Breaking News: “Utah Is My Real Home” 44-Years Old Sends Message To Jazz Fans
“Despite not having played for the Utah Jazz since January 28, 2011, Mehmet Okur remains deeply connected to the state where he dedicated seven years of his NBA career. Okur recently shared his thoughts on his time in Utah and looked forward to his upcoming return to Salt Lake City as the Jazz honor their 2000s-era rosters on Thursday night.”
Mehmet Okur Feels At Home With Jazz, In Utah
The Turkish center joined the Jazz in 2004 as a free agent after winning a championship with the Detroit Pistons. Despite spending more time away from Utah than he did living there, Okur emphasized that his affection for the state remains unchanged. From the moment he arrives at the airport to various spots around the city like the hotel, arena, or simply grabbing a coffee, Okur feels the warmth and support from the locals.
January 10, 2005: Mehmet Okur's putback at the buzzer gave the @utahjazz a 97-96 win ending an 18-game losing streak to the Spurs. @MehmetOkur13 #KSLSportsArchive #TakeNote https://t.co/njylVJXAnA pic.twitter.com/CXeZ2WLByl
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JeremiahJensen) March 18, 2020
During his time with the Jazz, Okur made a total of 506 appearances in both regular season and playoff games, endearing himself to fans and earning the nickname “Money Man” for his clutch performances, as bestowed upon him by play-by-play announcer Craig Bolerjack.
Reflecting on his bond with the fans, Okur expressed gratitude for the enduring affection he receives, even when out with his family. His solid stats during his seven-year stint with the Jazz, averaging 15.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists with impressive shooting percentages, cemented his place as a beloved figure in Salt Lake City.
Okur confessed that the continued support from fans always uplifts his spirits, reaffirming his fondness for the city every time he returns.
Jazz To Honor Okur, Boozer, Williams, Kirilenko
Okur will be accompanied by Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams, and Andrei Kirilenko as they face the Charlotte Hornets in a celebration of the Utah Jazz’s 2000s rosters.
Together, the quartet amassed six All-Star selections, three All-NBA honors, and three All-Defensive Team recognitions. They played pivotal roles in the Jazz’s journey to the Conference Finals in 2007.
Okur’s contributions to the team place him among the franchise’s top ten in several categories, including three-pointers made (eighth), free throws (ninth), defensive rebounds (ninth), rebounds per game (tenth), and win shares (tenth).