50seasons

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Gabby Hundman

The 2010s-themed game night is the final of five Decade Night celebrations recognizing 50 seasons of the franchise, presented by Delta Air Lines

In celebration of the 50th season of Jazz basketball, the Utah Jazz will continue their Decade Night series at Delta Center on March 12 against the Boston Celtics. With a spotlight on the 2010s, festivities will include in-arena entertainment influenced by the decade, a special alt-cast on Jazz+ featuring Jazz alumni Trevor Booker, Al Jefferson, and Ronnie Price, and other activations.&nbsp;

After a transformative 2000s decade, the Jazz set out to embrace a new generation of talented coaches and players throughout the 2010s that would fuel a new chapter in the team’s storied history.

Hall of Fame Head Coach Jerry Sloan ended his tenure with the Jazz in 2011 after 23 seasons at the helm and coaching a combined 1,223 regular and postseason games, and was followed by new head coaches, Tyrone Corbin (2011-14) and Quin Snyder (2014-22). The Jazz continued their competitive streak and made the postseason four times (2012, 2017, 2018, and 2019) during the decade, posting an overall record of 370-352.  Prior to the 2010-11 NBA season, Utah acquired standout big man Al Jefferson who spent three seasons with the franchise. He owned averages of 18.5 points on 49.4 percent from the field, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks and was an All-NBA Third Team selection in 2013-14. In the 2010 NBA Draft, the Jazz selected Gordon Hayward with the ninth overall pick, and the forward spent seven seasons with Utah, earning an All-Star selection in 2016-17 and helping the Jazz to the Western Conference Semifinals that same season. 

Jazz center Rudy Gobert was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2017-18 and 2018-19 with guard Donovan Mitchell bursting onto the scene in 2017-18, as runner-up for Rookie of the Year, helping Utah to two playoff appearances in the decade in 2018 and 2019, setting the table for the next era of Jazz basketball.

The Utah Jazz 2010s Decade Night programming includes:

Fans who subscribe to Jazz+ have another exclusive opportunity to enjoy the March 12 game alongside celebrated alumni and Jazz personalities through a special alt-cast – available only to subscribers of the team’s streaming service, featuring&nbsp; Jazzmen from the 2010s - Trevor Booker, Al Jefferson, and Ronnie Price - alongside current Jazz TV Host Alema Harrington and TV analyst Mike Smith.

Booker, known for his highlight reel moments including spectacular dunks and the memorable behind-the-back shot, emerged as a pivotal figure in Utah’s growth and was known for his leadership on the young emerging team. Jefferson quickly established himself as a powerhouse in the league, earning All-Rookie honors in 2004-05. During his three-year tenure with the Utah Jazz, he left his mark ranking eighth all-time for the franchise in points per game and fifth in rebounds per game. Signed to the Utah Jazz as a free agent in 2007, Price appeared in 113 games and became only the second Utah Valley University graduate to play in the NBA. He was inducted into the Utah Valley University Hall of Fame in 2010.&nbsp;

Utah Jazz x Stanley Decade-Night Collaboration

During the 2010s-themed Decade Night, the Utah Jazz and Stanley will release five limited-edition 40 oz. Charcoal Quenchers, each adorned with a prominent Utah Jazz logo from the decade it represents. Designed to honor the rich history of Jazz basketball, only 50 pieces of each decade-themed tumbler will be available for purchase, and each tumbler will have a laser-engraved serial number indicating its exclusivity in the 50-piece run.&nbsp;

The limited-edition tumblers will be available for purchase to ticketed fans attending the game. Each fan will be limited to one Utah Jazz x Stanley Quencher for each of the five decades.&nbsp;

The giveaway item on March 12 will be the last of five collectible posters. The limited-edition 2010s Decade Night poster was designed by Elias Stein, an independent illustrator from Decatur, IL, who focuses on the intersection of sports and pop culture. Encapsulating the essence of the era and influenced by defining trends, the artwork showcases the blue, green, and gold color palette of the Jazz in the 2010s, alongside celebrated symbols of the decade.

