10 Years.4 Head Coaches. No One Deserves This Finals Run More Than Myles Turner 💯Follow @culturehardwood to join the best NBA community❕

In a league where loyalty is rare and patience is even rarer, Myles Turner’s journey stands out as something unique—and deeply admirable. Now in his tenth season with the Indiana Pacers, Turner is finally headed to the NBA Finals. It’s a milestone that reflects not just talent, but resilience, growth, and an unshakable belief in the long game.

Ten years. Four different head coaches. Endless trade rumors. A franchise in transition. Through it all, Turner stayed—working, evolving, and leading. And now, at long last, the longest-tenured Pacer is getting his moment.

Draft Day to Now: A Decade of Dedication

Myles Turner was drafted 11th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft out of the University of Texas. He came into the league as a lanky 6’11” big man with a sweet shooting stroke and shot-blocking instincts. The potential was obvious, but like many young bigs, it took time for everything to come together.

Still, from day one, Turner showed flashes—his rim protection, floor spacing, and basketball IQ quickly made him a key piece in Indiana’s puzzle. But what was supposed to be a fast track to contention instead became a winding road of resets and retools.

Over the last decade, the Pacers cycled through four head coaches—Frank Vogel, Nate McMillan, Nate Bjorkgren, Rick Carlisle—each bringing a new system, new expectations, and new challenges for Turner to adjust to. Lesser players might have grown frustrated or asked out. Turner never did. He bought in. Every. Single. Time.

The Constant in a Changing Team

What makes Turner’s story so compelling is that, through the many changes around him, he remained a consistent presence. Teammates came and went—Paul George, Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon. The roster churned. The direction shifted. But Myles Turner was the rock.

And while the league increasingly moved toward small-ball lineups and switch-everything defenses, Turner never stopped evolving his game to stay relevant. He became one of the league’s best shot blockers, led the NBA in blocks multiple seasons, and developed into a capable three-point shooter. He didn’t just survive the NBA’s evolution—he adapted to it.

Still, every year seemed to bring whispers of trade talks. Would he be dealt? Was he the right fit? Turner stayed professional through it all. His commitment never wavered, even when the love from outside the organization seemed uncertain.

This Year Felt Different

Coming into the 2024–25 season, few analysts picked the Pacers to make noise in the East. But something clicked. The trade for Pascal Siakam gave the team a jolt of playoff experience. Tyrese Haliburton continued his ascent to superstardom. Rick Carlisle found lineups that maximized spacing and ball movement. And through it all, Turner anchored the defense, stretched the floor, and led by example.

He didn’t need to score 25 a night. He made his impact with timely blocks, hustle plays, and veteran presence. On a team full of rising stars and new energy, Turner was the emotional heartbeat. He was the one who had seen it all—and never gave up.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, Turner stepped up when it mattered most. He controlled the paint, altered shots, and knocked down clutch threes. While Siakam and Haliburton earned the headlines, Turner was the glue—the steady presence who made everything else possible.

Why This Finals Run Means So Much

For Myles Turner, this trip to the NBA Finals isn’t just about a shot at a ring. It’s validation. It’s proof that staying the course, trusting the process, and building something meaningful over time still has value in today’s league.

He didn’t chase a superteam. He didn’t demand a trade. He didn’t quit on Indiana—even when others did. And now, the city, the fans, and the organization are celebrating with him.

After Game 6 of the ECF, when the confetti fell and the crowd roared, Turner stood at midcourt soaking it all in. His voice cracked during interviews. “Man, I’ve waited a long time for this,” he said. “I’ve seen the lows. I’ve stayed through it all. This moment means everything.”

Respect Earned, Not Given

Myles Turner has never been the flashiest name in the NBA. He doesn’t have a massive shoe deal. He doesn’t go viral with 50-point games. But within the league, he’s respected—deeply. Coaches, players, and GMs know what he brings to the table: elite defense, floor spacing, high character, and an unselfish approach.

And now, the basketball world is finally catching up.

There’s a special satisfaction in seeing someone like Turner break through. Because it’s not just a win for him—it’s a win for every player who chooses loyalty, for every fan who believes in building from within, and for every organization that plays the long game.

The Final Chapter?

As the NBA Finals tip off, Myles Turner is no longer just the veteran who’s “been through it.” He’s now on the biggest stage of his career, with a real chance to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy. No matter the outcome, his legacy is cemented. But knowing Turner, he’s not done yet.

He’s spent 10 years preparing for this. Now, it’s time to finish the story the right way.

Because when you give everything to a team, a city, and a jersey—you deserve this.

Follow @culturehardwood to stay locked in with the realest NBA community as we ride this journey to the Finals with Turner and the Pacers 💯