SALT LAKE CITY – Playing in the NBA has driven every step of Furkan Korkmaz's personal journey as a basketball player. He always saw Europe as a temporary rest stop toward his ultimate destination.
Now the wait is over. Korkmaz will finally get his first taste of the NBA. The 19-year old guard will make his debut with the Sixers tonight in the Utah Jazz Summer League when they face the Utah Jazz at 9 p.m. (on TCN/CSNPhilly.com and NBC Sports app).
“It was my dream to be an NBA player,” Korkmaz said. “Dreams come true. I am very excited for that. Every player who is young, who is old — doesn't matter — everybody wants to play in the NBA.”
Korkmaz joined the team in Utah after signing a contract on Tuesday. The Sixers selected him with the 26th overall pick in the 2016 draft, but he spent all of last season in Europe.
He played for Banvit in the Basketball Champions League last season while on loan from Anadolu Efes. Korkmaz made the most of his time in the BCL with Banvit. He won Best Young Player honors after averaging 10.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in 10 BCL games.
Korkmaz staked out a reputation as a deadly shooter once he garnered increased playing time with Banvit. He shot 48.8 percent from three-point range during his BCL stint. His offensive productivity there already has teammates here feeling excited about what the future holds.
“First of all, he's a great shooter,” fellow rookie guard Markelle Fultz said. “He can really shoot. He does more than that too. He can get to the rim and all of that. He's a great kid. He's cool. He came in really friendly and all that. Seems like a cool guy. I'm looking forward to playing with him and getting him the ball and getting me some assists.”
NBA
Korkmaz sensed a ceiling in place as long as he remained in Europe. Coming over to the NBA, he believes, will fast track development of his game. One of the key reasons he feels that way is that NBA coaches can simply devote more time to individually work with players compared to their European counterparts.
“All the coaches and all the staff are showing interest in you,” Korkmaz said. “I think my development is going to be easier if I come here right away. So that's why I told them I was going to be with them.”
What the Sixers get is a guard who is more than simply a shooter. Korkmaz can shoot — no question. He also passes well, cuts and moves without the ball and can handle the ball when the need arises.
His skills offer a tantalizing offensive package to the Sixers.
"He's got a good toolbox,” Sixers summer league coach Billy Lange said. “Hopefully, he's confident enough to show it when he's out here.”
Lange said Korkmaz will likely start against the Jazz, but the decision won't be finalized until before tipoff. He had about five days of rest after winding up his stint with Banvit before coming over to the Sixers.
If Korkmaz is feeling drained of energy at all, he isn't showing it. The Turkish guard is excited to show what he can do in an NBA setting, even if it is only a summer league game.
Finally, he's going to achieve that lifelong dream.
“I'm under contract with the Sixers now. I'm very excited," Korkmaz said. “I can't wait to play. Tonight, I'm going to play. It's a really special day for me, so I think it's going to be nice.”