Enes Kanter and Mehmet Okur visiting the Sorenson Multicultural Center in October, 2014.

During his tenure as a player with the Utah Jazz, few captured the imagination of fans like sharpshooting big man Mehmet Okur. The impact Okur had on the organization in the previous decade was crucial in elevating the squad to a level of success not seen since the days of John Stockton and Karl Malone.

While there has been no indication of the team’s intention to retire his jersey number as I suggested they do earlier this year, Okur is in the midst of a personal milestone. The 2007 NBA All-Star and Jazz legend is celebrating his 36th birthday today!

If not for the Achilles tendon rupture that effectively ended his time as a player, the six-foot-eleven Okur could be closing out his career behind Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert today. The team could definitely use a stretch big in the mold of the Money Man. As it stands, Okur remains a part of the Jazz organization as a consultant and ambassador for the team.

As great as it was to see Okur’s Jazz teammates Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams receive various honors from the league and represent the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star Game, very few things have been as satisfying as seeing Memo himself play in the league’s mid-season classic in 2007.

Not even Shaquille O’Neal could withstand the brand of lockdown defense for which Memo was famous. Right?

In all seriousness, I’m pleased to wish Memo a wonderful birthday and many happy returns on behalf of our team and Jazz fans everywhere. His money shots and engaging personality have left an indelible mark on all of Jazzland.