Learning the history behind the Jazz will only make you love
them more. Here are some of the most interesting factoids about Utah’s beloved
roundball squad:
- The Jazz were established in New Orleans in
1974. Their name comes from the dictionary definition of the word Jazz – “a
collective improvisation.” During its first two seasons, the Jazz played at
Loyola Field in New Orleans, which had such an elevated court that the NBA
mandated nets be put around the court to prevent player injury.
- The Jazz moved to Utah in 1979 after financial
troubles plagued the team in New Orleans. The team focused on rebuilding from
1979-1984, but still managed to net the franchise’s second playoff appearance
during that time.
- In 1984, Hall of Famer John Stockton was
drafted. Fans were extremely unhappy with the selection; so much so that he was
booed at the NBA Draft. Karl Malone was drafted the next year in 1985, and the
dynamic duo of Stockton and Malone was born.
- Jerry Sloan was announced as the new Jazz head coach
in 1988 and the pieces started coming together. However, despite regular season
dominance, they could not seem to advance beyond their division in the playoffs.
- In the 1996-1997 season, the Jazz finally put
everything together and dominated throughout the regular season and advanced to
the NBA Finals. Despite losing to the Chicago Bulls, this season is widely
regarded as the most successful in Jazz history, especially since Karl Malone took
home MVP honors that year. The Jazz returned to the finals the next season for
a rematch with the Bulls, but went on to lose in six games.
- The 2001-2002 season saw the end of an era when
John Stockton retired and Karl Malone was traded. The Jazz spent the next few
years rebuilding the team and the Jazz returned to the playoffs in 2006. In
2009, Kyle Korver set the NBA record for highest regular-season 3-point
percentage.
- Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan retired in 2011
and was replaced by his assistant Tyrone Corbin, who would only coach the team
for 3 years. In 2014, Quinn Snyder was hired as head coach.
- The Jazz headed back to the playoffs in 2016
after a three-year drought. The future is bright for the Jazz as they continue
to build around young star, Gordon Hayward.
With so much history surrounding the Jazz organization, it’s no wonder fans don’t want to miss a minute of action. If you are looking to relocate closer to the Jazz to catch more games in person, consider hiring a trusted residential mover in Salt Lake City to make your transition easy and efficient.
Mountain State Moving & Storage has been a reliable Utah long-distance mover since 1964. To learn more about our comprehensive relocation services or affordable Salt Lake City storage facilities, give us a call or complete the online request form for a free, no-obligation estimate.
