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Turkish big man Furkan Aldemir active vs. Celtics

In a season full of new faces, the Sixers are about to unveil one of their most intriguing. Turkish forward Furkan Aldemir took part in the Sixers shootaround Monday morning.

In a season full of new faces, the Sixers are about to unveil one of their most intriguing.

Turkish forward Furkan Aldemir took part in the Sixers shootaround Monday morning at PCOM. He is on the active list for tonight's game against the Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center and will wear No. 19.

Aldemir, 23, arrived in town last night from Turkey.

"I'm tired, but I will be ready if the coach wants to give me some minutes," Aldemir said.

The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Aldemir was the 53d overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. The Sixers acquired Aldemir's NBA rights along with Royce White in a trade with the Houston Rockets in July 2013.

Aldemir last played with Galatasaray of the Turkish Basketball League, where he was leading the league in rebounds with 11 per game. Aldemir helped Galatasaray to a championship in 2012-13 and was the league's leading rebounder in 2013-14.

Aldemir announced Nov. 24 that he was headed to the NBA. He had his contract with Galatasaray of the Turkish Basketball League terminated after the team failed to pay his salary for five months.

"Like all players, NBA has been my dream," Aldemir said. "I want to come here and I want to be a good player, like my brothers from Turkey."

Aldemir, who was reportedly signed to a four-year contract, fills an immediate need for the Sixers in the frontcourt. He is mostly known for his defense and rebounding.

"I believe I can go grow my other skills, especially my offensive side," Aldemir said.

Aldermir's first visit to Philadelphia came last weekend for a medical evaluation. He practiced with the team for the first time Monday morning.

Sixers coach Brett Brown was not available after the workout.

"I know his resume. He's a multi-time all-star out in Turkey. He's a good player, seems like a good guy," Michael Carter-Williams said. "I'm interested to see how he plays. I hear he's really aggressive on the boards."

- Tim McManus

tmcmanus@philly.com

@ByTimMcManus