Houston Rockets 2015 NBA Draft: What if… Myles Turner?

Houston Rockets 2015 Draft Prospect: Myles Turner

What if the Houston Rockets traded away a few big men and wanted to insert UT’s Myles Turner into the rotation via this year’s draft?

Mar 7, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Myles Turner (52) shoots against Kansas State Wildcats forward Thomas Gipson (42) during the first half at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL draft nabbing all of the hot headlines this week, the NBA Draft is not to be forgotten. Continuing on the path to figuring out who the Rockets will select in June, this week will look at a player that has a higher upside than most guys projected for the first round due to his age and skill level. Don’t forget to look at some of our past prospects such as Andrew Harrison, Delon Wright and Kelly Oubre Jr. to see which player may fit the best with the Rockets.

Overview

Turner is a 6’11 (7′ with shoes) center that played one year for the Longhorns alongside young players like Cameron Ridley and Isaiah Taylor. He averaged over 10 points in his 22 minutes a game for then-coach Rick Barnes. No word on if UT’s decision to let go of Barnes swayed Turner to enter the draft, regardless the center (who may be shifted to power forward when he comes to the NBA) from Bedford, TX was more than likely ready anyways.

Myles started the season great in November and into December, however after mid-February he only had 3 games over 10 points. If he didn’t seem to fall off at the end then his averages would be much higher, big games and teams such as Iowa State and Butler in the tournaments at the end of the regular season did not help his numbers or stock.

2015 NBA draft prospects Rashad Vaughn and Myles Turner getting some early morning work in.

A video posted by @pete_kaffey09 on Apr 24, 2015 at 9:59am PDT

Turner has decided to enter the 2015 NBA Draft and this is one player that you can’t deny has work-ethic. This highlight from his trainer definitely turns some heads…

2014-2015 University of Texas (Austin) Stats

Myles Turner is 6’11 and weighs 240, according to ESPN, meaning that his size is solid for the NBA. Figuring out how to use his size to his advantage at the next level will be the question for Mr. Turner?

10.1 PPG
6.5 RPG
0.6 APG
0.3 SPG
2.6 BPG
45% FG
84% FT

To go along with his 345 total points and 89 total blocks on the season, Myles isn’t afraid to let it fly from deep. He averaged nearly 2 three-point attempts a game, although he shot 27% on the year. Even though he isn’t exactly Dirk Nowitzki at the moment, that three-point shot will help him down the line if he could find a team that is willing to stretch the floor at times.

Awards

2014-2015 Big 12 Freshman of the Year
2014-2015 All-Big 12 Second Team
2014 McDonald’s All-American
2014 Parade All-American
2014 Hoop Summit
2014 USA Junior National Team (Gold Medal)
2nd Overall recruit out of HS in 2014, only trailing Jahlil Okafor

Turner’s best game at UT was against Texas Tech at home on February 14th where Turner shot 10-13 for 25 points, he grabbed 12 boards and swatted three shots.

Houston Ties

Turner is from Bedford, Texas, a town in between Austin and Dallas, an area known for producing football stars. Euless Trinity, the high school Turner attended, has been pushing out players like Mike Baab and more recently, Dimitri Nance for decades. Myles was a monster in high school already standing over most, if not all, of his competitors before he even got to Austin.

Yes, I understand Austin and Euless Trinity aren’t near Houston. Late in his HS years, before he committed to UT, Turner linked up with John Lucas II, former NBA player and coach. John Lucas II not only holds a camp, but works with players that are planning to excel at the next level.

So where are Lucas’ camp and training facilities you ask? You guessed it, Houston, Texas. The same place where Lucas played ball for 5 seasons in the 1980’s. Turner has been training with Lucas II in Houston and has become very comfortable with the city. The situation is so perfect that the Rockets may want to take a look at this in-state product.

John Lucas II has produced some athletes that are willing to be great at the next level and Myles Turner can continue that trend, hopefully in a Rockets uniform.

Projections

Draft Express has Turner rated as the 11th best selection overall, but with teams looking to snag all of the good guards early, he may fall back to the Rockets at #18. Not the case with Draft Express who have him going #11 to the Indiana Pacers, 7 picks in front of Houston. The Rockets won’t trade up to grab him, due to the depth at the position in the draft, but if he falls then Rockets GM Daryl Morey would be expected to take the talented freshman from Bedford.

Others such as NBADraft.net have Turner falling two spots and going #13 to the Phoenix Suns, while the guys at CBS Sports have him as high as #8 to the Pistons to as late as #16 to either the Celtics or Hawks.

The Rockets could use the large frame of this beast from Texas, with help from Dwight Howard, Hakeem Olajuwon and the entire Rockets staff they can make this guy a serious threat. Houston could even team him up with Clint Capela to form a dominant, youthful one-two punch off the bench.

No matter what happens, stay tuned to Space City Scoop for full NBA Playoff and Draft coverage!

Next: What if Justise Winslow?

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