In addition to the collectible poster, the Item of the Game on March 12 will be a navy blue crew neck that incorporates elements from the poster across the front with the Jazz’s 50th season logo on the back. The special-edition sweatshirt will be available for purchase for $30 at the Utah Jazz Team Store.&nbsp;

The Decade Night merchandise partnership with New Era and Uprok Shop in Salt Lake City continues on March 12 as the last of five limited-edition apparel drops will be available for sale exclusively at the Utah Jazz Team Store.&nbsp;

The 2010s-themed merchandise was designed by the owner of Uprok Shop, Cameron Mason. The collection features two limited-edition hats embellished with ‘Jazz’ in graffiti-style lettering as well as a gray hoodie that features the iconic mountain design and blue, green, and gold color scheme. Fans will have the option to purchase a green or black New Era hat bearing the 2010s-themed design. Only 50 pieces of each item in the collection will be available for purchase.&nbsp;

Throughout the evening, Jazz fans will enjoy a series of in-game elements that pay tribute to the decade, ranging from special on-court appearances to music from the decade including a halftime performance by hip hop group Fast Life Yungstaz (FLY) performing their popular hit ‘Swag Surfin.’&nbsp;

Individuals or groups interested in reserving private space or clubs or in purchasing tickets can visit www.utahjazz.com or call or text the ticketing office at 801-355-DUNK.

The 2023-24 NBA season marks the 50th season for the Utah Jazz. The Jazz debuted as an NBA franchise in New Orleans in June 1974 and relocated to Salt Lake City in 1979. To date, the organization has had 337 players step on the court contributing to nine division titles and two Western Conference championships, along with 17 seasons of 50-plus wins. Utah is one of only nine teams to have a player earn Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man, and Most Improved Player awards in their franchise history. Through their alumni program, the Jazz continue to celebrate and support former players by keeping them connected to the storied franchise they helped build, with the mindset of “Once a Jazzman, always a Jazzman.” The Jazz are celebrating their 50th season with several activations&nbsp; and initiatives designed to showcase their legacy, recognize their alumni, and embrace Jazz fans everywhere. For more information on the Utah Jazz’s 50th season celebration, visit www.nba.com/jazz.50seasons.&nbsp;

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Jazz to Celebrate 2010s Themed Decade Night on March 12 vs. Boston Celtics

Ryan Kostecka

As the Jazz celebrate their 50th anniversary this season, it's a perfect time to reflect on a half-century of memories.&nbsp;

From beginning the organization in 1974 to moving to Salt Lake City in 1979, back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in the late 90s, and the ushering of a new era with Will Hardy just last year, Utah has emerged as one of the winningest franchises since its inception.&nbsp;

The Jazz have posted a .543 winning percentage through nearly 4,000 games, good enough for fourth all-time. They trail San Antonio (.599), Boston (.593), and the Los Angeles Lakers (.591).&nbsp;

Here's a look back at the organization's time during the 1990s:

With John Stockton and Karl Malone emerging as one of the best duos in the NBA — both coming off career years — the 1990-91 season was shaping up to be vital for the organization's future.&nbsp;

The Jazz were coming off a then-franchise record 55 wins, making the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. Yet they hadn't advanced out of the first round the previous two years, falling to the Warriors and Suns in consecutive seasons.

Utah made a big move entering the 1990-91 season, trading for Jeff Malone to ideally give them another scoring option. After getting off to a slow start while trying to incorporate Jeff with Karl and Stockton, the Jazz found a rhythm by going 27-8 in January and February. They now featured a three-heading scoring punch capable of making a deeper postseason run.&nbsp;

In the postseason again, Utah had a rematch against the Suns in the first round. This time, the Jazz overwhelmed Phoenix by 39 points in the first game and cruised to a 3-1 victory. However, they were bounced in the second round when they faced the reigning Western Conference Champs in Portland, falling 4-1.&nbsp;

The 1991-92 season saw a lot of changes for the organization and was one of the most successful in team history.

The Jazz left the Salt Palace and moved to the Delta Center, a new state-of-the-art facility in downtown Salt Lake City that seated just under 20,000 — a massive difference compared to the 12,000 seats at the Salt Palace. Utah also traded for the defensive-minded Tyrone Corbin, sending fan favorite Thurl Bailey to Minnesota.&nbsp;

Utah cruised through the season, finishing 55-27 and winning the Midwest Division for the first time since 1989. They also broke through in the postseason, taking down the Clippers 3-2 in the first round. The Jazz quickly dispatched the Supersonics 4-1 in the next round, advancing to the Western Conference finals for the first time in history. That's where the run ended, falling to Portland again.&nbsp;

With injuries to center Mark Eaton playing a prominent role during the 1992-93 season, the Jazz never seemed to find a rhythm. They finished third in the division and limped into the postseason before falling 3-2 to Seattle in the first round of the playoffs.&nbsp;

