Professional Career
The Utah Jazz selected Ostertag with the 28th pick in the first round of the 1995 NBA Draft. The Jazz hoped he could fill a void in the team's defense created by the retirement of Mark Eaton a few seasons earlier. Ostertag saw limited action in his rookie year, but emerged as Utah's starting center during his second season. The Jazz made back-to-back appearances in the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, with Ostertag providing strong defense in the playoffs against the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O'Neal.
Envisioning him as a potentially dominant defender in the future, the Jazz signed Ostertag to a long-term contract extension worth $39 million over six years. However, throughout the remainder of his career, Ostertag struggled with poor physical conditioning and inconsistent play, much to the chagrin of his coaches and teammates. Also, he constantly frustrated Jazz fans with his clumsiness and lack of skill on offense. Nevertheless, Ostertag made valuable contributions to the team on the defensive side of the floor, providing size and intimidation in the paint. He never played full starter-level minutes, thus hindering his overall statistical totals, but he was one of the most efficient shot-blockers in the league during his career. He led the NBA in blocked shot percentage twice (in 2000 and 2002) and was particularly good at controlling the ball after blocking a shot.
Ostertag's contract expired in 2004, making him a free agent in the league. After nine seasons in Utah, he joined the Sacramento Kings. He played one year in Sacramento, before the Kings sent him back to Utah in a "mega-trade" that involved five teams and 13 players - the largest trade in NBA history. Ostertag played one final season (2005-06) with the Jazz, seeing limited action. He played his final game on April 19 - a home contest against the Golden State Warriors. Having previously announced his retirement, and that game being the last of the season, Ostertag received a standing ovation from Jazz fans. He played 3:36 in the game, all in the first quarter. Fittingly, he blocked a shot and grabbed a rebound - and missed two free throws. The Jazz won the game, giving the team a final record of 41-41 for the year, ensuring that Ostertag retired having never played for a losing team for his entire NBA career.
In December 2011, Ostertag returned to professional basketball. He signed with the Texas Legends of the NBA Development League. However, after playing 10 games with the Legends, he ended his comeback due to knee injury.
Read more about this topic: Greg Ostertag
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