Chat Transcript: Hedo Turkoglu
Hedo chatted live with fans on Monday.NBAE/Getty Images |
Hedo Turkoglu has become one of the most reliable and valuable sixth men in the NBA, averaging 14.0 points and 3.70 rebounds through 43 games with the Magic this year. Turkoglu has started eight games this year for the Magic, and while many fans want to see him in the starting five, he actually prefers to come off the bench and be an instant offensive sparkplug for the squad.
For his bright personality and production on the floor, the first Turkish-born player in the NBA has become a crowd favorite at the TD Waterhouse Centre in just his first year in Orlando. Once this season is over, however, the 6'10' forward will take some time off from basketball to spend one month serving his country in the Turkish army. In his spare time, Hedo (whose full first name is Hidayet) enjoys reading, listening to music, watching movies and playing video games.
On Monday, February 7, Turkoglu dropped by to chat live with Orlando Magic fans. See what Orlando's favorite 6th man had to say.
Matt (Merritt Island, Fl.): When you first signed with the Magic, did you envision your role being what it is today?
Hedo Turkoglu: When I signed with the Magic, I wasn't sure if Grant Hill was going to be able to come back and play, but when I arrived I learned he was going to play. At that time I then embraced my role at the sixth man for this team. That's my position right now and I'm doing my best to help the team win games in this role.
Emre (Turkey): Hi hedo, I wish you good luck, I would like to ask if how the arrival of Doug Christie has effected you and your game?
Hedo Turkoglu: I played with Doug for three years with the Kings and I knew what a great person and great teammate he was already. It's great to play with him again. He's an excellent defender, which everyone knows, but he can do other things too and I'm happy to be playing with him again.
Alex from Orlando: Hedo, you seem like you play better off the bench, is that true in your mind?
Hedo Turkoglu: So far, as long as I get minutes, I will get shots and be able to help the team. It's more about minutes than about starting. If I get the minutes, I can use my skills to help us win games.
Joe, New York: Is the NBA a lot harder than the Euroleague and FIBA? International basketball seems to be catching up to American basketball.
Hedo Turkoglu: Sometimes it is harder. In the NBA you play 82 games, plus playoffs, it's like every other night. In Europe you play only twice a week. In Europe you practice alot, here in the NBA you play games alot.
Hazar(Istanbul): At 6'10' you are matching with smaller players at your position, How do you feel about your post-up game against smaller opponents?
Hedo Turkoglu: I feel uncomfortable sometimes, and it's one area of my game I think I really need to improve. I need to get stronger and get more confident for those situations. I need to work on that part of my game and that's what I'm doing now.
Mark from Orlando: How was it getting used to Orlando over the other two NBA cities you've been in?
Hedo Turkoglu: So far, so good. I like the city of Orlando, therre are great people, it's a great city and there is great weather. I'm still adjusting and getting more and more comfortable here in Orlando.
Kadir (ISTANBUL): When and how did you start to play basketball?
Hedo Turkoglu: I was like 10 or 11 years old.
Brittni, orlando: Where's your favorite hang out place in Orlando when you aren't practicing or playing in games?
Hedo Turkoglu: There are plenty of good places here, but I usually like to stay home, chill and watch TV and movies.
Hank Byers(San Antonio): How's it going Hedo? I read that you like to play video games, so I was wondering what types of video games do you play and which one is your favorite right now?
Hedo Turkoglu: Ha-ha (Laughing) I just started like the video games and I'm still learning. I play basketball and I like soccer, so I play the soccer game too.
Marcos, Winter Haven: Hedo,
I enjoy watching you play and I like your agressiveness. When your shots are not falling, what do you do to keep your head up and maintain your confidence for the next shot?
Hedo Turkoglu: Just keep shooting! (Laughing). When you are a scorer and a shooter, that is why you are playing. You can't think about the shot you missed, you have to think about the next shot that you will make!
monique Francis: when u were young would have ever thought you would be playing in the NBA? if not what would you be doing right now?
Hedo Turkoglu: I started early, like 10-11 years old and I got better and better every year, so I didn't think about doing something else.
DENIZ (CANADA): Hey Hedo! I came to Canada from Turkey 3 years ago and didnt know any english.it was really hard for me to learn it. What was the challenges you had with the language? Yeni Yilini Kutlar Basarilar Dilerim
Hedo Turkoglu: I had some tough times learning the language, it didn't come easy, it was hard work. I had some Yugoslavian guys on my team who helped me a bit. I watched alot of TV and worked hard at communicating with people and got better and better.
Tufan (Davis): Hedo[our pride], during these 5 years in NBA, which teammate helped you most improve your game and which one inspired you most?
Hedo Turkoglu: I played three years in Sacramento and Jason Williams was a good player and a good person. Chris Webber is a great player and All-Star. Coming from Europe almost all the guys I played with on the Kings I had seen on TV before and they all helped me very much. Then in San Antonio, guys like Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen were tremendous helps to me. They were very good. Lots of my teammates helped me very much.
Hedo Turkoglu: Thank you for supporting me and standing by me as a player. I'm trying to improve everyday and as much as I can I will try and play well for you. Thanks for chatting with me, and for the nice comments, it always helps to know that my fans are supporting me. Thanks to all the fans of the Magic for supporting us too.
