Myles Turner will look to bounce back from what was a poor first season with the Milwaukee Bucks, and he must set the tone in preseason. The big man, who is expected to be Milwaukee's starting five, will have a golden opportunity to end the preseason on a high note and carry momentum over into the regular season when he faces the Indiana Pacers in the finale.
Pacers game could be Turner's momentum-gatherer
Turner shouldn't need much external motivation heading into the season, given all of the criticism he has faced over the last year, but it never hurts to have a little more. Last season, whenever he squared off with his old team, he seemingly had a bigger chip on his shoulder, and even if this is the preseason slate, that should still hold true.
If Turner puts together a good game, it could be the final push he needs to prepare himself for the first game of the actual NBA season. The recipe for success in Turner's case is simple. In addition to being the interior defensive terror he was during his Pacer days, the big man must knock down his perimeter shots when given good looks and haul in rebounds.
If he can do all that more than he did last season, the Milwaukee Bucks will be in good shape.
Turner's importance to Bucks cannot be overlooked
While he's not the headline-maker like Tyler Herro, Ryan Rollins, or potential soon-to-be Buck Peyton Watson, Turner has a crucial role to play. In all likelihood, he will be Milwaukee's starting center to kick off the season. In that role, the Milwaukee Bucks need him to live up to that hefty contract and be one of the team's most productive pieces.
In addition to being productive statistically, Turner will also have to produce as a leader. He is one of the oldest players on this youth-oriented squad and someone that several players could look up to for guidance. In particular, Kel'el Ware, Turner's likely backup, should stick close to his side and aim to pick up on many things as the Bucks prepare to offer him what will likely be a large role.
It goes without saying that Myles Turner is one of the Bucks facing the most pressure this season. Last season was a disaster, but with a new coach and retooled roster, he should have a better time finding his groove. A strong preseason showing could go a long way in fueling a bounce back season.
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