LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 18: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
Myles Turner has turned heads with his play for the Indiana Pacers this year, but his contributions off the court have been even more important.
Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner is enjoying arguably his most productive season so far, but it’s his contributions outside of basketball that have landed him in the spotlight.
According to a report from Eric Woodyard of ESPN, Turner has decided to start a fundraiser to help people who are currently struggling in Texas due to a recent snowstorm that has put the lives of thousands at risk. Amusingly, his decision to raise funds was actually caused by an interaction that he had with a disgruntled Pacers fan who sent him a $100 Venmo request — three times — after Indiana lost to the Chicago Bulls this past Monday.
The fan did it as a troll to blame Turner for the loss, but the big man took it in stride and countered with one cent. This story then gained traction on Twitter, and many more fans have begun to send him money. He decided to put that money to use for a good cause.
Right now, the former Texas basketball product hasn’t chosen where he will donate the funds, but there’s no doubt that it will benefit many people in need.
Myles Turner has taken a leap this season
Following a turbulent offseason that saw Turner pop up in trade rumors, the big man has been playing some of the best basketball of his career.
Turner is currently leading the NBA in blocks while also putting his name in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year, and he doesn’t even turn 25 for another month. After a fast start to the season, the Pacers have cooled down slightly and are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 15-14 record. There’s no doubt that the team will need Turner to keep producing if it hopes to climb back up the standings.