Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake
Ömer Aşık is a retired Turkish professional basketball player known for his strong defensive presence and rebounding skills in the NBA.
- Full Name: Ömer Faruk Aşık
- Born: July 4, 1986
- Hometown: Bursa, Turkey
- Nationality: Turkish
- Position: Center
- Height: 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 meters)
- Weight: 255 lbs (116 kg)
- NBA Draft: Selected 36th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers (rights traded to Chicago Bulls)
- Teams Played For:
- Chicago Bulls (2010–2012)
- Houston Rockets (2012–2014)
- New Orleans Pelicans (2014–2018)
- Playing Style: Aşık was known for his size, defense, and rebounding ability. He wasn’t a prolific scorer but excelled at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass. His physical presence in the paint made him a valuable asset for teams looking for a solid interior defender and rebounder.
- Notable Achievements:
- In 2012, he was a key part of the Chicago Bulls’ defensive success, helping them finish with one of the best defensive ratings in the league.
- He was also a starting center for the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans during his career, bringing strong rebounding and shot-blocking to both teams.
- International Career: Aşık played for the Turkish national basketball team, helping Turkey win the silver medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship held in Turkey.
- Retirement: Aşık’s career was cut short due to health issues, including a rare autoimmune disease, which caused him to miss the entire 2017–2018 NBA season. He retired from professional basketball in 2018.
Aşık is remembered for his toughness on defense and his impact as a reliable role player in the NBA.