Bucks' Myles Turner draws Brook Lopez comparison
The Milwaukee Bucks may be undergoing a roster transition, but one thing remains unchanged: everything still revolves around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee knows it, and they've embraced that franchise-defining reality. The Bucks believe they've struck gold once again, this time in the form of Myles Turner. Milwaukee acquired Turner in one of its most deliberate NBA Free Agency moves. Already, Turner is drawing comparisons to Brook Lopez, the longtime anchor of the team's defensive scheme.
'When we signed Brook forever ago, it was because we knew adding a floor spacer who could protect the rim next to Giannis would make us hard to deal with on both ends,' a Bucks coach shared. 'We're doing the same with Myles. He's not exactly the same as Brook, but we don't have to completely change our identity with Myles either. That's huge for continuity.'
That continuity is exactly what the Bucks need in a summer of recalibration. With roster pieces shifting and rival contenders loading up, Milwaukee didn't just aim to survive the NBA Free Agency. Instead, the Bucks made a calculated push to thrive. A front office executive summed it up: 'I know you're a Moneyball guy from your tweets. 'Adapt or die,' right? When you have a player as good as Giannis, you have to be continually willing to do what it takes to win. That's what we did.'
Turner is a two-way threat and one of the league's premier shot-blockers. He offers a rare blend of modern spacing and elite rim protection. While Milwaukee will certainly miss Brook Lopez's presence, the team believes it has found a worthy successor, one who can preserve its identity without forcing Giannis to carry an even larger defensive burden.
As for the inevitable questions about Giannis' future? The team remains unbothered. 'I know you're asking about Giannis,' the executive said with a laugh. 'We have no indication that anything is really changing. We rebuilt on the fly, in a really challenging situation, but we think we did it as well as it could be done.'
Now, with Myles Turner in place, the Bucks are betting that their revamped core can keep Giannis happy, and the title window wide open.
Related: How Bucks feel about Damian Lillard returning to Blazers
Related: Milwaukee Bucks' perfect move in 2025 NBA offseason
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