’10 years. One jersey. One city’: Myles Turner says goodbye to Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Longtime Pacers player Myles Turner has opened up about his decision to sign with another team, sharing his thoughts in a heartfelt social media post.

He posted the lengthy message on X late Thursday night.

In it, he praises fans and his former teammates, but he also writes that he “sacrificed many parts of myself and my livelihood” for the team. He said, “I NEVER took the easy way out, I took the criticism on the chin, bit my tongue to complain and just kept my head down and grinded through it all and in the end…. it was ALL so worth it!”

Turner also recognized several favorite local spots by name, saying he’ll miss the bars he went to, taking yoga classes downtown, all the restaurants on Mass Ave., and Longs Bakery. Turner even the mentioned potholes on the east side.

“Saying goodbye is never easy, especially so abruptly. Together, we’ve experienced the highest of highs and some of the toughest lows: from being a lottery team to Playoff battles, injuries, the bubble, and now…a finals run. All of it, the good and the bad has shaped me into who I am today and those memories can never be taken from us.”

He also thanked his 94 different teammates over the years and the staff with the Pacers. 

Turner closed by saying, “This chapter is closing, but the respect and love I have for this city and its people is forever.

“Thank you Indy,’ from the bottom of my heart. I mean it when I say The 317 will always be home. And I’ve been proud to call myself a Hoosier! I hope you continue to embrace me as much as l’ve always embraced you!”

Turner has signed a four-year, $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving Indy after 10 seasons with the Pacers.

Full Statement:

It’s hard to put into words what the past 10 seasons and past 10 years of my life has meant to me… From a teenager out of Bedford Texas to the MAN and player I am today, Indy has been home through it all. You watched me grow up – on and off the court. Just like you I put my hard hat on clocked in & clocked out every single day…

Throughout the years I put my personal pride & ego to the side and sacrificed many parts of myself and my livelihood for the betterment and advancement of this organization. I NEVER took the easy way out, I took the criticism on the chin, bit my tongue to complain and just kept my head down and grinded through it all and in the end…. it was ALL so worth it!

It’s the little things I’m going to miss the most… 21 year old Myles has to tip his cap to Tiki bobs, Kilroys, & Brothers – man even taking classes at invoke yoga downtown, rolling down Mass Ave for some good eats, getting out on Geist, hiking Eagle Creek park, Longs Bakery on the south side, morning walks down fountain square, going to prime 47 after the games with the fam, the special dinners at Hyde Park, the potholes all throughout the east side, the pumpkin patches & orchards on the farms up north… all of it.

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially so abruptly. Together, we’ve experienced the highest of highs and some of the toughest lows: from being a lottery team to Playoff battles, injuries, the bubble, and now…a finals run. All of it, the good and the bad has shaped me into who I am today and those memories can never be taken from us.

To Pacers fans – it’s been an absolute privilege to play at Bankers Life/Gainbridge Fieldhouse… you’ve been loyal through it all. You packed the Fieldhouse, rocked with us on the road, lifted me when I needed it most, and held me accountable when I needed that too. Man… I’ve damn near spent more time with y’all than I’ve gotten to spend with my own family over the years. That’s real love, and I can’t thank you enough for embracing me from day one.

To the city of Indianapolis, thank you for pouring into me as a PERSON, not just a player. From giving back in the community alongside Turner’s Block to crossing paths in the streets of Downtown, to the growth of W.A.R.M you made it feel like family. This city is special, the heart of basketball has and always will live in Indy.

To the 94 different teammates I’ve had coaches, trainers, and PSE staff members – thank you for being a part of my journey.

We’ve put in countless hours together and shared memories and moments I’ll carry forever.

It’s very rare you have the same strength coach, medical staff and player relations for a decade and l’ve made some friends for life far beyond this industry and that’s truly special to me

This chapter is closing, but the respect and love I have for this city and its people is forever.

“Thank you Indy”, from the bottom of my heart. I mean it when I say The 317 will always be home. And I’ve been proud to call myself a Hoosier! I hope you continue to embrace me as much as l’ve always embraced you!

See you soon.

Myles Turner

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