This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Cleveland — Jazz center Mehmet Okur is inactive tonight against the Cavaliers due to a right ankle sprain. He suffered the injury during pregame warmups, after tripping over teammate Kyrylo Fesenko while attempting a layup during a one-on-drill.
"It wasn't his fault," Okur said. "It just happened."
Okur's right foot has been placed in a large protective boot. He does not know how long he will be out, and is unsure whether he will be able to practice Tuesday or play Wednesday against Minnesota. He does not believe the injury is serious, though, and the boot is being used as a precautionary measure.
Okur made his season debut Friday against New Orleans after missing Utah's first 26 games of the season following left Achilles tendon surgery. He averaged 2.5 points, 0.5 rebounds and 12 minutes during two contests, shooting 22 percent from the field.
"It's definitely tough feeling, because I tried to get back and get my normal routine, the rhythm," Okur said.
He did not deal with any right ankle-issues during his rehab, and cannot recall the last time he suffered an injury to the area.
"It's been a long time," Okur said.
With the veteran center out, rookie forwards Gordon Hayward and Jeremy Evans will be active against the Cavaliers.
— Brian T. Smith
Twitter: tribjazz