But the clear highlight was Utah hosting the 1993 All-Star game for the first time in franchise history. Stockton and Karl Malone represented the Jazz, taking home co-MVP honors in front of the home crowd.&nbsp;

Needing to change things up, the Jazz traded Jeff Malone to Philadelphia for Jeff Hornacek. It gave Stockton an ideal running mate in the backcourt as Hornacek shot 40% or better from three in six of his seven years in Utah, including 42.9% in his first season.&nbsp;

After finishing fifth in the West, Utah went up against the NBA's leading scorer, David Robinson, and the Spurs in the first round. The Jazz stifled Robinson, limiting to nearly 10 ppg less than his season average as they cruised to a 3-1 win in the first round. Utah then jumped out to a 3-0 lead over the Nuggets in the second round but needed a game seven victory to advance to the Western Conference finals. The postseason run ended when the Jazz fell to the eventual champion Rockets 4-1.&nbsp;

Entering the 1995-96 season with high hopes, the Jazz appeared poised to break through to the NBA finals. However, they lost starting forward Felton Spencer to a torn Achilles just 34 games into the year. Although they rebounded to finish 60-22 on the year, their depth suffered with the loss of Spencer, and they promptly lost to the Rockets in the first round.&nbsp;

Utah took 7-foot-2 center Greg Ostertag with the 28th pick in the 1995 draft, giving them their first defensive-minded center since Eaton retired. Ostertag gave the Jazz a much-needed presence in the paint, helping them finish 55-27 and enter the postseason with the No. 3 seed. Utah cruised through the first two rounds, easily dispatching Portland and San Antonio.&nbsp;

That set the stage for a battle with Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and the Supersonics. Trailing 3-1 in the series, Utah rallied for victories in games five and six to set the stage for a winner-take-all showdown in game seven. Kemp got the better of Malone in a battle featuring two of the best power forwards in the game, and the Jazz fell 90-86.&nbsp;

However, that loss was a launching point for what was to come…

Armed with one of the more veteran and versatile rosters they've ever had and a clear motivation following the previous season's ending, Utah entered the 1996-97 season with extremely high hopes.

They looked like a team with a clear mission, cruising through the regular season to finish 64-18 with the best conference in the West. Utah then had an easier time through the playoffs, quickly dispatching the Clippers, Lakers, and Rockets to make the NBA Finals for the first time in team history.&nbsp;

But waiting for them were Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson, and the Bulls.&nbsp;

The moment appeared too big for the Jazz as they trailed 2-0 early. But with the series heading back to Salt Lake City, Malone — who was named league MVP for the first time in his career — and the Jazz evened things up behind back-to-back doubles by Malone. However, Chicago pulled out victories in the next two games, close games that came down to the final seconds and were decided by six points.&nbsp;

Making no changes to the roster during the offseason, Utah entered the 1997-98 season ready to bring a title back to Salt Lake City. However, the Jazz didn't start well, as Stockton missed the first 18 games due to a knee injury. Once back, Utah looked like the juggernaut they were and went 51-13 the rest of the way.&nbsp;

With expectations high, the Jazz were nearly upset in the opening round of the playoffs when they trailed the Rockets 2-1. Utah responded to win the next two games and advance before rolling through the Spurs and Lakers to set up a rematch with Jordan and the Bulls.&nbsp;

With homecourt advantage this time, Utah took game one with an 88-85 overtime victory. However, those vibes quickly dissipated when Chicago rallied to take the next three games for a 3-1 lead. Needing a win in Chicago in game five to send the series back to Salt Lake City, Malone came up huge with 39 points and nine rebounds in the victory.&nbsp;

Game six was one of the most dramatic in NBA Finals history, a back-and-forth affair that came down to the final seconds. A Stockton three gave the Jazz an 86-83 lead with 41.9 seconds remaining, but Jordan's layup cut that lead to one. Jordan came up huge again, stealing the ball from Malone and giving the Bulls a chance to win. With Bryon Russell defending him, Jordan shook Russell loose before knocking down the midrange jumper for the series-clinching win.&nbsp;

With the NBA shortening its season to 50 games following the lockout, Utah tied with San Antonio at 37-13 for the best record in the league. However, the tolls of back-to-back long seasons appeared to catch up with them as they were knocked out by the Blazers in the second round of the postseason. Malone earned his second MVP award.&nbsp;

Looking to move past the previous year's struggles, the Jazz again won the Midwest Division, finished 55-27, and finished as the No. 2 seed in the postseason. After taking down Seattle 3-2 in the opening round of the playoffs, Utah was bounced by the Blazers again in the second round.&nbsp;

After reaching the NBA Finals in back-to-back seasons and then falling in the second round to the Blazers in consecutive seasons, Utah entered the new decade with more questions than answers. With an aging roster, would the Jazz run it back with Malone and Stockton at the helm? Or would they change to get younger and usher in a new era?

