Bucks' Myles Turner Reflects on Tough Debut Season

Former All-Star center struggled with role changes and reduced production in Milwaukee

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:54am

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange hues, conceptually representing the challenges a basketball player faces when transitioning to a new team and system.Myles Turner's struggles to adapt to a new role with the Bucks exposed the complexities of integrating a veteran star into an established championship contender.Today in Milwaukee

Myles Turner, the veteran center who joined the Milwaukee Bucks last offseason, acknowledged that his first year with the team was a major disappointment. Turner's stats dropped significantly compared to his previous seasons, and he admitted the transition to a new team and system was difficult without making excuses.

Why it matters

As one of the Bucks' key offseason acquisitions, Turner's struggles highlighted the challenges of integrating a new star player into an established championship contender. His comments provide insight into the behind-the-scenes adjustments required for a veteran player to find his footing on a new team.

The details

Turner, a former NBA All-Star, saw his scoring, rebounding, and playing time all decrease substantially in his first season with the Bucks. He attributed the drop-off to the difficulty of adjusting to a different role and system compared to his previous teams.

  • Myles Turner addressed the Milwaukee media for the first time on Bucks media day in September 2025.
  • Turner's stats declined across the board during the 2025-26 NBA season, his first with the Bucks.

The players

Myles Turner

A veteran center who joined the Milwaukee Bucks last offseason after spending the majority of his NBA career with the Indiana Pacers.

Milwaukee Bucks

An NBA franchise based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that won the NBA championship in 2024 and 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not really in the business of making excuses,”

— Myles Turner, Bucks Center

What’s next

Turner and the Bucks will look to bounce back in the 2026-27 season as they aim to defend their recent NBA titles.

The takeaway

Turner's candid comments about his struggles in his first year with the Bucks highlight the challenges even established stars can face when joining a new team, especially one with championship aspirations. His willingness to own up to his performance issues suggests the Bucks and Turner are committed to finding ways for him to thrive in the team's system going forward.