Pacers big man Myles Turner is building confidence through production, with the 23-year-old stepping up in recent contests to help his team win five straight games, Scott Agness of The Athletic writes.
Turner has averaged 11.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game on 44% shooting for the season, with all three metrics regressing from last year.
“He’s getting a little bit more comfortable with playing at the four position on the offensive end of the floor — where he needs to go, where he’s going to get his opportunities and taking those opportunities when it presents itself,” coach Nate McMillan said on Turner’s gradual improvement this season. “It’s not that we’ve done anything different. I think he’s getting a little bit more comfortable with playing alongside of Domas.”
Turner has averaged 13.8 points and 5.8 rebounds over the last five games, making an even bigger impact defensively over that stretch. As the Pacers continue to play without All-Star guard Victor Oladipo, it’s imperative that Turner keeps producing at a high level.
“I think it really stems from my mindset more than anything,” Turner said. “I see myself doing well, I find little ways to get myself going in the game whether it’s blocking shots or scoring, my confidence comes from production.”
Here’s more out of the Central:
- Bulls guard Coby White has maintained a solid amount of confidence in his shot this season, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago writes. White, who’s in his rookie season, emphasized the importance of remaining confident despite going through some tough stretches. “The coaching staff believes in me. So do my teammates. They tell me to keep shooting,” White said. “I’m a rookie. I’m only 19. I don’t use that as an excuse. But they always believe me. You’re going to go through slumps. It’s basketball. It’s how you react to it.”
- Rod Beard of The Detroit News examines the likely roster changes for the Pistons, who’ve struggled through the season’s first 30 games. Detroit currently owns the 11th best record in the East at 11-19, losing the past four games.
- Kris Dunn has made a strong impact as a starter with the Bulls, Johnson writes in a different story for NBC Sports Chicago. The Bulls have a 6-6 record since Dunn replaced Chandler Hutchison in the starting lineup, with Dunn recording nine points, four assists and four steals in a win over Detroit on Saturday. “He’s a freaking dawg,” teammate Zach LaVine said of Dunn. “He’s not scared of nothing. He’s going to talk his stuff. He’s one of the best defenders out there. He takes that challenge. He brings an energy and toughness to the team. He’ll even talk to me if I’m doing something wrong. He’ll pick me up and get me going. I love everything that he does.”
I have a horrible feeling that Drummond will be traded or leave in FA and finally play with a good pg and he will average like 20/20
Can we talk about how bad jalen brunson is and how he single handly lost the game for the mavs vs miami (taking all but two shots in OT and turning ball over 3 times). Vs boston (turning ball over 2 times and shooting an air ball in final 2:45 min) and then tonigjt vs raptors (sloppy passes, not knowing how to beat full court press and missing game winner). I trade brunson, powell, lee, picks whatever it takes for drummond. Powell cant rebound. But powell and brunson are hardworkers and great locker room guys
I am an hardworker and great locker guy too, and i am a lot cheaper
Mavs: Drummond
Pistons: Whiteside and Brunson
Blazers: Powell and Lee
Mavs get a rebounding big man that can work down low.
Pistons get replace Drummond with someone who will be cheaper to resign at the end of the year and someone who plays better defence. Plus they also get Brunson.
Blazers cut salary space/tax bill money. They replace Whiteside with another big and get Lee who replaces the injured Hood.
It’s a win-win-win
Pistons fans may feel sad Drummond is gone but he never ever made your team that great, Whiteside gives you close to 15-15 while also being a shot blocker, something Drummond couldn’t do well. Plus you get Brunson, a young PG that’s got good potential.
Mavs also open up 2 new roster spots, should sign Jonothan Simmons as a back up who is from Texas
I love and want drummond. But why would dallas make that move if whiteside is “better” than drummond. Dallas could just do lee and powell for whitside
Because Whiteside isn’t better than Drummond. I dont even think he’s better than Zack Collins tbh
I don’t think I said he’s better. Drummond is a 20-20 guy if he gets a good PG but at the same time, Whiteside is a 15-15 if he’s in form plus he plays a lot better defence than Drummond.
Drummond is a lot younger and has better numbers, gives you great rebounding and scores down low. Whiteside might give your team some issues but plays similarly, but not quite as good but has the defence.
I just think Mavs would suit Drummond, and that the pistons are overdue getting rid of him and Reggie Jackson and starting to build around Kennard and Griffin.
Oh my mistake. I only read “better” didnt see the “defense” part lol. Yeah whiteside is a better defender
Why the hell blazers should take powell’s contract while they have NURKIC? No sense, no way.
Powell can play 4 or 5… plus nurkic always hurt lol
Nurkic and Collins start and Powell off the bench covers broth 4 and 5. Plus Both players are currently hurt. If you trade Whiteside who are you starting at centre, Carmelo Anthony
Turner must improve shot selection to stay productive. He was shooting reckless 3’s and got put on the bench.