According to the leading Turkish newspaper, Hurriyet, Besiktas Cola Turka’s next target may be NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. The story is now all over the Turkish, French and German press. Here’s an English translation of the original report: “Besiktas Cola Turka management has rolled up their sleeves to bring another NBA superstar to Istanbul. Besiktas fans and management, who are very pleased with the arrival of Allen Iverson, have now set their sights on luring Boston Celtics center Shaquille O’Neal overseas. […] Iverson’s manager Gary Moore suggested to Besiktas Vice-Chairman Erdogan Toprak and Head of Basketball Operations Seref Yalcin the possibility of bringing in the Boston big man at the end of the season. Moore, who played a critical role in Iverson’s signing with Besiktas, is in constant contact with O’Neal and could be an intermediary in securing an agreement. […] Along with Iverson, O’Neal’s teammate and Turkish national Semih Erdem would be a great reference for Besiktas. […] The team’s management has already begun working on preparing a deal for next season.”
(Thanks to SLAMonline contributor Yusuf Atahan Erim for the deft translation.)
