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Toronto Raptors: 10 stars you didn’t know played for the Raptors

By Holden Walter-Warner

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 13: Hedo Turkoglu #26 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on March 13, 2010 in Oakland, California. The Warriors won 124-112. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 13: Hedo Turkoglu #26 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on March 13, 2010 in Oakland, California. The Warriors won 124-112. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images /

6. Hedo Turkoglu

If you remember Hedo Turkoglu‘s time in Toronto, it’s probably because of what happened off the court, not on the court. The Turkish forward is best known for his exploits with the Magic, where he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player following the 2007-08 season.

After the next year, Turkoglu decided to opt out of his contract with the Magic and made his way to the Toronto Raptors in a four-team sign-and-trade. His numbers took a quick hit, though, as his scoring dropped from 16.8 points to 11.3 points per game after he joined Toronto, despite seeing an improvement in his overall 3-point shooting percentage.

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Then, there was the benching. Turkoglu was reportedly suffering from a stomach bug, which kept him out of games and practices. But one March night, despite this ailment, he was spotted at the Toronto clubs, enjoying his life more than a sick person probably should. Word got back to the Raptors and coach Jay Triano, who benched Turkoglu on March 28 (h/t NBC Sports).

The relationship between the team and player fell apart after this incident, never to recover. After the season, the Raptors dealt Turkoglu to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Leandro Barbosa and Dwayne Jones; Turkoglu’s tenure in Toronto lasted just 74 games.

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