While many think that the Indiana Pacers will have a weaker team next season following the trade that sent their former franchise player, Paul George, to the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of their players still believes that they have enough talent to make it to the playoffs.
Their promising young center, Myles Turner, made it known recently, via The Indy Star's Matthew VanTryon, that he knows the Pacers will not be considered by many as a playoff team. However, watered-down roster and all, Turner thinks otherwise.
“I feel like we’re definitely going to be overlooked this year,” Turner said. “A lot of people look at us as young team that’s going to rebuild, but we’re a young team that’s trying to compete. We’ve got a lot of guys who can come in and make an impact right away. I expect to make the playoffs this year.”
The 21-year-old also shared his personal goals next season and what he wants to prove to all his doubters.
“I want to start establishing myself as a leader in this league and on this team. I know I’m quite young compared to a lot of guys on this team, but the best time is to start young.”
Myles Turner is coming off a solid campaign in his second year in the league, appearing in 81 games and averaging 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game.
With George no longer a part of the team, the promising center will have the chance to establish himself as the Pacers' next franchise player. If he can have another strong season, the Pacers may surprise a lot of people and extend their run to eight straight postseason appearances, and remove the notion on them that they are currently rebuilding.
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