**BREAKING: Tony Bradley Officially Becomes Myles Turner’s Replacement at the Indiana Pacers**
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**INTRODUCTION: A NEW ERA BEGINS IN THE PACERS’ FRONTCOURT**
In the aftermath of **Myles Turner’s emotional departure** from the Indiana Pacers to the Milwaukee Bucks, the franchise has officially announced that **Tony Bradley** will step in as **Turner’s replacement** at the center position. The decision marks a major shift in the Pacers’ interior identity—a new chapter that brings with it both uncertainty and opportunity.
Bradley, a former UNC standout and NBA journeyman, has agreed to a **two-year deal** with the Pacers, with the expectation that he will compete for and likely secure a prominent role anchoring the frontcourt rotation. While replacing a franchise pillar like Turner is no small feat, the organization has expressed confidence in Bradley’s potential to thrive under head coach **Rick Carlisle’s** system.
> “We believe Tony has the size, skill, and hunger to make an immediate impact,” said Pacers GM **Chad Buchanan**. “He’s ready for this moment—and we’re ready to help him take the next step in his career.”
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**CHAPTER ONE: WHO IS TONY BRADLEY?**
**Tony Bradley Jr.**, 6’10”, 250 lbs, was selected with the 28th overall pick in the **2017 NBA Draft** by the Los Angeles Lakers and quickly traded to the Utah Jazz. Over the course of six seasons, he’s suited up for the Jazz, 76ers, Thunder, Bulls, and Mavericks, developing a reputation as a solid, physical big with soft hands, rebounding instincts, and strong screen-setting ability.
While his NBA career has thus far been defined by backup roles, Bradley has flashed upside in limited minutes:
* **Career averages**: 4.4 points, 4.1 rebounds in 11.4 minutes per game
* **Per-36 stats**: 14.1 points, 13.0 rebounds
* **2020-21 season with OKC**: 7.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG in 18 minutes per game
* Known for: Efficient finishing around the rim, offensive rebounding, and rim deterrence
Now 26 years old and entering what many believe could be the prime of his career, Bradley finds himself with an unexpected but exciting opportunity: to anchor a starting role for a team that’s betting on his growth.
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**CHAPTER TWO: FILLING BIG SHOES**
Replacing **Myles Turner** is a challenge that few would envy. Turner wasn’t just a shot blocker—he was a leader, a floor-spacer, a vocal teammate, and a fan favorite who gave nearly a decade to the franchise. His unique ability to protect the rim while hitting threes made him one of the NBA’s most valuable modern bigs.
Bradley, by contrast, plays a **more traditional center role**. He’s not a three-point shooter, but he brings an inside presence Indiana will lean on in a different way—**rim-running, offensive rebounding, and interior scoring.**
Head coach **Rick Carlisle** addressed the transition:
> “Myles brought us so much in so many ways. But every player has his own strengths. Tony gives us physicality, effort, and reliability in the paint. We’re going to play to his strengths and support his growth.”
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**CHAPTER THREE: WHY THE PACERS BELIEVE IN BRADLEY**
Insiders say the Pacers’ decision to invest in Bradley is rooted in two main philosophies: **development and fit**.
1. **Development**:
Bradley has shown flashes of high-level production when given consistent minutes. The Pacers believe that, with a defined role and coaching support, he can evolve into a dependable starting center.
2. **Fit with the Young Core**:
With **Tyrese Haliburton**, **Bennedict Mathurin**, **Andrew Nembhard**, and **Obi Toppin** playing uptempo, ball-movement-heavy offense, Bradley’s ability to finish around the rim and set solid screens could prove vital.
> “Tony’s game complements our guards,” Carlisle noted. “He rolls hard, seals well, and opens up lanes. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective.”
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**CHAPTER FOUR: A LOCKER ROOM READY TO EMBRACE HIM**
Stepping into the shoes of a beloved veteran like Turner could be overwhelming—but early signs suggest the Pacers locker room is ready to rally around Bradley.
**Tyrese Haliburton** commented on the move:
> “Myles is my brother and always will be. But this is a business, and we’re ready to compete. Tony’s a pro. He’s already putting in work, getting to know the guys, and showing us he’s serious.”
