Detroit Pistons (2002–2004)

Okur was selected 38th overall in the second round of the 2001 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons.^[7] He played two seasons for the Pistons from 2002–03 to 2003–04. On November 7, 2003, Okur led the Pistons to a 105–99 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, with a career-high 18 rebounds and 12 points.^[8] During the 2004 NBA playoffs, Okur helped Detroit win the NBA championship in June 2004. He became the first Turkish player to win an NBA championship. Due to salary cap limitations, the Pistons were unable to pay a top-level salary for Okur, and Okur was able to parlay his success into a six-year, US$50 million contract with the Utah Jazz.

Utah Jazz (2004–2011)

Okur signed with the Jazz on 27 July 2004 and played seven seasons in Utah from 2004 to 2011, spending the majority of his career with the team. Standing 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) and 290 lbs (132 kg),^[1] Okur played the center and power forward positions for the Jazz. In his first season (2004–2005) with Utah, he played in all 82 games, starting in 25 of them. Nicknamed "Memo", Okur made his presence felt during his second (2005–2006) season with Utah, increasing his scoring average from 12.9 points per game the previous season to 18.0 points per game. He started in all 82 games for the second straight season, the only Utah Jazz player to do so. In his third season, he continued to be a key player for Utah.^[9][10]

He was named to the Western Conference All-Star team for the 2007 NBA All-Star Game. He and Ray Allen were selected as replacements for injured original members Allen Iverson and Steve Nash.^[11] He was the first Turkish player to participate in this event.

On 12 January 2009, Okur scored a career-high in points with 43 against the Indiana Pacers during a 120-113 win.^[12]

On 10 July 2009 Okur signed a two-year contract extension reportedly worth approximately $21 million.^[13]

On 17 April 2010, Okur ruptured his Achilles' tendon during the first game of the post-season against the Denver Nuggets, eliminating him from the remainder of the NBA playoffs, as well as the World Basketball Championships in his native Turkey later that summer.

He returned on 17 December 2010 and scored 2 points against the New Orleans Hornets.

Türk Telekom Ankara (2011)

In September 2011, Okur signed a contract with Türk Telekom B.K. His contract had an out-clause, which allowed him to return to the NBA when the 2011 NBA lockout was resolved.^[14]

New Jersey Nets (2011–2012)

On 22 December 2011, Okur was traded to the New Jersey Nets for a 2015 second round pick (later used to select Pat Connaughton).^[15] This reunited him with former Jazz teammate, PG Deron Williams, who was traded to the Nets the previous season. Okur played 17 games for the Nets, averaging 7.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

On 15 March 2012, Okur was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers along with Shawne Williams and a 2012 first-round pick (later used to select Damian Lillard in exchange for Gerald Wallace.^[16]

He was waived by Portland on 21 March 2012.^[17]

Later in 2012, Okur decided to retire from basketball, citing injuries.^[18] In Okur's final 2 years in the league, he only played 30 games total. His final game being on January 25, 2012, where he recorded 11 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in a 97–90 win over the 76ers.

Regular season

^[19]

Playoffs