The job description for an NBA center has changed dramatically over the past decade, and Myles Turner has been preparing for that shift for most of his career. Size and rim protection still matter, but today’s bigs are also expected to move laterally, read the floor, and stretch defenses well beyond the paint. Turner fits neatly into that mold, which is why his game continues to translate as the league keeps moving forward.
Now with the Milwaukee Bucks, Turner recently reflected on how the modern NBA has reshaped his approach, the players who inspire him, and what it’s been like adjusting to a new offensive environment after years with the Indiana Pacers.
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When it comes to players he enjoys watching, Turner’s attention isn’t limited to other big men. One guard, in particular, stands out. “On League Pass now, I’m a huge Anthony Edwards fan,” Turner said to Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson in a recent interview. “Outside of the big man room, I love watching Ant get down. He’s just a great player with so much character and confidence.”
That admiration ties directly into skills Turner studies from guards around the league. He pointed to downhill attacks and finishing craft as areas where smaller players often excel. “Guards are so creative in finding ways to finish,” Turner explained. “Slow steps, Euro steps—those different ways of controlling your body at the rim are tough to master as a big.”
The transition to Milwaukee has also required a mental reset. Turner described his previous system as free-flowing and ball-dominant, while his current situation demands sharper decision-making alongside elite talent. “You have to be more calculated and pick your spots,” he said. “It’s a different type of offense, but you also get more open looks and more chances to make plays for others.”
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As the NBA continues to redefine what it asks of its centers, Turner’s mindset reflects that reality. Adapting isn’t a one-time adjustment—it’s an ongoing process, and one he’s fully embraced in this next chapter of his career.