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Jazz Basketball Decade Series | 1990s

Angie Treasure

As the Utah Jazz prepare to celebrate the 1990s during tonight’s game at Delta Center, SEG Media has&nbsp;released the third teaser&nbsp;for the forthcoming documentary&nbsp;Note Worthy: 50 Seasons&nbsp;of Jazz Basketball,&nbsp;which shares key moments and thoughtful reflections from the era. Set to debut this spring,&nbsp;Note Worthy&nbsp;explores the 50-season legacy of the franchise from New Orleans to Utah, the trials and triumphs of the Jazz both on and off the court, and the organization’s pursuit toward an NBA championship.&nbsp;

The 1990s-themed teaser includes never-before-seen interviews with Jazz legends John Stockton and Karl Malone that were captured exclusively for the&nbsp;Note Worthy&nbsp;documentary in Washington state and Delta Center, respectively, along with discussions from their teammates and other members of the Jazz community. As a lead in to the full-length documentary, Stockton and Malone provide insight into their experiences as Jazzmen - from their days as young players faced with pressure to stand out in a talented league to how they formed a unique bond over an unprecedented 18 years together and led the Jazz to some of the brightest moments in franchise history.&nbsp;

“Together, John Stockton and Karl Malone represent one of most accomplished duos to ever step on an NBA court,” said Jim Olson, president of the Utah Jazz. “There is no question that what this franchise achieved under their leadership is the reason the Jazz are cemented in the history books. Tonight, as we continue our celebration of 50 seasons of Jazz basketball, we recognize the Jazzmen from the 1990s who gave our fans some of the most memorable years in this organization’s history.”

Individually and together as Jazzmen, Stockton and Malone set records and hit milestones that still rank among the highest in the NBA. They hold the all-time league record for NBA Duos Games Played at 1,412. Beginning in 1985-86, Stockton and Malone led the Utah Jazz to 18 straight NBA Playoffs, four Western Conference Semifinals, three Western Conference Finals, and two NBA Finals.&nbsp;

Throughout their NBA careers, Stockton and Malone were widely recognized for their durability and toughness. The duo only missed a combined 32 games during their careers (Stockton - 22; Malone - 10). The teammates earned gold medals together at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona as part of USA’s “Dream Team” and again in 1996 at the Olympics in Atlanta. Stockton and Malone were also named&nbsp;Co-MVPs of the 1993 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City.&nbsp;

Stockton remains the NBA All-Time Assists Leader at 15,806 over his career, followed by Jason Kidd at 12,091. He is also the NBA All-Time Steals Leader with 3,265, again followed by Kidd at 2,684.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Malone is the leading NBA All-Time Free Throws Made Leader at 9,787, followed by Moses Malone at 8,531. He is currently ranked third among the NBA’s All-Time Points Leaders with 36,928, preceded by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and LeBron James* (39,531).&nbsp;

Note Worthy&nbsp;and its six teasers will be released on the Utah Jazz 50th season webpage,&nbsp;Jazz+, YouTube, and the team's other digital platforms. SEG Media tapped the Emmy-winning creative agency&nbsp;Heart & Hustle Productions&nbsp;and award-winning director and documentary filmmaker Rashad Floyd to co-produce the documentary.&nbsp;

Fans can explore all aspects of the Jazz’s 50th season celebration, read about the team’s legacy, and view past and future&nbsp;Note Worthy&nbsp;teasers at&nbsp;www.nba.com/jazz/50seasons.&nbsp;

*Active player; stats current at time of this press release’s distribution&nbsp;

latest-teaser-for-note-worthy-50-seasons-of-jazz-basketball-highlights-the-1990s

Latest Teaser for Note Worthy: 50 Seasons of Jazz Basketball Highlights the 1990s

The Jazz have posted a .542 winning percentage through nearly 4,000 games, good enough for fourth all-time. They trail San Antonio (.601), Boston (.592), and the Los Angeles Lakers (.592). 

