How a broken ankle and 30 pounds of muscle forged an NBA titan
In short: Before he was a multi-time league leader in blocks, Myles Turner faced a career-threatening injury as a high school prospect. His recovery wasn't just about healing; it was a deliberate physical transformation that turned a vulnerable recruit into one of the most versatile centers in modern basketball.
Growing up in Bedford, Texas, Myles Turner was a standout athlete from a young age, leading his junior high team to 28 wins as a 6-foot-2 freshman. However, his path to the NBA nearly stalled between his sophomore and junior years of high school. During the first spring game of AAU play, Turner suffered a severe ankle fracture. This injury threatened his recruitment prospects, but it also served as a catalyst for a rigorous physical overhaul.
To overcome the setback, Turner underwent a demanding two-a-day weight training regimen. By the time he returned to the court, he had gained approximately 30 pounds, transforming his frame into a more formidable physical presence. During his third year of high school, he achieved a 15.7 point, 12.87 rebound, and 8.64 block average, guiding his team to a state playoff berth for the first time in 10 years while tallying six triple-doubles.
The results of this transformation were undeniable. Turner became a five-star prospect, earning 60 offers before committing to the University of Texas. After a standout freshman year where he was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year, he entered the NBA in 2015. Over a decade with the Indiana Pacers, he became a franchise icon, eventually surpassing Jermaine O'Neal to become the team's all-time blocks leader with 1,246 blocks. In 2025, he joined the Milwaukee Bucks, bringing a decade of elite rim protection and versatility to a new chapter.
Turner's career is a study in resilience and adaptation. From navigating a thumb fracture in his rookie year to managing stress reactions in his prime, he has consistently evolved. Beyond the court, his discipline is reflected in his personal life as a practicing Jehovah's Witness who enjoys yoga and building Lego sets.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Myles Turner
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-myles-turner.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
