Hedo Turkoglu News: Pro Sports Daily

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October 28

Toronto Sun

"Teams in the NBA's Eastern Conference should heed the words of Hedo Turkoglu. While players were asked yesterday for predictions on the coming season, which begins tonight for the Raptors at the Air Canada Centre against the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers, Turkoglu suggested that anyone who believes his club will not succeed is misinformed. "We are as good as anybody out there right now," said Turkoglu, whom GM Bryan Colangelo brought over from the Orlando Magic in July. "We don't get a lot of credit, even to make the playoffs. But we really don't care. I'm very confident about myself and my teammates." Perhaps it's Turkoglu who is wearing the rose-coloured contact lenses. Most ..."

Boo-hoo in the Sioux hurdle

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October 24

Toronto Sun

"All games are not created equal, no matter how loudly NBA coaches bang that 1-out-of-82 drum through the long regular season. That's especially so in the pre-season, when the exhibitions are supposed to build toward something. So in the last of his club's eight tune-ups, Toronto coach Jay Triano had wanted to look a little harder, and use certain players in combinations a little longer, in what wound up as a 98-90 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday night. That was the plan, at least, until Hedo Turkoglu turned his right ankle midway through the first quarter and was shut down after halftime in a precautionary move. Turkoglu, the Raptors' newly acquired point-forward, had been ..."

Hedo Turkoglu: Raps' Turkish delight

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October 17

Toronto Star

"The words resonated with Hedo Turkoglu, wisdom passed from father to son on how to handle oneself, a lesson on how to live life to gain respect and to give it. It has to do with the substance of a man regardless of his circumstances in life and it is the way the newest Raptor carries himself at all times. "My father always tells me, no matter what happens, you have to be a person, a good person," Turkoglu said in an interview this week. "Famous, not famous, rich, not rich, it doesn't matter. Be a good person.""

Bosh and Turkoglu meshing quickly

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October 15

Toronto Star

"It came seemingly out of nowhere, a quick, little over-the-shoulder touch pass in traffic in the paint and it would have surprised no one had it smacked an unaware teammate in the face and bounced out of bounds. But Chris Bosh seemed to know it was coming, he took the 5-foot dish from Hedo Turkoglu and completed an uncontested layup, one of the best signs so far in the pre-season for the Raptors. While all questions cannot be answered after one half of one pre-season game, the meshing of Turkoglu and Bosh seems to be coming along quite nicely."

Raptors' Turkoglu shifts from sitter to starter

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October 14

Toronto Star

"There is precious little time for Jay Triano to be making any statements about the correlation between practice effort and playing time. So when Hedo Turkoglu makes his Raptors debut Wednesday night, he's going to be thrown right into the thick of things. Sidelined with what was not much more than mental and physical fatigue since the opening of training camp, Turkoglu will be in the starting lineup when Toronto faces the Boston Celtics in Hartford, Conn. A starter is what the prized off-season free-agent acquisition is going to be when the regular season starts Oct. 28, so Triano sees no sense in easing him into action."

Turkoglu to see first action this week

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October 13

Toronto Sun

"Raptors head coach Jay Triano will finally get the chance to use all of his big guns in a pre-season game this week. Forward Hedo Turkoglu, the club's big off-season acquisition, practiced all-out with the team yesterday and expects to play his first pre-season game Wednesday night in Hartford against the Boston Celtics. If he's not ready to play against the Celtics, he'll likely play on Thursday at the Air Canada Centre against the Houston Rockets. "He went pretty hard (Monday), so we're just going to see how he responds to that and we'll make an evaluation (today)," Triano said of Turkoglu. For his part, the nine-year NBA veteran said that he can't wait to finally get into a game. "I'm ..."

Raptors' Turkoglu set to play

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October 12

Toronto Sun

"Forward Hedo Turkoglu, the Toronto Raptors big-name, off-season acquisition, practiced all-out with the team yesterday and expects to play his first pre-season game Wednesday night in Hartford against the Boston Celtics. Turkoglu has not played in Toronto's four pre-season games so far because of fatigue, the result of playing in the NBA Finals in June and also playing for the Turkish national team at the world championship qualifying tournament this summer in Poland. "I'm going to be excited and nervous to be honest," Turkoglu said yesterday of tomorrow's game. " I'll do my best. I don't know how long I'll play, but I'll try to do my best to help the team." The Raptors' all-star power ..."

