Turkse NBA-spelers hebben door de jaren heen een duidelijke invloed gehad op de National Basketball Association. Alperen Şengün geldt momenteel als een van de opvallendste Turkse talenten, terwijl spelers als Hidayet Türkoğlu, Mehmet Okur, Ömer Aşık en Ersan İlyasova eerder belangrijke mijlpalen bereikten.
Ook Adem Bona, Cedi Osman, Ömer Yurtseven en Furkan Korkmaz vertegenwoordigen Turkije in of rond de NBA. Hun loopbanen laten zien hoe Turkse spelers vanuit nationale en Europese competities doorgroeien naar de grootste basketbalcompetitie ter wereld.
Alperen Şengün: het belangrijkste huidige Turkse talent
When National Basketball Association (NBA) legend Kevin Durant was recently asked to name his favourite rising star in the basketball world, he pointed to the young Houston Rocket talent from Türkiye, Alperen Sengun. "I would say I was going to give some love to Alperen Sengun. I like Sengun. He was dunking on a couple of people. I didn't know he could get up like that. He's nice. I like him”, the two-time champion said during a guest appearance on the NBA Hooper Vision show.
This week, the NBA announced that the Houston Rockets player was selected for the second time for the Rising Stars Challenge, which will feature a three-game mini-tournament among four teams comprised of NBA rookies, sophomores and NBA G League Players. The All-Star Weekend is set to take place at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City on February 17-19, and the three-game mini-event will be held as part of the event.
20-year-old Sengun, who became the youngest Rockets player to ever record 30 points and 10 rebounds in a single game, is averaging a career-high 15.5 points and 8.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. More impressively, Sengun has made history as the youngest Centre to reach 1,000 points and 200 assists in the NBA.
The historic achievements of Sengun have made Kevin Durant, alongside Türkiye and the basketball world, eager to watch how the Turkish talent’s career will turn out.
Notable Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün has clearly made his debut. Rising steadily, one of the best names on the Turkey NBA Players List. Chosen sixteenth overall in 2021, Şengün has grown with each passing season.
He averaged 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists every game in 2024-25. Just the second Turkish player to do so, he was chosen for the NBA All-Star team. Leading the Rockets to a 32-14 record and second in the Western Conference now, for the team, Sengun’s basketball intelligence and flexibility have become pillars.
His capacity to make decisions and view the court improves the offensive rhythm of the Rockets. These great performances have elevated him to a national hero in Turkey once more. Sengun is today a Turkish basketball worldwide ambassador rather than just a player.
Huidige Turkse spelers in de NBA
Currently, Türkiye has four players playing in the NBA: Cedi Osman from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Alperen Sengun from the Houston Rockets, Omer Yurtseven from the Miami Heat and Furkan Korkmaz from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Several Turkish players are making a name for themselves in the NBA as of the 2024-25 season, showing their ability and proudly carrying their nation. The current List of Turkey players in the NBA is investigated in this article, along with their travels, accomplishments, and contributions to their several teams.
Turkey has long been producing NBA-quality players who have displayed leadership, toughness, and skill across multiple clubs. The number may not compare to that of France or Canada, but Turkish players have made a big impact on the league.
| Speler | Positie | Lengte | Gewicht | Geboortedatum | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adem Bona | C | 6-10 | 235 | Mar 28, 2003 | Philadelphia Sixers |
| Alperen Sengun | C | 6-11 | 243 | Jul 25, 2002 | Houston Rockets |
Adem Bona
Adem Bona signs with the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Standing 6’10”, his athleticism and defensive instincts have been impossible not to notice. He gives the 76ers some energy, some hustle, and some rim protection in the rotation.
His road from UCLA to a second-round pick in the 2024 N.B.A. draft is inspiring. Bona’s ascent has been rapid, and he provides a peek at that potential and his work ethic.
Bona has a distinct identity due to his dual citizenship: Turkish and Nigerian. On the worldwide basketball platform, he proudly represents Turkey. His experience gives the 76ers’ expanding roster variety and strength.
Early bursts of his game point to an NBA future with much promise. Fans and analysts are both following his development closely.
Cedi Osman
Cedi Osman, one in the list of Turkey NBA players, is presently with the San Antonio Spurs. Known for his great forward flexibility, Osman adds adaptability on both sides of the court.
He provides the Spurs’ growing lineup much-needed depth and experience. His capacity to attack and defend raises the general value of his team.
Osman’s trip from Anadolu Efes in Turkey to the NBA is really motivational. It emphasizes his development and evolution as a professional player. He has earned a strong name over time via discipline and consistency.
He is one of the best known Turkish basketball players today.
Furkan Korkmaz
Furkan Korkmaz has built a reputation as a sharpshooting guard with the Philadelphia 76ers. He is well-known for his assured perimeter shooting on the floor.
Providing the 76ers depth off the bench, he is a key component of their rotations. Team dynamics have been greatly aided by his three-point accuracy and offensive adaptability.
As a preferred choice when the team needs fast buckets, Korkmaz keeps growing. Korkmaz’s path is one of perseverance and development from the Anadolu Efes of Turkey into the List of Turkey NBA players.
His change emphasizes his capacity for adjustment and drive to improve his performance. On a changing roster, he has always tried to improve his ability and remain current.
His presence is still very important, especially in critical playoff surges. His efforts are still crucial for the 76ers’ Eastern Conference aspirations.
Ömer Yurtseven
Promising center Ömer Yurtseven is currently playing for the Utah Jazz, adding to the list of Turkey NBA players. He adds energy in the post and provides much-needed assistance off the bench.
