Ömer Aşık facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ömer Aşık

Aşık with the Houston Rockets in 2012
Center
Personal information
Born	(1986-07-04) July 4, 1986 (age 39) Bursa, Turkey
Nationality	Turkish
Listed height	7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Listed weight	255 lb (116 kg)
Career information
NBA Draft	2008 / Round: 2 / Pick: 36th overall
Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
Pro career	2005–2018
Career history
2005–2006	Fenerbahçe
2005–2006	→FMV Işık Spor Kulübü
2006–2007	Alpella
2007–2010	Fenerbahçe
2010–2012	Chicago Bulls
2012–2014	Houston Rockets
2014–2018	New Orleans Pelicans
2018	Chicago Bulls
Career highlights and awards
2× TBL champion (2008, 2010) 2× TBL All-Star (2007, 2008)
Medals Representing  Turkey FIBA World Championship Silver 2010 Turkey National team

Ömer Faruk Aşık (born July 4, 1986) is a former professional basketball player from Turkey. He played as a center in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Ömer is very tall, standing at 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) (about 2.13 meters).

When he was 19, many top European basketball teams wanted him. He started his professional career in 2005 with the Turkish team Fenerbahçe. After playing for another team called Alpella, he returned to Fenerbahçe. Ömer became well-known when he played for the Turkish national team in the 2010 FIBA World Championship. As the starting center, he helped Turkey win a silver medal. In July 2010, Ömer joined the Chicago Bulls. Fans and commentators gave him nicknames like "The Turkish Hammer" and "Asik the Destroyer."

Ömer's Basketball Journey

Starting with Fenerbahçe (2005–2006)

Ömer Aşık first joined Fenerbahçe in 2005. He played only two games before being loaned to FMV Işık Spor Kulübü for the 2005–06 season. This move helped him get more playing time and develop his skills.

Playing for Alpella (2006–2007)

For the 2006–07 season, Ömer played for Alpella. He did very well, averaging about 10.75 points and 11.25 rebounds in 40 games. In December 2007, he returned to Fenerbahçe. During this time, he faced some injuries, including a torn ACL and a broken collarbone. These injuries kept him off the court for several months.

Back to Fenerbahçe (2007–2010)

After recovering from his injuries, Ömer continued to play for Fenerbahçe. He averaged 7.8 points and 6.1 rebounds during the 2007–08 and 2008–09 seasons. With his help, Fenerbahçe won the Turkish championship in 2008. He was also chosen as an All-Star player for Fenerbahçe in 2008 and 2009.

Time with the Chicago Bulls (2010–2012)

Ömer Aşık playing for the Chicago Bulls in February 2011.

In the 2008 NBA draft, Ömer was picked by the Portland Trail Blazers. However, he was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls. On July 13, 2010, he officially signed a two-year deal with the Bulls.

Ömer played his first regular-season game for the Bulls on October 27, 2010. As the season went on, he earned more playing time. He became an important player coming off the bench during the Bulls' playoff run. In the 2011 playoffs, he suffered a fractured left fibula, which is a bone in the lower leg.

He recovered from his injury and continued to play for the Bulls in the 2011–12 season. He became a starter when his teammate Joakim Noah got injured during the playoffs. In the final game of that series, Ömer played very well, scoring 10 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.

Joining the Houston Rockets (2012–2014)

Ömer Aşık blocking a shot during a game in October 2012.

On July 20, 2012, Ömer signed a contract with the Houston Rockets. The Bulls could have kept him, but they decided not to match the offer. So, Ömer officially joined the Rockets on July 24.

He had a fantastic season in 2012–13, becoming the Rockets' main center. He averaged 10.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. His 956 total rebounds led the entire league that season! Ömer helped the Rockets reach the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

In 2013, the Rockets added another star player, Dwight Howard. This meant Ömer's role on the team changed. He started playing fewer minutes and eventually moved to the bench. In December 2013, he injured his knee and was out for two months.

Playing for the New Orleans Pelicans (2014–2018)

On July 15, 2014, Ömer was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. He made his debut for the Pelicans on October 28, scoring 14 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. He had a strong first season with the team.

On July 9, 2015, Ömer signed a new five-year contract with the Pelicans. He continued to contribute to the team, even scoring a season-high 24 points in April 2016.

However, Ömer's playing time was limited in the 2016–17 season. He was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a serious illness that caused him to miss eight months and lose a lot of weight.

Back to Chicago (2018)

On February 1, 2018, Ömer was traded back to the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, he was ruled out indefinitely in September due to inflammatory arthritis. This condition made it impossible for him to play. On October 21, the Bulls released him from the team. In June 2019, the NBA officially removed his contract from the Bulls' records due to his career-ending injury.

International Basketball Career

Ömer first played for Turkey's national team in 2006, as part of the U20 European Championship team. He helped the Turkish U-20 team win a silver medal.

In 2010, Ömer was a key player for the Turkish national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship. He averaged 8.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He helped Turkey reach the championship game against the United States. Although Turkey lost to the US, they earned a silver medal. Ömer showed his skills against some of the world's best players, even scoring 17 points in a big win against China.

Player Skills

Ömer Aşık was known as a great defensive player. He was excellent at blocking shots and grabbing rebounds. He was also very good at helping his teammates on defense. When he moved to the Houston Rockets in 2012, his offensive skills also improved a lot.

Images for kids

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  Aşık with the Houston Rockets in 2012

See also

In Spanish: Ömer Aşık para niños