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Utah Jazz

NBA team based in Salt Lake City

The Utah Jazz, originally from New Orleans, have a storied history in the NBA. Led by legends like John Stockton and Karl Malone, the team reached its peak in the 1990s with two NBA Finals appearances. In recent years, the Jazz have seen success with players like Deron Williams, Rudy Gobert, and Donovan Mitchell, culminating in the best regular season record in 2020–21. The team is currently in a rebuilding phase with a focus on emerging talent like Lauri Markkanen.

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Timeline

The Utah Jazz are a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were established in 1974 as the New Orleans Jazz before relocating to Utah in 1979.

Utah Jazz Establishment

The Utah Jazz were established in 1974 as the New Orleans Jazz before relocating to Utah in 1979.

New Orleans Jazz basketball team established

The New Orleans Jazz basketball team was established on April 22, 1974. The team's name was inspired by the famous jazz music culture of New Orleans.

New Orleans Jazz admitted into the NBA

The New Orleans Jazz were granted an expansion franchise into the NBA on June 7, 1974. The team chose the name as a tribute to the city's musical heritage and began playing in the 1974-75 season.

Utah Jazz Establishment

The Utah Jazz were established in 1979 after relocating from New Orleans where they were known as the New Orleans Jazz.

Utah Jazz relocation from New Orleans

The Utah Jazz relocated from New Orleans to Salt Lake City on June 8, 1979. This move marked a significant change in the team's history and location.

Utah Jazz established

The New Orleans Jazz team was sold to a group of businessmen in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1979 and became the Utah Jazz on June 26, 1979.

Utah Jazz establishment

The Utah Jazz was established in 1980 and has been based in Utah for more than four decades.

Jazz's financial struggles and on-court success

In 1983, the Jazz faced financial difficulties and resorted to playing games in Las Vegas to increase profitability. Despite these challenges, the team had a successful season on the court, winning the Midwest Division.

First NBA Finals appearance

The Utah Jazz made their first NBA Finals appearance in 1984, showcasing their competitiveness in the league.

Karl Malone Joins the Team in the NBA Draft

In the 1985 NBA draft, the Utah Jazz added Karl Malone from Louisiana Tech, who had an immediate impact in the 1985-86 season. Malone averaged 14.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.

Stockton and Malone take over as franchise faces

After the trade of Adrian Dantley in the 1986 off-season, John Stockton and Karl Malone became the key figures and faces of the Utah Jazz franchise.

Utah Jazz move to Delta Center

Since the 1991-92 season, the Utah Jazz have played their home games at the Delta Center. This venue has been the team's home court for many years.

Utah Jazz Lost Western Conference Finals

In 1996, the Utah Jazz lost in the Western Conference Finals. The team was led by head coach Jerry Sloan and star player Karl Malone.

Utah Jazz NBA Finals appearance against Chicago Bulls

In 1997, the Utah Jazz made their first NBA Finals appearance against the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan. Although they lost, it was a significant achievement for the team.

Utah Jazz Lost Western Conference Semifinals

In 1999, the Utah Jazz lost in the Western Conference Semifinals. The team led by head coach Jerry Sloan and star player Karl Malone fell short in the playoffs.

Injuries affecting Utah Jazz performance

During the 2004–05 season, injuries to key players such as Arroyo, Raúl López, Boozer, and Kirilenko played a significant role in the team's decline, leading to their worst season since 1981–82.

Improvement and All-Star selections

During the 2006–07 season, the Utah Jazz significantly improved, finishing with a 51–31 record. Boozer and Okur were selected as All-Stars, and Deron Williams excelled in assists, ranking third in the league.

Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets in NBA Playoffs

Utah Jazz faced the Houston Rockets in a close-fought match-up in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The series was intense, with each of the first six games being won by the home team.

Death of Jazz owner Larry H. Miller

On February 20, 2009, Jazz owner Larry H. Miller passed away due to complications from diabetes. His son, Greg Miller, took over as the new CEO of the team.

Jerry Sloan Resigns from Utah Jazz

In 2011, Jerry Sloan abruptly resigned from the Utah Jazz due to conflicts with team management and players, including Deron Williams.

