I'm American, honey. Our names don't mean shit.

Greg Ostertag probably heard as many boos as he did cheers in 10 seasons playing for the Utah Jazz.

 

On Wednesday, any boos were overwhelmed by the cheering.

 

Ostertag ended his 11-year NBA career Wednesday with a few tears and waves goodbye as Jazz fans warmly greeted the player they had booed so often for his inconsistent play.

 

"That was fun. It was good to hear them cheer and it was a good way to go out," Ostertag said.

 

Ostertag cheered much more than contributing in Utah's 105-102 win over the Golden State Warriors. The 33-year-old center sat through much of this spring on the bench and had decided to retire this summer.

 

Ostertag didn't start for the Jazz in his 700th career game with Utah, but he was introduced to a loud ovation after the starting lineup was announced. Coach Jerry Sloan put Ostertag in during the first quarter to another ovation, but Ostertag played just 3:36.

 

"I wanted to play him some. He deserves it," Sloan said. "Contrary to what a lot of people have said about Greg, he does care and he wants to do the right thing."

 

Ostertag played 10 of his 11 seasons in Utah. The only year away was last season when he played in 55 games for the Sacramento Kings. Unless he changes his mind, Ostertag's career totals were 3,512 points, 3,445 rebounds and 1,227 blocks.

 

The 7-foot-2 Ostertag was best known for his buzz haircut, Texas drawl and sporadic game. He could score 20 points some nights and get shut out others. He and Sloan had several public spats, although the two have always maintained they were friends.

 

"Whatever he decides to do, I hope he does well," Sloan said.

 

Sloan said the Jazz brought Ostertag back last summer in a trade because he wanted the veteran's experience in the locker room. But the return, which was not perceived as a good move in the papers or in call-in shows, turned out to be a quiet one. Ostertag hardly played at all during the last two months.

 

He announced Monday that he was finished.

 

"I've had my ups and downs, but I believe in my heart that I had more ups than downs," Ostertag said. "I can't complain. Eleven years is a long time."