For Myles Turner, it unquestionably felt good to sweep the Indiana Pacers in the regular season series as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. Why wouldn't it? The only reason he's a Buck in the first place is that they seemingly didn't want to pay him as handsomely as Milwaukee did. However, just because the Bucks beat a wounded Indiana team doesn't mean narratives are changing.
Indiana is just not a good basketball team this season. There is no controversy in saying it. After all, not only is Tyrese Haliburton out for the year due to an Achilles tear, but they've also dealt with many other injured players for long stretches. From the beginning, this was always going to be a gap year for the Pacers to get ready for the 2026-27 NBA season. And they'll be ready.
Pacers will certainly be back for revenge next season
Granted that they are healthy, the Pacers will be a good team next season. Haliburton having a season off should have him in great shape. The addition of Ivica Zubac to replace Turner gives Indiana a great two-way big man down low. Pascal Siakam is still an All-Star talent. Role players like Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and TJ McConnell never take their foot off the gas.
Let's not forget about Rick Carlisle, the head coach who gave the Pacers a significant advantage in their past two playoff meetings with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Once the Pacers have their team back together, they're coming for the Milwaukee Bucks to continue what has blossomed into a legitimate rivalry—although it's been very one-sided when it counts so far. If Turner and the Bucks can continue this type of success when the Pacers are healthy, things will get far more interesting. That would be the opportunity for Turner to send a message.
Turner is yet to make Pacers eat their words
Even if the Milwaukee Bucks have taken care of the Pacers time and time again this season, Indiana is still waiting for Turner to regret making them disregard him. The center has been fine, but he's posting some of the least-productive numbers of his career in several categories. For a player the Bucks gave $109 million, 12.2 points and 5.4 rebounds seems a tad underwhelming.
No matter how this season ends, there is still plenty of time for a Turner redemption arc, especially if the Bucks try a new approach under a new coach. Turner's role and usage this season have been far from consistent for a player with the second-highest annual salary on the roster. Time will tell if the Milwaukee Bucks' big investment pays off.
For now, Turner can celebrate a minor win after helping sweep the Pacers. Bringing his A-game next season will be the true test.
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