Jazz Draft Kevin Murphy and Make Off-Season Moves

In the 2012 draft, the Jazz selected Kevin Murphy with the No. 47 overall pick. They also signed Mo Williams and Randy Foye, re-signed Jeremy Evans and Tinsley, while C. J. Miles signed with Cleveland. Andrei Kirilenko did not re-sign with the Jazz. Dennis Lindsey became general manager and Kevin O'Connor vice president of basketball operations.

Rudy Gobert Joins Utah Jazz

Rudy Gobert was selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets but was traded to the Utah Jazz. He signed his rookie contract with the Jazz on July 6, 2013.

Utah Jazz Eliminated from Playoff Contention

On March 14, 2014, the Jazz were officially eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, ending their postseason hopes for that season.

Jazz Draft Dante Exum and Rodney Hood

The Jazz earned the 5th pick in the 2014 NBA draft and selected Dante Exum. They also picked Rodney Hood with the 23rd pick. Jarnell Stokes was selected with the 35th pick but traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Quin Snyder Becomes Head Coach of Utah Jazz

On June 6, 2014, Quin Snyder was named the head coach of the Utah Jazz, signing a three-year contract with a team option for a fourth. He replaced Tyrone Corbin and had previous coaching experience with several NBA teams.

Jazz Logo and Uniform Update

In May 2016, the Utah Jazz updated their logos and uniforms, selecting a new wordmark logo as their primary logo and introducing new home and road uniform designs. The team discontinued the use of the mountain logo that had been in use since 1996.

Utah Jazz wins first playoff series since 2010

The Utah Jazz finished the 2016-17 season with a 51-31 record and qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the fifth seed in the Western Conference. They defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games in the first round, marking their first playoff series win since 2010.

Donovan Mitchell drafted by Utah Jazz

Donovan Mitchell was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets, who then traded Mitchell's rights to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Trey Lyles. This marked the beginning of Mitchell's career with the Jazz.

Gordon Hayward signs with Boston Celtics

Gordon Hayward, after a breakout season in 2017 with the Utah Jazz, left the team to sign with the Boston Celtics as a free agent on July 4, 2017. His decision was announced in a letter published by The Players' Tribune.

Utah Jazz secures no. 5 seed in 2018 NBA playoffs

After a strong finish to the 2017-18 season, the Utah Jazz secured the no. 5 seed in the 2018 NBA playoffs. They went on to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round before losing to the Houston Rockets in the Second Round.

Ownership Change

Ryan Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics, purchased the Utah Jazz from the Miller family, ensuring the team remains in Utah.

Rudy Gobert's Contract Extension

Rudy Gobert signed a five-year, $205 million contract extension with the Utah Jazz, making it the third-largest contract in NBA history for a center.

Quin Snyder Named All-Star Game Coach

Quin Snyder was announced as the head coach of the Western Conference team for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, the first Jazz coach to receive this honor since 1984.

Elijah Millsap Alleges Racist Remark

Former Jazz forward Elijah Millsap alleged that then-general manager Dennis Lindsey made a racist remark during an interview in 2015, leading to an investigation by the Jazz organization.

Dwyane Wade's Ownership Stake

Dwyane Wade acquired a minority ownership stake in the Utah Jazz and was expected to be involved in team operations.

Utah Jazz Clinch Best Regular Season Record

The Jazz defeated the Sacramento Kings to secure the best regular season record in the NBA for the first time in franchise history.

Rudy Gobert Trade to Timberwolves

On July 1, 2022, the Utah Jazz traded Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for multiple players, draft picks, and pick swaps.

Donovan Mitchell Trade to Cavaliers

On September 1, 2022, the Utah Jazz traded Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and future draft picks.

Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt Trade

On February 8, 2023, the Utah Jazz traded Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt to the Los Angeles Lakers and other players to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team trade.

Lauri Markkanen All-Star Starter

Due to injuries, Lauri Markkanen was named an All-Star starter in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, where he also participated in the Three-Point Contest.

End of the Timeline
Utah Jazz

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