Tag: Furkan Korkmaz

Two 3-point specialists floated as potential Bulls buyout targets

Joe Harris and Furkan Korkmaz were suggested as potential Chicago Bulls buyout targets.

Though some fans may not be happy with the Chicago Bulls’ decision to do nothing at the trade deadline, Arturas Karnisovas wants to make the playoffs. He values winning and didn’t want to shake up the roster, making it the third straight season that the Bulls did absolutely nothing. But they may as well commit now.

Adding players on the buyout market could help the Bulls push for the postseason this year, and since Karnisovas already committed to that goal, attacking the market in full force makes a ton of sense. Chicago should look to add guys who can help them in areas of need.

Sam Smith of NBA.com suggested a couple of potential three-point shooters the Bulls could target if they wanted to go that route.

“Though the Bulls shooting has improved lately with Ayo Dosunmu’s hot streak, it’s still streaky and I wouldn’t be surprised if they add a shooter,” Smith wrote in a mailbag article. “Joe Harris’ name has been speculated about. Maybe Furkan Korkmaz who had some good games against the Bulls.”

Adding either Harris or Korkmaz could help the Bulls’ three-point shooting. Harris is a veteran who may help with his experience, but Korkmaz is a younger guy who could continue to develop into a better player if given more opportunities.

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The 76ers finally granted Furkan Korkmaz a trade more than 5 years after his initial request

Furkan Korkmaz first requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers in November 2018.

Furkan Korkmaz first requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers in November 2018. Now, more than five years later, his wish came true.

Korkmaz was included in a deal that sent sharpshooter Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers to the 76ers, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Pacers had reportedly shown interest in Korkmaz for several years.

Korkmaz was drafted by Philadelphia in 2016 and first played for the franchise in 2017. However, he was unsatisfied with his playing time on the team and requested he get moved before the 2018-19 season began. He said it was “really tough” for him to have that request denied.

While he eventually earned more minutes with the organization, it wasn’t the only time that he asked out.

Korkmaz also requested a trade before the 2023 NBA trade deadline. 76ers executive Daryl Morey confirmed the rumors but said the front office could not find a deal.

A lot has changed in Philadelphia since Korkmaz initially asked to find a new home, but finally, he can play for a new franchise.

Hopefully, he will find the opportunities that he wanted playing for Indiana.

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Sixers acquire Buddy Hield from Pacers for Marcus Morris Sr., others

The Philadelphia 76ers will acquire Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers for Marcus Morris Sr. and other pieces.

The Philadelphia 76ers pulled the trigger on their first deadline deal Thursday morning. After losing Joel Embiid to a left knee meniscus injury, the Sixers needed to get immediate help.

They acquired Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Marcus Morris Sr., Furkan Korkmaz and three second-round picks. Morris and Korkmaz will get new starts in Indiana. Hield will try to help Philadelphia stay among the Eastern Conference leaders without Embiid.

On the season, Hield is averaging 12 points per game. He is shooting 38.4% from deep on 6.9 attempts. The Sixers look for him to provide shooting and spacing on the floor and to be even more effective when Embiid returns.

The Sixers have been searching for another shooter and scorer, and Hield provides that. He will be a free agent in the offseason, but one has to assume the Sixers will do their best to keep him in Philadelphia.

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Furkan Korkmaz opens up on trade rumors, reflects on time with Sixers

Furkan Korkmaz opens up on trade rumors as well as reflecting on his time with the Philadelphia 76ers as the deadline approaches.

PHILADELPHIA — The trade deadline is hours away and the Philadelphia 76ers figure to be one of the more active teams as they seek roster upgrades. They have to find a way to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference with Joel Embiid out until early March at the earliest.

One player who could be moved is Furkan Korkmaz. The seven-year veteran is on an expiring deal, and the Sixers could move him for some pieces before the 3 p.m. EST deadline on Thursday.

Korkmaz requested a trade in the past as he looks for more playing time, and he has fallen out of favor in Philadelphia. As the deadline approaches, however, he knows it’s out of his control.

“I believe it’s hard for anybody,” Korkmaz told Sixers Wire. “It’s just that time of the year when your phone is on all night and then you just wanna see what’s going on, what’s happening, you know? It’s not something you can control and then that’s kind of part of our business, too.”

Korkmaz has grown up with the Sixers. He signed with the Sixers in the 2017 offseason, and he learned a lot while going through a lot of controversies in Philadelphia. He produced when the time called for it and he did a good job giving Philadelphia a spark when needed.

If Wednesday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors was his final game with the Sixers, it was a ride he will not forget.

“I think I’ve been a really good professional here,” Korkmaz added. “I grew up in this organization. This organization gave me a lot. Like I said, when I got here, I was 19 years old and now I’m 26 and it’s a long journey. I’ve seen coaches. I’ve seen a lot of players. It’s been an incredible experience. We’ll see what’s gonna happen.”

