The Canadian big man returns to the competition after seven seasons away
Fenerbahce brings Khem Birch back to the EuroLeague
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Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has added strength and athleticism to its frontcourt with the addition of veteran center Khem Birch, who has signed a one-year deal.
Birch (2.06 meters, 31 years old) is a six-year NBA veteran, but spent the second part of last season with Basquet Girona, where he posted 8.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in 12 Spanish League games.
Birch returns to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague having played in the competition in the 2016-17 season with Olympiacos Piraeus. That year, he helped the team reach the championship game, which the Reds lost against Fenerbahce. He averaged 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in an Olympiacos uniform.
Between Olympiacos and Girona, the Canadian spent six seasons in the NBA, suiting up with the Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors, and was also a member of the San Antonio Spurs. Birch appeared in a total of 298 NBA games, averaging 5.0 points and 4.4 rebounds. During those six years, he also spent time with the Lakeland Magic in the G League.
Birch played college basketball at University of Pittsburgh and University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and started his professional career with Sioux Falls in the D-League before arriving in Europe with Turkish side Usak Sportif in 2015.