This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Money Man is back on the payroll.Mehmet Okur, who spent seven seasons with the Utah Jazz, his been hired as a team ambassador. According to a press release, the retired big man will "aid the franchise's alumni, community and fan relations efforts while also assisting the Jazz's business development. In addition, Okur may provide assistance to Jazz basketball operations.""Memo quickly became a fan favorite when he arrived in Utah and has maintained that popularity to this day," Jazz President Randy Rigby said in a press release. "Having spent the majority of his career here, he has always been a Jazzman and has maintained strong ties to the team and community. Adding someone of such great character is a tremendous addition for our organization. Whether it be working in the community, with our corporate partners or with fellow Jazz alumni, Memo is an ideal fit for us."Okur signed with the Jazz in 2004 after winning an NBA title as a member of the Detroit Pistons. In seven seasons in Utah, Okur averaged better than 15 points and seven rebounds a game.Okur, a native of Turkey, is among the franchise leaders in a number of categories:• Fourth for three-pointers made (517)• Fifth for three-pointers attempted (1,358)• Ninth in scoring (7,255) blocked shots• Ninth in blocked shots (346)• Tenth in rebounding (3,599)
— Aaron Falk