In this new era for the Milwaukee Bucks, recurring themes are appearing within the roster. One of those is versatility, both on offense and defense. The addition of Myles Turner to replace Brook Lopez is a perfect example of how the team is moving from being old and slow to young and fast on both ends of the floor.
Myles Turner's versatility will be a game changer
In the last couple of seasons, many of the benefits Brook Lopez had brought to the team seemed to become hindrances. Aside from age, poor roster construction and the team's inability to keep the ball in front on the perimeter only further exacerbated those flaws. As teams in the league became younger, quicker, and more versatile defensively, Lopez couldn't keep up.
The front office has recognized this issue. With Lopez leaving the team in free agency this summer, and the Milwaukee Bucks surprisingly signing former Pacer Myles Turner in his place, they should be set to keep up on both ends of the floor. Becoming younger, playing faster, and reducing liability on the defensive end have been the top priorities, and Turner checks all of those boxes.
Turner provides Milwaukee with an opportunity to play faster than they were ever able to with Lopez on the floor. Last season, Turner played center for one of the fastest-paced teams in the league. His ability to protect the rim, stretch the floor, all while keeping up with the Pacers' fast-moving offense, was one of the many reasons the Pacers were able to have so much postseason success.
On the defensive end, Lopez required the Bucks to exclusively play drop coverage when he was on the court due to his lack of foot speed. Now with Turner, the team can be much more switchable defensively, allowing Doc Rivers to provide different looks to the opposing team and multiple options depending on the opponent.
Toward the end of the season, you saw Doc Rivers play either Giannis Antetokounmpo or Bobby Portis at center to try to allow the team to play faster and be more switchable defensively. This season, Turner gives the team a chance to remain big but doesn't force them into playing one style.
The addition of Turner gives the Milwaukee Bucks a chance to play fast offensively, become more mobile defensively, all while providing similar rim protection and floor spacing that Lopez was able to provide during his entire tenure in Milwaukee. The hope is that Doc and the coaching staff lean into playing fast like Turner's former team did on their way to the NBA Finals last season.