the chances of making the playoffs are slim.
In the seasons ahead, you can bet that the Pacers will try to build around Turner.
Now that they have officially decided to keep him, they will want to put him at the center of the team and surround him with even more talent.
Will the team solely focus on Turner or will they also do what it takes to hold onto other stars like Haliburton and Hield?
What will the future hold for the Pacers?
NEXT: Buddy Hield Has Secured His Place In Pacers History
