Hedo Türkoğlu

1.1. Childhood and early basketball

Türkoğlu began playing basketball at the age of 10, quickly demonstrating significant talent. During his middle school and high school years, he led his teams to national championships, showcasing his early potential and dedication to the sport.

1.2. Efes Pilsen (1996-2000)

In 1996, at the age of 18, Türkoğlu signed with Efes Pilsen (now known as Anadolu Efes), a prominent Turkish professional basketball team. He played four seasons with the club, averaging 8.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and a three-point shooting percentage of 40.9%. His performance significantly contributed to the team's success, including reaching the 2000 EuroLeague Final Four. In the 2000 EuroLeague, he averaged 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over 22 games. His contributions earned him a selection to the tournament's Best 5, making him the youngest Turkish player ever to receive this honor.

2.1. Sacramento Kings (2000-2003)

Türkoğlu decided to enter the NBA and was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 16th pick in the 2000 NBA draft, marking a significant milestone as the first Turkish-born player in NBA history. During his time with the Kings, he played alongside other prominent European players like Vlade Divac and Peja Stojaković. In his rookie season (2000-01), he played 74 games, averaging 5.3 points per game, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. His performance saw a notable improvement in the 2001-02 season, where he averaged 10.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, earning him votes for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. The Kings achieved the best record in the league that season, with Türkoğlu playing a crucial role off the bench. However, his performance declined in his third season due to injuries and health issues. Consequently, he was involved in a three-team trade during the offseason.

2.2. San Antonio Spurs (2003-2004)

In the 2003 offseason, Türkoğlu was traded to the San Antonio Spurs along with Ron Mercer as part of a complex three-team deal. This trade involved Brad Miller moving to the Kings, and Scot Pollard and Danny Ferry going to the Pacers. Türkoğlu spent one season with the Spurs, primarily serving as a sixth man. He averaged 9.2 points per game, showcasing a career-high 42% three-point shooting. Towards the latter half of the season, he was promoted to the starting lineup, replacing Manu Ginóbili, and started in 44 games.

2.3. Orlando Magic (2004-2009)

After the 2003-04 season, Türkoğlu became a free agent and signed with the Orlando Magic. Initially, he served as a backup for Grant Hill. However, due to Hill's recurring injuries, Türkoğlu's role expanded, and he recorded a career-high average of 14.0 points per game. The following season, he became a full-time starter, averaging 14.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and shooting 40.3% from beyond the arc.

The Magic, then in a rebuilding phase centered around Dwight Howard, whom they drafted in 2004, made a significant return to the NBA Playoffs in the 2006-07 season. With Hill's departure, Türkoğlu solidified his position as the starting small forward, forming a dynamic shooting duo with the newly acquired Rashard Lewis.

The 2007-08 season marked a pivotal year for both Türkoğlu and the Magic. The team secured a division title for the first time in 12 seasons, largely due to Türkoğlu's exceptional performance. He emerged as a clutch player, with the team often relying on him to take crucial shots in the fourth quarter. He led the team in fourth-quarter scoring and ranked fifth in the league in that category. On April 28, 2008, Türkoğlu was honored with the NBA Most Improved Player Award, achieving career-high averages in points (19.5), rebounds (5.7), and assists (5.0) while starting all 82 regular-season games.

In the 2008-09 NBA season, the Magic continued their upward trajectory, finishing with a 59-23 record, propelled by the development of Jameer Nelson. Although Türkoğlu's individual statistics slightly dipped from his MIP season, he remained a key contributor, averaging 16.8 points and 4.8 assists. The Magic had a strong playoff run, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Finals to reach the 2009 NBA Finals for the first time since 1995. In the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Türkoğlu led the Magic in scoring with 18.0 points per game, but they ultimately lost the series in five games. Following the season, Türkoğlu opted out of his contract, seeking a more lucrative deal.

2.4. Toronto Raptors (2009-2010)

On July 9, 2009, Hidayet Türkoğlu was involved in a complex four-team sign-and-trade deal that sent him to the Toronto Raptors. This trade, which also involved the Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, and Memphis Grizzlies, saw players like Shawn Marion change teams. The Magic received cash considerations from Dallas and Toronto as part of the compensation.

During his tenure with the Raptors, Türkoğlu faced a disciplinary measure on March 28, 2010, when he was a "healthy scratch" and benched for a game. This was his first benching since March 2006. The disciplinary action was taken after fans reported seeing him out late in a nightclub in Toronto's Yorkville district, despite him having missed a game due to a stomach virus. These reports were forwarded to the Raptors' management and coaching staff, leading to the punishment. On May 29, 2010, Türkoğlu publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Raptors' management in a television interview in Turkey, stating his desire to leave Toronto.

2.5. Phoenix Suns (2010)

On July 14, 2010, Türkoğlu was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Leandro Barbosa and Dwayne Jones. His tenure with the Suns was brief.

2.6. Return to Orlando Magic (2010-2014)

On December 18, 2010, Türkoğlu was traded back to the Orlando Magic in a significant deal that also brought Jason Richardson and Earl Clark to Orlando. In return, the Suns received Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Mickaël Piétrus, a 2011 first-round draft pick, and 3.00 M USD in cash. This marked Türkoğlu's second stint with the Magic.

However, his return was not without controversy. On February 13, 2013, Türkoğlu received a 20-game suspension from the NBA after testing positive for methenolone, a banned substance. He explained that he had received medicine containing methenolone from a trainer in Turkey, claiming he was unaware that it was a prohibited substance. Despite his explanation, the suspension was upheld. On January 3, 2014, Türkoğlu was waived by the Magic, having not played for the team during the 2013-14 season.

2.7. Los Angeles Clippers (2014-2015)

On January 16, 2014, Türkoğlu signed with the Los Angeles Clippers for the remainder of the 2013-14 season. He made his debut with the Clippers on January 18, recording 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 13 minutes during a 92-106 loss to the Indiana Pacers. On September 12, 2014, he re-signed with the Clippers for another season. He played his final NBA seasons with the team before his retirement.

5.1. Retirement from professional play

On November 13, 2015, Hidayet Türkoğlu formally announced his retirement from professional basketball after a distinguished 15-season career in the NBA.

5.2. Executive and advisory roles

Following his retirement, Türkoğlu quickly took on a leadership position in Turkish basketball. He was appointed as the CEO of the Turkish Basketball Federation in November 2015, a role he continued in until becoming president. In October 2016, he officially assumed the presidency of the Turkish Basketball Federation. Furthermore, on March 15, 2016, Turkish press reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appointed Türkoğlu as one of his senior advisors, signifying his entrance into the political sphere.

7.1. Doping suspension

On February 13, 2013, Türkoğlu was suspended by the NBA for 20 games after testing positive for methenolone, an anabolic steroid and a banned substance under the league's anti-drug policy. Türkoğlu publicly stated that he had received the medicine containing methenolone from a trainer in Turkey and claimed he was unaware that it was a prohibited substance. Despite his explanation, the suspension was upheld, leading to a period of absence from play.

7.2. Political ties and related controversies

Hidayet Türkoğlu's involvement in politics, specifically his close ties to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has drawn considerable attention and criticism. Since his appointment as a senior advisor to President Erdoğan in March 2016, Türkoğlu has been accused by some of being a Turkish nationalist. Notably, in a public dispute with fellow Turkish basketball player Enes Kanter, Kanter openly criticized Türkoğlu, labeling him as "delusional" and "Erdogan's lap dog." These criticisms underscore concerns about Türkoğlu's political alignment and its potential impact on his public image and roles in basketball administration.

9.1. Regular season

9.2. Playoffs