Turkoglu hits floor with Raps

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October 9

Toronto Sun

"Relaxed and rested, Hedo Turkoglu is just about ready to jump into his first Raptors season with both feet. The most-sought after free agent of the off-season has been catching up on some much-needed rest while the rest of his teammates got a two-week headstart on him. Turkoglu has been around since Day 1 of training camp but yesterday marked the first time he ran sets with the team. Barring anything unforeseen he should be joining his teammates on the floor on a regular basis starting next week. "I'm feeling better -- physically and mentally," Turkoglu said after practice. "Hopefully in the next week, I will start practising with the team and get in game shape and be 100% for opening ..."

Turkoglu shows positive signs

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October 9

Toronto Star

"It is hugely significant that Chris Bosh will make his pre-season debut for the Raptors in Minneapolis on Friday night, but another development at the Air Canada Centre on Thursday was just as welcomed by the team's brass. As Bosh went through some post-up drills with assistant coach Marc Iavaroni at one end of the practice court, Hedo Turkoglu was involved in some full-speed shooting drills at the other. And getting the high-priced free agent into action with his new teammates is of paramount importance to the Raptors."

Coach isn't worried about big two

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October 6

Toronto Sun

"Raptors head coach Jay Triano said it isn't a big deal that his team will be without two of their key bigs in pre-season action this week. Neither Chris Bosh nor Hedo Turkoglu will travel with the team to London for tonight's opening pre-season game at the John Labatt Centre, against the "host" Philadelphia 76ers. And they won't play when the Philadelphians travel to the Air Canada Centre for a game tomorrow night."

Raps taking no chances with Bosh or Turkoglu

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October 2

Toronto Sun

"Sorry Ottawa. There will be no Bosh or Hedo for you. Raptors head coach Jay Triano, who already had determined Chris Bosh would rest his strained hamstring for the week, yesterday took newcomer Hedo Turkoglu out of action for the remainder of the team's stay in Ottawa. "I don't think it would help him at all to get him involved while we are here," Triano said. "I'm going to take the advice of our trainers and our strength and conditioning coaches and find out where he is physically, but I just don't think it makes a lot of sense for he or Chris to participate this week at all." Turkolglu is dealing with a strained quad in addition to some fatigue after a busy off-season and a long ..."

Bosh, Turkoglu taking it slow

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September 30

Toronto Star

"Neither Hedo Turkoglu nor Chris Bosh got any on-court work done as the Raptors officially began training camp in Ottawa on Tuesday. Bosh is expected to miss the entire week of practices because of a strained hamstring; Turkoglu is just getting over a gruelling summer that included a trip to the NBA final with Orlando and an appearance at the European championships with Turkey. Turkoglu could, however, get on the court later this week."

Having stars on light duties 'perfect'

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September 29

The Globe and Mail

"It's starting, but where to start? The Toronto Raptors haven't had an official practice yet and their two best players are either hurt (Chris Bosh) or just plain tired (Hedo Turkoglu), and both are likely unavailable for the hard part of training camp that starts in Ottawa today. Still, it was as if someone set off a sunshine bomb when the team's key figures came out to meet the media before boarding their Air Happy Times charter yesterday afternoon on their way to a week of two-a-days at Carleton University."

Raptors makeover will work: Bryan Colangelo

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September 28

Toronto Star

"Given a chance he never thought he'd get, Bryan Colangelo went a little berserk this summer, remaking the Raptors almost from top to bottom, a startling reconstruction of a roster that needed some infusion of talent, toughness and skill. Starting today, he finds out if all his machinations worked. There are nine new players compared to the end of last season, and only three players at this year's training camp who were here a year ago, giving the team a new look it desperately needed."

Raptors plan to give Turkoglu 'some strategic rest'

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September 22

Toronto Sun

"Hedo Turkoglu, the man expected to help guide the Raptors back to the NBA playoffs this season, will be arriving at training camp next week in Ottawa in less than ideal condition and may not get a ton of minutes in pre-season action. The 6-foot-10 forward, whom the Raptors acquired in a four-team deal on July 9, was less than stellar at the recently competed EuroBasket 2009 tournament in Poland -- at least statistically speaking -- which has prompted speculation, and much hand-wringing amongst Raptors fans, that he is either tired or hurt. Playing for the Turkish national team, Turkoglu, who has pledged to make the NBA all-star team this season, averaged 28.1 minutes, 9.8 points, 4.2 ..."

