Career: Darüssafaka (Turkey-Div. 1 2003-2004), Partizan Belgrade (Serbia&Montenegro-Adriatic League), Fenerbahçe (Turkey-Div. 1 2005-…).

A unique talent among unique talents. His wingspan is 2.22 and despite his lean physique in the lane his arms are like a parachute, catching everything in range - and what a huge range it is. He has the foot speed of a guard and incredible body balance. He has all the tools to be not great but legendary. But he has not even scratched the surface of his capabilities. Which should be understandable.

Erden was a complete unknown until he was 17 - not even making the U18 team at Darüssafaka. But he blossomed very quickly. He drew great praise during the U18 European Championship in 2004. After that tournament he played against the Dream Team and his defence against Tim Duncan was phenomenal. Since then, the only way was up for Erden. But despite his immense talents, his offensive game is still somewhere between bad and non-existent. He has neither a back-to-the-basket nor a face-up game. He only uses put-backs. But with his foot speed he can be a modern day more versatile version of Gregor Fucka. He has a long way to go though. Offensively that is. Defensively… well just ask Tim Duncan how he felt.