**T.J. McConnell** praised Bradley’s quiet confidence:
> “He doesn’t say much, but he works. You can see it in how he approaches every drill. He’s got that chip on his shoulder, and that’s exactly what we need.”
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**CHAPTER FIVE: THE ROTATION BEHIND HIM**
Bradley’s presence also allows the Pacers to develop a **multi-layered frontcourt**. Young bigs like **Isaiah Jackson** and **Jalen Smith** are still in the mix, and Indiana’s coaching staff is reportedly excited about **experimenting with dual-big lineups**—especially with Bradley at the 5 and Smith or Jackson stretching out to the 4.
This depth gives Indiana flexibility to adjust based on matchup and opponent.
> “Tony doesn’t have to be Myles,” said assistant coach Lloyd Pierce. “He has to be the best version of himself. And with the talent around him, we believe he’ll thrive.”
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**CHAPTER SIX: FAN REACTION — SKEPTICISM AND HOPE**
The fan reaction to Bradley’s promotion has been mixed—unsurprising given Turner’s status as a franchise icon.
Some fans questioned whether Bradley has the ceiling to fill Turner’s role. Others have expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging that with time and support, Bradley could grow into something more than he’s shown so far.
Reddit user @HoosierHoops wrote:
> “No one’s replacing Myles, but if Bradley plays his role and gives us 10 & 8 with solid D, I’ll take it. Let’s give him a chance.”
Meanwhile, others focused on the upside:
> “Bradley never got a real shot. This is his moment—and it might be a quiet steal for us.”
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**CHAPTER SEVEN: COMMUNITY AND CULTURE**
Myles Turner was known not only for his on-court abilities but for his off-court presence in Indiana. His work in education, youth development, and social justice made him a vital part of the community.
Bradley, who has remained under the radar in past stops, has reportedly **expressed interest in launching youth basketball clinics** in Indianapolis and partnering with community centers—a sign he’s embracing the full weight of the role.
> “I’m not here to be a copy of Myles,” Bradley told local media. “I’m here to be the best version of me, to grow, to give back, and to earn every bit of this opportunity.”
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**CHAPTER EIGHT: CARLISLE’S PLAN**
Coach Carlisle’s vision for Bradley focuses on defensive anchoring, offensive simplicity, and internal development. In offseason mini-camps, Bradley has been working with assistant coaches on:
* **Improved footwork on defense**
* **Timing on shot contests without fouling**
* **Catching and finishing under pressure**
* **Fast-break conditioning for transition defense**
Carlisle believes that with clear expectations and consistent minutes, Bradley can anchor the paint and be a **top-10 rebounding center** by the end of the season.
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**CHAPTER NINE: A STORY OF REDEMPTION**
Bradley’s journey is one of perseverance. Drafted as a raw prospect, shuffled across five teams, and often relegated to bench roles, he’s seen the highs and lows of life in the NBA. Now, he’s being offered something rare—a second chance with **first-option responsibility**.
> “There were times I wondered if this was it,” he admitted in a candid interview. “But I kept working. I stayed patient. I told myself: my time will come.”
Now, with Indiana investing in him, **that time has arrived**.
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**CHAPTER TEN: TURNING THE PAGE IN INDIANA**
Bradley’s elevation to starting center doesn’t just represent a roster change—it symbolizes the Pacers’ next phase. With Haliburton as the face, Mathurin as the rising star, and Carlisle at the helm, Indiana is leaning into a new generation.
> “Our identity is evolving,” said GM Buchanan. “Myles helped build the foundation. Now Tony and this group will take it forward.”
The Pacers begin the new season with Bradley at center—an unfamiliar name to some, perhaps—but one who’s ready to **step into the void**, embrace the pressure, and write a new chapter in the franchise’s legacy.
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**CONCLUSION: A QUIET STORM BREWING**
Tony Bradley’s appointment as the successor to Myles Turner may not carry the glamour or star appeal of a marquee free-agent signing. But for those who’ve followed his career, who understand the nuances of development and team chemistry, this is a story worth watching.
It’s not just about replacing Turner’s numbers—it’s about reimagining what Indiana’s next great big man could be. Bradley isn’t looking to mimic his predecessor. He’s here to earn respect, contribute, and perhaps surprise an entire league.
And maybe—just maybe—his time has finally come.
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