Colangelo hustles to free cap for Turkoglu

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July 8

Toronto Star

"That Hedo Turkoglu is coming to the Raptors is not in doubt; the timing remains an issue. The Raptors will officially introduce their most significant free agent signing in years either today or tomorrow, depending on how president and GM Bryan Colangelo does in creating extra financial flexibility in a move or two he's still trying to make. According to NBA sources, Colangelo spent most of yesterday trying to facilitate any number of sign-and-trade transactions that might benefit Raptors' players who leave by allowing them a larger starting salary and greater annual raises. In order to clear enough cap room to finalize the five-year, approximately $53 million (all figures U.S.) deal ..."

'Toronto factor' seals the deal for new Raptor

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July 6

Toronto Star

"To the mercenary professional athletes who ply their trades here, Toronto's cozy ethnic neighbourhoods may as well be on Mars and "living" in the city means going from condo to arena to airport to an off-season home. To the newest Raptor, the city's charm is the attraction. Hedo Turkoglu and his wife, Banu, who grew up high school sweethearts in their native Istanbul, should arrive here this week to officially sign a five-year contract worth about $53 million (U.S.) and – in a departure from the norm – it wasn't the money that attracted them. It was the city and what it had to offer."

Otis: Magic will not participate in Hedo sign-and-trade with Raptors

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July 5

Orlando Sentinel

"NBA teams can start signing free agents such as Hedo Turkoglu on Wednesday, but there's no shot-clock on how long the courting period can last this summer. Clubs can take up until the start of the season, actually, to sign players. And while the Orlando Magic do not figure to take that long in filling out their roster, the process might take some time as they hunt for bargains in a cost-cautious market. The Magic are braced to lose Turkoglu, the 6-10 small forward who apparently --- and we now stress apparently --- has agreed to sign with the Toronto Raptors after jilting the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. Various media outlets had reported that Turk had agreed to sign with the Trail ..."

Agent says Raptors, and T.O., were just the better fit

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July 5

Toronto Sun

"The Raptors may have been late to the party, but even a tardy arrival can make a splash and Bryan Colangelo did just that with a five-star cannonball on Friday that sent shockwaves through the NBA. The Raps have a verbal commitment from 6-foot-10 Turkish forward Hedo Turkoglu -- who helped lead the Orlando Magic to the NBA final this season -- to sign with them, a fact confirmed yesterday by the star forward's agent Lon Babby and one that should be made official as soon as Wednesday. Technically, Turkoglu could just as easily walk away from the five-year $53-million US pact he has made with Toronto, but Babby did not sound like someone wanting to go down that road again, after his client ..."

Hedo Turkoglu rejects Blazers, ends negotiations

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July 4

Oregonian

""He's not coming," a source familiar with the negotiations said. In the end, it wasn't the money, it wasn't the team, and it wasn't the length of the contract. "It just wasn't the right fit," the source said. "When you are talking about that much money, everybody involved has to feel great. If you don't on either side, it doesn't work." ESPN's Ric Bucher reported that Turkoglu's wife was a major factor in the decision, as she would prefer to live in Toronto over Portland. The Raptors were the Blazers' staunchest opponent in the race to sign the 6-foot-10 forward, and they appear to be the likely destination for the 30-year-old. It capped a wild day of erroneous reports that Turkoglu ..."

Turkoglu breaks off talks

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July 4

Oregonian

"The Oregonian has learned that free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu has rejected an offer to sign with the Trail Blazers and has ended negotiations with the team. He will leave town tomorrow morning. More to come. PREVIOUS STORY Despite published reports to the contrary, Hedo Turkoglu has not reached an agreement with the Trail Blazers, a team source announced at 2:20 p.m. Friday. ESPN first reported that a deal had been reached in principle, but general manager Kevin Pritchard and Turkoglu agent Lon Babby have not confirmed the deal. The 6-foot-10 small forward, one of the top commodities in this year's free agent market, arrived in Portland on Thursday afternoon and is expected to leave ..."

