Orlando’s Hedo Turkoglu was voted the NBA’s most improved player on Monday, receiving 61 first-place votes and 380 points. Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay finished second with 167 points, and Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge received 128 points and placed third in the voting. As reported by ESPN:

“Without him, I don’t know where we would be,” Magic general manager Otis Smith said. “I am happy to have him on our team and I’m happy that he is winning this award eight years late, but I am happy that he is at least winning this award. This is a sign of things to come for Turk.” 

The 2007-08 season saw Turkoglu finish with career highs in points, (19.5 per game) rebounds, (5.7) and assists (5.0). He was also a key contributor to Orlando’s 52-30 season, and their first division title in 12 years.

“I guess this year was the time for me to step it up and come this far, so I am just blessed that I was healthy this year and all the things went well for me, having a good coach, my teammates, everybody,” Turkoglu said. “If you look at it, it is not just my improvement, it is the Magic’s improvement too, comparing to last year.” 

The Turkish small forward was drafted 16th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2000 draft. This is his fourth season with the Magic, and the first time in his eight-year career that he started all 82 games.

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