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Phoenix Suns: 10 stars you forgot played for the Suns

By Jono Perilli

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 09: Michael Redd #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game against the Houston Rockets at US Airways Center on February 9, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Rockets defeated the Suns 96-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 09: Michael Redd #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game against the Houston Rockets at US Airways Center on February 9, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Rockets defeated the Suns 96-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

#1: Hedo Turkoglu

This one is a bit odd, but there was a point where Hedo Turkoglu played in a Phoenix Suns jersey. One of the sleepers in the 2000s, Turkoglu slaughtered with his impressing shooting prowess and ability to stretch the floor when needed. Turkoglu is known for his years in Sacramento, apart of the Kings team that got cheated out of a Finals appearance, and in Orlando.

Apart of a fairly dangerous Magic squad that featured prime Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson, Turkoglu was a massive piece of the puzzle that worked out fairly well for Florida team. Though they’d never achieve glory, the Magic would make a Finals appearance, unfortunately going down to the Lakers. From 2004 to 2009, Turkoglu played a part in Orlando, but there was a short stint away from Orlando that a fair amount of fans forget.

On July 9th, 2009, Turkoglu was apart of a massive 4-team trade, involving the Toronto Raptors, Grizzlies and Mavericks. This trade is way too confusing to discuss, but our guy Hedo was dealt to the Raptors. In Toronto, he’d play the whole 2009-10 season, apart of a weak side that clocked in only 40 wins that season. But it was during that offseason that he’d be traded to Phoenix in a deal that involved Phoenix Suns’ long-timer, Leandro Barbosa, as well as Dwayne Jones.

Turkoglu’s short and forgotten run with the Phoenix Suns only lasted for 25 games, in which he started 16 of them. In the short span, he averaged 9.5 points per game. It felt as if Turkoglu didn’t necessarily fit any type of system they had going for them, so he was dealt on December 18th, 2010.

This time, Turkoglu was coming back home to Orlando. In a deal that crazily enough, links back to our other friend Vince Carter, the Suns traded Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark to the Magic, in exchange for Carter, Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus and a 2011 first-round pick.

Turkoglu would then have an average run in Orlando before signing to the Clippers in 2014. He’d play two seasons in LA before eventually retiring in 2015.

Much like some of the other players on this list, Turkoglu was synonymous with his team and it felt obscure to see him in another jersey. Phoenix just wasn’t the place for the Turkish shooter, who couldn’t find his mojo.

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