Raptors reach deal with Turkoglu

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July 4

The Globe and Mail

"In a sudden rush at the end of a frenzied week, the Toronto Raptors have remade their roster and signed free-agent forward Hedo Turkoglu, The Globe and Mail has confirmed. The versatile Orlando Magic forward appeared poised to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers until a late bid by the Raptors -- in excess of $50-million over five seasons for the 30 year-old -- caused the change of heart, even as Turkoglu was in Portland visiting with the Trail Blazers. Turkoglu had agreed on a five-year, $50-million (all currency U.S.) deal with the Blazers, but will sign with the Raptors for more than $10-million a season. Signing Turkoglu means the Raptors will have to renounce their rights to their ..."

Trail Blazers refute reports deal is done with Hedo Turkoglu

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July 3

Oregonian

"Despite published reports to the contrary, Hedo Turkoglu has not reached an agreement with the Trail Blazers, a team source announced at 2:20 p.m. Friday. ESPN first reported that a deal had been reached in principle, but general manager Kevin Pritchard and Turkoglu agent Lon Babby have not confirmed the deal. The 6-foot-10 small forward, one of the top commodities in this year's free agent market, arrived in Portland on Thursday afternoon and is expected to leave Saturday morning. If a deal is struck, the Blazers can not officially sign Turkoglu until July 8, when the league's free agent moratorium is lifted. Teams have been allowed to contact and negotiate with free agents since midnight ..."

No doubt: Blazers want Turkoglu

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July 2

Oregonian

"The Trail Blazers are putting on a full-court press in their attempt to lure free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu to Portland. Coach Nate McMillan had dinner with Turkoglu in Orlando on Wednesday night, and on Thursday Turkoglu and his agent, Lon Babby, will arrive in Portland to meet with Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard and tour the team's facilities. McMillan could not comment on his dinner with Turkoglu, citing league rules that allow only one team member to speak about a free agent. Earlier in the day, however, a team source said the Blazers' interest in Turkoglu is serious and designed to provide more help for team stars Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. Both Roy and Aldridge ..."

Magic's Hedo Turkoglu likely to disappear

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June 30

Florida Today

"In the days after his Orlando Magic were beaten in the NBA Finals, free-agent-to-be Hedo Turkoglu was asked if he would be willing to take less money to stay on a championship-ready team. "Depends on how much less money," Turkoglu said before breaking into laughter. That topic isn't a laughing matter now, especially in the Turkoglu household, after the Magic pulled off a blockbuster trade last week for eight-time All-Star guard Vince Carter. Turkoglu, who won the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2008 and was a driving force in Orlando's run to the Finals in 2009, seemed to have all of the leverage as a free agent in the days after the most successful season in Orlando history ended. The ..."

Lewis hopes Magic will keep 'Turk'

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June 27

Florida Today

"The Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs made bold trades this summer to try and enhance their chances of better competing for an NBA championship, acquiring All-Stars Shaquille O'Neal and Richard Jefferson. But when Orlando joined the "Can-you-top-this?" arms race currently going on amongst the league's elite teams, executing a blockbuster deal for Vince Carter, Magic forward Rashard Lewis feels his franchise made a bold, definitive statement to the rest of the NBA. The Magic, who lost in the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers, want to win and they want to win now, Lewis stressed. "The Magic have made a big statement that we're here to compete for a championship," said Lewis, who ..."

Magic acquire Vince Carter from Nets; Hedo return unlikely

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June 26

Orlando Sentinel

"The Orlando Magic's blockbuster formula for winning the NBA Finals now involves shooting guard Vince Carter as the go-to-guy and very likely not small forward Hedo Turkoglu, who probably will move on after turning down an offer from the club. Magic General Manager Otis Smith told the Sentinel that he made Turkoglu a "decent" initial offer before receiving Turkoglu's official letter this week notifying the team he had opted out of his contract. Smith didn't go into details, but said that Thursday's acquisition of Carter - an eight-time all-star - will make re-signing Turkoglu something of a long-shot."

Magic may bend to keep Turkoglu

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June 17

Florida Today

"For weeks, Hedo Turkoglu has used the analogy of knocking on the door of a great opportunity as it relates to his impending free agency. His only concern: will the Orlando Magic answer his request for a lucrative contract that will provide him long-term security and keep the team's talented nucleus intact? "It has to be something that works for both sides, I understand that," Turkoglu said on Tuesday. "But I can't keep knocking on the door if nobody answers." When Turkoglu opts out of the final year of a six-year, $36 million contract on June 30, he'll become an unrestricted free agent starting July 1. He'll assuredly be looking for a five-year contract and likely one worth the $10 million ..."

