Mehmet Okur has missed the last 22 games after suffering a strained lower back on January 28th.

Following a complete and in-depth evaluation with Okur, Jazz team orthopedist Dr. Lyle Mason, Utah Jazz medical staff and back rehabilitation specialist Dr. Graham Hill, Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced that it has been determined to be in Okur’s best interest to discontinue any further attempts to return to play this season.

“His efforts and determination to return from his combined left Achilles’ surgery and back issues may have put undue stress on his body,” said O’Connor. “We feel that a concentrated effort to return his back and Achilles’ conditions to acceptable levels is our main concern. Mehmet is expected to be at full speed for the start of the 2011-12 Jazz training camp.”