Although San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama is out for the season, he still holds the lead in a few statistics. However, on Wembanyama's tail, at least in this metric, Pacers' Myles Turner challenges the Spurs center in a key stat, revealing their versatile games.
Wembanyama's Nike logo is an alien for a good reason. The Spurs center pulls off moves on the basketball court that deny physics as we know it. Most NBA players must jump at full strength to accomplish plays around the rim, whereas Wembanyama only has to flex his toes slightly.
However, for as impressive as Wembanyama is, Turner lacks athletic wonder. The Pacers center managed to trail the Spurs center in 3-pointers, shots made, and blocks. They are the only two centers in the top five of each category.
Turner and Wembanyama, although to different degrees, represent their respective franchises with a defensive presence.
Unfortunately for the Spurs, Wembanyama's blood clot scare keeps their franchise player out for the duration of the 2024-25 season, ultimately ending any hope of clinching a spot in the 2025 playoffs.
Related: Pacers Honor Myles Turner's Decade-Long Impact with Birthday Celebration
Meanwhile, Turner continues to push the franchise for which he's played 10 seasons to a passable defensive unit for their 2025 playoff journey. Last season, Indiana ranked 24th in defensive rating, paling beyond comparison to ranking 15 amid its current campaign.
While Turner isn't and never will be the star of Wembanyama's magnitude, his presence is necessary for a team that requires a physical presence in the paint.
If Wembanyama is an alien, Turner is a grizzly bear with range.
Related: Indiana Pacers Announce Roster Move Before Playoff Push
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This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 11:02 AM.
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