Team 2010-11: Phoenix Suns/Orlando Magic (USA-NBA) Career: Efes Pilsen (Turkey-TBL, 1997-2000), Sacramento Kings (USA-NBA, 2000-03), San Antonio Spurs (USA-NBA, 2003-04), Orlando Magic (USA-NBA, 2004-09), Toronto Raptors (USA-NBA, 2009-10), Phoenix Suns (USA-NBA, 2010), Orlando Magic (USA-NBA, 2010-11)
A bona-fide legend of Turkish basketball as he enters the final phase of his career, 32-year-old Hedo Türkoğlu is one of the greatest players to have worn a National Team vest and many would say the best because of his all-round skills. He is such an enormous and almost immeasurable influence for Turkey that it is very nearly too painful for fans to even think about trying to work in the future without his presence on the floor. He has just about everything you need in your locker as a player. With quickness, size and the versatility to play multiple positions, he can handle the ball, make incisive killer passes, shoot the lights out when open, create his own shot, get to the hoop, rebound and above anything else - put the team on his back and carry them over the finish line. He is a veteran warrior who was once the Most Improved Player in the NBA and when it comes to the National Team, he is the go to guy in every sense. Last summer he was voted onto the All-Tournament Team at the FIBA World Championship after a typically impressive haul in the points, assists and rebounds categories. Having started the last NBA season in Phoenix he finished it back at old club Orlando and typically averaged five assists per game to show why he will be the kingpin for Turkey once again. |
