Utah Jazz’s Mehmet Okur and Cleveland Cavaliers’ Semih Erden head to Turkey: NBA News
Centre-forward of the Utah Jazz, Mehmet Okur has inked a pact with Turk Telekom, while Besiktas has roped in Cleveland Cavaliers centre Semih Erden in their roster, it has been learnt.
Okur is returning to the Turkey’s Beko Basketball League after a span of 10 years, which he spent in the NBA. On his return a jubilant Okur told said,
"It is exciting to be with the Turk Telekom family in Ankara. I love Ankara and the fans of this city. I had no difficulty in choosing Turk Telekom. We aim to play good both in Europe and in Turkey. We wish to achieve the best
result possible.
"Beko Basketball League will be extremely tough this year. All teams have made important transfers. My period of injuries is over. I feel really good now."
The 32 year old pulled his Achilles’ muscle during the first game of the playoffs in April 2010 against the Denver Nuggets. The injury ejected him from the rest of the postseason and because of it, he also failed to take part in
the World Basketball Championship held in his native country, Turkey in the preceding summer. The injury also affected his last season.Okur managed to play only 13 games in the 2010-11 season, and managed a meagre 4.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, enough
to make him eligible for an attractive Turk Telekom contract.
His pact includes an escape-clause, ensuring that he can return to the States, whenever the work stoppage is over.
Like Okur, Erden, will also take part in the Turkish league from Besiktas and will stay in Turkey until the lockout comes to a conclusion. He will play alongside other NBA star, Deron Williams, who was the first star player to
sign a contract with an international team after work stoppage hit the league.
The 25 year old, Erden, who is still under a contract with the Cavs, played only four games last season due to his shoulder injury. Earlier, Erden played for the Boston Celtics, who picked him up as 60th overall from
the second round of the 2008 NBA draft. At the Celts, he played 37 games in his rookie season and scored at an average of 4.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
Because of his shoulder injury Erden couldn’t take part in the recently concluded EuroBasket as well, but after regaining confidence he is looking to return to the court.
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