Hedo Türkoğlu is a Turkish former professional basketball player who played 15 seasons in the National Basketball Association. Since 2016, he has served as the president of the Turkish Basketball Association. While in the NBA, he has played with different teams, like the Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers.
Player Profile and Personal Life
Hidayet “Hedo” Türkoğlu was born on March 19, 1979, in Istanbul, Turkey. He stands 208 cm tall and his playing weight was listed at 100 kg. Türkoğlu played primarily as a small forward and power forward.
Hedo Türkoğlu’s parents were originally from Serbia, and they changed their surname to Türkoğlu after moving to Turkey. He speaks Serbian fluently. Türkoğlu is married and has two daughters.
Team |
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Position | Small Forward |
Height / weight | 2.08 m / 100 kg |
Born | 19 Mar 1979 |
Nationality |
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Playing Style | Right Handed |
Nickname | Turkish Jordan |
Team History | |
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1996 - present |
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2014 - 2015 |
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2010 - 2014 |
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2009 - 2010 |
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2010 |
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2004 - 2009 |
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2003 - 2004 |
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1996 - 2000 |
Efes Pilsen | 1996 - 2000 |
Professional Career
Türkoğlu began his professional career with Efes Pilsen in Turkey before being drafted 16th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2000 NBA Draft. He was the first Turkish-born player in NBA history. In his first season, he was named to the 2001 NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
His breakout season came in 2007-08 with the Orlando Magic, when he averaged 19.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, earning him the NBA Most Improved Player Award. Türkoğlu was a key player in the Magic’s 2009 NBA Finals appearance.
The San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic are some of the teams he has played with.
He last played for the NBA in the 2014-2015 season, for the Los Angeles Clippers.
After retiring in 2015, Türkoğlu transitioned into basketball administration. As of 2024, he serves as the president of the Turkish Basketball Federation.
International Career
Türkoğlu was a longtime member of the Turkish National Team. He led Turkey to a silver medal at the 2001 EuroBasket and played a crucial role in Turkey’s silver medal run at the 2010 FIBA World Championship on home soil.
Career Highlights
- 2008 - NBA Most Improved Player
- 2001 - NBA All-Rookie Second Team
- 1997 - Turkish League champion
- 1997, 1998 - Turkish Cup champion
- 1998, 2000 - Turkish Presidential Cup champion
Medal Record, Men’s basketball, Representing Turkey
- Silver - 2001 EuroBasket (Turkey)
- Silver - 2010 FIBA World Cup (Turkey)