NBA: Turkoglu Retires after 15 Seasons

Turkish star Hedo Turkoglu, who played 15 seasons in the National Basketball Association and eight with the Orlando Magic, announced his retirement on Friday.

Turkoglu, of Gaziosmanpasa, will be honored by the Magic during a special ceremony on December 18, when Orlando hosts Portland.

"I am very thankful and grateful for the opportunity to live out my dream and play in the NBA," Turkoglu said.

The 6-foot-10 Turkoglu played in 497 regular-season games (412 starts) with Orlando from 2004-09 and 2010-13, averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 32.7 minutes per game.

Turkoglu was originally selected by Sacramento in the first round (16th overall) of the 2000 NBA entry draft.