Indiana Pacers: 5 Reasons For Optimism

Apr 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) celebrates with center Myles Turner (33) and guard Ty Lawson (10) against the Toronto Raptors during the second half in game six of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 101-83. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Myles Turner (33) takes a jump shot in practice before playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Myles Turner’s Potential

The Indiana Pacers made a serious gamble with the No. 11 overall selection in the 2016 NBA Draft. It was less of a risk given the position of the pick, but Texas Longhorns big man Myles Turner was one of the most polarizing prospects in his class.

Turner has gone a long way towards silencing his critics after putting forth a very solid rookie season.

The knock on Turner coming out of college was that he routinely disappeared against the highest level of competition. That was true throughout his freshman season at Texas, and it was a sign, to many, that he wouldn’t live up to his All-NBA potential.

Turner may never reach the height of his upside, but 2015-16 was a strong step in the right direction.

Turner had a quality regular season, but during the playoffs, he showed just how good he could become. The 7’0″ big man with a 7’4″ wingspan was a block machine, averaging 3.3 per contest over the course of the Pacers’ seven-game series against the Toronto Raptors.

Turner may or may not become a genuine star, but he clearly belongs in the NBA.

Next: Still Got It, Part II

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