Here's a look back at the organization's time during the 1980s:

After moving to Salt Lake City to start the 1979 season, Utah's struggles from the previous decade continued. They were a team trying to decide which direction they were heading in, ultimately electing to do a rebuild of sorts. They placed star Pete Maravich on waivers as his knee injuries persisted, turning the team over to 23-year-old Adrian Dantley.&nbsp;

Dantley became the key catalyst for Utah's turnaround. He averaged 28.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game that season — and although Utah struggled to a 24-58 record, a sense of hope began to take shape.&nbsp;

The Jazz still struggled the next few seasons, never finishing with more than 30 wins — but there were signs that things were changing.&nbsp;

Darrell Griffith, who Utah selected No. 2 overall in the 1980 NBA draft, emerged as a rookie to make a formidable pairing with Dantley. He averaged 20.6 points per game in his first season, taking home Rookie of the Year honors.

General Manager Frank Layden took over early in the 1981-82 season, replacing Tom Nissalke. Layden took a much different approach to the game, known for his self-deprecating sense of humor that had a way of easing tensions when things got tough. Although the Jazz finished 25-57 and 30-52 during his first two seasons, there were signs of what was to come.&nbsp;

Utah had a run of bad luck with injuries during Layden's first two seasons, but he believed they had the pieces needed to contend. 

Dantley and Griffith made a star duo; Mark Eaton was drafted in 1982 and had the makings of a defensive stalwart at center. Jeff Wilkins was a solid rotational player, but a few pieces were still missing. The Jazz had a very good offseason in the summer of 1983, drafting Thurl Bailey with the No. 7 overall pick and adding talented offensive rebounder Rich Kelley.&nbsp;

With the pieces finally assembled, the 1983-84 season will always be among the most memorable in Jazz history.&nbsp;

Nicknamed the 'Team with Heart,' the Jazz secured their first postseason bid in team history that season. The Jazz finished 45-37 that year — their first winning season — and took home the Midwest Division crown. They took down the Nuggets 3-2 in the first round of the playoffs before falling 4-2 to the Suns in the conference semifinals.&nbsp;

It set the stage for 20 consecutive seasons of making the postseason, third all-time in league history.

Utah's franchise changed during the 1984 NBA draft when the Jazz selected a little-known point guard out of Gonzaga named John Stockton. While the pick was met with jeers from Jazz Nation, little did anyone know the sort of stamp Stockton would forever leave on the organization.&nbsp;

Utah regressed slightly during the 1984-85 season, finishing 41-41 and making the postseason again. Although they lost in the conference semifinals, Eaton emerged as one of the best shot blockers ever en route to being named the Defensive Player of the Year.&nbsp;

The Jazz added another critical piece in the 1985 draft, selecting Karl Malone with the No. 13 pick. While expectations were high that season, injuries derailed what could've been a special season as Griffith missed the year with a stress fracture, and Dantley missed the postseason.

Still, the potential was there. It was only a matter of time before things began taking shape in Salt Lake City. But that almost never came to fruition.&nbsp;

Larry H. Miller, who had purchased 50% of the organization in 1985, wanted to keep the team in Utah. However, the other owner, Sam Battistone, wanted to sell to a group that would've moved the franchise to Minnesota. Ultimately, Miller stepped in at the last minute and purchased the remaining 50% of the organization, ensuring their future in the Mountain West.&nbsp;

The 1986 season was one of transitions where the team was headed in two different directions.&nbsp;

Stockton and Malone appeared on a star's path, but the veterans were still in control. Layden made the bold move to trade Dantley to Detroit while Griffith became a six-man for the team. Utah persevered throughout the change, finishing 44-38 before losing to Golden State in the first round of the playoffs.&nbsp;

However, the significant changes came at the start of the 1987-88 season. Layden moved Stockton into the starting lineup, pairing him with Malone, which would later result in the greatest pick-and-roll combination in league history. Led by that dynamic duo, the Jazz finished 47-35 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs before falling to the Lakers.&nbsp;

Little did anyone know that the start of the 1988-89 season was when Utah would find its missing piece — although he'd been there all along.&nbsp;

Layden stepped down as head coach, returning to a full-time role in the front office. In his place stepped assistant coach Jerry Sloan, who would become one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. He was able to game plan around both Stockton and Malone’s strengths and they&nbsp; became All-Stars and made All-NBA that year.

