5 reasons Gordon Hayward should sign with the Indiana Pacers
The rise of Myles Turner
Myles Turner came to Indiana as the No. 11 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. As a 19-year-old late lottery pick, Turner arrived on the scene with little fanfare, but that quickly changed.
Turner immediately showed that he was more than a long-term project, logging a solid rookie season in 2015-16. More was expected of Turner heading into his second NBA campaign, and he did not disappoint.
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Myles Turner became Indiana’s starting center last year, and his production was impressive for such a young player: 14.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game on 51 percent shooting from the field and 81 percent from the free throw line.
Turner added three-point range to his arsenal in year two, hitting a respectable 35 percent on 115 attempts in 2016-17. Myles Turner is clearly on his way up, and he has made a strong impression on many within the NBA community.
The Indianapolis Star reports that Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers feels that Myles Turner is headed for NBA stardom.
“Turner is going to be a superstar,” Rivers said. “I think no one will argue that. In fact, it will probably happen quicker than any of us thought. He’s special.”
The huge potential and continued growth of Myles Turner is another thing that makes the Pacers an attractive landing spot for Gordon Hayward, particularly when combined with the other advantages Indiana can offer the soon-to-be free agent.