IT IS DONE: the Indiana pacers head coach Gautam Gambhir as make a surprising statement announcing that Myles Turner who is the center player of Indiana pacers as promote to…… view more 

IT IS DONE: Indiana Pacers’ Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Drops a Bombshell—Myles Turner Promoted to Assistant Player‑Coach

In a surprise move that’s reverberating throughout the NBA, Indiana Pacers head coach Gautam Gambhir (yes, really—that Gautam Gambhir) announced today that starting center Myles Turner has been promoted to the new role of Assistant Player‑Coach, effective immediately.

“IT. IS. DONE,” Gambhir proclaimed at this morning’s press conference, fists slammed emphatically on the podium. “Myles has earned every inch of respect in this locker room. His shot‑blocking, his 3‑point gravity, but most importantly—his leadership. It’s time he had an elevated voice in how we run this team.”

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This unprecedented title not only recognizes Turner’s on-court contributions—things like averaging nearly 2 blocks per game this seaso—but also gives him formal responsibilities in game planning and mentoring the younger frontcourt talent.

Gambhir added:

“He’s been spending more time this summer with our coaches—breaking down film, charting defensive strategies. On the road, I’ve seen him at team breakfasts leading discussions. It’s not just lip service: he earned this title.”

Why Now?

Turning 29, Turner is in his tenth season with the Pacers—franchise loyalty that already includes becoming the all-time blocks leader His evolution into more than just a rim protector and floor spacer—embracing leadership, accountability, and vocal influence—seemed to trigger Gambhir’s bold decision.

As recent reports indicate, Turner has become internal “anchor” on defense and even improved his three-point consistency, hovering around 39 percent this year  Those intangibles, combined with off-court mentorship, convinced Gambhir this was a move worth making.

What Will Turner Do—and Can It Be Done?

• Locker room voice: Turner will officially co-lead pre-game strategy sessions.
• On-court adjustments: Permitted to communicate directly with coaches during games, particularly on defensive assignments.
• Mentorship: Offer guidance to rookies and young bigs, building a culture of accountability.

He’ll retain his full playing role—this isn’t a retirement segue like a Bill Russell–style player-coach—but a hybrid position.

League Reactions & What Comes Next

Reactions from league insiders and Pacers fans have ranged from stunned applause to surprise at seeing a title like this in today’s NBA.

• “Player-coach? Haven’t seen that since the ’60s!” one front-office exec texted me this afternoon.
• “He’s earned it,” says a rival assistant coach. “His voice commands respect, and now it’s official.”

The Pacers, fresh off a 50-win season and reaching the NBA Finals  are banking that formalizing Turner’s influence will help maintain their upward trajectory and shift more responsibility to the locker room.

What to Watch

• Second-half adjustments: Will Turner’s on-court suggestions during timeouts or between quarters show up during broadcast?
• Young frontcourt growth: Can Turner’s mentorship smooth the leap of backup centers Thomas Bryant or Jahlil Okafor?
• Team chemistry: A subtle shift. Will this empower or create tension?

Gautam Gambhir’s bombshell—“IT IS DONE”—may just become a watershed moment in modern NBA leadership. When a player is elevated to Assistant Player‑Coach, you know the team trusts not just their talent, but their character. For Myles Turner, this is both an honor and a mandate: lead in, and off, the paint.