Mehmet Okur vs. Shaquille O'Neal: Range vs. Power (2003)

November 18, 2003 - While Detroit Pistons head coach Larry Brown preferred he do the bulk of his damage inside, Mehmet Okur's natural inclination often led him drifting toward the perimeter, where he boasted a skill set rarely seen among 6-foot-11, 250-pound centers. In the Pistons' first regular season matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, Okur's perimeter emphasis served as a stark contrast to Shaquille O'Neal's post game of doom. Okur traded baskets with O'Neal, finishing with 13 points in 23 minutes during his team's 106-96 win. O'Neal, plagued by foul trouble throughout, countered with 20.

Following the midseason acquisition of Rasheed Wallace, Okur saw his playing disappear into thin air. In a rematch with the Lakers in the 2004 NBA Finals, Okur played just 38 total minutes over the course of a five game series. His place in Larry Brown's doghouse, combined with Detroit's inability to afford both Okur and Rasheed Wallace going forward, led to Okur's signing with the Utah Jazz during the 2004 offseason.

Upon his arrival in Salt Lake City, Okur remained diplomatic.

"Last year, especially at the beginning, we didn't understand each other well. Then we got better every day," Okur said. "I don't have problem with him. I think he's a good coach, and he likes to work hard. He's likes to win. That's Larry Brown."

Okur went on to become a fan favorite in Utah, developing into an NBA all-star with a penchant for coming up big in the clutch.

Deseret article on Okur's deal with the Jazz: https://www.deseret.com/2004/10/25/19...

Pistons-Lakers box score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/...