Toronto Raptors Hedo Turkoglu Is Not Earning His Huge Paycheck

Were the Orlando Magic somewhat clairvoyant when they decided against offering Hedo Turkoglu the big contract he was seeking this summer, knowing full well he would end up leaving for greener pastures? I doubt it.

And what is with the Toronto Raptors time and time again signing players to lucrative contracts, only to have them pack it in and coast throughout the terms of the contract? I’m referring more to the Vince Carter’s and less the rarer Chris Bosh’s.

Hedo Turkoglu showed up this season out of shape, a step slower than last year, and a disappointment to all of the Raptors fans that have so patiently waited for management to put a team around Bosh worth talking about. I’m probably a bit more patient than your average guy when it comes to building a winner, but early indicators are pointing to Turkoglu being another overpaid, underperforming player for the Raps. Did the Raps just sign another player in the twilight of his career, instead of the optimal veteran peak?

Here is Toronto Raptor Coach Jay Triano’s subtle not so subtle statements in the Toronto Sun yesterday about Turkoglu’s work ethic thus far during his time in the ‘T-Dot’.

“(The Magic offered) a three-year deal for almost $24-million (US) and Toronto gave me five years and ($53)-million,” Turkoglu said. “They gave me that kind of money and Orlando did not want to pay…

Through 27 games, Turkoglu’s adjustment to playing for the Raptors has not been swift. When Raptors coach Jay Triano was asked about Turkoglu’s conditioning, he paused and said: “He is not the quickest player in the league but his basketball savvy is one of the tops. He just knows how to play. I’d like him to play 36-38 minutes a game, if not more.

“I don’t know if he is finding his legs. He’s getting used to playing more significant minutes. We’re getting used to where he is going to throw the basketball and when. There was miscommunication on some plays.”

Read between the lines people. Triano is pissed and he’s not going to take it any more. Triano has yet to be given a fair shake in Toronto. He’s been dealt a deck that is a few cards short, and there is no way he can turn the Raptors into a winner unless Hedo Turkoglu takes his profession a little more seriously, and Jose Calderon gets back to the play that had league officials buzzing two seasons ago.

Turkoglu’s stats are down across the board. He’s averaging almost 3 points less a game this season, and he’s down in rebounds, assists, and steals. Oh wait, he’s up significantly in fouls per game. Hmmm….move your feet on defense much? And I don’t want to hear any Turkoglu fans defend his stats with talk of Bosh’s touches, because playing with Howard last year who requires a lot of touches he still got his numbers and played for a winning club. He was quicker, sharper, shot better, and looked more active and involved on both ends of the floor.

Then again, it was a contract year. Coincidence? Hardly.