Mehmet Okur has decided to end his basketball playing careeer, announcing his retirement, according to NTVSpor.net (Turkish link; translation via Sportando). According to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando, Okur cited his recent injury history as the primary reason for his retirement — he was limited to 13 games in 2010/11 and 17 in 2011/12.
"I want to thank my family, my coaches, my teammates, the officials who have contributed to my career," Okur told NTVSpor, according to Sportando's translation. "And then I want to say thanks to the fans who always supported me."
Okur, 33, spent 10 seasons in the NBA, with the Pistons, Jazz, and Nets. He was also traded to the Trail Blazers last season, though that was just for salary purposes, and he didn't play a single game for Portland. For his career, Okur averaged 13.5 PPG and 7.0 RPG, compiling a 17.1 PER. According to Basketball-Reference, he earned upwards of about $73MM during his NBA career.
While Okur seems to be ending his playing career, it wouldn't be a shock to see him attempt a comeback at some point down the road. At just 33 years old, he still appeared to be drawing a little NBA interest this offseason, though not at the price he was seeking, which was more than the minimum.
Wasn’t he drafted higher than Carmelo Anthony in the same draft? If so, it’s a real tribute to “dumb”…..
You are thinking of Milicic. good try though
there’s this thing called the internet – use it if youre not sure
Sad to see Memo go! He had some great years with the Jazz, and was a class act!