Myles Turner and Giannis Antetokounmpo have gotten quite familiar over the last few years during countless clashes between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers. Now, they're teammates, and Turner talked about how that will be quite the change during his introductory press conference with the Bucks on Friday, poking a little fun at his new teammate in the frontcourt.
"I was tired of taking them damn shoulders and elbows to my chest every play... it's a rarity in this league that you get to be alongside a generational player. Arguably one of the greatest players to play this game."
Turner, Antetokounmpo unite after years of battles
It sure sounds like Turner is happy to be on Milwaukee's side, and Antetokounmpo is a significant part of that. These two have the potential to be one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in the league, with their ability to defend all over the court and complement one another so well offensively. With Brook Lopez departing, there simply wasn't a better replacement option out there.
Like Doc Rivers said during the press conference, it was simply a perfect fit. While it hurt to cut ties with Damian Lillard, the ability to lock up the center of the future was a must-do move for the Bucks.
Turner said that he hasn't had much communication with Giannis since the stunning deal to sign with the Bucks over the Pacers, but that's largely because they have each been away on vacation. When it is time, the two will undoubtedly connect. They're both likely spending plenty of time thinking about the fit together in the meantime and how well they can mesh.
Based on their comments during the press conference, Doc Rivers and Jon Horst are undoubtedly already dreaming of next season's lineups.
Turner also made it clear that after spending his entire NBA career to date with the Pacers, he is ready to embrace change. It's a new phenomenon for him, citing how he went to only one high school, one college, and one NBA team to this point, but he's certainly excited for the opportunity. Like he said, it will take some getting used to seeing him in that Milwaukee Bucks green.
There was clearly some sort of rift with the Indiana Pacers behind the scenes, especially with the team seemingly not wanting to pay him just after getting to a Game 7 in the NBA Finals. The Bucks swooped him and gladly gave him the money while also offering him the chance to contend for an NBA Championship, something he spoke about in the press conference over and over.
It will certainly be something seeing the two-time MVP and two-time NBA Blocks leader on the same side of things this coming season.
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