After having the third-year option on his rookie contract declined early in February due to an injury and rumored to be heading back to Europe, Furkan Korkmaz surprisingly boomeranged to the Philadelphia 76ers this summer on a two-year minimum deal.
With the Sixers pulling off a flurry of big moves in the offseason, most notably the addition of big man Al Horford and replacing swingman Jimmy Butler with Josh Richardson, the team is looking to capitalize on their recent postseason trips hoping to go deep this time or possibly win it all. The Turkish shooting guard certainly sees it that way, telling Talkbasket.net that they have everything there is to need already.
Q: You recently signed a new, two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Which are your expectations with the franchise?
A: It’s going to be a really important year for us. We want to win the title and also I want to be and feel a part of the team. I think it’s going to be a good season for us. Winning the title has been our goal in the last three years. It’s a work in process and our team has enough talent to win, so why not?
Korkmaz is also ready and willing to be a substantial part of that goal although concedes that minutes are earned not given.
Q: Do you feel ready to get more playing time?
A: Of course. I’m ready for that fight. I know that nobody is going to give me the jersey to just go out and play. So, I want to earn it.
The 22-year-old averaged career-highs on his sophomore season last year, playing 15 minutes per night and putting up 5.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists in 48 games which included seven starts. With additional minutes, it's expected his production will also increase and become a stable part of the revamped Sixers backcourt.
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