Turkish player Furkan Korkmaz wants to be with Sixers next season
The shooting guard has two seasons remaining on his contract in Turkey.
CHICAGO – Sixers draft pick Furkan Korkmaz wants out of Europe and in a Philly uniform next season, sources said.
However, the shooting guard has two seasons remaining on his contract with Turkish team Anadolu Efes. Korkmaz has a complicated buyout that could prohibit from him to achieving his goal, according to sources.
Plus, the Sixers are in no rush to bring him here. Another year in Europe will enable the 6-foot-8, 190-pounder to add much-needed strength and bulk. He also needs to get stronger and a little more polished to play in the NBA.
The Sixers picked the Turkish player 26th overall in the 2016 draft. At that time, Korkmaz wanted to come to the NBA. However, he could not afford the buyout from his contract.
Sixers president Bryan Colangelo and vice president of player personnel Marc Eversley watched him play in the Basketball Championship League final four during their recent two-week scouting trip in Europe.
Efes loaned Korkmaz out to another Turkish team, Banvit. That turned out to be a good thing for him. He was named the BCL's best young player.
Korkmaz averaged 10.4 points and shot 48.8 percent on three-pointers in 10 BCL games with Banvit.
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