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MYLES TURNER – 6’11” CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, 19 YEARS OLD
Offensive Game – The Texas Longhorn has displayed that he is a very talented scorer. For a player his size, Turner has a consistent jump shot and has established himself as a lethal shooter. He can pull-up effectively from mid-range and can do some damage from beyond the arc when given a chance. The big man is also not someone that opposing teams want to send to the charity stripe because he shoots around 84% from the free-throw line. In the post, he can score in a variety of ways. He has a good shot in the post, has a multitude of moves down on the low block, and can finish efficiently in the paint. Turner has impressive court vision and passing ability for a player at the center position. Offensively, he is one of the more refined and honed centers in this draft.
Defensive Game – Turner has shown that he is capable not only on the offensive end, but on defense as well. He has showcased his superb timing and positioning and led the Big 12 Conference with 2.6 blocks per game. He rotates quickly, steps up on shooters, plays airtight defense, and is an excellent help defender.
NBA Potential – He has as great size and length, but he has room to fill out his frame. If he adds muscle to around the 250 lbs mark, opposing centers will have an even more difficult assignment of trying to contain him. While Turner lacks the explosiveness and the athleticism that others at his position possess, he has excelled in many other facets of the game. He also needs to improve his post defense. Other centers his size or larger are able to back down on him too easily down low. These are the things he should definitely improve upon. Despite this, he has a high upside and should be a solid player moving forward.
NBA Player Comparison – Turner’s game has been compared to and resembles that of a player who is also a former Texas Longhorn, LaMarcus Aldridge. Even though Aldridge primarily plays in the power forward position, he does fill in as the center from time to time, and his skill set matches that of Turner. Like Aldridge, Turner has a smooth jumper and is very good at finishing in the paint. Turner has more range than the Portland big man, but he still lacks Aldridge’s overall savvy and superior scoring ability. Turner could also become a better defender than Aldridge.
NBA Readiness – Expect Turner to take some time finding his niche and developing his game. He may come off the bench at the beginning of his first season of the NBA, but as time passes and if all goes well, he may be able to be plugged into the starting lineup. Whatever the case is, any team who drafts him will be fortunate in acquiring such a gifted center.
Main PHoto by Tim Heitman/USA Today Sports