With his rebounding and inside scoring, Yurtseven gives depth to the Jazz’s front line. His knowledge and bulk help him to be an invaluable resource in physically challenging fights.
His hustle plays and presence in the paint are rapidly winning respect. Yurtseven’s ascent from Georgetown College Basketball to the NBA is remarkable.
His path shows how a motivated young athlete grows progressively. As he gathers league experience, he keeps refining his game.
The Jazz view him as a long-term investment with tremendous potential. Both the team and Turkish basketball enthusiasts look forward to his ongoing development.
Invloedrijke Turkse spelers uit de NBA-geschiedenis
Sengun and the others are following in the footsteps of trailblazing Turkish players who have left their mark on the history of the NBA and set standards high for the new generation.
Hidayet Türkoğlu
Dubbed the “Turkish Michael Jordan”, Turkoglu’s NBA career spanned 15 years from the years 2000 to 2014, and included an NBA Finals appearance against the Late Great Kobe Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers, as well as a Sixth-Man of The Year award.
Turkoglu’s most memorable years came when he led the Orlando Magic alongside star Centre Dwight Howard. Throughout this time, the Turkish star was the lead playmaker on his squad and made many clutch basketball plays that drew Michael Jordan comparisons.
Turkoglu also participated in the 2010 FIBA World Championship hosted by Türkiye. The Turkish national team finished with the silver medal, having beaten every team except for Team USA, the champions.
Following his retirement, Turkoglu was appointed CEO of the Turkish Basketball Federation. Turkoglu was also appointed as an advisor to Türkiye’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Mehmet Okur
Mehmet Okur, who plays in the same position as Alperen Sengun, is also the only Turkish basketballer to win an NBA Championship title.
After playing for the Pistons between 2002 and 2004, he played for the Utah Jazz between 2004 and 2011, and the New Jersey Nets between 2011 and 2012, during his 10-year NBA career.
In 2007, the three point shooting and rebounding machine made history when he became the first Turkish player to be named an All-Star.
After his retirement from active basketball in 2012 at the age of 33, Okur was named as an ambassador for the Utah Jazz from 2014 to 2016. In September 2016, he agreed to become a player development coach for the Phoenix Suns.
Currently, Okur has been sharing his Basketball expertise with young Turkish talents as part of the coaching staff of the National Team.
Ömer Aşık
Nicknamed "The Turkish Hammer" and "Asik the Destroyer" by Bulls commentator Stacey King, Omer Asık, who also plays in the same position as Sengun, gained international recognition playing for the Turkish national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
In the same year, the 2.13 metre-tall Turkish giant joined the NBA and had an impactful eight-year run in the league where he became known for his rebounding and defensive prowess.
Ersan İlyasova
When Ersan Ilyasova joined the NBA in 2005, his prospects weren’t considered as high as some of the other players in this list. However, after transitioning to the NBA from Spain’s FC Barcelona, Ilyasova had a consistent 14-year run in the NBA.
The Crimean Tatar-origin Turkish Forward was particularly beloved by the Milwaukee Bucks franchise, where he played for 9 seasons and became known for his hustle plays and outside shooting touch.
Overzicht van Turkse NBA-spelers
| Speler | Positie | Lengte | Gewicht | Geboortedatum | Team(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ersan Ilyasova | F | 6-10 | 235 | May 15, 1987 | ATL, DET, MIL, ORL, PHL, UTH, OKC |
| Hedo Turkoglu | F | 6-10 | 220 | Mar 19, 1979 | LAC, ORL, PHX, SAC, SAN, TOR |
| Mirsad Turkcan | F | 6-9 | 250 | Jun 7, 1976 | MIL, NYK |
| Omer Asik | C | 7-0 | 255 | Jul 4, 1986 | CHI, HOU, NOP |
| Semih Erden | C | 7-0 | 240 | Jul 28, 1986 | BOS, CLE |
| Mehmet Okur | FC | 6-11 | 249 | May 26, 1979 | DET, NJN, UTH |
| Ibrahim Kutluay | G | 6-6 | 200 | Jan 7, 1974 | SEA |
| Enes Freedom | F | 6-10 | 250 | May 20, 1992 | BOS, NYK, POR, UTH, OKC |
| Furkan Aldemir | PF | 6-10 | 240 | Aug 9, 1991 | PHL |
| Cedi Osman | GF | 6-7 | 230 | Apr 8, 1995 | CLE, SAN |
| Shane Larkin | PG | 5-11 | 175 | Oct 2, 1992 | BOS, DAL, NYK, BRK |
| Omer Yurtseven | C | 6-11 | 275 | Jun 19, 1998 | MIA, UTH |
| Furkan Korkmaz | SG | 6-7 | 202 | Jul 24, 1997 | PHL |
| Onuralp Bitim | SG | 6-6 | 215 | Mar 31, 1999 | CHI |
Onuralp Bitim
During the 2023-24 season, Onuralp Bitim briefly joined the list of Turkey NBA players for the Chicago Bulls. During limited court time, he demonstrated flashes of agility and promise.
But an early end to what could have been a breakout season was caused by a detached retina. Season-ending surgery was needed for the injury, which slowed down his NBA momentum.
The Bulls officially waived him from their roster in October 2024. Having returned to Europe, Bitim is still following his professional path afar.
He signed with Fenerbahçe Beko and was loaned to Bayern Munich for the year. His return mirrors the volatility and pressure many global players experience.
Still, he is a well-known person with a comeback possibility, notwithstanding the disappointment. His road reflects the resilience many international NBA hopefuls show in the face of challenges.