Scouting Report: Myles Turner, PF, Texas
Tap here to get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NBA draft, which takes place on June 25 in Brooklyn.
It's a testament to the quality at the top of the draft that a near-7-footer who can shoot and protect the rim may not even land inside the top 10.
That's the strange place Myles Turner finds himself in, checking off nearly every box a team would look for in a prospect but left outside the projected first handful of picks. He wasn't used terribly well at Texas and teams were initially concerned about a strange running gait, but Turner has the pieces to dream on, even if he might need a bit of time to put those pieces together. There's a bit of risk it doesn't all come together but the upside here is far greater than a team could normally get outside the top five.
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PF | 11 | 9 | 6' 11.5" | 239 |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7' 4" | 9' 4" | N/A | 9.25 | 9.3% |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | BPG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 10.1 | 6.5 | 2.6 | 45.5% | 27.4% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: Turner measures like a center but has the speed and athleticism of a power forward, making him a terrific fit for the modern game. Texas allowed him to shoot from outside, a shot that could stretch as far as the NBA 3-point line and should at worst let him function alongside an interior-oriented big. Perhaps most importantly for his eventual role, he has good passing instincts around the basket to complement a nice touch, meaning he could eventually be a versatile weapon. Defensively, he's got the length and hops to be a true rim protector, and he did well to keep himself mostly out of foul trouble.
Weaknesses: As much as he may measure like a center, he doesn't have the bulk or strength of one. Even at the four, he may be exploitable on the glass, and he's been criticized for a lack of toughness at times. That's something that can develop, and teams are said to have come away impressed with his combine interviews. The question then becomes whether he can play defense beyond just blocking shots, and what the timeline is for him to turn his formidable tools into production.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
Teams as high as No. 5 could probably justify taking Turner, and there's a chance even that ends up looking low in retrospect. He's in an interesting position where the teams at Nos. 5-11 could all probably talk themselves into either Turner or a prospect that fits a more immediate need. That probably ends at No. 12, where the Utah Jazz have the roster balance and timeline to take the best talent available.