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Sixers’ Furkan Korkmaz expresses desire to play with deadline approaching

Philadelphia 76ers guard Furkan Korkmaz expresses his desire to play more with the trade deadline approaching.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Furkan Korkmaz has been a member of the Philadelphia 76ers since the 2017-18 season, and it has been an up-and-down tenure.

There have been times Korkmaz has been an essential part of the rotation and times he hasn’t played and been utilized as he should. He can shoot as well as run some offense as a ball-handler.

With the Feb. 8 trade deadline approaching and Korkmaz on an expiring deal, one has to wonder about his future in Philadelphia. He has requested trades in the past: The veteran out of Turkey just wants to play.

“I mean, it’s hard,” Korkmaz told Sixers Wire. “Believe me, it’s hard and then as the year goes, even it’s getting more harder, you know? It’s not getting easier.”

Korkmaz is averaging just 6.6 minutes per game in the 2023-24 season which is how lowest since he averaged 5.7 minutes in his rookie season. Coach Nick Nurse can only play so many guys on such a deep team, and with the Sixers winning at a consistent level, one can’t fault Nurse, but one can also understand Korkmaz’s frustrations.

He’s a proven rotation player. He has shown he can help with his shooting to provide scoring off the bench. As he continues to wait for his next opportunity, Korkmaz is just doing what he’s supposed to.

“You just need to keep staying professional,” he stated. “You know, that’s what we call it and then it doesn’t matter what is the situation. First game or last game of the season, this can happen all the time and you just gotta be professional. That’s the best way to say it probably.”

It will be interesting to see if Korkmaz will remain on the roster past the deadline or if he will get an opportunity elsewhere to get the playing time he’s looking for.

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Sixers highlight importance of Tobias Harris after win over Hornets

The Philadelphia 76ers single out the importance of Tobias Harris following a road win over the Charlotte Hornets.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It wasn’t pretty for the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday in a 97-89 win over the Charlotte Hornets. On the second night of a back-to-back, the Sixers were sluggish on offense and they weren’t very sharp on the defensive end either.

Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges made big shots for the Hornets to end the third quarter as Charlotte took a 73-69 lead entering the fourth quarter. With Joel Embiid needing to rest, the Sixers needed somebody to step up. That guy was Tobias Harris in yet another big moment.

Harris scored 10 points on 4-for-8 shooting in the fourth quarter, and he was a plus-14 in the final frame.

“You look at the Denver game, early fourth quarter, he tied the game until the starters came back in,” Embiid gushed about Harris. “That was a big reason. (Friday in the win over the Orlando Magic), same thing, that whole fourth quarter just making sure we kept our lead and then tonight, to start the fourth quarter. All season really, he’s been great, but lately, he’s taken another step.”

Harris had 11 points on 3-for-7 shooting through the first three quarters, and it felt like maybe a switch was flipped for him entering the fourth. However, he is a proven veteran who can do this at any moment and he has done so for the majority of his career.

“No switch flipped,” Harris said. “It was just at that moment in the fourth quarter, those opportunities came for me, and for me, I just took advantage of them. I knew that we needed to get baskets, I knew that the game was tight and we came out of the third quarter down. I knew that we needed stops and we needed to get a few baskets there. Those opportunities came my way and I took advantage of them.”

Harris has continued to remain a professional despite an ever-changing role for the Sixers. He has been somebody Philadelphia can count on and he has been terrific for this group whenever they need him.

“I think people underestimate him a little bit,” added Furkan Korkmaz. “The way that he plays because sometimes it’s hard to find yourself in a good position or in the position that you want. As a player, we always complain about ‘Oh, I should be doing this. I should be doing this,’ but like everybody else, he does it too, but he’s often the other side. He knows what he’s doing. You know?”

It’s important to have a guy like Harris on the roster. He is ready to do whatever he’s asked, and he doesn’t complain about it either.

“Like he’s really helping the team,” Korkmaz added. “He’s sacrificing a lot like this. That’s all I can say. There is the guys that complain, but doesn’t sacrifice a lot, but he doesn’t complain that much, but he’s sacrificed a lot. So that’s huge for this organization to have that kind of player and personality.”

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Coach Nick Nurse gives updates on Joel Embiid, other injured Sixers

Coach Nick Nurse gives an update on Joel Embiid and the other injured Philadelphia 76ers players.

CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers got back to work on Monday after losses to the New York Knicks and the Utah Jazz over the weekend. Philadelphia was undermanned in both games: Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, De’Anthony Melton, Robert Covington and Furkan Korkmaz missed one or both games.

The Sixers look to get back on track when they take on the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, but will Embiid and the others be able to play?

“Joel did not go today (Monday),” said coach Nick Nurse after practice.

The big fella was shooting free throws after practice with his left knee heavily wrapped.

As for Harris, Melton and Korkmaz, Nurse said simply: “Tobias was in. Furk was in. Melt was in.”

The Sixers will likely practice one more day before traveling to Atlanta to take on the Hawks. Nurse hopes Embiid will be to participate and then play on Wednesday.

