Prediction: Paul George Will Win MVP Next Year
By Sai Mohan
Myles Turner Has Star Potential
Besides Devin Booker, Myles Turner could go down as the steal of last year’s draft.
Turner, 20, has the ability to guard three different positions, hit jumpers from anywhere on the floor and protect the rim. He’s the prototypical modern day big and an ideal replacement for David West.
During the playoffs, the athletic big averaged 10.3 points and 3.3 blocks from 28 minutes per game. His block percentage (9.8), albeit during the first round, trumped the likes of Andrew Bogut (7.7), Hassan Whiteside (7.5) and DeAndre Jordan (6.8).
Turner is still getting accustomed to concepts of switching and modern defensive schemes. That’s why he ranked No. 6 in defensive rating among all Pacers in the postseason. However, when he gets there, Turner is a walking Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Next season, Turner will lead an interesting frontcourt bolstered by offseason acquisitions Thaddeus Young (via trade) and Al Jefferson (via free agency).
It will take a while until George can defer to Turner on offense. Turner still needs to improve his jump shot. But all the fundamentals are in place for Tuner to become a two-way star.
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