INDIANAPOLIS -- When the Indiana Pacers drafted Myles Turner last year, we weren't exactly sure what we were going to get.
We knew he was an inexperienced 20-year-old big man who needed to pack on some pounds to bang down low but had a developing jumpshot. We knew he could block shots, and we knew he could move well for his size.
What he gave to this team after recovering from a nagging early-season injury was all that and more.
Turner showed grit, enthusiasm and the willingness to do whatever it took to get a W. He also filled up the stat-sheet.
He finished the season with just under 23 minutes per game, 10.3 points per game on 50 percent shooting, with 1.4 blocks per game and 5.5 rebounds per game. He was seventh among rookies in PER (Player Efficiency Rating), exceeding his expectations as the 11th overall pick.
And we grew to love Myles not just for his contributions, but for how he plays the game.
One more reason to love Myles: His Facebook post the day after the Pacers' loss to the Raptors in Game 7 of the NBA Playoffs First Round. His humility and "go-get 'em" spirit shines through, and he'll be a joy to watch grow over the next three years of his contract in Indiana.
Check it out, and share it around; we're lucky to have such a humble, young star.
