The Orlando Magic have acquired Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Earl Clark from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus, a 2011 first round draft selection and cash considerations, President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Otis Smith announced on Saturday.
“We’re very excited to welcome these three players to our family,” said Smith. “Jason (Richardson) is a tremendous athlete who runs the floor, can shoot the ball and loves to compete. We’re obviously familiar with Hedo (Turkoglu). He is a great shooter and is a player that has flourished in our system. We liked Earl (Clark) in the draft a few years ago, and he will help fortify our frontcourt. Vince (Carter), Marcin (Gortat) and Mickael (Pietrus) did a lot for our organization and we wish them great success in the future.”
Richardson (6’6”, 225, 1/20/81) has played and started in 25 games this season with Phoenix, averaging a team-high 19.3 ppg., 4.4 rpg., 1.4 apg. and a team-high 1.08 stlpg. in 31.8 minpg., while shooting .470 (183-389) from the floor and .419 (62-148) from three-point range. He currently ranks 24th in the NBA in scoring and 27th in three-point field goal percentage.
Originally selected in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2001 NBA Draft by Golden State, Richardson has appeared in 696 career NBA regular season games with Golden State, Charlotte and Phoenix, averaging 18.3 ppg., 5.2 rpg., 2.8 apg. and 1.18 stlpg. in 35.0 minpg. He has shot .372 (1,291-3,472) from three-point range during his career. Richardson has also played in 27 career playoff outings, averaging 19.5 ppg., 6.0 rpg., 1.4 apg. and 1.15 stlpg. in 35.6 minpg., while shooting .491 (193-393) from the floor and .421 (77-183) from three-point range. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2001-02, claimed the NBA Slam Dunk championship in 2002 and 2003, while also being named MVP of the Rookie Challenge in 2002.
Turkoglu (6’10”, 220, 3/19/79) has played in 25 games (16 starts) this season with Phoenix, averaging 9.5 ppg., 4.0 rpg. and 2.3 apg. in 25.2 minpg. while shooting .423 (41-97) from three-point range. He currently ranks 24th in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage.
Originally selected in the first round (16th overall) of the 2000 NBA Draft by Sacramento, Turkoglu has appeared in 777 career NBA regular season games with Sacramento, San Antonio, Orlando, Toronto and Phoenix, averaging 12.1 ppg., 4.2 rpg. and 2.9 apg. in 28.1 minpg., while shooting .385 (986-2,562) from three-point range. He has also played in 74 career playoff outings, averaging 11.8 ppg., 4.6 rpg. and 3.2 apg. in 32.1 minpg. Turkoglu was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2000-01 and earned the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2007-08.
Turkoglu played in 377 games during five seasons with Orlando from 2004-09, averaging 15.8 ppg., 4.6 rpg. and 3.7 apg. in 33.1 minpg. He helped the Magic reach the NBA Finals in 2009. Turkoglu was signed as a free agent by Orlando on July 14, 2004.
Clark (6’10”, 225, 1/17/88) has played in nine games with this season with Phoenix, averaging 3.2 ppg. and 1.9 rpg. in 8.0 minpg. Originally selected in the first round (14th overall) of the 2009 NBA Draft by Phoenix, Clark appeared in 51 games with the Suns during his rookie campaign (2009-10), averaging 2.7 ppg. and 1.2 rpg. in 7.5 minpg. He also played in three playoff contests, averaging 1.3 ppg. in 4.3 minpg.
Carter (6’6”, 220, 1/26/77) played and started in 22 games this season with Orlando, averaging 15.1 ppg., 4.1 rpg. and 2.9 apg. in 30.2 minpg. Gortat (6’11”, 250, 2/17/84) played in 25 games (two starts) this season with the Magic, averaging 4.0 ppg. and 4.7 rpg. in 15.8 minpg. Pietrus (6’6”, 215, 2/7/82) played in 19 games this season with Orlando, averaging 6.7 ppg. and 2.6 rpg. in 22.0 minpg.
For Orlando Magic ticket information, call (407) 89-MAGIC or log on to orlandomagic.com.
