Former hot NBA prospect reportedly closing in on return to Europe

Omer Yurtseven joined the Miami Heat in 2021 and immediately established himself as a hot prospect for the future. During his rookie season, the 7-foot big man played in 56 games for Erik Spoelstra's team, averaging 5.3 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 52.6% from the field.

Unfortunately for Yurtseven, he was unable to build on his strong debut season due to a left ankle injury that required surgery, hindering his sophomore year in the league. He played in just nine games for Miami that year and signed a two-year deal with the Utah Jazz last summer. He was waived at the end of his first season with the team despite performing admirably when called upon.

According to reports in Europe, including by Eurohoops.net, Yurtseven's NBA career could be short-lived. The 26-year-old has reportedly agreed in principle to a deal with the Greek team Panathinaikos. The deal will hinge on whether Yurtseven can find an NBA team willing to give him a roster spot for the upcoming season.

"According to Eurohoops sources, Yurtseven has agreed in principle to return to Europe for Panathinaikos, asking a few days before finalizing the deal to examine his last NBA chances," EuroHoops reported.

Yurtseven had previously been garnering interest from the New York Knicks. Marc Stein recently reported on his Substack that the big man had worked out for Tom Thibodeau's team, although the franchise chose not to sign him.

"The Knicks recently auditioned free agent big man Omer Yurtseven, among others, but did not elect to sign him," Stein reported. "Panathinaikos of Greece has publicly stated interest in bringing Yurtseven to the EuroLeague."

Unless another NBA team steps in with a last-ditch offer to Yurtseven, he is likely heading to Greece for the upcoming season. Moving to Europe would allow him to rebuild his value and look for a route back to the United States in the future.

Yurtseven should look toward Guerschon Yabusele for motivation. The veteran forward failed to cement himself in the NBA before heading to the European leagues. He recently signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after impressing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

As such, Yurtseven has proof that moving back to Europe isn't necessarily the end of his NBA career. Still, nobody would have expected this sudden shift in career trajectory back in 2021, when he was proving himself to be a highly rated young talent in the league.