Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
Hidayet “Hedo” Türkoğlu is a retired Turkish professional basketball player known for his versatility and significant contributions in the NBA. Below is an overview of his personal background and professional career:
- Full Name: Hidayet Türkoğlu
- Nationality: Turkish
- Date of Birth: March 19, 1979
- Place of Birth: Gaziosmanpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
- Height: 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm)
- Weight: 220 pounds (100 kg)
- Wingspan: 6 feet 11 inches (211cm)
- Shoe Size: Size 17 (US)
- Jersey Numbers: 5, 14, 15, 26, 19, 8
- Position: Small Forward
- High School: Information not publicly available
- College: Did not attend; began professional career in Turkey
- NBA Draft: 2000, 1st round, 16th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings
- Teams Played For:
- Efes Pilsen (1996–2000)
- Sacramento Kings (2000–2003)
- San Antonio Spurs (2003–2004)
- Orlando Magic (2004–2009)
- Toronto Raptors (2009–2010)
- Phoenix Suns (2010)
- Orlando Magic (2010–2013)
- Los Angeles Clippers (2014–2015)
- Championship Rings: None
- Children: Information not publicly available
- Siblings: Information not publicly available
Career Highlights:
- NBA Most Improved Player (2008): Recognized for his significant improvement during the 2007–2008 NBA season.
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2001): Acknowledged for his outstanding performance in his rookie season.
- Turkish League Champion (1997): Secured the national league title with Efes Pilsen.
- Turkish Cup Champion (1997, 1998): Won the national cup twice with Efes Pilsen.
- Turkish Presidential Cup Champion (1998, 2000): Achieved the national super cup twice with Efes Pilsen.
International Career:
Türkoğlu was a key member of the Turkish national team, contributing to their silver medal at EuroBasket 2001. He also played a pivotal role in Turkey’s silver medal finish at the 2010 FIBA World Championship held in Turkey. In March 2014, Türkoğlu retired from international basketball.
Post-Playing Career:
After retiring from professional basketball in 2015, Türkoğlu was appointed as the CEO of the Turkish Basketball Federation. In March 2016, he was appointed as a senior adviser to the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Personal Background:
Born in Gaziosmanpaşa, Istanbul, Türkoğlu began his professional basketball career with Efes Pilsen in Turkey before entering the NBA. Throughout his 15-season NBA career, he was known for his versatility, playmaking abilities, and clutch performances, especially during his tenure with the Orlando Magic.