By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Semih Erden announced his retirement from professional basketball on Tuesday.
Considering his achievements, he is widely ranked among the best Turkish players.
The 38-year-old big shared his decision via a post on his Instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
Playing days included 69 appearances in the NBA. After being selected with the 60th overall pick of the 2008 draft, he made his way to the league based in North America and joined the Boston Celtics in 2010. Midway through his rookie campaign, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Following a lockout, he returned to the Cavs for the remainder of the 2011-12 journey. After tallying 3.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.4 steals, 0.3 assists, and 0.2 blocks in 13.4 minutes per contest, he focused the remainder of his career in Turkiye.
Competing in the highest level in Europe, the native of Istanbul logged 160 appearances in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague between Partizan, Fenerbahce Ulker, Anadolu Efes, and Darussafaka Dogus, and was also featured in 14 7DAYS EuroCup fixtures with Turk Telekom. Other former teams are Besiktas, IBB, Pinar Karsiyaka, and Bursaspor. In 2007, 2008, and 2010, he was crowned Basketbol Super Ligi, BSL, champion with Fener, and also won the YUBA League with Partizan in 2006.
Representing his country in international tournaments expanded from the junior to the senior level in 2004. Success was highlighted by a silver medal in the 2010 FIBA World Championship. His last appearance in a major international tournament was in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.