A prize Turkish import will seem exotic because he's a center who can score
After nine years the Greg Ostertag era is over in Utah -- a development, it can be said with some understatement, that is not being mourned by Jazz fans. Succeeding him at center is Mehmet Okur, who signed a six-year, $50 million contract in July. At 6'11" and 249 pounds he's not as huge as Ostertag, and he lacks Tag's just-took-my-Army-physical buzz cut, but he makes up for it with a blond-tinged, tail-in-the-back hairdo that looks as if it might scamper off his head. Like his predecessor, who moved on to Sacramento, Okur is also not what you would call ripped.
What he does possess, however, is something that Utah hasn't had in many years: offensive skills in the pivot. In his 22.3 minutes per game with the Pistons last season, Okur showcased an inside-outside game that included three-point range. Although not especially athletic, he is a good rebounder and position defender. He's also young (25) and eager to learn Jerry Sloan's system. "I like the way the Jazz play and the players they have," he says. "I'm very happy to be here."
It's safe to say that Okur is very happy in general. In the last six months he has won an NBA title, signed a set-for-life free-agent deal and married a former Miss Turkey. On top of that, after coming off the bench with Detroit, he is now a starter on a playoff contender. As he puts it, "Life is good."
But then, life is always good before the season starts. Okur was criticized for at-times lackadaisical play with the Pistons, and many in Salt Lake City are wondering whether he will inherit Ostertag's mantle as the prime target of Sloan's ire -- becoming, as it were, Ghostertag. "I heard coach Sloan likes to work hard and to discipline," Okur says, nodding seriously. "That's what I need."
Just keep saying that, Memo, and you'll be fine. --
Chris Ballard
