Furkan Korkmaz

BIOGRAPHY

Furkan Korkmaz, born on the 24th of July in 1997, is a Turkish professional basketball player currently playing for AS Monaco in both the LNB Élite and the EuroLeague. Born and raised in Bakırköy, Istanbul, Korkmaz stood out for his basketball talent from an early age, beginning his professional career as a mere teen.

His basketball journey started in earnest at nine years old when he joined his school’s team. At 15, he moved to Anadolu Efes from their junior team, Yeşilyurt Spor Kulübü, in a $250,000 agreement. His early player development was split between the junior and youth teams within the Efes infrastructure.

It was during the 2013-14 season that Korkmaz was loaned out to the second-tier Turkish basketball team, Pertevniyal. Notably, Pertevniyal was operating as Anadolu Efes’ agricultural team at the time. More professional experience soon followed when Korkmaz joined the senior men’s Anadolu Efes first team in 2014, initially signing an agreement that included a $2 million buyout clause for the NBA.

His talent began to draw international attention, and in 2016, Korkmaz was one of 13 underclassmen entered into the NBA draft. He was ultimately chosen 26th in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers, a turning point in his career. Despite this success, Korkmaz decided to remain with Anadolu Efes for at least another season.

In December of the same year, Anadolu Efes chose to loan him to another Turkish basketball team, Banvit. Korkmaz helped Banvit secure their first Turkish Cup win in February 2017, establishing his skill on the field. In the same season, he earned the prestigious title of Best Young Player at the Basketball Champions League. He led Banvit to the finals, where they unfortunately lost the championship game, but Korkmaz’s contribution was undeniable.

The following summer, in July of 2017, Korkmaz took another significant stride by signing a contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. His rookie season varied between playing for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Delaware 87ers in the NBA G League. His rookie growth was marked by a historic 40-point score during the first game of the 2018 NBA Summer League.

In November 2018, Korkmaz sought a trade due to limited playing time but ended up staying with the team. He achieved his first career starter position in December as a substitute for an injured player.

After his contract renewal with the 76ers for two more years in 2019, Korkmaz hit notable career achievements. He scored a career-high 34 points off the bench, followed by another 31-point game against the Chicago Bulls.

The 2020-21 season brought challenges due to an abbreviated season, but Korkmaz managed 9.1 points per game and new career highs in assists and steals. Unfortunately, an injury cut his season short.

Even in 2023, Korkmaz’s career remained dynamic as he requested a trade from the 76ers for the second time. Come 2024, he was moved to the Indiana Pacers via a three-agent deal and then almost immediately waived.

He later found a new home at AS Monaco of the LNB Élite in August 2024. However, he was sidelined by a minor tear in his right adductor, expected to keep him out for a few weeks.

Outside of playing professionally, Korkmaz was also a vital member of various Turkish national junior teams. He has led in scoring, won gold and silver medals, and been named to All-Tournament Teams. With record-breaking performance in the 2017 Under-20 tournament, Korkmaz demonstrated his ability to excel at higher levels. His breakneck pace extends to the senior men’s Turkish national basketball team, where he displayed his talents in multiple world tournaments and the EuroBasket 2015 and 2017.

Through his steady ascension in the world of professional basketball, Korkmaz has proven that age is just a number. From his school team to the NBA to the Euroleague, his skills have made an impressive journey thus far, and the next chapters of his career are eagerly anticipated.