Myles Turner Bio
Myles Christian Turner is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played one season for the Texas Longhorns before being selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 11th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Turner spent 10 seasons with the Pacers, reaching the 2025 NBA Finals in his final year with the team. Standing at 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), Turner plays the center position. He has led the league in blocks twice in his career.
Early Life and Background
Myles Turner was born on March 24, 1996, in Bedford, Texas, to parents David Turner and Mary Turner. He began playing basketball at the age of six and attended Central Junior High School. As a freshman, he led his team to an impressive 28 wins while standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall. Turner’s early exposure to basketball laid the foundation for his future career, as he participated in various tournaments and camps to hone his skills.
Throughout his high school years at Trinity High School in Euless, Texas, Turner played AAU basketball for the Texas Select team. His participation in well-known tournaments, such as the LeBron camp and the Nike Big Man Skills Academy, helped him gain recognition as a player. Despite suffering an ankle injury during his junior year, he made a strong comeback, averaging 15.7 points, 12.87 rebounds, and 8.64 blocks per game. By the end of his senior year, he was a highly sought-after recruit, rated as a five-star prospect and considered the No. 2 center in the nation.
Path to Basketball
After finishing high school, Turner committed to play basketball for the University of Texas. During his freshman year, he averaged 10.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, earning the 2015 Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors. He declared for the NBA draft after just one season, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. Turner was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 11th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Turner faced challenges early in his rookie season, missing 21 games due to a thumb injury. However, he quickly made a name for himself, scoring a career-high 31 points in a game against the Golden State Warriors. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2016, solidifying his position as a rising star in the league.
Myles Turner Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Turner began his professional career with the Indiana Pacers in 2015. His rookie season was marked by both challenges and achievements, including being named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in March 2016. He played a crucial role in helping the Pacers reach the playoffs that season. Over the next few years, Turner continued to develop his skills, becoming a key player for the team.
In the 2017-2018 season, Turner was elected team captain and showcased his leadership abilities on the court. He signed a four-year, $72 million contract extension with the Pacers in 2018, further establishing his importance to the franchise.
Breakthrough (2019–2025)
Turner’s breakthrough came during the 2019 and 2021 seasons when he led the NBA in blocks. His defensive prowess and shot-blocking ability became his trademarks, earning him recognition as one of the league’s top centers. In the 2021 season, he recorded a career-high eight blocks in a single game, showcasing his defensive skills.
In 2025, Turner helped the Pacers reach the NBA Finals, where they faced the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although the Pacers lost in a hard-fought seven-game series, Turner’s contributions throughout the playoffs solidified his status as a premier player in the league. Following this season, he signed a four-year, $108.9 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, marking a new chapter in his career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Myles Turner has achieved several notable milestones, including being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team and leading the league in blocks twice. His signature work includes his defensive skills, which have made him a valuable asset to his teams. Turner has also been recognized for his contributions to the game, earning accolades such as the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and multiple All-American honors during his high school career.
Myles Turner Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Myles Turner has received various nominations, including recognition for his performance during his rookie season and his achievements as a shot-blocker in the NBA.
Myles Turner Awards Won
Myles Turner has won several awards during his basketball career, including the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2016 and being named the NBA blocks leader in both 2019 and 2021. His accolades reflect his impact on the game and his dedication to excellence on the court.
Myles Turner Family
Myles Turner was born to David and Mary Turner. While there is limited public information about his family, it is known that they have supported his basketball journey from a young age.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Myles Turner enjoys building Lego sets and practicing yoga. He is also a practicing Jehovah’s Witness, which reflects his commitment to his faith and personal values.
