Turkuglu needs to re-establish his value in Orlando

Things are pretty bleak, I submit, when most observers feel Arenas' chances of re-blooming are greater than Turkoglu's. The fact agent Lon Babby, the guy who negotiated Turkoglu's $52 million, five-year free agent deal with the Raptors, couldn't wait to get him out of Phoenix (and clean up the mess made by owner Robert Sarver and coach Alvin Gentry) soon after becoming Suns president says it all . . . except explain why Magic president Otis Smith, who gagged at the notion of paying Turkoglu the above bundle (keep in mind he was at his best when Jameer Nelson went down prior to the '08-09 playoffs and the ball belonged to him at crunch time), is now willing to do it 1½ seasons later.

Particularly in view of the host of horror stories being spread about Hedo in Toronto, Phoenix and at the World Championship.

By all accounts, Turkoglu failed as a much-needed role model for his host Turkish national team that finished second to Team USA. Instead he demonstrated a pronounced lack of leadership. Rather than work hard, an obligation of every Worlds competitor, sources say Hedo adopted the role of "prima donna."

This came as no surprise to his Raptors teammates or management. Not surprisingly, there was friction among the Suns' troops as well. Goran Dragic nearly came to blows with Turkoglu. More significantly, Steve Nash told Gentry while he liked Hedo he did not enjoy playing with him, according to MannyLeaks.