Turkoglu will opt out of contract with Magic, become free agent

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June 15

Orlando Sentinel

"The agent for Hedo Turkoglu told the Sentinel on Monday that the Orlando Magic small forward will opt out of his contract and become a free agent in two weeks. "It would make sense for him to opt out," Lon Babby, Turkoglu's agent said by phone. "I can't imagine a scenario in which he would not." The Magic, fresh off an appearance in the NBA Finals, will be challenged to keep their core group together with Turkoglu and center Marcin Gortat testing the free-agent waters. The Magic already have tied up Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson to large, long-term deals. The club can make the point moot if they re-sign Turkoglu before he officially announces he will opt out of his ..."

Agent: Turkoglu to enter free agency

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June 15

ESPN.com

"Orlando Magic sharpshooter Hedo Turkoglu's next shot will be at free agency. Lon Babby, the agent for Turkoglu, told the Orlando Sentinel on Monday that his client will opt out of his contract and become a free agent in two weeks. "It would make sense for him to opt out," Babby told the newspaper by phone. "I can't imagine a scenario in which he would not." June 30 is the first day players can declare for free agency. In Turkoglu's case, it wouldn't matter if the Magic choose to re-sign the 6-foot-10 forward. Turkoglu will be entering the final year of a $36 million, six-year contract. He is scheduled to make $7.3 million next season under terms of that deal. Babby told the Sentinel he ..."

Hedo's play is no Magic trick

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May 27

Sacramento Bee

columnist Ailene Voisin

"The phone rings early Monday afternoon, the caller checking in from Orlando, where he is enjoying the wildest fantasy basketball ride of his life. "What's happening out there?" Hedo Turkoglu blurts. "How is everyone?" He asks about the Kings, says he's sorry the club failed to obtain the No. 1 lottery pick. He says he hopes Geoff Petrie awakens Arco Arena. And for those who fear he might have forgotten the agonizing, if memorable Kings-Lakers Western Conference finals in 2002, not a chance. He has his memories, and his list. Paul Pierce last series. LeBron James this series. Kobe Bryant could be next. "The time we (Kings) matched up, Doug Christie played Kobe," Turkoglu recalled. "I have ..."

Versatile Turkoglu summons Magic

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May 22

Washington Times

columnist Tom Knott

"Hedo Turkoglu is the overlooked one on the Magic, the one found wanting in flair. He is a recreation-league player of sort, nothing overtly impressive about him, not his body or athleticism. He just has a certain feel for the game. You might imagine him being the last player on the roster if you were watching the Magic in warmups for the first time. He has none of the broad-shouldered, sparkling-eyed appeal of Dwight Howard. He lacks the fat contract and sleekness of Rashard Lewis. He never has been selected to play in the All-Star Game. Even Jameer Nelson earned that distinction this season. Remember Nelson? Remember how the Magic's season was destined to end prematurely after the point ..."

Turkoglu helps lead Magic past Cleveland Cavaliers with versatility

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May 21

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Hedo Turkoglu is long and lanky and, more often than not, opts to shoot the ball rather than pass it. He is not your prototypical point guard. But there he was in the fourth quarter of Wednesday night's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, running the Orlando offense, directing his Magic teammates and feeding the ball time and again to wide-open teammates who couldn't help but sink baskets. Maybe he doesn't look the part, but Turkoglu had the point-guard imitation down pretty well in the Magic's 107-106 victory. "This is the time of year you have to do whatever it takes to help your team win games," Turkoglu said. "If I have to play point guard, I'll play point guard." In truth, ..."

Turkoglu just five years late for Spurs

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May 19

San Antonio Express-News

columnist Buck Harvey

"The Spurs weren't wrong. If anything, they gambled well. They gave up nothing to get Hedo Turkoglu, then they gave him a season to show them something. That's why Sunday wasn't about the Spurs and their decision five years ago. It was about the gradual evolution of Turkoglu. R.C. Buford had followed Turkoglu since he turned pro at 17 in Turkey, but most scouts saw the gifts. Turkoglu had a smooth jumper, and he could dribble and pass for his size. Better yet, his size kept changing. Look at him now; he's about the same height as Dwight Howard. After Sacramento drafted Turkoglu, Buford would occasionally call the Kings to see if anything was possible. The Kings would say Turkoglu was ..."

