Myles Turner entered the season with big expectations after signing with the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. His fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo is amazing on paper, but with Giannis sidelined, Turner is being asked to take on a far larger offensive and defensive role. So far, the Bucks have struggled to adjust to his expanded responsibilities.
Turner has now played through a four-game losing streak, including a ugly loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. He ended the first half of that game with zero points and only two field-goal attempts, both from three-point range. The team needs more from their biggest offseason acquisition while their superstar remains out.
He finished the game with 11 points and four rebounds in 30 minutes, a modest output given his potential. With his experience and skill set, Turner is expected to contribute more in scoring and rebounding. Interior dominance has never been his defining trait, but the Bucks need him to step up in that area while Giannis is absent.
Myles Turner’s struggle in his new role continue for the Bucks
Nov 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) reacts after scoring a basket in the 4th quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
So far this season, Turner is averaging 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals while shooting 43.9 percent from the field, 41.8 percent from three, and 69.4 percent from the line.
Milwaukee lost 56-42 in the key against the Pistons, showing that even without Giannis, Turner and the frontcourt need to assert themselves more physically. To compete with top teams, Turner must bring aggression to both scoring and rebounding.
Nov 22, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center/forward Myles Turner (3) celebrates making a basket against Detroit Pistons guard Caris Levert (8) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Bucks forward has never been a primary offensive option, but the Bucks need him to attack more consistently in the paint and on the perimeter. When Milwaukee waived and stretched Damian Lillard’s contract to sign Turner, the expectation was not that he would carry a guard’s scoring load. Still, the roster relies on him to provide more offensive production.
His career-best season came in 2022-23 when he averaged 18 points per game, showing his ability to dominate inside and stretch defenses with his outside shooting.
Without Giannis, the Bucks are starting to fall off, and Turner must rise to the occasion. More consistency and aggression from him could determine whether Milwaukee remains a contender or falls further behind.