Indiana Pacers: 5 goals for Myles Turner in 2017-18
1. Make the NBA All-Star team
There has been a great deal of talk about Myles Turner as a future NBA All-Star — some pundits even feel he could make the All-Star team this season.
That is a great goal to set, but it is unlikely that Turner can land a spot on the All-Star team in 2018, and there are two primary reasons that he probably won’t get there right away.
Turner and shooting guard Victor Oladipo appear to be Indiana’s top two options on the offensive end. They should both have good statistical seasons, but neither is likely to post the kind of eye-popping numbers that will attract All-Star votes.
In addition, the Pacers won’t be one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference this year; it’s doubtful they’ll even be in the playoffs. This will make things even more difficult for Turner to be included in the All-Star conversation in 2018.
Everything would have to fall just right, but if Myles Turner could somehow approach the 20-point, 10-rebound per contest plateau and Indiana has an unexpectedly good record through the first half, Turner could become a legitimate All-Star candidate.
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This dream scenario is not likely to happen in 2017-18, but setting the bar high will help make Myles Turner a better player and leader for the Indiana Pacers now, and in the future.