Hedo leaning toward opting out of contract at season's end

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April 21

Orlando Sentinel

"Hedo Turkoglu has a lot on his mind, not the least of which is Philadelphia 76ers forward Andre Iguodala. He's trying to play on a sore left ankle and adjust to a Sixers defense that has painted a bull's-eye on his uniform. He's trying to stay with Iguodala, who made a game-winning jump-shot over him Sunday in the Magic's playoff-opening loss. And if that's not enough, Turkoglu, contractually speaking, is also trying to stay in Orlando with the Magic. It's no wonder that Turk yearns to have "a clear mind." Turkoglu indicated during an interview with the Sentinel on Monday that he's leaning toward opting out of his six-year, $39 million contract this summer, although he said he has yet to ..."

Turkolgu, Lewis healthy enough to start playoff opener vs. 76ers

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April 18

Orlando Sentinel

"Magic F HedoTurkoglu said he will be somewhat limited by a sprained ankle, but he and F Rashard Lewis will play Sunday in the playoff opener against the Philadelphia 76ers at Amway Arena. Turkoglu, who sprained his left ankle last Saturday night in New Jersey, said he's still "a little sore" after going through a full practice Friday at RDV Sportsplex. "It's going to take a while, but still I'm trying to get as strong as I can. I'm going to be out there Sunday with my team," he said. "I won't be able to do the stuff I was doing before, but I just have to play through it. I know I'm hurt, but I can't play with that mind-set." Turkoglu expects "stiffness" in the ankle and said he could be ..."

Turkoglu injures his ankle as Magic fall to Nets

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April 12

Orlando Sentinel

"The playoffs started for the Orlando Magic on Saturday night — at least the preparation part. It turned out to be a rather painful exercise all around. The Magic lost 103-93 to the New Jersey Nets, their fourth defeat in the last seven games, and forward Hedo Turkoglu sprained his left ankle late in the game. With the postseason scheduled to begin in six days or a week, Turkoglu likely had Magic fans clutching their chests after contorting his ankle on a drive. X-rays proved negative, although the club's fourth-quarter go-to guy likely will not play Monday night in Milwaukee. With his swollen appendage on ice afterward, Turkoglu gave a thumb's up from the trainer's room. "I'll be OK," he ..."

Van Gundy praises Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu

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March 2

Orlando Sentinel

"He's publicly called them out for disappearing on Dwight Howard's off nights, but Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy said he was pleased with Fs Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu during Saturday's win in Philadelphia. Lewis was strong down the stretch and hit 5-of-8 3-point attempts while Turk was 3-of-5 beyond the arc. Each had a team-high 23 points. "I don't know," Turkoglu said of his recently improved shooting. "I always have my confidence. I'm off some nights and other nights I feel hot. So the main thing is just trying to be the same guy every night no matter what." Lewis was also talking about consistency. "We need a lot of games right now," he said. "We're playing for homecourt advantage ..."

Turkoglu delivers for Magic in win over Knicks, wife up next

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February 27

Orlando Sentinel

"Orlando Magic small forward Hedo Turkoglu thought the last 30 seconds of Wednesday night's game took forever. Wait until he discovers what unfolds today for him in Orlando — and for the next 18 years. "It's going to be a long day, but I'm really happy," he said. Turkoglu, planning on becoming a first-time father today, scored a game-high 33 points as the Magic survived the pesky New York Knicks 114-109 at Madison Square Garden. Make that Madison Scare Garden. After being routed by the retooled Chicago Bulls 24 hours earlier, the Magic met a similarly hungry, high-scoring team in the Knicks, and escaped a monumental collapse after leading by 16 in the third period. The Knicks trailed by ..."

Hedo Turkoglu's agent says 'still work to be done' on contract

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February 18

Orlando Sentinel

"The agent for Hedo Turkoglu, who can opt out of his contract after the season, says there is "a lot of work to be done" before the Magic's starting small forward re-signs with the team. "I would say that there is common ground. There is appreciation on the part of the Magic that Hedo is a significant part of the team and the role he plays, playing multiple positions," said Lon Babby, Turkoglu's agent, on Tuesday. "Hedo enjoys the team and living in Orlando and appreciates the opportunity the Magic have given him. That said, there is a lot of work to be done to reach an agreement." Turkoglu says he will wait until this summer to make a decision on whether he will opt out. He's making $6.8 ..."

