Up for auction the "Utah Jazz" Mehmet Okur Hand Signed 8X10 Color Photo. This item is certified authentic by Certified Authentic Service (CAS) and comes with their Certificate of Authenticity and matching hologram.

ES-855A

Mehmet Murat Okur (born 26 May 1979) is a Turkish retired professional basketball player. Listed at 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), he played as a power forward and center. He was known for his three-point shooting and ability to space the floor. In his 7 seasons with the Utah Jazz, Mehmet Okur emerged as one of the premier shooting players in the NBA. From 2004-10 Okur displayed a talent for making big shots in pressure situations - earning him the nickname of "The Money Man" and "Memo is Money" amongst Jazz fans. On 13 September 2016, Okur was named a player development coach for the Phoenix Suns, becoming the first Turkish citizen to enter the coaching world in the NBA. Standing 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) and 290 lbs (132 kg), Okur played the center and power forward positions for the Utah Jazz. In his first season (2004–2005) with Utah, he played in all 82 games, starting in 25 of them. Nicknamed "Memo", Okur made his presence felt during his second (2005–2006) season with Utah, increasing his scoring average from 12.9 points per game the previous season to 18.0 points per game. He started in all 82 games for the second straight season, the only Utah Jazz player to do so. In his third season, he continued to be a key player for Utah. He was named to the Western Conference All-Star team for the 2007 NBA All-Star Game. He and Ray Allen were selected as replacements for injured original members Allen Iverson and Steve Nash. He was the first Turkish player to participate in this event. On Monday, 12 January 2009, Okur established a new career high in points scored when he scored 43 points against the Indiana Pacers. On 10 July 2009 Okur signed a two-year contract extension reportedly worth approximately $21 million. On 17 April 2010, Okur ruptured his Achilles' tendon during the first game of the post-season against the Denver Nuggets, eliminating him from the remainder of the NBA playoffs, as well as the World Basketball Championships in his native Turkey later that summer. He returned on 17 December 2010 and scored 2 points against the New Orleans Hornets.