He returns to Europe after a year in the NBA
Onuralp Bitim joins Fenerbahce, heads to Bayern on loan
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Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has completed the signing of Onuralp Bitim on a deal until the end of the 2027-28 season. Rather than join up with Fenerbahce right away, the Turkish forward will spend the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at fellow Turkish Airlines EuroLeague club FC Bayern Munich.
Bitim (1.98 meters, 25 years old) most recently suited up for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA, averaging 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds coming off the bench in 23 appearances. He was last seen on the old continent playing for Frutti Extra Bursaspor, where he posted 18.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and a 16.3 PIR in 18 BKT EuroCup games in 2022-23.
During the 2021-22 season, Bitim helped lead Bursaspor to the EuroCup Finals after averaging 12.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and a 12.2 PIR in 19 games. While his last European experience came in the EuroCup, he did play four games in the EuroLeague for Anadolu Efes Istanbul in 2017-18.
At Bayern, Bitim joins a team that is flying under coach Gordie Herbert after getting off to a 5-2 start in the EuroLeague. New signings Shabazz Napier and Johannes Voigtmann have made a positive impact, while Carsen Edwards, Devin Booker and Nick Weiler-Babb – all in at least their second season at the club – have really come to the fore. Bitim’s arrival adds another weapon to Coach Herbert’s offense.