Walk a mile in a Hedo shoe

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December 3

Orlando Sentinel

"Stop me if you've heard this one: "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets really angry about the criticism, you'll be a mile away — and you'll have his shoes." Now I'm not suggesting you should criticize Hedo Turkoglu of the Orlando Magic. But you can have his shoes — or at least one shoe — and autographed at that. Here's the deal: Each person (while supplies last from Friday through Sunday) who purchases a Subway $50 gift card or multiple cards that total $50 from a participating Subway store will receive one adidas sneaker signed by Turkoglu. "I'd guess I've signed about 5,000 shoes," said Turkoglu. "I took my time." H-Turk wears a size 14 but he ..."

Turkoglu sick with flu, Bogans takes his crack at T-Mac

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November 23

Orlando Sentinel

"Magic SF Hedo Turkoglu, who played all 82 games last season, missed Saturday night's game against the Houston Rockets because of the flu. Turkoglu said after the Magic's win in Indiana against the Pacers on Friday night that he did not feel well. He looked as if he were laboring, and shot 1-of-13. "He's got the flu and wasn't feeling good last night and he was worse today," Coach Stan Van Gundy said. It is the first game of the season the Turkoglu has missed. Keith Bogans was moved into the starting lineup at SG, and SG Mickael Pietrus played Turkoglu's spot. The Magic activated veteran C Adonal Foyle and SF Jeremy Richardson. It was the second time Foyle has been activated this season. ..."

Kings have coveted Magic's Turkoglu ever since trading him

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November 11

Orlando Sentinel

"It wouldn't surprise the Magic to hear from the Sacramento Kings at the February trade deadline. They apparently have been a fairly constant suitor for former King Hedo Turkoglu the past few years. Magic General Manager Otis Smith said the Kings have been interested in reacquiring Turkoglu "ever since he left" Sacramento after it dealt him to San Antonio in 2003. The Kings drafted Turkoglu in the first round in 2000, making him the first Turkish-born player to reach the NBA. Smith said the Kings have been in touch with Orlando since the Magic signed him as a free agent in 2004. He said it has been a while since the Kings made some offers for Turkoglu, and added, laughing, "They wanted to ..."

Turkoglu, Battie sit out Orlando Magic exhibition

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October 21

Orlando Sentinel

"The next game for starting small forward Hedo Turkoglu and backup big man Tony Battie could be the Magic's regular-season opener Oct. 29 against the Atlanta Hawks. Turkoglu and Battie missed Monday's exhibition game against the Hawks. It's looking as if they will be held out of the Magic's final exhibition Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Battie hasn't played since fracturing his left ring finger in a shootaround before the club hosted CSKA Moscow on Oct. 10. Turkoglu was expected to play in the exhibition against Atlanta, having gone through the morning shootaround. He was held out as a precaution, and Coach Stan Van Gundy said, "There's a chance" Turkoglu won't play until the ..."

Overseas play a possibility for Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu

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October 16

Orlando Sentinel

"Orlando Magic small forward Hedo Turkoglu says that playing overseas is "a possibility" for him, but he has far more pressing matters at home than his contract status. He's anticipating the arrival of an even bigger deal. Turkoglu and his wife, Banu, found out that they are expecting a girl, the couple's first child, sometime in February or March. "A girl. It's great," Turkoglu said Wednesday. So there's a lot on Turk's agenda as he also faces the likelihood of becoming a free agent at season's end. He has a player's option, but can return for the sixth, and final, year on his contract. With some well-funded teams overseas targeting NBA players, the league's first Turkish-born player was ..."

Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu could be a free agent at the end of the season

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September 24

Orlando Sentinel

"Small forward Hedo Turkoglu was the last Magic player to return to Orlando and reunite with teammates after the offseason, arriving Monday night from his native Turkey. Turk hopes this won't be his last summer with the town and the team he adores. He said Tuesday that he likely will opt out of his contract after the season to become a free agent, signaling the end of his six-year, $39-million deal with the Magic. He could play out his final season in 2009-10 at $7.3 million. But he seemingly has gained enough leverage and equity after earning the NBA's most improved player award last season. He turns 30 next March, meaning this is likely his last shot at a lucrative long-term contract. "It ..."