Looks like former Indiana Pacers center, Myles Turner, is embracing his new villain arc. The former Indiana Pacers big man, now rocking Milwaukee Bucks colors, didn’t hold back when talking about ex-teammate Tyrese Haliburton. And let’s just say, if there were still any warm feelings left from their Pacers days, they might’ve just gone ice cold.
Turner made the comments during his appearance on Thanalysis, the podcast hosted by his new teammate Thanasis Antetokounmpo. The topic? Haliburton’s growing reputation as one of the NBA’s best trash talkers and on-court trolls. But according to Turner, that side of Haliburton might not be as authentic as fans think. Many fans are angry as Turner “Backstabs” his former teammate, as one described on X.
“Tyrese also knows he’s protected, too,” Turner said on the show. “So, he can go out there, talk his s**t, say whatever the hell he wants to do, and he knows he has backup at the end of the day. Now, he’s not going to be talking the same s**t in the middle of the street. That’s what guys don’t do in this league.”
Myles Turner Fires Shots at Former Indiana Pacers Teammate
Yikes. That’s not exactly the kind of quote you want to hear about your former franchise star. While Turner did offer a few kind words, praising Haliburton’s professionalism, his team-first attitude, and his family values (at Thanasis’ request, no less), the fake tough guy undertone in his comments definitely stole the spotlight.
It’s worth remembering that these two shared the court in Indiana for four seasons, even making a stunning run to the NBA Finals last year before Haliburton’s devastating Achilles tear in Game 7. That injury essentially reshaped Indiana’s offseason, leading to Turner’s departure in free agency to join Milwaukee. And based on his latest comments, it seems like that exit came with a few lingering hard feelings.
Now, Myles Turner didn’t stop at Haliburton. Reports have suggested that he’s also taken some subtle digs at the Pacers fanbase since signing with the Bucks, making it pretty clear that his Indiana chapter is officially closed. Whether it’s bitterness, confidence, or just him embracing a new villain energy in Milwaukee, Turner’s heel turn has been one of the more fascinating off-court storylines of the NBA offseason.
And for fans who remember how tight Turner and Haliburton appeared during their time together, this sudden tension feels extra spicy. Haliburton, after all, was often seen hyping Turner up during games and interviews. The two looked like the future of the Pacers’ frontcourt, with their personalities seemingly meshing both on and off the floor. But in the NBA, loyalty often ends the minute free agency begins, and this latest jab is proof.
What’s Next For Myles Turner?
While Haliburton hasn’t publicly responded yet, you can bet this clip will make its way to his timeline soon. Given how outspoken he’s been on social media before, there’s a good chance he’ll find a clever way to clap back, maybe with a subtle tweet or a cryptic Instagram post. And let’s be real: if the Pacers and Bucks meet in the playoffs, this budding tension could turn into one of the league’s most entertaining rivalries.
As for Myles Turner, joining the Bucks means stepping into a new role next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, a massive leap in expectations. But calling out his old running mate like this? That’s a bold move for a guy still adjusting to a new locker room.
The NBA loves drama, and this one has all the ingredients. Former teammates, some thinly veiled shade, and a rivalry that just got a whole lot juicier. Myles Turner might have left Indiana, but it looks like he’s not done talking about it just yet.
