National Basketball Association

Jazz give up on Okur's return for regular season

Published Mar. 17, 2011 5:32 a.m. ET

foxsports

Utah Jazz center Mehmet Okur is out for the rest of the regular season because of continued issues with his lower back and Achilles' tendon.

Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor made the announcement following Wednesday night's 119-104 victory over Minnesota.

O'Connor said the 6-foot-11 Okur, who is in his ninth NBA season and was an All-Star in 2007, is discouraged and disappointed that he won't be able to help the Jazz as they try to get back in the playoff race.

But he said the back issues prevent Okur from running to keep the Achilles' strengthened.

Okur ruptured his left Achilles' in the playoffs last season. He missed the first 27 games this season while recovering, then missed 24 games because of a lower-back strain.

O'Connor said there's a slight chance Okur could return if the Jazz make the playoffs but he said he expects him back to full health next season.