A four-year veteran with Efes Pilsen in Turkey, 6-9 forward Mirsad Turkcan was drafted on the first round by Philadelphia in the 1998 NBA Draft, the 18th overall selection. Turkcan elected to remain in Turkey for a fifth season, and Philadelphia traded his rights to New York for a first-round pick on March 11, 1999. Turkcan signed with the Knicks on April 23 and was placed on the team's active roster for that game, although he had not yet joined the club. He was moved to the injured list the next day due to a right groin strain and did not play for the Knicks for the remainder of the season. In five seasons with Efes Pilsen, which is regarded as the leading professional team in Turkey, Turkcan averaged 10.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game and shot .512 from the field in a pro career that began at age 18. He played on two league championship teams, two Turkish Cup teams, one Korac Cup team and one President's Cup team. The native of Yugoslavia also played for the Turkish Junior and Senior National Teams. His best season with Efes Pilsen was 1997-98, when he averaged 15.2 ppg and 9.2 rpg and shot .521. In 1998-99 he played in 10 games, averaging 11.5 ppg and 5.7 rpg and shooting .506.

1999-2000 REGULAR SEASON
Signed by the Milwaukee Bucks on 2/17 Waived by the New York Knicks on 2/9

1998-1999 REGULAR SEASON
Signed by the Knicks on 4/23 and placed on the injured list on 4/24 due to a right groin strain