Is Myles Turner’s Switchability Getting Better Each Year?
Is his switchability really getting better each season? People ask that a lot. I’ll try to look at the numbers, the skills, the coaching, the effect on the team and what could happen later.
Numbers that Show Him Defending
When Turner started he was a pure shot‑blocker. In 2020‑21 he got 3.4 blocks a game and a defensive rating of 103.4 – that’s really good inside. The next year his blocks fell to 2.8 and his rating went up a little to 105.1. By 2022‑23 he was at 2.3 blocks and 106.3 rating. Fewer blocks, a higher rating – that looks like he’s letting go of pure rim protection.
- 2020‑21 : 3.4 BPG
- 2021‑22 : 2.8 BPG
- 2022‑23 : 2.3 BPG
But blocks are only one piece. In those same years his footwork and positioning seemed to sharpen. He started to bother shooters on the outside and stay in front of quicker guys. That suggests a bigger defensive picture than just blocking shots.
Is His Switchability Actually Improving?
The big question stays: Is Myles Turner’s switchability improving each season? Some fans think he moved from a classic post defender to someone who can guard guards and wings in pick‑and‑roll jams. Three things stand out.
- Lateral quickness – he can move side‑to‑side a bit better now.
- Defensive IQ – he picks the right moments to switch or hedge.
- Versatility – he can stop a big in the paint and a guard on the perimeter.
In the 2023 playoffs he also got about 1.5 steals a game while still blocking. That mix of steals and blocks may mean his anticipation got sharper. Still, some critics say the drop in raw blocks could signal a loss of his main strength. Maybe he’s still learning how to balance those roles.
Coaching and Training Influence
Rick Carlisle and the Pacers staff have a hand in this. They run drills that focus on foot speed, ladder work and cone drills. They also break down video in real time so Turner has to change his stance on the spot. Those practices try to turn his raw athleticism into repeatable habits.
Film study is also big. By watching how opponents set screens, Turner can guess when to step out and when to stay home. That brain work pairs with the physical drills to push his defensive growth. Yet you could argue that after a few years of coaching, improvements might stall unless new ideas are added.
How His New Skills Change the Pacers
When Turner can guard more positions, the Pacers get flex. They can shift between zone, man‑to‑man or hybrid looks without losing steadiness. Coaches feel safer using aggressive traps because Turner can recover fast and still protect the hoop.
- Pick‑and‑roll defense – he can stay on a guard after a screen and drop back to the basket.
- Scheme flexibility – the team can try many defensive styles.
His presence also lifts his teammates. Players on the wing feel freer to drive, knowing Turner can pop out to stop a cutter and bounce back inside. That confidence can lead to more points and a bolder team vibe. On the flip side, if his switching attempts fail, the offense can exploit the gaps. So his level of consistency matters a lot.
Looking Forward: What Might Be Next?
Looking at the trend, it seems likely he’ll keep getting better at switching. The league wants big men who can defend on the three‑point line, and Turner is on that path. If he keeps sharpening his footwork, his defensive rating could drop into the low‑100s, putting him among the best two‑way forwards.
The Pacers might even build around his versatility, adding shooters and playmakers who can profit from the turnovers he creates. That could earn him All‑Defensive Team nods or maybe even an All‑Star spot as a defensive standout. Still, we have to remember that offenses are getting faster and more three‑point heavy. Turner will need even quicker recovery speed and lateral agility. Ongoing work with strength coaches, video analysts and veteran mentors will be key.
In short, the evidence points to yes, Turner’s switchability is improving each season – blocks went down but steals went up, his footwork looks tighter, and coaches are pushing him hard. The Pacers are using his new tools to be more flexible defensively, and his future looks bright if he keeps adapting. Of course, some might say the raw block drop worries them, and the true test will be if he can stay consistent night after night. But overall the signs lean toward a positive trajectory for Myles Turner as a modern, versatile big man.
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