Former Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner has been elected the newest Vice President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The 30-year-old, who now plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, takes over the role from the retired Garrett Temple. Turner's election is a significant off-court development for a player who spent his first decade with Indiana. The Pacers are currently handling a tough stretch, having lost four of their last five games, including a 121-133 defeat to the Detroit Pistons on April 12, 2026.
As NBPA Vice President, Turner becomes a primary voice for all NBA players in league matters. He'll help shape policies on collective bargaining, health and safety, and player benefits. Turner steps into a position held by respected veterans, requiring him to balance his playing career with union responsibilities. His election reflects the respect he's earned from peers across the league during his 11-year career.
Turner built his reputation in Indiana. Over ten seasons with the Pacers, he averaged 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. He was a defensive anchor and a reliable three-point shooter, hitting 36.5% from deep for his Pacers career. His final season in Indiana was particularly strong. He put up 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and two blocks per game, shooting 39.6% from three-point range. That performance helped propel the Pacers to the 2025 NBA Finals, where they lost a seven-game series to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Indiana moved on from Turner in the 2025 offseason, trading for center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers. The Pacers sought a different skillset. While Turner excelled as a shot-blocker and floor spacer, the team wanted stronger rebounding and screen-setting. Zubac delivered immediately. In the 2025-26 season, he played 48 games for Indiana, averaging 14.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 59.8% shooting. His prior season with the Clippers was even better, earning him All-Defensive Second Team honors with averages of 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds.
The stylistic shift is clear. Zubac won't stretch the floor like Turner, but he provides elite rebounding and physical screens. This should benefit star guard Tyrese Haliburton in pick-and-roll actions and help the Pacers run in transition. Building chemistry between Haliburton and his new big man will be a focus for the 2026-27 campaign.
The team is in a challenging phase, searching for consistency after their Finals run. Their recent form shows a 1W-4L record over the last five outings. After a win against the Brooklyn Nets (123-94 on April 9), they've dropped their last two games. Those losses were a 105-94 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on April 10 and the 133-121 result against Detroit on April 12. Earlier losses came against the Minnesota Timberwolves (124-104 on April 7) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (117-108 on April 5).
This slump shows the ongoing adjustment period post-Turner. The front office bet on Zubac's interior presence to complement Haliburton's playmaking. Turner's legacy in Indiana is secure as a foundational piece of their recent success. Now, his influence extends beyond any single franchise. As NBPA Vice President, he'll advocate for player interests league-wide, ensuring his impact on the NBA continues long after his time in Indiana. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