“We’re hoping so,” he finished.

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Complete injury report for Robert Covington, Sixers vs. Bulls at home

Here is the complete injury report for Robert Covington and the Philadelphia 76ers in their home matchup with the Chicago Bulls.

The Philadelphia 76ers will return home on Tuesday to play host to the Chicago Bulls and look to get some revenge over the Bulls following a loss in Chicago on Saturday to end their four-game road trip.

The Sixers continue to be a bit short-handed. While Joel Embiid will return from a four-game absence due to a right ankle sprain, the Sixers will be without De’Anthony Melton for the matchup due to lumbar spine soreness.

The Sixers will also be without Robert Covington due to left knee effusion. Furkan Korkmaz is out due to an illness.

With Melton out, it would have been nice to be able to lean on Covington to provide more off the bench, but with the Sixers now missing some wing depth, they will have to rely on others to step up.

The tip from the Wells Fargo Center is 7 p.m. EST.

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Sixers’ Nick Nurse explains going to Furkan Korkmaz in win over Raptors

Nick Nurse explains the decision to turn to Furkan Korkmaz after the Philadelphia 76ers knocked off the Toronto Raptors.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers were short-handed on Thursday night when they played host to the Toronto Raptors. After making the trade to send James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Sixers acquired four players, but they weren’t ready for game action.

While Marcus Morris Sr., Robert Covington and KJ Martin were all active, the Sixers did not want to throw them on the court considering they don’t know exactly where to be yet on either end of the floor.

Therefore, coach Nick Nurse called upon Furkan Korkmaz to step in and produce. Korkmaz responded by scoring 10 points, and he made a few nice defensive plays in a 114-99 win over the Raptors at home.

“I didn’t get a chance to see much of Furk and (Danuel) House because of health reasons in the preseason,” Nurse said. “I guess I had to make a decision and we just thought we needed just a little — like Furk can handle it a little bit so we just thought we kinda needed the combo of the shooting and the handling with the unit that he went in.”

Korkmaz has been out of the rotation for the Sixers. He didn’t play much in the 2022-23 season under former coach Doc Rivers, and he wasn’t able to play this preseason because of injury. That can hurt the confidence of anybody, but Nurse wanted to make sure Korkmaz’s confidence was high.

“I think it probably started from our first conversation of ‘Furk, how ya doing? You played some really good games against us. I think you’re a good player and I cant wait to see what you got,’” Nurse smiled. “I know he wasn’t in the mix all that much a year ago, but a couple years ago he was and we were game planning for him and all kinds of things so it’s not like it hasn’t been there and it’s not like he hasn’t produced on an NBA stage before.”

Korkmaz is looking to earn minutes. He needs consistency, and this is his opportunity to show it.

“It’s good to be on the court,” Korkmaz said after the win. “I was waiting for this time. I knew that I was gonna get the chance, but I just didn’t know, man, it was today, I think I did a good job.”

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Furkan Korkmaz ready to be a playmaker for Sixers under Nick Nurse

Philadelphia 76ers veteran Furkan Korkmaz is ready to show off his playmaking skills for new coach Nick Nurse.

PHILADELPHIA — Furkan Korkmaz has been a forgotten man for the Philadelphia 76ers heading into the 2023-24 season. The six-year veteran out of Turkey has not played in the preseason because of a leg strain. That absence hurts his chances of making the rotation.

Coach Nick Nurse consistently has said he needs to see Korkmaz and give him enough of a look that he can earn a rotation spot. To do that, he has to play and show what he can do. As Philadelphia heads into the final preseason game on Friday, that’s what he plans to do.

Per Korkmaz, Nurse wants to see playmaking and ball-handling from him.

“My feeling that I’m getting from him is he likes the playmaking stuff,” said Korkmaz at shootaround on Friday. “He likes the passing, creating, so right now, I’m getting a lot of good vibes from them from the coaching staff like be free. Just be a playmaker. You can make good passes, good reads and create for my teammates. I think that’s good to hear from them. To see from them. To feel from them. So that’s what I’m going to try to do.”

Korkmaz has played different roles for the Sixers. He has been the spot-up shooter to space the floor and also run some offense. Former coaches Brett Brown and Doc Rivers gave him the freedom to do that, and it appears Nurse will do the same.

“I’ve been known as a shooter, but I think I can also make a lot of plays on the ball, off the ball,” Korkmaz added. “So it helps for my team to create open shots.”

It is a bit unfortunate that Korkmaz was put behind the eight ball as a result of his injury. The leg strain happened at the end of training camp. That prevented him from playing in any of the exhibition games while others he was competing with auditioned for Nurse.

“It was the fourth day of training camp, and then I was like ‘ahh, it’s not good timing,’” Korkmaz recalled. “I wanted to play through it. That’s why it got worse a little bit. I wanted to prove myself, but I needed to take some days off. That’s why I’m ready to go.”

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