Adding Myles Turner to the frontcourt with Giannis Antetokounmpo gives the Milwaukee Bucks an elite defensive duo that they have been lacking for several years. Reports have suggested that Giannis wanted the Bucks to pursue Turner and was part of convincing the center to switch to a Central Division rival. Now, the duo could well be the best frontcourt partnership in the NBA.
Myles Turner gives the Bucks much-needed defensive versatility
The frontcourt pairing of Giannis and Brook Lopez was great for many years, but there was no doubt the latter's impact on the defensive end took a step back in time. Without Jrue Holiday as the point of attack defender, Lopez's impact dropped significantly, with the Bucks not being able to keep him in drop coverage, finding the veteran exposed against smaller, quicker players on the perimeter.
Turner can switch on to the perimeter and stay with those players. We saw in the playoffs that Turner outclassed Lopez to the point where the now LA Clipper was dropped from the starting lineup.
Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and two blocks on shooting splits of .481/.396/.773. Lopez averaged 13 points, five rebounds, and 1.9 blocks on splits of .509/.373/.826 this past season. Shooting-wise, they aren't too different, but the ability to still stretch the floor whilst offering more defensive versatility and a better rebounder is vital to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee looked at its best with Giannis surrounded by shooters and athletic players who could defend multiple positions. Throwing Turner at the five is another problem for teams offensively, and his ability on the glass can allow Giannis to leak out in transition rather than having to focus on grabbing boards himself.
Ryan Rollins, Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. have all re-signed. Those three, with AJ Green and Harris, mean the backcourt has switchable options that Turner can help with. The 'true' wing depth is lacking slightly, with Taurean Prince and Kyle Kuzma being the only small forwards, but the Milwaukee Bucks still have moves to make.
In the latter stages of the 2024-25 season, Sims and Giannis formed a really strong partnership, and it looked like the way forward for the Bucks. However, Doc Rivers seemed reluctant to play Sims despite the clear eye and statistical support. With Turner, there is no doubt that he will start for the Bucks, which allows them to remain strong even when Giannis sits. Kyle Kuzma or Bobby Portis can slot into the four alongside Turner, and the team will still be solid.
It certainly won't be a "gap year" for the Bucks, and we know that Jon Horst is always willing to make bold moves. Adding arguably the best free agent on the market means Milwaukee will be in playoff contention again. What happens in the future with Lillard's salary stretched is yet to be seen, but Turner, alongside Giannis, is something that Milwaukee Bucks fans can be excited about.