9 Worst Toronto Raptors starters of the short Chris Bosh era
By Alex Murray
4. Hedo Turkoglu, SF, 2009-10
After making history as the first-ever Turkish player drafted into the NBA in 2000 by the Sacramento Kings, Turkoglu went on to a successful career for the Orlando Magic. In 2008, Turkoglu averaged a career-high 19.5 points for the Magic en route to the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. He was also a key piece in Orlando’s run to the NBA Finals the next year.
In a wild four-team deal that saw the Raptors send Shawn Marion to the Dallas Mavericks (where he would win a championship one year later), Toronto acquired one of the most highly touted free agents in Turkoglu. In the sign-and-trade deal, Turkoglu was handed an ill-fated five-year, $52.8 million deal to become one of the cornerstones at the Air Canada Center.
Hedo Turkoglu was a bust for the Toronto Raptors.
The intended “Big Three” of Turkoglu, Chris Bosh, and Andrea Bargnani crashed and burned during the 2009-10 season. Toronto went 40-42, missed the playoffs, and watched helplessly as Bosh left for greener pastures.
Turkoglu had his worst season in five years as his points (16.8 to 11.3), assists (4.9 to 4.1), and rebounds (5.3 to 4.6) all saw major dropoffs. Not to mention Turkoglu’s off-court apathy and trade request during his lone season in Canada didn’t help matters.