Bucks major addition named among NBA's top newcomers

This summer, few teams have been a talking point more in the NBA than the Milwaukee Bucks. Aside from all the discourse around Giannis Antetokounmpo, they shocked the basketball world during the early stages of free agency. 

With Brook Lopez departing for the LA Clippers in free agency, the Bucks found themselves with a void to fill in the frontcourt. They managed to sign a more than suitable replacement, signing longtime Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner. 

Many were shocked to see the Bucks land Turner, but that was just the beginning of the hysteria. In order to make things work financially, Milwaukee had to waive-and-stretch All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. 

Turner, 29, is fresh off helping the Pacers reach the NBA Finals. Now, he'll be playing alongside one of the game's top stars in Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Bucks big man Myles Turner ranked among NBA's top newcomers

In a recent column for ESPN, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton ranked some of the top newcomers in the NBA ahead of the 2026 campaign. Turner landed a mention on this list, slotting in at No. 6. 

"Arguably no move this offseason was more stunning than the one that made Turner a Buck," Herring wrote. "Turner was once a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate and still carries a good reputation on that end as a rim protector along with his floor-spacing ability. All of his skills will be necessary to help elevate Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks beyond the first round, which they've failed to do since 2022."

Turner should be able to fit in seamlessly with the Bucks, as he has a similar style of play as Lopez. His primary task will be anchoring Milwaukee's defense. On the other end of the floor, Turner will look to open things up for the two-time MVP to get downhill and attack the rim.