A little over a month after getting cut by the Utah Jazz, big man Omer Yurtseven is still a free agent. However, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, Yurtseven is still receiving 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, likely indicating that a contract with the Knicks is not an option for Yurtseven (subscription required).
“The Knicks recently auditioned free agent big man Omer Yurtseven, among others, but did not elect to sign him. Panathinaikos of Greece has publicly stated interest in bringing Yurtseven to the EuroLeague.”
Yurtseven appeared in 48 games for the Jazz last season. In those games, he averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds. Additionally, he shot 53.8% from the field. The 26-year-old also spent the first two seasons of his career with the Miami Heat.
New York Knicks “Auditioned” Omer Yurtseven
The Knicks’ Big Man Situation
This summer, the Knicks lost center Isaiah Hartenstein, who joined the Oklahoma City Thunder as a free agent. However, they guaranteed Jericho Sims‘ contract and re-signed Precious Achiuwa. Both players, along with returning All-Star Julius Randle, can play center or forward. Currently, the Knicks’ starting center will likely be Mitchell Robinson, who has been with the team since 2018. By no means do the Knicks need Yurtseven on the roster. However, at 7’0″ tall, he would have provided great size to the team.
What is Next for Omer Yurtseven?
As Stein mentioned, a stint in the EuroLeague is an option for Yurtseven. Recently, Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman spoke about wanting the team to bring in Yurtseven. However, he also expressed concerns about “how it will reflect on the court.”
“Getting a very important player like Omer Faruk and making that transfer would give us great power, on paper,” Ataman said to Ajanspor. “However, we have concerns about how it will reflect on the court. We are thinking about it, I mean he’s on our radar.”
Ataman clarified that he believes adding Yurtseven could “disrupt the balance of the team.” However, he praised Yurtseven’s talents and thinks he could do well in Europe.
“We can’t add an ordinary player. I’m a little worried that the player we will add will disrupt the balance of the team. Because we have a system there. I am thinking of not making the transfer at the beginning of the season. Sarp Ataman [Ergin Ataman’s son] has a very good name in mind. We’ve been thinking about this player for two days. Omer Faruk Yurtseven left the NBA and is talking [to] the European teams. He was also offered to us. He’s a very good player and I like him. I think he’ll do very well in Europe.”
The Last Word on Omer Yurtseven
Yurtseven is a talented big man who could provide a lot of value to any team, NBA or overseas. With there being plenty of offseason remaining, it would not be a shock if the big man finds himself on an NBA team by the start of next season.
