After joining the Miami Heat in 2021, Omer Yurtseven quickly made a name for himself as a promising young player. The 7-foot-9 big man averaged 5.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 56 games for Erik Spoelstra’s squad in his first year, shooting 52.6% from the floor.
Unfortunately, Yurtseven’s sophomore year in the league was hampered by a left ankle injury that necessitated surgery, which prevented him from building on his impressive rookie season. He only appeared in nine Miami games that season before agreeing to a two-year contract with the Utah Jazz in the offseason. Despite playing well when needed, he was dismissed at the conclusion of his first year.Reports from Europe, particularly those from Eurohoops.net, suggest that Yurtseven’s NBA career could not last long.
The Greek squad Panathinaikos has apparently received the 26-year-old’s verbal consent to a contract. The agreement will depend on Yurtseven’s ability to sign a contract with an NBA team that would allow him to play on their roster next season.The New York Knicks had previously expressed interest in Yurtseven. The big guy had worked out for Tom Thibodeau’s club, according to a recent article by Marc Stein on his Substack, even though the team decided not to sign him.
“The Knicks recently auditioned free agent big man Omer Yurtseven, among others, but did not elect to sign him,” Stein said. “Panathinaikos of Greece has publicly stated interest in bringing Yurtseven to the EuroLeague.”
Yurtseven will probably play next season in Greece unless he receives a last-ditch offer from another NBA franchise. Relocating to Europe would enable him to restore his reputation and pursue a path back to the United States at a later date.
Guerschon Yabusele is a good source of inspiration for Yurtseven. The seasoned forward moved to the European leagues after failing to establish himself in the NBA. He made an impression in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and he recently signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Yurtseven has evidence, therefore, that his NBA career won’t necessarily end if he returns to Europe. Still, in 2021, when he was emerging as a highly regarded young player in the league, nobody would have predicted this abrupt change in his professional path.
