Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, a two-time block champion, has a few ideas about how his team can improve next season.
“I think one, we’ve gotta be a better rebounding team, we’re still kind of small,” he tells the Club 520 Podcast.
“We just got James Wiseman, so that helps a bit, you know?,” Turner says of the former No. 2 pick.
“I mean he’s like 7-foot-1. But outside of me, Isaiah Jackson was 6-foot-9, Jalen Smith at the time was 6-foot-9 (or) 6-foot-10… We just (need) to have more frontcourt presence, especially off the bench.”
Pacers’ Myles Turner Knows Exactly Where James Wiseman Helps
When the 2024-25 season is in its full throes, James Wiseman will no longer be an afterthought. This is primarily due to where and when he was drafted, as many fans are still waiting to see if he’s going to boom or bust.
Obviously, most are under the impression that it’s the latter. Now heading into his fourth season, the 23-year-old hasn’t accomplished much besides staying in the league. In 147 career games, he has averages of 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. Though he’s developed into a more physical presence since they gave up on him, his counting stats were better with the Golden State Warriors than with the Detroit Pistons.
With that being said, Wiseman is talented enough to be on an NBA roster. He may even belong in a rotation given his growth in areas that aren’t necessarily reflected in the box score. He’s learning to hit players first on box outs. He’s setting firm screens. His hook shot is something of a weapon. Perhaps most importantly, he’s playing with fire.
These are the traits that the Pacers were likely looking at when they opted to sign him to a two-year contract.
Jimmy Glasscleaner
As Turner notes, Indiana also just needed more size.
In 2023-24, the Pacers ranked 28th in rebounds per game (41.5). This is largely due to their issues on the defensive glass, as they ranked 28th in defensive rebounds per game (31.4). Failing to close out defensive possessions is one reason why they ranked 24th in defensive rating (118.0).
Enter Wiseman, whose defensive rebounding rate (23.5 percent) would’ve been the second-highest in Indiana’s rotation last season. Indeed, both his defensive and offensive rebounding rate (11.0 percent) were higher than Turner’s.
For those who are cognizant of Turner’s scouting report, this doesn’t come as a shock. Like Memphis Grizzlies forward-center Jaren Jackson Jr., the big man simply isn’t a rebounding force despite his physical tools. Nonetheless, like Jackson Jr., Turner’s status as a floor-spacer and shot-blocker makes him a rare commodity.
Is He In, Or Is He Out?
Wiseman’s ability to corral rebounds could secure his spot in the rotation. With Turner starting and Isaiah Jackson as his backup, that’s far from a guarantee. Furthermore, 2023 first-round picks Jarace Walker (No. 8 overall) and Ben Sheppard (No. 26 overall) likely want to be in the rotation as well. However, because Wiseman helps Indiana them in an area where they struggle, he could force the Pacers to make a decision.
One option is starting Turner, Jackson, and Pascal Siakam together in the frontcourt. In that event, Wiseman could come off the bench, likely with TJ McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, and Obi Toppin. This not only allows them to add size in a league that’s shifting away from small-ball fours, but to remain a largely athletic bunch.
