Erden Back With Ill Mother in Turkey

WASHINGTON — Boston Celtics center Semih Erden, who has been hampered by a sore groin injury, has returned to Turkey to be with his mother who is ill.

Justin Zanik, an agent for ASM Sports which represents Erden, told CSNNE.com on Monday night that the 7-foot rookie plans to rejoin the team prior to the C's playing at Golden State on Feb. 22.

"He is in Turkey now, and we are monitoring the situation," Zanik wrote in an email to CSNNE.com. "If all goes well, Semih will rejoin the team over All-Star weekend."

Erden has been among the biggest surprises for the Celtics this season.

Because of an unexpected rash of injuries at the center position, the Celtics have been forced to play him more than anyone anticipated.

"I feel very comfortable," Erden told CSNNE.com earlier this season. "It's nice for me, to play some my first year. That's a big chance, so I want to use [it]."

To his credit, Erden has risen to the challenge when called upon.

In 36 games this season, the 24-year-old has averaged 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. He has also started seven games, averaging 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds.

Maybe more significant than his numbers, has been the respect he has garnered from a team loaded with Hall of Fame players such as Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O'Neal who have gone out of their way at times to praise Erden for his play.

"I speak a language that he understands," O'Neal said. "He's a young guy. I've seen his tape. I was a fan of his; I saw what he can do. It's just a great opportunity for a guy from Turkey to be another great Turkish player, come over here and do well in the NBA."

And as well as Erden has played at times this season, O'Neal is among those convinced he'll be even better with experience.

"I know one thing," O'Neal said. "When he goes back to Turkey next year for the summer games, he's going to be deadly. He's going to be a machine."


112288

thanks for posting all these updates 1122

hows chloe?

Thanks for asking. She is in a good frame of mind and we are going through a series of tests to pin point her problem Vision coming back slow in her right eye.

Hope you are feeling better and I pray for you as well!

Thanks again 112288

well that sounds like things are easing in the right direction...so glad

Wow, that sounds great, 112288. Very encouraging. Please tell Chloe we're proud of her for hanging in there. And her family deserves a load of credit too.

Looking forward to the next report.

Sam

Thanks Dick...Everyone's thoughts and prayers really helped!

112288

112288,

Very happy to hear Chloe is making good progress.

Regards

Thanks NY!

112288

Blueberries.

Great news! Tell Chloe to keep plugging. The fight is well worth it! Take it from someone who has been fighting all kinds of problems since I was 16.

God bless her, and give her our best wishes.

Rosalie

Thank you Rosalie, I'll pass it on!

112288