Stockton led the league in assists, the first of nine consecutive seasons he would do so. Malone became unstoppable on offense, averaging 29.1 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Despite finishing as Midwest Division champions, Utah was bounced by the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.&nbsp;

The Jazz responded the following year, setting a then-franchise record with 55 wins as they rolled through the regular season. They appeared poised to make noise in the playoffs but again struggled and fell in the first round.&nbsp;

That left the Jazz searching for answers. Would they just be a regular-season success story, or could they find a way to emerge as championship contenders?&nbsp;

SEASON RECORDS1980-81 | 28-541981-82 | 25-571982-83 | 30-521983-84 | 45-37 | Advanced to conference semifinals 1984-85 | 41-41 | Advanced to conference semifinals1985-86 | 42-40 | Lost in first round1986-87 | 44-38 | Lost in first round1987-88 | 47-35 | Advanced to conference semifinals1988-89 | 51-31 | Lost in first round1989-90 | 55-27 | Lost in first round

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Jazz Basketball Decade Series | 1980s

When Quincy Lewis was hired by the Utah Jazz as Director of Alumni Relations just over a year ago, he had one clear message above all the others.&nbsp;

"You're always welcome back. … That's one of the things, in this position, that I really want people to know," Lewis said back in October 2022. "If you played for the Jazz, you're welcome back. … If you want to come back and see your legacy, that's my job to make sure you can find it. I always say that I love to help. … That's the most exciting part for me, to give people an opportunity to come back."

As the organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season, Lewis has been hard at work behind the scenes. He's been strengthening relationships, helping orchestrate interviews with former Jazz legends (both from Utah and New Orleans), and arranging their visits to Salt Lake City to be honored during one of the team's decades night celebrations.

All his hard work is coming to fruition as Utah welcomed back three legends from the 1980s: Jeff Wilkins, Rickey Green, and Darrell Griffith. All three took part in a special media day at Utah's practice facility on Tuesday afternoon, reflecting on their time in the Mountain West.&nbsp;

“I wasn’t used to having that loser mentality, so I couldn’t wait to get out of Utah. … As soon as the season was over, I was out,” Griffith said of his early years with the team. “But then we picked up some key pieces and Frank had a good vision, had a good plan. I would say that that one particular person that changed the trajectory was Frank (Layden). We all just bought in. … That’s what changed a lot for us.”

Members of Utah's fabled 1983-84 'Team with Heart,' they helped the Jazz secure their first postseason bid in team history that season. The Jazz finished 45-37 that year — their first winning season — and took home the Midwest Division crown. They took down the Nuggets 3-2 in the first round of the playoffs before falling 4-2 to the Suns in the conference semifinals.&nbsp;

“I tell everybody, that was my funnest year in sports,” Griffith said of that season. “There never was a dull moment. Winning was a big part, but it was more than that.”

It was a special time to be in Utah, with the franchise turning the corner after a decade of struggles as an expansion organization.

“We were losing, but man that place (Salt Palace) was full every night,” Wilkins said. “The people were rabid, like they were serious fans. We’d lose and the fans would come up and say, ‘Don’t worry, we got it next game.’”

While all three will be honored during Wednesday's game against the Knicks as Utah celebrates its teams from the 1980s, returning to Salt Lake City has brought on its own set of emotions. It's allowed them to reflect on how special a time it was in their professional careers and see how cherished and beloved they still are by Jazz Nation.

“All of the different personalities, man it was so fun,” Wilkins said. “I mean, we had some characters on that squad and we just had some fun times. We just got along, we had good times, and that was the end of the story.”

“To me, it’s just good seeing the guys I haven’t seen in a long time. … Actually getting to see them face-to-face has been good,” Green added.&nbsp;

What helped make Tuesday special was that while they each had their own specific memories they cherished above others, that season in 1983-84 was what bonded them. They will always go down as the team that set the stage for an extremely bright future, giving hope to a fanbase searching for a winner.

“We changed the whole concept of winning that year,” Green said. “You raise the banner. … It was just great to see, and to get back to winning ways.”

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"Just Bought In" — Utah Welcomed Back Wilkins, Green, and Griffith Ahead of 1980s Decade Night Celebration

From beginning the organization in 1974 to moving to Salt Lake City in 1979, back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in the late 90s, and the ushering in of a new era with Will Hardy just last year, the Utah Jazz are celebrating their 50th anniversary this season.

Following the release of the trailer "Note Worthy — 50 Seasons of Jazz Basketball" on Monday morning, the organization took things further by featuring an alternate broadcast on Jazz+ during the Jazz-Pelicans game Monday night to celebrate the franchises time during the 1970s.

