money Exclusive: Myles Turner discusses Lakers trade talks, NBA free agency, Pacers rebuild, more
Three names immediately start trending on NBA Twitter after every Lakers loss this season: Myles Turner, Buddy Hield and Rob Pelinka.
The talk has resounded so long that ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski asked Turner on The Woj Pod if he’d trade two first-round picks if he were the Lakers.
“If I’m the Lakers, I take a very hard look at this with the position that you’re in,” Turner replied. “I know what I can provide a team – my leadership, my shot-blocking, my three-point ability, and just my ability to make plays out there on the floor. And I’d take a very long look at it, but as far as pulling the trigger, I get paid to shoot, not to make these calls, so I couldn’t answer that.”
Before facing the Nets at Barclays Center, Turner sat down with HoopsHype and discussed the Lakers trade talks, his free agency future, how he could fit into a Pacers rebuild, and more.
What are your personal goals this season?
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Myles Turner: Goal No. 1 is staying healthy. The past two seasons, I’ve had unfortunate injuries that were freak of nature. The best ability is availability. Second, I want to get back to that defensive prowess out there. I still have All-Star level talent, and I want to be able to put it on display to make those All-Star teams. I think I’m in a great position to do so. I think this will probably be the year that I break out. Defensively, I want to make that first All-Defensive Team. That’s something I want to do on an individual level and get my name back in that conversation and stay up there with the elites in this league.
At 26, how can you be a part of this rebuild in Indiana if you remain with the team past the trade deadline and this summer?
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MT: You have me in the middle being that defensive presence and that defensive anchor. I think that’s one of the hardest parts about building, getting that defensive captain down there. I’m here. I think these guys have a lot of respect for me, and the chemistry is already starting to grow. I think with me being here, all you do is build on that chemistry. I think I’m in a great position being so young, to build with this core for years to come.
I’m excited about what we have here in Indiana. I understand that some of the things I might’ve said in that podcast could’ve gotten misconstrued answering hypothetical questions. This isn’t a hypothetical. I’m here in Indiana. I’ve got real estate in Indiana. I’ve got a fan section in our own arena. I’m a Pacer. I’ve been a Pacer my entire career. I can’t tell the future, but where I’m at right now, I’m very happy.
Have you seen Lakers and Nets fans clamoring for you on social media, and if so, how do you deal with that?
MT: It’s good to feel wanted. It’s nothing that bothers me, I guess. It’s something I’m accustomed to and used to at this point in my career. It’s just funny sometimes when you see the memes and certain things people say. You just brush it off and do your job. This is what comes with the job.
What have you learned about the business of the NBA?
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MT: I think it’s unforgiving, and you’ve got to take your emotions out of it. If the Pacers were to part ways with me, I know there wouldn’t be any hard feelings because that’s how this business goes. You have to do what’s best for your organization, and a player has to do what’s best for them. On a personal level, it’s been nothing but love since I’ve been here in Indiana. The front office has been very transparent with me. That’s one thing I definitely respect. Whatever happens, will happen at this point. I’m just going to keep moving. Once I’m out here between these lines, I’m going to be the Myles Turner I’m paid to be.
How do you feel in general about free agency?
MT: This is my first time really dealing with free agency. When I signed this last deal, it was an extension. I signed an early extension, so I didn’t have to worry about or deal with a contract year. It’s definitely new territory for me. I’m learning more every day with it. Your play controls everything. I think that’s the biggest thing for me, which is to come out and perform. You can do all the interviews in the world you want, and people can try and make it into this or that. I’m going to write my own narrative at the end of the day. I think the best way to do that is with my play on the floor.
Is there anything you want to add for Pacers fans?
MT: I think everybody knows my heart and knows who I am here in this community. I think that you can’t look at a small snippet of a podcast and try to assume your own narrative. I’d encourage people to listen to the full 30-minute session that I did. I think when you’re put in a position to answer hypothetical questions, then it can definitely get taken out of context. For me, I love it here in Indy. I haven’t made any decisions. When the time comes to make a decision, that’s when you’ll hear from me.
What are your impressions of Bennedict Mathurin?
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MT: His maturity level has been what’s been the most impressive, along with his confidence. A lot of younger players and rookies come into the league, and it takes them a second to get their bearings right. Since the first day of playing with him in pickup games in the summertime, I knew he was going to be ready. I think he’s already great at getting downhill and a great scorer. As he learns the dynamics of the league, he’s going to be an All-Star-level talent.
Do you have a player comparison for Tyrese Haliburton?
MT: I think Tyrese is someone who’s going to create his own lane. He’s a big point guard. Making the plays he makes at his height and stature is rare, in my opinion. I think when it’s all said and done, he’s going to be someone in his own lane. When I said he’s comparable to Chris Paul, it’s the way he gets guys open and could lead the league in assists. I think he’s going to be his own Tyrese Haliburton, and people are going to be trying to compare themselves to him when it’s all said and done.
Rick Carlisle said you and Buddy Hield are nurturing the young players on the team. How’s it been being a leader on the team?
MT: Honestly, they make it easy, and it’s fun. When you have a group that’s as hungry as these guys are and guys that want to learn like they do, they’re in the gym. Everybody’s in the gym, even on off days, to get work in. Guys are staying after practice to get work in. That’s usually something young guys have to build up to, and these guys have done it from the jump. I think we have a good solid young core. Our rotation guys are coming in and playing well. I’m excited for what we’re building here.
You can follow Michael Scotto on Twitter: @MikeAScotto
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