Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard addressed the departure of longtime teammate Myles Turner, who signed a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason.
When asked about Turner leaving for a Central Division rival, Nembhard kept the focus on support and respect.
“At the end of the day, I want to see him do well, you know?” Nembhard said on Hello and Welcome, via HoopsHype. “Glad he got paid, and wishing him success in the future… not against us.”
Turner had been with Indiana since 2015 after being selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the draft. He became the franchise’s all-time blocks leader and helped guide the Pacers to the 2025 NBA Finals, where they fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games.
Nembhard acknowledged that facing Turner as an opponent will bring extra intensity to an already competitive matchup with Milwaukee.
“I think it just builds into the rivalry that we already got going,” Nembhard said. “It’s going to be an exciting matchup this year. It’s going to get even better than before — now that we’re not on the same team anymore.”
Turner leaves Indiana with a career average of 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. He led the league in blocks during the 2020-21 season and was known as one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors throughout his tenure.
In Milwaukee, Turner will join forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo, giving the Bucks one of the most formidable frontcourts in the Eastern Conference. His defensive presence is expected to play a critical role as Milwaukee pushes to reclaim championship status.
For Indiana, Turner’s departure marks a significant change. The Pacers are now building around Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Nembhard, who emerged as a key piece during their Finals run.
