Team 2008-09: 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 (NBA, 2004-09)
Türkoğlu Is the best all-around player Turkey has ever produced. He started as a point guard, but when he grew to 2.08 m, he became more of an all-around player. Hidayet is a good rebounder, a good passer and a great shooter which, put together with his size and quickness allows the 30-year-old to play just about any position on the court, with the exception of center. The main problem with his game was commitment and maturity, but in the past two seasons he has grown into a star and a leader. His Most Improved Player award in the NBA is well deserved. He improved mostly in mental areas and that has translated into his numbers too. Turkoglu has shed his egos and is quite comfortable with being a part of a team and does not demand the ball on every possession. He likes the role of facilitator but when the going gets tough he never ever backs down from a challenge. He takes, and more often than not makes, the big shots.
