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NBA: Post-Summer League Rookie Of The Year Standings

By Ezra Siegel

Jul 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Upshaw (12) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Minnesota won the game 81-68. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Upshaw (12) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Minnesota won the game 81-68. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Myles Turner (Texas) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number eleven overall pick to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Myles Turner (Texas) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number eleven overall pick to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Myles Turner – Indiana Pacers

Turner didn’t shine at the University of Texas like many expected him to as the No. 2 recruit, but he came through in a major way during the Orlando Summer League.

In four games in Orlando, Turner was outstanding on both ends of the floor averaging around 18 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game. His efficiency was exactly what team president Larry Bird hoped to see, as the big man shot over 60 percent and posted a fantastic 36.01 PER.

While Turner would have been a dark horse for the Rookie of the Year award prior to the draft, his situation and summer performance have made him a prime candidate.

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    • Several departures in the Pacers frontcourt – most notably, Roy Hibbert, David West and Luis Scola – have left a glaring hole in their rotation. New addition Jordan Hill will likely take the starting center spot, but with underwhelming alternatives in Ian Mahinmi and Lavoy Allen, Turner may have the best chance to start from day one.

    Turner is a work in progress, especially with his skinny frame and tendency to foul, but he has the potential to put up big numbers as rookie. His smooth jumper from the post, excellent rebounding skills and elite shot blocking ability should allow him to stuff the stat sheet as he gets more comfortable in the NBA.

    Playing alongside three capable ball handlers in Paul George, Monta Ellis and George Hill, Turner will also have plenty of opportunities to convert open looks out of the pick and roll and dives to the rim. He should also see plenty of opportunities for his bread and butter, the turnaround jumper, with improved spacing in the NBA.

    Look for Turner to have a big rookie year for the Indiana Pacers.

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