The Sixer Sense
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Furkan Korkmaz didn’t shine in his Sixers debut, but it’s OK

By Tom Ignudo

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 17: The 2017 NBA All-Star logo is seen on a net prior to the 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 17: The 2017 NBA All-Star logo is seen on a net prior to the 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Furkan Korkmaz‘s Summer League debut with the Philadelphia 76ers didn’t go as planned.

Furkan Korkmaz made his highly anticipated Philadelphia 76ers debut Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz in the Summer League.

But, Korkmaz and the Sixers came up short, as they fell to the Jazz 100-94 Wednesday. The Sixers will finish out the Utah Summer League Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

Korkmaz started alongside No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, but failed to stand out in Wednesday night’s action. Korkmaz finished with three points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal, and one turnover on 0-for-5 shooting. All three of his points came from the foul line.

And that’s okay. Even Fultz had some defensive mishaps while he was guarding Dante Exum throughout the contest.

It’s the Summer League — it’s all about player development. On some offensive possessions against the Jazz, Korkmaz looked out of place or out of rhythm shooting the ball.

Korkmaz, 19, needs to develop and adjust to the speed of the NBA game. He also might have walked into the most ideal situation for his development.

As of right now, Korkmaz sits behind newly-acquired shooting guard J.J. Redick, Nik Stauskas and Luwawu-Cabarrot on the roster.

Due to this abundance of shooting guards, Korkmaz could initially start the season on the Delaware 87ers’ roster in the G-League in order to get more minutes. This is something the Sixers have done before in the past with players.

Richaun Holmes and Luwawu-Cabarrot played with the 87ers last season. But each of them ended up playing starter minutes for the Sixers later in the season.

Holmes started 17 games, while Luwawu-Cabarrot started 19. Each player also displayed flashes of being a legitimate role player for the Sixers in the future.

Related Story: Don't expect Dario-like production from Korkmaz

Korkmaz could grow into the three point marksman the Sixers covet to place in a lineup featuring Fultz, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. With Redick’s one-year deal this season, we’ll get a glimpse of how a proven sniper will fit with the Sixers’ young core.

Korkmaz played for Banvit in the Basketball Champions League and won Best Young Player of the Year Honors averaging 10.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in 10 BCL games. He also shot 48.8 percent from three in that span.

Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs might be different for Korkmaz. Maybe he comes out and drills several shots from downtown.

Next: 5 Summer League things to watch for

But if he doesn’t, it’s not a huge deal because he can blossom in the G-League and have an opportunity at NBA minutes later in the season like current Sixers have done in the past.