Mehmet Okur, a Turkish professional basketball player, became known for his unique skill set as a center who could shoot from long range. Born on May 26, 1979, in Yalova, Turkey, Okur began his basketball journey in his home country before making his way to the NBA. His career in the NBA started when he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft, with the 38th overall pick.
Okur's NBA career took off with the Detroit Pistons, where he played a crucial role as a backup center. During his time with the Pistons, Okur was part of the team that won the NBA Championship in 2004. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting was an asset to the Pistons, providing them with a different dimension in their offensive game. Despite being a backup, his contributions were valuable to the team's success during their championship run.
In 2004, Okur signed with the Utah Jazz as a free agent, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. With the Jazz, Okur became a starting center and one of the team's primary offensive options. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc made him a difficult matchup for opposing centers, who were not accustomed to defending players with his shooting range. Okur's presence on the court helped the Jazz space the floor, allowing for more dynamic offensive plays.
During his tenure with the Utah Jazz, Okur was selected to the NBA All-Star Game in 2007, a testament to his performance and importance to the team. That season, he averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility as a big man. Okur's shooting prowess was particularly evident in his three-point shooting, where he consistently ranked among the top shooting centers in the league.
Okur's time with the Jazz was marked by several playoff appearances, where he played a significant role in the team's success. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations was evident in the 2007 NBA Playoffs, where he helped lead the Jazz to the Western Conference Finals. Although the team fell short of reaching the NBA Finals, Okur's performances were instrumental in their deep playoff run.
Injuries began to take a toll on Okur's career, particularly during the later years with the Jazz. A ruptured Achilles tendon in 2010 significantly affected his playing time and performance. Despite his efforts to return to form, Okur struggled to regain his previous level of play. In 2011, he was traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he played a limited number of games before being traded again to the Portland Trail Blazers. However, he did not play any games for the Blazers and was eventually waived.
After his NBA career, Okur briefly played in the Turkish Basketball League before retiring from professional basketball. His career remains a testament to his unique skill set as a shooting center, a rarity in the NBA during his playing days.
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