Turkey has long been a melting pot of global talent in the NBA, and every year it sends gifted players to the league. Several Turkish players are making a name for themselves in the NBA as of the 2024–25 season, showing their ability and proudly carrying their nation. The current List of Turkey players in the NBA is investigated in this article, along with their travels, accomplishments, and contributions to their several teams.
List of Active Turkey NBA Players
Turkey has long been producing NBA-quality players who have displayed leadership, toughness, and skill across multiple clubs. The number may not compare to that of France or Canada, but Turkish players have made a big impact on the league. Here’s a look at some notable Turkish NBA players:
| Player | Pos | HT | WT | Birth Date | Team |
| Adem Bona | C | 6-10 | 235 | Mar 28, 2003 | Philadelphia Sixers |
| Alperen Sengun | C | 6-11 | 243 | Jul 25, 2002 | Houston Rockets |
1. Adem Bona: Philadelphia 76ers

Adem Bona signs with the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Standing 6’10”, his athleticism and defensive instincts have been impossible not to notice. He gives the 76ers some energy, some hustle, and some rim protection in the rotation. His road from UCLA to a second-round pick in the 2024 N.B.A. draft is inspiring. Bona’s ascent has been rapid, and he provides a peek at that potential and his work ethic.
Bona has a distinct identity due to his dual citizenship: Turkish and Nigerian. On the worldwide basketball platform, he proudly represents Turkey. His experience gives the 76ers’ expanding roster variety and strength. Early bursts of his game point to an NBA future with much promise. Fans and analysts are both following his development closely.
2. Alperen Şengün: Houston Rockets

Notable Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün has clearly made his debut. Rising steadily, one of the best names on the Turkey NBA Players List. Chosen sixteenth overall in 2021, Şengün has grown with each passing season. He averaged 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists every game in 2024–25. Just the second Turkish player to do so, he was chosen for the NBA All-Star team.
Leading the Rockets to a 32–14 record and second in the Western Conference now, for the team, Sengun’s basketball intelligence and flexibility have become pillars. His capacity to make decisions and view the court improves the offensive rhythm of the Rockets. These great performances have elevated him to a national hero in Turkey once more. Sengun is today a Turkish basketball worldwide ambassador rather than just a player.
List of Retired Turkey NBA Players
| Player | Pos | HT | WT | Birth Date | Team(s) |
| Ersan Ilyasova | F | 6-10 | 235 | May 15, 1987 | ATL, DET, MIL, ORL, PHL, UTH, OKC |
| Hedo Turkoglu | F | 6-10 | 220 | Mar 19, 1979 | LAC, ORL, PHX, SAC, SAN, TOR |
| Mirsad Turkcan | F | 6-9 | 250 | Jun 7, 1976 | MIL, NYK |
| Omer Asik | C | 7-0 | 255 | Jul 4, 1986 | CHI, HOU, NOP |
| Semih Erden | C | 7-0 | 240 | Jul 28, 1986 | BOS, CLE |
| Mehmet Okur | FC | 6-11 | 249 | May 26, 1979 | DET, NJN, UTH |
| Ibrahim Kutluay | G | 6-6 | 200 | Jan 7, 1974 | SEA |
| Enes Freedom | F | 6-10 | 250 | May 20, 1992 | BOS, NYK, POR, UTH, OKC |
| Furkan Aldemir | PF | 6-10 | 240 | Aug 9, 1991 | PHL |
| Cedi Osman | GF | 6-7 | 230 | Apr 8, 1995 | CLE, SAN |
| Shane Larkin | PG | 5-11 | 175 | Oct 2, 1992 | BOS, DAL, NYK, BRK |
| Omer Yurtseven | C | 6-11 | 275 | Jun 19, 1998 | MIA, UTH |
| Furkan Korkmaz | SG | 6-7 | 202 | Jul 24, 1997 | PHL |
| Onuralp Bitim | SG | 6-6 | 215 | Mar 31, 1999 | CHI |
1. Cedi Osman: San Antonio Spurs

Cedi Osman, one in the list of Turkey NBA players, is presently with the San Antonio Spurs. Known for his great forward flexibility, Osman adds adaptability on both sides of the court. He provides the Spurs’ growing lineup much-needed depth and experience. His capacity to attack and defend raises the general value of his team.
Osman’s trip from Anadolu Efes in Turkey to the NBA is really motivational. It emphasizes his development and evolution as a professional player. He has earned a strong name over time via discipline and consistency. He is one of the best known Turkish basketball players today.
2. Furkan Korkmaz: Philadelphia 76ers

Furkan Korkmaz has built a reputation as a sharpshooting guard with the Philadelphia 76ers. He is well-known for his assured perimeter shooting on the floor. Providing the 76ers depth off the bench, he is a key component of their rotations. Team dynamics have been greatly aided by his three-point accuracy and offensive adaptability. As a preferred choice when the team needs fast buckets, Korkmaz keeps growing.
Korkmaz’s path is one of perseverance and development from the Anadolu Efes of Turkey into the List of Turkey NBA players. His change emphasizes his capacity for adjustment and drive to improve his performance. On a changing roster, he has always tried to improve his ability and remain current. His presence is still very important, especially in critical playoff surges. His efforts are still crucial for the 76ers’ Eastern Conference aspirations.
3. Ömer Yurtseven: Utah Jazz

Promising center Ömer Yurtseven is currently playing for the Utah Jazz, adding to the list of Turkey NBA players. He adds energy in the post and provides much-needed assistance off the bench. With his rebounding and inside scoring, Yurtseven gives depth to the Jazz’s front line. His knowledge and bulk help him to be an invaluable resource in physically challenging fights. His hustle plays and presence in the paint are rapidly winning respect.
Yurtseven’s ascent from Georgetown College Basketball to the NBA is remarkable. His path shows how a motivated young athlete grows progressively. As he gathers league experience, he keeps refining his game. The Jazz view him as a long-term investment with tremendous potential. Both the team and Turkish basketball enthusiasts look forward to his ongoing development.
5. Onuralp Bitim: Formerly with Chicago Bulls

During the 2023–24 season, Onuralp Bitim briefly joined the list of Turkey NBA players for the Chicago Bulls. During limited court time, he demonstrated flashes of agility and promise. But an early end to what could have been a breakout season was caused by a detached retina. Season-ending surgery was needed for the injury, which slowed down his NBA momentum. The Bulls officially waived him from their roster in October 2024.
Having returned to Europe, Bitim is still following his professional path afar. He signed with Fenerbahçe Beko and was loaned to Bayern Munich for the year. His return mirrors the volatility and pressure many global players experience. Still, he is a well-known person with a comeback possibility, notwithstanding the disappointment. His road reflects the resilience many international NBA hopefuls show in the face of challenges.
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