"There is no set timetable for his return to action, but Utah Jazz center Mehmet Okur has received the green light from his back specialist to increase his basketball-related activity.

Having just finished a three-week period of rest, cardio and rehab for his lower back, Okur has been approved for limited on-court activity that will "continue on an as-tolerates progression," according to a team spokesman.

Before Wednesday morning's practice, Okur said Dr. Graham Hill told him he could begin jogging and shooting and gradually up his participation level at practice.

Okur is trying to temper his excitement.

"I don't want to get too excited. When I get too excited (last time), the things didn't go too well for me," Okur said. "I think I've been overdoing it because I got excited last couple of times, so this time I'm going to take my time, be smart and get back to 100 percent before I play."

The past 10-plus months have been a struggle for Okur.

First, he ruptured his left Achilles tendon in the playoffs last April. Then after undergoing surgery and enduring an eight-month rehab for that injury, Okur returned to action, only to sprain his right ankle two games into his comeback.

Shortly after that mishap, Okur retweaked his lower back, which has given him problems in the past. The 6-foot-11 big man returned after missing just over a week, but he strained the back again three weeks later.

That series of setbacks has kept Okur out of 48 of the Jazz's 61 games this season.

Okur, whose 3-point shooting is sorely needed by the 32-29 Jazz, won't play tonight and likely not Saturday, and the team isn't sure whether he'll travel for next week's four-game road trip in New York, Toronto, Minnesota and Chicago."