Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner has taken to Twitter to broadcast his utter disdain for all the negativity that is currently being thrown in the direction of Team USA following consecutive defeats against France and Serbia in the FIBA World Cup.
In a series of emotional tweets, the 23-year-old did not hold back in telling the whole world exactly how he feels about Team USA's unceremonious exit from the prestigious international tournament, which was then followed up by yet another loss on Thursday:
From 1-12 top to bottom this team this roster has sacrificed so much for our nation. our summers, our bodies, our mental. We came up short can’t nobodies more upset than us but I refuse to tolerate any Slander for our play you cannot question our heart
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) September 12, 2019
Despite the lack of superstar power on their side, the Gregg Popovich-coached Team USA side was still considered the favorite to go all the way and bring home the gold medal. This obviously did not come to fruition, which led to a ton of criticism from experts and casual basketball fans alike.
For his part, however, Turner was having absolutely none of this:
Our character, or are spirit we layed it all out on the line each and every game. Don’t disrespect us this coaching staff or USA Basketball as a whole but respect the world basketball is an international game these countries are talented
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) September 12, 2019




Turner went on to name each and every member of the squad, also saying how proud he is of having had the honor to play alongside them.
JB, Khris, JT, Dmitch, Mason, Marcus, Kemba, D White, BrooK, HB, Joe it’s been an honor I’d go to war with any of these fellas any given night. #Godspeed fellas let’s head home with a Dub 🇺🇸
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) September 12, 2019
Finally, the 6-foot-11 big man could not help but take a veiled shot at some of the NBA superstars who opted to withdraw their services from the national team during the build-up to the tournament:
We’re also the ones who stepped up to the plate when others stepped down. We qualified our nation for the Olympics we got some work to do to rebuild a legacy that was left before us were on the wrong side of history indeed. But that’s gunna make the next medal that much sweeter!
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) September 12, 2019
Turner is absolutely right here. At this point, there's no point dwelling on the past. The best thing to do would be to look forward, and for USA Basketball to start preparing for their upcoming redemption run.