Turkish · Bursa, Turkey · Born 19 March 1979Turkish basketball forward who became the first Turkish player to be named NBA Most Improved Player and reached the NBA Finals with Orlando Magic in 2009.
Hedo Türkoğlu was born in Bursa, Turkey in 1979. San Antonio Spurs selected him 31st overall in the 2000 NBA Draft. His 14-season career produced 11.2 points per game and the Most Improved Player award in 2008 after averaging 19.5 points for Orlando. He led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 — making series-winning or series-extending shots in multiple rounds — before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. He won the EuroBasket championship with Turkey in 2001 — the country's only major international basketball title. His ability to handle the ball as a 6ft 10in small forward — directing the offence, making late-game decisions under pressure and creating for teammates — reflected European technical development that gave him a unique profile for his position. He became one of Turkey's most celebrated athletes and a significant figure in building Turkish basketball's international profile. He remains the highest-achieving Turkish-born player in NBA history.
Versatile forward who helped Orlando Magic reach NBA Finals
How They Played
Versatile scorer and playmaker with good shooting range
Lasting Impact
First Turkish player to win NBA Most Improved Player Award
Career Honours
- Most Improved Player (2008)
- NBA Finals (2009)
- EuroBasket champion (Turkey 2001)
- All-NBA Third Team consideration
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| San Antonio Spurs | 2003–2004 | 80 |
| Orlando Magic | 2004–2009 | 390 |
| Toronto Raptors | 2009–2010 | 74 |
| Efes Pilsen | 1996–2000 | — |
| Sacramento Kings | 2000–2003 | 224 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 2013–2015 | 129 |
Turkish Athletes