So let’s first get into what defines a “Defensive Player of the Year”. Going off the definition in Wikipedia, it says it’s an award that goes to a player with “outstanding defensive play by a single player over the course of a season”. Myles Turner is doing that and just more…
Myles Turner is leading the league in blocks per game by far (4.2) and in total blocks (50) while missing two games this season. Not only that, he is currently tied for 13th in steals per game (1.5) overall and 3rd for centers to go with that. Myles Turner’s impact on the defensive end doesn’t just show on the stat sheets, but doing the simple eye test. When watching Pacers games with Myles Turner in the game vs when he’s out… the opponent’s offense differentiates extremely. Opponents playing against the Pacers are more willing to drive and are more successful finishing at the rim without Myles Turner there to defend the paint.
“We need Myles”
Malcolm Brogdon on Myles Turner’s DEFENSE
Since Myles Turner’s rookie season, only 3 players have blocked more shots than he has. Not to mention, this season he is holding opponents to 42.2% in the paint which ranks 5th in the league. His shot contests have forced opponent players to shoot 16% of shots more with Turner defending the rim, which is just crazy.
As John Wall has stated, “He’s a guy that can change a lot of shots, He does a great job coming from the weak side and blocking shots. That’s what he’s there for.” Without Myles this season in 2 games, the Pacers’ defense has suffered severely. The Clippers and Mavericks scored 129 and 124 on the Pacers without Turner. The Clippers specifically scored nearly half of their points in the paint without Turner, getting there with absolute ease.
The disrespect that Myles Turner consistently gets from mainstream media needs to stop. He goes out there and does everything a top DPOY candidate should do. He anchors his team defense, puts up great defensive statistics, and is the most important to the Pacers’ top defensive team.
