Background:

After NBA had it's first Turkish born player, they recived even more from the country of Turkey. It is time for Mehmet Okur, first and only player to win a NBA championship and he played for Efes Pilsen just like Turkcan and Turkoglu before coming to the NBA. Mehmet Okur (born May 26, 1979 in Yalova, Turkey) is a Turkish professional basketball player who currently plays for the Utah Jazz of the NBA. He was drafted 2nd round 38th pick in 2001 by Detroit Pistons, but he did not play for the Pistons until 2002-2003 season. He was kept as a backup under great center Ben Wallace.

Accomblishments/NBA Life:

In 2003-2004 season he was a starter for the Pistons, becoming the first and quickest Turkish Player to become a starter, but when Rasheed Wallace came in March he was headed back to bench. He along with Tayshaun Prince-Piston's newest players, played a big roll in winning the 2004 NBA Championship. Mehmet Okur could play either center or power forward, making it a advantage for the Pistons, he could've either re-place Ben Wallace or Rasheed Wallace. This was increrible for the Pistons, as they beat increrible Los Angelas Laker(w/ Kobe Bryant, and Shaq Oneal) to win the championship. Many thought Detroit Pistons would loose to Los Angelas Lakers in the finals. Due to salary cap, Pistons were not able to re-sign Mehmet Okur. Mehmet Okur signed a six year 50 million dollars contract with Utah Jazz. He quickly became the key and best player for Utah Jazz. In 2006-2007 season Okur became the most prolific single season 3-point shooter in franchise history, but due to birth of his daughter and some injuries, he has slowed down this year. As some of other starter stepped up their game, Okur no longer is the best Utah Jazz has. This season he is also having troubles with 3-point shooting and he went down in couple catagories. As of last game Okur has stepped up his game a little, and he knocked down some 3-pointers, let's hope he continues playing like that. Okur is improving again, on January 10, 2008 he had career high 17 rebounds, being the star of the night.

Personal Website: http://www.memo13.com/index.asp

NBA Website: http://www.nba.com/playerfile/mehmet_okur/

Background:

Ibrahim Kutluay (born 7 January 1974 in Istanbul, Turkey) is a Turkish basketball player. The 6'5 1/2" (1.97m), 206 lbs. (93kg) guard has played for Fenerbahçe Istanbul, Ülkerspor and Efes Pilsen SK. He also played for AEK Athens and Panathinaikos in Greece before going to NBA team Seattle SuperSonics.

Accomblishment/ NBA Life:

Like other Turkish player in NBA Ibrahim Kutluay was not drafted, but rather was signed as a free agent after 2004 draft was over. Ibrahim Kutluay had troubles finding the right team. Already having Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen-league's top players, Ibrahim Kutluay did not get many opportunities to impress himself. Ibrahim Kutluay and Hedo Turkoglu both played with Rashard Lewis during their career. Ibrahim Kutluay entered the NBA perhaps in a older age then other two Turkish players at age of 30. Even before he entered the NBA, journalist considered his age too old to enter to NBA, and his athletic ability was questioned. He has been one of the best 3-point shooters in Europe and one of the fastest players in his position. However, his off-ball defence is very poor and his dribbling ability with his left hand has been questioned. During 2005 All Star game, Kutluay decided to return back to Turkey. Since his return he won 2005,2006 Turkish President's Cup in Turkey with Ülker Istanbul. He then decided to go to Greece and play in EuroLeague where he preiviously won a Most Valuable Player(MVP) award. Kutluay played for Ulkerspor before coming to NBA, and he played for the same team again after he returned.