David Zalubowski/AP
Onuralp Bitim is a rookie in the NBA. Given his basketball experience, however, it’s almost unfair to characterize him that way.
Long before he signed a two-way contract with the Bulls last summer, which was converted to a standard deal last week, Bitim’s professional career began in Turkey at just 17 years old.
‘‘Playing professionally since such a young age helped me a lot because, in the end, basketball is universal,’’ Bitim said.
Bitim had played in only two games for the Bulls before their double-overtime victory Wednesday against the Cavaliers.