This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Mehmet Okur faces an important test.
The veteran Jazz center has a doctor appointment Tuesday, which will evaluate his status following three weeks of rehabilitation to address inflammation in his lower back due to a chronic disc problem.
Okur said Monday that he feels better, and Utah coach Tyrone Corbin acknowledged that Okur has made progress during recent weeks. But for Okur to return to action, he must first receive a medical greenlight. Even if that happens, he will have to go through several practice sessions to work his way back into game shape.
"I've been resting, getting rehab," Okur said. "Doing cardio. Nothing running, nothing jump. And not much basketball, to be honest."
After being a veritable iron man through the first eight years of his career, the 31-year-old Okur has struggled with injuries this season while recovering from left Achilles tendon surgery. He has played in 13 of the Jazz's 61 games, dealing with everything from an ankle sprain to back pain.
No more
Jazz general manger Kevin O'Connor said it is unlikely Utah will add a player via the waiver wire. Teams must make an addition by 9:59 tonight for an athlete to be eligible for the playoffs.
Veterans Mike Bibby, Corey Brewer and Leon Powe were among the players still available Monday afternoon. But after making a blockbuster trade last week that sent Deron Williams to New Jersey and brought Devin Harris and Derrick Favors to Utah, O'Connor said the Jazz are already dealing with too much late-season change to make another move. The expected eventual return of Okur also factors into the decision.
"I think I'd rather stay where we're at," O'Connor said. "I think a lot of teams that don't pick up somebody [before the trade deadline] look at the waiver wire to add that one piece. We've got two of our top six kids that are new."
Still available
Corbin said that rookie Gordon Hayward is still in the Jazz's immediate plans.
Hayward did not play Saturday during a road loss to Detroit. But Corbin said the forward's lack of action was attributed to the Pistons going small, and wasn't related to Hayward's rotational position now that Favors has been added to the team.
Utah has 14 players on its roster after dealing with 13 most of the season. Hayward and fellow rookie Jeremy Evans have seen their time cut since the Jazz dealt Williams.
"Gordon will play," Corbin said. "He's made some strides thus far in the season, and I think he'll continue to make those strides."
Twitter: tribjazz
Check The Tribune's Jazz Notes blog at sltrib.com/Blogs/jazznotes for exclusive news, interviews, video and analysis.