When you look at the trajectory of Myles Turner with the Indiana Pacers, it’s easy to see why head coach Rick Carlisle singled him out as the cornerstone of the franchise’s next chapter. Over the past decade, Turner has grown from a promising rookie into one of the NBA’s most versatile big men — a defender who protects the rim, a shooter who stretches the floor, and a character stalwart in Indiana’s locker room.
From foundational piece to franchise icon
Selected 11th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Pacers, Turner has been a constant presence in the Blue & Gold for ten seasons. During that time, he has become the franchise’s all‑time leader in blocks, established himself as one of the league’s toughest “stretch‑five” centers, and developed chemistry with the team’s core and system under Carlisle’s guidance.
Carlisle, speaking on a June 24, 2025 radio segment, described Turner’s retention as “the No. 1 priority” for the franchise at this moment — saying: “Myles is a very important part of what we’ve done here, what we’ve been doing. He’s a very important part of the history of the franchise, certainly over the last decade.”
The promise
In making that statement Carlisle effectively promised that Turner would be elevated — not just in terms of role and expectations, but in status within the organization. The promise: make Turner the new face of the franchise’s big‑man identity — a leader at his position who can anchor both ends of the floor, help draw younger players, and be a long‑term building block.
What Turner brings to the role
Defensive impact: Turner remains among the league’s best shot‑blockers and rim deterrents, anchoring Indiana’s interior defence.
Shooting range: He has developed into a reliable 3‑point threat, giving the Pacers spacing options rare for a center.
Longevity & loyalty: A decade with the same franchise is rare in today’s NBA; that continuity adds to his credibility as a franchise pillar.
Leadership & character: Through rebuilds and playoff runs, Turner has been steady and dependable — attributes Carlisle values in mentoring younger teammates.
The stakes and the context
That promise from Carlisle comes at an interesting juncture. The Pacers are emerging from a deep playoff run and are trying to sustain competitiveness in a tough Eastern Conference. Investing in Turner as a cornerstone means committing significant salary, cap space, and strategic focus around him.
One report noted that the organisation’s top offseason move was to re‑sign Turner, indicating their belief in his place long‑term: “If the Pacers can reach a deal with Turner, he’ll continue to climb the ranks of all‑time franchise leaderboards…”
Possible next steps
For Turner to fully assume this elevated role, several things likely need to align:
New contract extension: Locking Turner in for the long term solidifies his status.
Increased leadership role: On‑floor and off‑floor, mentoring younger bigs and guiding the next generation.
Consistent ceiling performance: To justify franchise‑cornerstone status, the next level of consistency and playoff impact matters.
Roster build around him: Carlisle and the front office must build pieces that complement Turner’s skill set (rim‑protection, shooting spaces, dynamic guards) so that he can maximise his impact.
Conclusion
While the headline “make Turner the new face of the franchise” might be catchy, the reality is deeper: Rick Carlisle and the Pacers are positioning Myles Turner as the long‑term centrepiece of their big‑man identity — as someone who anchors defence, extends offence, and carries the cultural torch of the organisation. If Turner accepts and flourishes in this role, his efforts and dedication over the years will have finally translated i
nto the elevated position Carrie promised.
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