Indiana Pacers: When to hit the panic button on Myles Turner

Once one of the most promising young players in the league, Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, has faced more tumult in just half a season than in his first two years combined. Worrying minds are starting to think, does he have what it takes to weather the storm?

Myles Turner is the future, they said. Myles Turner is a cornerstone player, they said.

It’s just a funk. Two steps forward, one step back, right?

Unfortunately for fans and stakeholders of the Indiana Pacers’ organization, things are looking really rocky for their top young prospect. It sounds funny to call Myles Turner a prospect, even. The University of Texas product entered this season pegged to be an elite shot-blocker, and most kind of just assumed the 21-year-old to be a breakout player this season.

Well, the offseason came and went. Out went Paul George, in came a less obvious alpha dog in Victor Oladipo. It seemed perfect. But this isn’t the first time in very recent history that looks have been deceiving for the Indiana Pacers. Truth be told, most were salivating at the 2016 lineup of Jeff Teague, Monta Ellis, Paul George, Thaddeus Young and Al Jefferson… but even the best-laid plans often go awry.

Although history doesn’t always repeat itself, it usually rhymes. Just the same, after a long early season absence due to a concussion, Turner had yet to find his groove. Despite being a more than ample rim protector with a super soft mid-range shot, he even missed his opportunity to find a rhythm when co-star Victor Oladipo had an extended absence due to a lingering knee injury.