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Utah Jazz Team History

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Utah Jazz




  • 1979
  • 1984 - 2003
  • 1985
  • Jazz Move to Utah

    Moving to Utah

    Despite being barely competitive, the Jazz drew well during their first five years. However, by 1979 the franchise was sinking financially. Barry Mendelson, the team’s executive vice president for most of the early years, said one factor in the financial trouble was an 11 percent amusement tax, the highest in the nation at the time. The team also couldn’t attract ...
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  • Malone and Stockton - Utah Jazz

    Stockton and Malone era – Two Finals Losses

    The Jazz was finally able to capitalize on regular-season success. In 1996 – 1997, the Jazz had their best record in franchise history (64–18), and won the Midwest Division, and finished with the best record in the Western Conference. The team was made up of the players, Stockton, Malone, and Hornacek, as well as Bryon Russell, Antoine Carr, Howard Eisley, ...
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  • Larry Miller Jazz Owner

    New Owner Larry Miller

    Miller became a co-owner of the Utah Jazz when he purchased a 50% interest in the team on April 11, 1985, for $9.5 million. On June 16, 1986, he purchased the remaining 50% from Sam Battistone for $17.3 million. Miller built the Vivint Smart Home Arena (formerly the Delta Center) in downtown Salt Lake City to house the Jazz NBA ...
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History of the Jazz

The Utah Jazz has been a staple in the National Basketball Association (NBA) since its inception in 1974. The team has seen its fair share of success and struggles, but no matter what they always remain competitive. From the early days of Pete Maravich to John Stockton and Karl Malone leading them to two NBA Finals appearances, the Jazz is one of basketball's most beloved franchises.

The Jazz began as an expansion team from New Orleans called “the Pelicans” before relocating to Salt Lake City for their second season in 1975-76 under new ownership and a new name - The Utah Jazz. After some initial growing pains, things started turning around when they drafted Hall-of-Fame guard Pete Maravich with the third overall pick in 1976 – he would go on to lead them into playoff contention for three consecutive seasons from 1977–79 before being traded away prior to his fourth season with the franchise due largely financial reasons. During this time frame, however; fans were introduced not only to "Pistol" Pete but also future Hall of Famers Adrian Dantley & Mark Eaton who both played significant roles during these years as well which helped set up what was yet to come down the road ahead for this organization over next several decades that followed.

In 1983 John Stockton joined Karl Malone on the roster after being drafted by jazz 16th overall, and together created one of greatest duos ever witnessed in league history; leading way 4 conference championships, and 2 NBA finals appearances along the way while becoming all-time leader assists steals respectively throughout the course there 20-year playing career tandem. Although never able to win the championship title end day despite coming close twice late 90s against Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan dynasty teams it still stands testament greatness combination brought table help make Utah Jazz a household name within sports basketball worldwide.





Established
1974

City
New Orleans – Salt Lake City

League History
1974 – Present / National Basketball Association

Team History
1979 – Present / Utah Jazz
1974 – 1979 / New Orleans Jazz

Nickname
Jazz – The team originated in New Orleans in 1974 as the Jazz and club officials decided to keep the name after relocating to Salt Lake City in 1979.

Championship
NBA Championships 0

Arena
2015 – Present / Vivint Smart Home Arena
2006 – 2015 / EnergySolutions Arena
1991 – 2005 / Delta Center
1979 – 1991 / Salt Palace

*New Orleans*
1975 – 1979 / Louisiana Superdome
1974 – 1975 / Municipal Auditorium & Loyola Field House

Owner
2020 - Present / Ryan Smith
2009 – 2020 / Greg and Gail Miller
1986 – 2009 / Larry Miller
1985 – 1986 / Sam Battistone and Larry Miller
1974 – 1985 / Sam Battistone

Who is the greatest Utah Jazz?
  • Add your greatest player

To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.

Retired Number
1 / Frank Layden
4 / Adrian Dantley
7 / Pete Maravich
9 / Larry H. Miller
12 / John Stockton
14 / Jeff Hornacek
32 / Karl Malone
35 / Darrell Griffith
53 / Mark Eaton
1223 / Jerry Sloan
– / “Hot” Rod Hundley

*Blue is this team’s history

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