Former Sacramento Kings 1st-Round Pick Signs With New Team In Turkey

Ben McLemore most recently played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season when he was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.

That year, he averaged 10.2 points and 1.6 rebounds per game while shooting 40.1 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from three-point range in 64 games (six starts).

On Thursday, it was announced that the 31-year-old would now sign with a team in Turkey (h/t Alberto De Roa from HoopsHype).

Via Yukatel Merkezefendi (translated into English): “🔥🏀 Ben McLemore will be working hard for #buşehrintakımı in the new season!

Ben McLemore, who spent his career in the NBA and last played in Spain, embarks on a new adventure with the jersey of the municipality of Yukatel Merkezefendi! 💫”

McLemore was the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft (by the Sacramento Kings) after one season of college basketball at Kansas.

He helped the Jayhawks finish 31-6 and reach the Sweet 16.

Coming out of college, McLemore had a lot of fans.

Via LeBron James on July 27, 2013: “They’re sleeping on Ben McLemore. Look at them.”

Although McLemore never became an All-Star, he had a solid NBA career that spanned nine seasons.

He spent time with the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers.

His career averages are 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game while shooting 41.4 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three-point range in 556 regular season games.

Considering he’s still in the prime of his career, McLemore could end up playing in the NBA again at some point.

He will be a name to watch next season.