In a recent interview, Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard discussed the surprising offseason move of his former teammate, Myles Turner, to the Milwaukee Bucks. Turner, a longtime Pacer, signed a substantial four-year, $107 million contract with the rival team. Nembhard, while acknowledging the competitive implications, extended his well wishes to Turner, emphasizing his desire to see his former colleague thrive in his new endeavor, albeit not when competing directly against the Pacers.
Nembhard Discusses Turner's Transition to Milwaukee, Highlighting Intensified Rivalry and Mutual Respect
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard recently opened up about the departure of Myles Turner, who joined the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason. Speaking on the podcast 'Hello and Welcome,' as reported by HoopsHype, Nembhard conveyed his support for Turner's career move. He stated, \"At the end of the day, I want to see him do well, you know? Glad he got paid, and wishing him success in the future… not against us.\" This sentiment underscores a professional respect despite the shift in team loyalties.
Myles Turner, a pivotal figure for the Pacers since being drafted 11th overall in 2015, established himself as the franchise's all-time blocks leader. He played a crucial role in leading Indiana to the 2025 NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling seven-game series. His career with the Pacers boasted averages of 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, including leading the league in blocks during the 2020-21 season, solidifying his reputation as a premier rim protector.
Nembhard foresees that Turner's move to a Central Division rival will only intensify the already competitive matchups between the Pacers and the Bucks. He remarked, \"I think it just builds into the rivalry that we already got going. It’s going to be an exciting matchup this year. It’s going to get even better than before — now that we’re not on the same team anymore.\" Turner's addition is expected to significantly bolster the Bucks' frontcourt alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, forming a formidable defensive duo as Milwaukee aims for another championship.
For the Indiana Pacers, Turner's departure marks a new era. The team is now strategically building its future around emerging talents such as Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Nembhard himself, who proved to be a key contributor during their recent Finals run.
The move of Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks not only reshapes the competitive landscape of the NBA's Eastern Conference but also highlights the complex blend of professional rivalry and personal respect within the league. Nembhard's comments provide insight into the athletes' perspective on such transitions, where individual success and team aspirations must coexist. It also reminds us that while the business of basketball often dictates player movements, the bonds formed between teammates can transcend team affiliations, even as new rivalries inevitably emerge.
