Things didn't go so well for Myles Turner in year one with the Milwaukee Bucks. While not all of it fell on the shoulders of Doc Rivers' game plan—the team also dealt with injuries and a roster that did not mesh as well as many hoped—the now-dismissed coach didn't exactly put the big man in the best spots each and every night. The hope is that newly-hired coach Taylor Jenkins can.
Jenkins knows how to work with a star big man
In a 2024 interview with Kelly Iko, formerly of The Athletic (subscription required), Jenkins and Jackson talked about their player-coach relationship. Jenkins detailed how he intentionally put a lot of weight on Jackson's shoulders because the team was hurt and needed more from him, especially on the offensive end. It led to a barrage of turnovers by Jackson, which frustrated the star big man.
After a "tough week," Jenkins and Jackson chatted about it, with the rising star making it clear he likes to be coached. Jenkins did just that. The coach added that his player handled the opportunities "beautifully." Giving Jackson more decision-making duties opened the door for more growth from the up-and-coming big man, who has remained a formidable two-way force to this day.
Due to the trust and openness between the two, Jackson thrived under Jenkins' guidance. He was an All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year in that span. Not all of that is due to the coach, but having an elite support system and player development coach like Jenkins played a part. The Bucks are hoping he can do the same for Myles Turner.
Jenkins has the tools to bring the best out of Turner
The relationship between Rivers and Turner appeared quite different. As the season went on, Turner's place in the rotation deteriorated more and more. Near the end, he found himself playing behind Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims most nights. That's a frustrating reality for a Bucks team that sacrificed a lot of financial freedom to sign Turner by waiving Damian Lillard.
Turner absolutely could have been more aggressive at times. He averaged a career low in 2-point shot attempts per game this season, an essential part of his game. He's not blameless. However, a coach should be able to bring the best out of him. Now, the Milwaukee Bucks will bank on Jenkins taking that task by the horns on day one and figuring it out.
If his work with Jackson says anything, it's that Turner's future with the Bucks should look a lot better than his past.
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