These days, it feels like the Milwaukee Bucks are racing against the clock, as fans speculate whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will request a trade and conclude his tenure with the team that drafted him in 2013. If the Bucks fail to make a deep playoff run, many expect the separation to occur by next summer. Myles Turner is positioned to be a key part of Milwaukee’s plan to retain the Greek Freak, but he must remain healthy to carry out his role.
The veteran center and marquee free-agent acquisition missed Milwaukee’s preseason finale against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to right calf soreness.
With the Bucks opening their 2025-26 season next Wednesday, questions about his availability are natural. Head coach Doc Rivers eased those concerns following Tuesday’s 116-112 loss to Oklahoma City.
After the game, Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Myles Turner "just had a little calf soreness, nothing urgent or anything."
Rivers said he didn't have any concerns about Turner being available for the season opener next week. https://t.co/PMLgnoVkVn
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) October 15, 2025
Milwaukee’s best shot at keeping Antetokounmpo long-term hinges on making a deep playoff run. That goal becomes more attainable if the team starts strong and secures a top-six spot in the Eastern Conference, which in turn depends on Turner being healthy from the outset.
Myles Turner, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks playoff push
The Bucks signed the 29-year-old to a four-year, $108.9 million contract in July, banking on him as the frontcourt boost needed to return Milwaukee to serious championship contention.
Questions remain about Milwaukee’s depth and perimeter shooting, but Turner could address some of the team’s past shortcomings. He played a key role in helping the Indiana Pacers reach the NBA Finals last season, showcasing a rare combination of interior defense and long-range shooting.
The No. 11 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 2024-25, while hitting a career-best 39.6 percent of his three-point attempts.
Despite struggling against the Thunder in the Finals, Myles Turner has the potential to elevate the Bucks. Injuries, however, could quickly dampen fans’ excitement and highlight the risks of giving a veteran center a lucrative contract. Fortunately, Turner appears on track to make his Milwaukee debut when the Bucks face the Washington Wizards on Oct. 22.