Hosted by Jazz Digital Media Manager JP Chunga and with special guests Truck Robinson, Aaron James, and Gail Goodrich — all key figures during the 1970s — Monday's alternate broadcast featured multiple stories from the 1970s.&nbsp;

Here are five things to know from the broadcast.

1.) Why New Orleans?Before the Jazz came to the Mountain West and settled in Salt Lake City, the organization got tipped off in New Orleans. 

Chunga interviewed Barry Mendelson during the alternate broadcast, asking the former Jazz general manager in New Orleans why then-owner Sam Battistone settled on New Orleans to start the franchise.&nbsp;

"Sam wanted me to come visit with him in Santa Barbara, and I did it," Mendelson said. "He asked me if I'd be interested in starting the organization from scratch in New Orleans. … New Orleans was the only second team in the NBA in the South at that time. The franchise was really awarded to New Orleans because of the Superdome."

2.) Truck vs. Big TBy far, one of the funniest moments of the broadcast was when Thurl' Big T' Bailey said that he could take Truck Robinson in a game of one-on-one in today's world.

For those who don't know, Robinson was the first major free signing in franchise history when he joined the Jazz before the 1977 season. Although he only played for the Jazz for 1.5 seasons, he left his mark as a double-double machine.&nbsp;

Robinson averaged 22.7 points and 15.7 rebounds per game that first season, becoming one of the first non-centers to lead the league in rebounding at that time. Robinson stood at just 6-foot-7 and was listed as a power forward throughout his career. He then averaged a career-high 24.2 points and 13.4 rebounds In 43 games with New Orleans the following seasons — but the Jazz's struggles led them to trade Robinson to the Suns with ideas of a rebuild.&nbsp;

For comparison's sake, Big T is still a legend to Jazz Nation these days while serving as a TV analyst for the team.&nbsp;

He also had a very productive career with the organization, suiting up for the Utah Jazz for 10 seasons. He averaged 14.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, emerging as one of the greatest sixth-man in franchise history.&nbsp;

3.) Jaeson Maravich Makes an AppearanceOne of the more memorable moments of the alternate broadcast was when Jaeson Maravich, Pistol Pete Maravich's eldest son, joined Chunga for a discussion about his dad. 

Although success was tough to find in the early years, it wasn't for lack of trying. The organization immediately made a splash by trading for Pete Maravich in its first season. The homegrown star from LSU, Maravich, was expected to invigorate the new franchise and give them a launching point.

Maravich helped lead the franchise's turnaround, being named back-to-back first-team All-NBA — culminating in a career season in 1976-77 when he led the league in scoring at 31.1 points per game.&nbsp;

Injuries began to take their toll on Maravich, specifically to his knees, which caused him to miss numerous games throughout the rest of his career. Despite losing some of his quickness and athleticism, the sharpshooter made up for it in other ways by becoming more of a facilitator.

"I just marvel at some of the stuff he was doing back then," Jaeson said of his son. "He was so far ahead of his time that it's kind of crazy to think how far advanced he was with his ball handling, passing, and shooting. His skill level was far advanced for the time. … I think his creativity is something that is sorely missing from today's game."

4.) Soul Food RestaurantAs part of the alternate broadcast on Jazz+, fans were invited to ask questions in the group chat. One of the most popular questions asked James, Robinson, and Goodrich were funny stories from their times on the road. 

James had arguably the best one, detailing a midseason trip to Phoenix that started high, had a rough part in the middle, but ended with laughter.&nbsp;

According to James, one of the best parts of playing the Suns was that the team would go to a soul food restaurant called Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe. James said it was some of the best soul food he'd ever eaten, and stopping by when in town was always a priority.&nbsp;

As he tells the story with three other teammates in a cab on the way to the cafe, their driver was flying around Phoenix. After telling the guy to slow down, the driver responded, "I drove in New York for 10 years, never had an accident." Sure enough, and with the writing on the wall, the driver ran a red light and got hit by another car.&nbsp;

Although everyone was alright, some players had to miss the game against the Suns, resulting in just seven healthy guys being able to play (and picking up the win). But according to James, the funniest part came when he and his teammates were outside the car following the crash.&nbsp;

"What amazes me about that night is when we laying on the ground, people were passing by asking what was going on," James said. "They were saying, 'Some NBA players were in an accident'. … Attorneys were passing by and giving us their cards. That was amazing."

