Sixers Overseas: Furkan Korkmaz finds a (different) new home

It’s been a while since we checked in on Philadelphia 76ers’ prospect Furkan Korkmaz.

Last we saw, the 26th overall pick in last year’s draft was attempting to find some minutes for an Anadolu Efes team overflowing with quality guard play. He was averaging just 12.7 minutes per game for the formerly Dario Saric led Turkish club, and both sides decided it would be best if he went elsewhere.

Korkmaz was expecting to be loaned to mid-tier Turkish side Pinar Karsiyaka, but word apparently leaked out too quickly on social media, reportedly harming the move.

After several days in roster limbo, Efes eventually decided to loan him to a different Turkish team, Banvit BK. According to a local news outlet, the deal runs until the end of the season, where he can then be returned to Efes (provided he doesn’t make the jump to the NBA). Banvit currently sits second in the Turkish Basketball League (TBL) standings, and also participate in the Basketball Champions League, the third-tier in international basketball competition.

The 19-year-old made his first appearance for Banvit on Dec. 24, and was immediately inserted into the starting lineup. He finished with just six points and four rebounds while shooting 0-6 from beyond the arc. Coming off the bench in his second game, Korkmaz faired a bit better, scoring seven points (3-5 FG, 1-2 3PT) to go along with three assists, two rebounds, and one steal.

The numbers obviously aren’t spectacular, but the good news is he’s getting some much needed playing time. Korkmaz is averaging 20.4 minutes per game thus far.

Vasilje Micic, the Sixers forgotten point guard prospect, is still playing well for Tofas Bursa, who are currently ninth in the TBL. He’s now starting for the team, and averaging 12.9 points per game while shoot 49.6 percent from the floor and 42.4 percent from three-point range.