Orlando, Fla July 15 -- The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard-forward Hidayet “Hedo” Turkoglu (HEE-doh TURK-oh-lue), General Manager John Weisbrod announced tonight. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.
Added Magic head coach Johnny Davis, “We’re excited to have Hedo join our club. He brings a great deal of versatility to our team. He shoots the ball well, brings some good size to the swingman position and runs the floor very well. We’re looking forward to his contributions.”
Turkoglu (6’10”, 220, 3/19/79, No. 15) played in 80 regular games for San Antonio last season, averaging 9.2 ppg., 4.5 rpg., 1.9 apg. and 1.00 stlpg. in 25.9 minpg. He started in 44 of the Spurs’ final 46 outings, averaging 11.0 ppg., 5.1 rpg., 2.3 apg. and 1.18 blkpg. during that span. Turkoglu shot 41.9 percent (101-of-241) from three-point range, ranking eighth in the NBA. He recorded double figures in scoring 36 times, including a season-high 21 points vs. Dallas on Mar. 5. Turkoglu also appeared in 10 playoff games, averaging 7.7 ppg., 4.5 rpg. and 1.5 apg. in 27.1 mpg.
Said Turkoglu, “It feels great to be with the Magic. This is a great opportunity for me and gives new life to my career. I’m very excited and can’t wait to get started with my new teammates.”
Selected in the first round (16th overall) of the 2000 NBA Draft by Sacramento, Turkoglu has played in 301 regular season games during his NBA career with Sacramento and San Antonio, averaging 7.9 ppg., 3.7 rpg. and 1.6 apg. in 21.5 minpg. He has also appeared in 44 career playoff contests, averaging 7.5 ppg., 4.2 rpg. and 1.4 apg. in 23.4 minpg. Turkoglu was named to the 2000-01 NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Turkoglu is the first Turkish-born player in NBA history. He ranks fourth on Sacramento’s all-time list in three-point field goal percentage. Before entering the NBA, Turkoglu played four seasons with Efes Pilsen of the Turkish Professional League.
For Orlando Magic ticket information, call (407) 89-MAGIC or log on to orlandomagic.com.