The Indiana Pacers started this season in the news because they were hoping to play a smaller lineup with Paul George at the four. The Pacers stuck with that lineup for a little while, and it brought some nice success, but recently they have gone back to a more traditional two-big lineup. One of the main reasons for the change is the emergence of rookie forward Myles Turner, whom Larry Bird recently said was the best shooter on the team, according to Mark Montieth of NBA.com.
Turner had a promising start to his rookie season, but that was halted when he fractured his thumb which forced him to miss six weeks. When Turner came back from the injury he was eased back into things, but now he is full-go and thriving. Bird heaped a lot of praise on the rookie, including the best shooter anecdote.
"Obviously he's played pretty well here the last few games. We'll try to build on that. I don't expect him to play great every game. He's one of the most talented guys out there and probably our best shooter. But he's young. I don't put too much pressure on him, but I want to put enough on him to see if his game can go up to another level," said Bird.
Calling Turner the best shooter on the team is high praise, especially from one of the best shooters of all time. George Hill and his 44 percent clip from three and Paul George might argue Bird's assessment, but the fact that Turner, at 6-foot-11, is even in the conversation speaks to how good this kid can be. Turner is still just 19 years old, but his play has recently gotten head coach Frank Vogel to insert him into the starting lineup, and he thinks he has earned it, according to Candace Buckner of the Indianapolis Star.
Turner has started three games so far this season, all in the past week, and in those games he is averaging 14 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3 blocks. Overall, Turner's numbers per 36 minutes are extremely impressive, and the scary thing is that he will likely only get better. As far as shooting goes, Turner has attempted just two threes this season and missed both, and he's only making 65 percent of his free throws. Still, if Larry Bird comes out and calls you the best shooter on the team, there is obviously something to that statement.
