TUR – Done deals as Asik leaves for Bulls and Suns acquire Turkoglu

CHICAGO (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Omer Asik and Hedo Turkoglu will arrive at Turkey’s training camp ahead of the FIBA World Championship looking to build some momentum for what will be a very important season in their careers.

The 24-year-old center Asik, one of the revelations of last year’s EuroBasket in Poland, has left Turkish champions Fenerbahce Ulker and joined the Chicago Bulls while Toronto have traded Turkoglu to Phoenix.

Originally chosen by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 36th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Asik’s rights were acquired by the Bulls in a draft-night deal.

Asik and his advisors felt the time was right to test the NBA.

His arrival in Chicago means the Bulls will have two European centers with Joakim Noah of France also on the books.

A collarbone injury brought an early end to Asik’s 2009-10 season at Fenerbahce Ulker but he has been working out in Chicago and looks to be returning to top form.

He will be a key man for Turkey at the FIBA World Championship when they take on Greece, Russia, Ivory Coast, Puerto Rico and China in Group C.

The Chicago media is expecting big things from Asik.

In a report confirming Asik’s contract, the Chicago Tribune quoted an Eastern Conference executive who had scouted the seven-footer in the draft.

The executive said: "He should be an impact player."

No one would dispute that after seeing Asik at the EuroBasket.

He averaged 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and had 13 in Turkey’s upset of Spain.

Asik would have put up even bigger numbers at the EuroBasket had he not endured a tournament-long nightmare at the free-throw line, making just 15 of 47 (31.9%) attempts.

Meanwhile Turkoglu, 31, who endured a disappointing season in Toronto, has been traded to Phoenix with Brazil international Leandro Barbosa moving in the opposite direction.

Turkoglu’s reputation took a hit in Toronto, where on one occasion he was benched after being spotted out on the town the day after missing a game because he had not felt well.

Turkish players have been making the headlines this summer.

Asik’s Fener teammate, fellow national team center Semih Erden, has joined the Boston Celtics.

FIBA