Featuring a roster anchored by stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the Indiana Pacers will face a significant offseason. Though the roster is shaping up decently, one of the biggest questions for the Indiana Pacers rests at the center, where Myles Turner’s contract status is having massive effects on the entire lineup.
In our recent 2025 NBA Mock Draft, our in-house experts suggest the Pacers are all set to address this uncertainty with a new defensive talent.
Ryan Kalkbrenner Can Be Myles Turner’s Potential Successor In Indiana
With Myles Turner set to hit unrestricted free agency, the Pacers could face a void at center. Turner, the longest-tenured Pacer, has been a defensive star for the team, averaging 2.1 blocks and 2.0 three-pointers per game in 2024-25.
While recent reports indicate mutual interest in a long-term extension, with Indiana willing to enter the luxury tax for the first time in 20 years, whether he will choose to stay or not in the end can’t be said for sure right now. If the negotiations fail, the Pacers are projected to select Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner with the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, according to our latest mock draft.
Shams: Pacers working to re-sign Myles Turner to extension.
Indiana has determined they will enter luxury tax next season.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 8, 2025
Kalkbrenner is a 7’1”, 270-pound senior who is a force in the defensive line. Named the 2025 Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, he’s among the draft’s best defenders.
His 7’5” wiHe’s among the draft’s best defenders, namedn and impeccable timing resulted in 2.7 blocks per game in his final college season, holding together Creig19.2 points on 65.3% shooting, thriving on lobs, putbacks, and post moves, with a developing 34.4% three-point shot hinting towards his stretch-big potential.
Is Kalkbrenner A Perfect Fit For Haliburton’s Game?
Kalkbrenner’s skill set aligns seamlessly with Indiana’s up-tempo, transition-based style. His ball control makes him a reliable target for Haliburton’s pinpoint lobs in pick-and-roll sets.
Kalkbrenner’s rim-running and finishing could replicate Turner’s role as a vertical threat. At the same time, his elite rim protection addresses Indiana’s need to fortify a defense that allowed 115.2 points per 100 possessions last season.
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However, Kalkbrenner isn’t a perfect copy of Turner. His rebounding lags for his size, and his lateral mobility raises concerns about defending in space against quicker NBA big guys. Turner’s perimeter shooting also outpaces Kalkbrenner’s nascent outside game.
Still, Kalkbrenner’s high basketball IQ and screen-setting skill make him a plug-and-play option, whether as Turner’s backup or eventual replacement.
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