This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
The Jazz officially signed new head coach Tyrone Corbin to a multiyear contact, the team said Wednesday night.
Corbin spent seven years as an assistant on Jerry Sloan's staff before replacing him Feb. 10.
Corbin is only the fourth head coach in the Utah era of the franchise, following Tom Nissalke, Frank Layden and Sloan.
"I am confident that Tyrone is the right man to lead this team into the future," Jazz CEO Greg Miller said in a statement.
"[He] has embraced the core philosophies and ideals this organization holds true. I feel that his character and leadership qualities will be true assets to the Jazz."
Corbin, 48, played for nine teams during a 16-year career in the NBA. He spent three seasons with the Jazz (1991-94).
"I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Jazz and to follow a legendary figure like coach Sloan," Corbin said. "I am truly grateful that the Miller family has the confidence in me to allow me to lead this team."
Jazz fully aware they 'have to pick it up'
For the Jazz, it's last-stand time.
If Utah wants to participate in the playoffs for the 25th time in the past 28 seasons, it needs a quick about-face.
Heading into Thursday night's game against Denver, the Jazz are 10th in the Western Conference.
After a 27-13 start, they have lost 16 of their past 21 games.
"It's going to be a tough fight," said Corbin, who is 1-6 since replacing Sloan.
"Teams behind us are close to us, and teams ahead of us are playing well. So we have to pick it up and win ballgames."
During its slide, Utah has lost six straight games at EnergySolutions Arena.
It's the Jazz's longest home losing streak since 1982, when they dropped 12 straight in the Salt Palace. The Jazz have 21 games remaining, including 10 at home.
They play 13 games against teams that are above .500, including two against Denver, New Orleans and the Lakers.
Utah has eight games remaining against teams currently residing in the logjam between fourth and 12th place in the West.
"Every game against everybody is big for us right now," Corbin said. "We need to get out and get some wins so we can feel good about what we've got going."
Okur cleared for workouts
Memo Okur is cleared to resume light workouts, but there's no timetable for his return from a back injury.
Okur tore his Achilles tendon during a first-round playoff series last April in Denver.
After returning in December, he played in 13 games before injuring his back on Jan. 28 against Minnesota.
Okur hasn't played since the 108-100 win against the Timberwolves, but a visit to physician Graham Hill on Tuesday cleared the way for him to resume practicing.
"He's getting better," said Corbin. "He has been working his butt off trying to get back, and we look forward to him coming back when he's ready."
Okur is taking this comeback "step-by-step. I'm jogging, shooting. In a few days, I'll see how I feel. If I'm OK, I'll start doing more stuff. Every day, hopefully, more and more."
Asked if he planned to play again this season, Okur said, "Oh, yeah, definitely. I should be all right."
As far as a timetable for his return, Okur said, "I wish I had one."