"Mehmet Okur faces an important test.

The veteran Jazz center has a doctor appointment Tuesday, which will evaluate his status following three weeks of rehabilitation to address inflammation in his lower back due to a chronic disc problem.

Okur said Monday that he feels better, and Utah coach Tyrone Corbin acknowledged that Okur has made progress during recent weeks. But for Okur to return to action, he must first receive a medical greenlight. Even if that happens, he will have to go through several practice sessions to work his way back into game shape.

"I've been resting, getting rehab," Okur said. "Doing cardio. Nothing running, nothing jump. And not much basketball, to be honest."

After being a veritable iron man through the first eight years of his career, the 31-year-old Okur has struggled with injuries this season while recovering from left Achilles tendon surgery. He has played in 13 of the Jazz's 61 games, dealing with everything from an ankle sprain to back pain."