5.) Studio 54Joining the broadcast during the fourth quarter, the No. 7 overall pick by the Jazz in the 1975 draft, Rich Kelley finally told the tale of one of the most iconic and fun photos during the Jazz's time in New Orleans. 

The photo featured Kelly, James, and Maravich enjoying a night out in New Orleans at Studio 54, a vintage rock club.

"What a night it was," James responded when asked about it.&nbsp;

Kelley had a slightly different take that night, saying, "It was all just whooping and walking, it was just a fun night. … It wasn't anything extraordinary, just good fun."

However, the best part of Kelley's reminiscence came when he told the second half of the story about what happened the following year when he and James tried to go back to Studio 54, but this time without Maravich.

"We go sauntering down to Studio 54, and there's a long line, the same long line that we cut in front of the year before (with Pete)," Kelley said. "This year, we go cutting back up to the bouncer, asking him if he remembers us as the guys who were with Pete Maravich last year. The bouncer said, 'Yeah, you guys were great. You got Pete with you?' We told him nah and that he wasn't going to make it, and the bouncer said, 'Back of the line.'"

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Jazz Host Alternate Broadcast to Celebrate the 1970s as Part of 50th Anniversary Celebration

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Note Worthy - 50 Seasons of Jazz Basketball Trailer

Jeremy Rincon

Today, in conjunction with the first Utah Jazz Decade Night celebration at Delta Center, SEG Media released the first of six trailers to preview Note Worthy: 50 Seasons of Jazz Basketball, a documentary currently in production that explores the legacy of the Jazz - from New Orleans to Utah - and their role as a community unifier. Note Worthy is an all-access experience that takes fans behind the 50-season legacy of the franchise, through headline-making changes from past decades to the current team and ownership, and illustrates the path forward for an organization rooted in the heart of Utah’s culture and community. 

“The Utah Jazz are where we are today because of our fans, so we are making this film for them as an acknowledgement of every win and heartbreak we have shared on the court, every success we have marked together in the community, and all of the promise that lies ahead for our organization,” said Ryan Smith, chairman of Smith Entertainment Group and governor of the Utah Jazz. “SEG Media was created to unlock a new level of storytelling that brings fans inside the Jazz more than ever. We are so excited for our first long-form production with&nbsp;Note Worthy, a new documentary that will be unlike anything Jazz fans have seen before, and we look forward to seeing our fans' reactions.”

The full documentary and all supporting teasers will share an intimate, insider’s look at the Jazz organization. Through previously unheard perspectives and never-before-available lenses,&nbsp;Note Worthy&nbsp;will illustrate the trajectory of the franchise’s past 49 seasons into present day with their 50th season, ownership under Ryan and Ashley Smith, a young team, a passionate community that is continuously unified through their love of the team, and ambitions to bring fans a championship.&nbsp;

The remaining five teasers will be released throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, with each timed close to one of the Utah Jazz Decade Nights, leading up to the debut of the full documentary in Spring 2024.&nbsp;Note Worthy&nbsp;and its teasers will be released on the Utah Jazz 50th season webpage,&nbsp;Jazz+, YouTube, and the team's other digital platforms.&nbsp;

Note Worthy&nbsp;will be the first long-form release from SEG Media since the media and production company was founded in June 2023 by Smith Entertainment Group, parent company of both the Utah Jazz and SEG Media. SEG Media tapped the Emmy-winning creative agency&nbsp;Heart & Hustle Productions&nbsp;to co-produce the documentary, drawing on their expertise for telling dynamic, visual stories that intersect with the timeliness of sport and culture. The film is directed by award-winning documentary filmmaker Rashad Floyd, whose athletic background, artistic approach, and unconventional style to storytelling brings a unique blend to the Jazz narrative.&nbsp;

“The history of the Jazz is crowded with unforgettable personalities, fearless decisions, and transcending moments,” said Rashad Floyd, founder of Heart & Hustle Productions. “Our goal is to honor the legacy of the franchise while cinematically illustrating their vision for the future.”

Fans can explore all aspects of the Jazz’s 50th season celebration, read about the team’s legacy, and view future&nbsp;Note Worthy&nbsp;teasers at&nbsp;www.nba.com/jazz/50seasons.&nbsp;

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First Teaser Released for Upcoming Utah Jazz Documentary – Note Worthy: 50 Seasons of Jazz Basketball

Presented By:

Delta

<strong>Tonight's game against the Golden State Warriors has been postponed. <a href="https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-vs-golden-state-warriors-postponed">Learn More &gt;</a></strong>