Mehmet Okur

Mehmet Okur is a Turkish professional basketball player, currently playing for the Utah Jazz. He is the first player from Turkey ever to participate in the NBA All-Star game, as well as the first player ever to win an NBA Championship. Okur is widely regarded for his versatility with his 6'11 height and his ability to shoot the three point shot, for which he has held the Jazz franchise record for most three pointers in a single season.¹

Fast Facts

1. Born: May 26, 1979 ¹
2. Birth Place: Yalova, Turkey
3. Position: Center
4. Height: 6'11"
5. Weight: 263 lbs
6. Jersey: 13
7. NBA All-Star in 2007¹
8. Married former Miss Turkey Yeliz Caliskan¹

Early Life

Mehmet Okur was born in Yalova, Turkey on May 26, 1979. He would play basketball with the 22 and under Turkish National Team and then Efes Pilsen in the Turkish Basketball League where he would win a championship. In 2001, he would declare himself eligible for the NBA Draft.¹

Pro Career

Okur would be selected with the 38th pick in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. In 2004, Okur would be a key role player off the bench for the Pistons as they won the NBA Championship. Okur would then sign with the Utah Jazz as a free agent. He would establish himself as a valuable member of the Jazz team earning his way into the starting rotation. He would also set the record for most three pointers in a single season for the Jazz franchise. He would also be named to the 2007 All-Star team being the first Turkish player ever to be elected to the NBA All-Star Game.¹

Mehmet Okur Timeline

• May 26, 1979: Born
• 2001: Selected by Detroit Pistons - 38th overall
• 2004: First player from Turkey to win a NBA Championship
• 2004: Signs with the Utah Jazz
• 2007: Named to NBA All-Star Team - first Turkish player to participate

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