Projecting the 20 most promising young duos in the NBA

12. Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis (Indiana Pacers)

Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis are a two-man embodiment of the Indiana Pacers franchise: Solid, productive, blue-collar, understated and often underrated.

Both 23-year-olds have racked up enough playoff experience to be trusted contributors as the Pacers try to become one of the Eastern Conference’s real contenders, even if they won’t be looked upon to lead the charge as big-time scorers.

Turner, a 6’11” center, led the NBA in blocks last season (2.7 per game) to go with 13.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He’s spent this summer honing his skills with the U.S. national team in FIBA World Cup training. He should have some All-Defensive Team nods in his future, if not an All-Star nod or two.

Domantas Sabonis doesn’t have any standout individual accolades yet, but don’t be surprised if he eventually eclipses the NBA production of his famous father, Arvydas Sabonis.

Domantas, a 6’11” power forward, averaged 14.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game last season; Arvydas’ best NBA season saw him put up 16.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Domantas doesn’t have the polish or passing skills of Arvydas, but he can score and run the floor and is active in the paint.

Turner has already been signed to a lucrative extension that will keep him under contract through 2023. Sabonis can become a restricted free agent next summer. Keeping these two together for the foreseeable future would be smart for the Pacers.