Just over a month after being fired by the Utah Jazz, the big man Omer Yurtseven is still a free agent. However, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, Yurtseven continues to attract interest from teams around the league. Stein recently wrote that the New York Knicks “auditioned” the Turkish native. However, he also clarified that the team chose not to sign him, which likely indicates that a contract with the Knicks is not an option for Yurtseven (subscription required).
“The Knicks recently auditioned free agent powerhouse Omer Yurtseven, among others, but did not choose to sign him. Panathinaikos of Greece has publicly stated its interest in bringing Yurtseven to the Euroleague.”
Yurtseven played 48 games with the Jazz last season. During those games, he averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds. In addition, he shot 53.8 percent of his shots. The 26-year-old also spent the first two seasons of his career with the Miami Heat.
New York Knicks ‘Audition’ Omer Yurtseven
The Knicks’ Big Man Situation
This summer, the Knicks lost their center Isaiah Hartensteinwho joined the Oklahoma City Thunder as a free agent. However, they have guaranteed Jericho Sims” contract and re-signed Precious Achiuwa. Both players, as well as the returning All-Star Julius Randlecan play center or forward. Currently, the Knicks’ starting center will likely be Mitchell Robinsonwho has been with the team since 2018. The Knicks have no need for Yurtseven on their roster. However, at 7’4″ he would have brought great size to the team.
What’s next for Omer Yurtseven?
As Stein mentioned, a move to the Euroleague is an option for Yurtseven. Recently, Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman said he wanted the team to bring in Yurtseven. However, he also expressed concerns about “how this will be reflected in court.“
“Getting a very important player like Omer Faruk and making this transfer would give us great power, on paper,” Ataman told Ajanspor. “However, we have concerns about the impact it will have on the pitch. We are thinking about it, I mean he is on our radar.”
Ataman clarified that he thought the addition of Yurtseven could “disrupt the balance of the team.” However, he praised Yurtseven’s talents and believes he could succeed in Europe.
“We can’t add an ordinary player. I’m a little afraid that the player we’re going to add will disrupt the balance of the team. Because we have a system there. I think I won’t make the transfer at the beginning of the season.” Sarp Ataman [Ergin Ataman’s son] has a very good name in mind. We have been thinking about this player for two days. Omer Faruk Yurtseven has left the NBA and is talking [to] “He was very appreciated by the European selections. He was also offered to us. He is a very good player and I like him. I think he will perform very well in Europe.”
The Last Word on Omer Yurtseven
Yurtseven is a talented big man who could bring a lot to any team, NBA or international. With plenty of offseason left, it wouldn’t be surprising if the big man finds himself on an NBA team by the start of next season.
