Myles Turner has looked great since returning

Photo via USA Today

The Indiana Packers received a boost to their lineup when big man Myles Turner returned from injury on October 26 in Chicago against the Bulls. In the eight games he has appeared in, the Pacers have a record of 5-3.

Since returning from an opening night injury where he stepped on the foot of a ball boy in the pregame layup line, Turner is averaging impressive individual numbers, including 17.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and three blocks a game in 28 minutes. In addition, he has helped tremendously to solidify the Pacers front court.

Turner has been the subject of some trade rumors over the off-season, specifically involving the Los Angeles Lakers. Those rumors have carried over into the season now, as Turner is playing well, and the Lakers seem to be on the verge of hitting the panic button on their season amid their 3-10 start.

Whether Turner stays with the Pacers in Indiana or gets moved in a trade, the key to his season the rest of the way will be staying healthy. Durability has been the knock on his career thus far, as he has only been able to play over 65 games twice in his seven seasons in the league.

When he is healthy, and on the court, Turner provides quality rim protection and floor spacing as the big man. Two things that almost all teams are looking for out of the center position in the NBA today.