"Jazz center Mehmet Okur said Monday that his return is not imminent and there is still no timetable for his activation. However, Okur added that he will definitely play this season.

"I don't even know when I'm coming back," said Okur, following a morning shootaround at EnergySolutions Arena.

Okur's statement followed an interview conducted Monday by Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor, during which O'Connor clarified comments made Sunday night by team president Randy Rigby. Rigby told a local TV station that Okur's return was quickly approaching, and could be within a week or two. Okur and O'Connor said that Rigby simply became excited after recently watching the veteran big man practice.

Rigby did not return a message seeking comment.

O'Connor said that there are three issues that will determine when Okur is ready to take the court. His conditioning must be game-ready and he must feel comfortable. In addition, the team has to watch the center run without any visible setbacks.

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said that he was not aware of any change in Okur's status, stating again that he will not consider how Okur's activation could affect the team until it actually happens.

"Our job is to worry about when he sets down on the bench to play," Sloan said. "Up until that point, we can't give a lot of thought to it, because we've got to worry about the guys we've got.""