Ryan Smith

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Ryan Kostecka

When Utah began its rebuild process 18 months ago following the trades of All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, Jazz GM Justin Zanik asked himself two questions.&nbsp;

Is success defined as just making the play-in? Or is success defined as contending for a title on a regular basis?

Those questions serve as a reminder that what Zanik, CEO Danny Ainge, and Governor Ryan Smith are trying to achieve won't be easy. It's not going to happen immediately. There are times when tough decisions will require steps back.&nbsp;

But if they can remain steadfast on the ultimate goal and do it correctly, it could lead to something incredible: an NBA championship.&nbsp;

"I think our goal is, how do we build a four- to five-year actual championship window?'" Zanik said on Saturday morning following the trade deadline. "I want to win for a long time. I don't want to just have a one-off year, 'Hey, this was nice,' and then go back. … And so the definition of winning and success, for me, is a deep playoff run."

Zanik isn't saying the Jazz haven't had success recently.&nbsp;

Beginning with the 2016-17 season, Utah made the postseason six consecutive years. They had the third-best winning percentage during that time, going 294-178. They had multiple All-Stars and individual accolades, capping one of the best runs in franchise history.&nbsp;

But the team’s struggles in the postseason remain at the forefront of Zanik's mind, which is why he's doing things differently with a larger goal in mind.

"We had a good run when it was Mike, Donovan, and Rudy," he said. "A few things happened to us. … We took our shot and it didn't work out. But at the end of the day, we haven't been out of the second round since 2007. So the goal isn't to make the play-in, don't make the play-in, keep your pick, don't keep your pick. … Those aren't the goals."

While the goal of winning a title is at the top of the list, Zanik and co. aren't willing to trade a run at the play-in tournament if it means hurting the team's future.&nbsp;

"The three guys we traded, they were great in the locker room, they're good dudes, our guys like each other," Zanik said. "But at what cost? Meaning that we spend another year with two of the guys that have made us what? What are we, 26-27, a game under .500? Two of those guys were going to be free agents. Maybe we bring them back, maybe not, not in our control."

Netting a first-round pick from Toronto (for Olynyk) and an early second-round pick from Detroit (for Fontecchio) is shrewd business. The cost of throwing Ochai Agbaji into the trade with Toronto wasn't easy, but it was necessary. The Jazz not only received those picks but also took back contracts that end this year, giving the team around $40-45 million (projected) of available cap space moving forward.&nbsp;

"It's not a binary thing to be in asset accumulation mode or asset spending mode," Zanik said. "Our plan has always been the same: to build a championship competitive team that can go deep into playoffs, accumulating assets to identify opportunities and be ready, and have that capital to spend and deploy when those opportunities become available.”

After the deadline passed, fans online drew similarities from last season to this year when the Jazz traded four players at the deadline before stumbling over the final 30 games while falling out of the play-in tournament.&nbsp;

But Zanik insists there's nothing similar between the two seasons.

"I kind of think that maybe people draw parallels to what we did last year," he said. "Here we were able to keep our core intact. The three players we traded obviously had made very good contributions this year. But in the calculus of who is going to have a chance to be with us going forward three, four, or five years from now, we need to know more about the assets that we've already acquired and players that we have."

"This is the second kind of calibration around our core, and sometimes that takes time," he added. "We traded one starter who has started during our run that started basically half the year. … The other two were rotation players. Last year, we traded three starters."

With much of the core intact for the season's stretch run, the Jazz are steadfast that winning as much as possible — and even making the play-in tournament — remains the goal for the year. But just because that's the goal, it doesn't mean it will happen. That's why the situation stays fluid.&nbsp;

"I don't think anyone isn't bought in here about trying to win," Zanik said. "I would just argue about when you talk about winning —of making a play-in or making the playoffs — I would love to do that this year. I think that should always be the goal. … But I'm not going to compromise the long-term joy and success because we want to avoid short-term pain and short-term disappointment."

"We're trying to know more about our team, put them in a competitive environment. … This 30-game period of growth for our players, to see what we have, to continue to learn more about our team, is the most important."

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"Win for a Long Time" — Jazz Dealing With Short-Term Pain While Focusing on Long-Term Joy and Success

It’s one of the most iconic plays in NBA history: Michael Jordan rising up over Bryon Russell to knock down the game-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals — propelling Jordan and the Bulls to their third-straight NBA title.&nbsp;

While the play is beloved and cherished throughout the sports world, with every winner must come a loser. And for the Utah Jazz, they happened to be on the other end of that shot.&nbsp;

Yet, at least one diehard Utah Jazz fan believes the shot shouldn’t have counted – For the record, most Jazz fans believe Jordan pushed off. As a guest on the Pat McAfee Show Wednesday morning, Smith touched on one of the most controversial debates in organizational history and his view.&nbsp;

“The Wi-Fi in the building is ‘Jordan Pushed Off,’” he said with a laugh. 

That’s right, Jazz fans, when you enter Delta Center for whatever reason and search for the local Wi-Fi to connect with, Smith has made it as easy as possible to find. All you have to do is locate the network titled ‘JordanPushedOff,’ and you’re good to go.&nbsp;

This subtle part of the Utah Jazz experience is why Smith is beloved by Jazz Nation. Not only is he one of the youngest owners in the league, he was a diehard Jazz fan who grew up in Utah and started his company in the Beehive State. He’s Utah to the core.&nbsp;

The entire ‘Jordan Pushed Off’ debate has raged on for the last 25 years, with some believing Jordan extended his forearm to gain separation from Russell – a foul by NBA standards. Jordan has steadfastly stated that he did not push off, making the comments again during Netflix’s “Last Dance” documentary a few years ago.&nbsp;

While the debate may never be settled, Smith touched on other topics with McAfee. From having Dwyane Wade join him in the ownership group to how the Jazz have transformed the team in recent years, almost nothing was off-topic during the show.&nbsp;

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"Jordan Pushed Off" — Smith Joins Pat McAfee Show and Talks Delta Center's Iconic Wi-Fi Network

There are very few things that compare to the love a fan has for their team. From the elation, the heartbreak, and everything in between, there’s no relationship quite like it.

There might not be a Jazz fan anywhere in the world who understands this love more than Mia Ristovska. From Australia and currently living down under, Ristovska is as diehard a Jazz fan as there is anywhere on the planet, one who understands the joy and pain that comes with rooting for a franchise half a world away.&nbsp;

“I think being a Jazz fan is a unique experience,” she said. “Everyone here in the States knows about the Stockton, Malone, and Sloan years and legacy, so it’s assumed that you’re a historic fan who’s loyal and committed. Being a Jazz fan to me means being part of a community. … There’s a sense across the board of supporting each other, which comes all the way from the top of the Jazz organization to the fans helping one another.”

Ristovska had the experience of a lifetime this past week when a random post on Twitter eventually led to one of the most incredible nights of her life.&nbsp;

Already having booked a trip to Salt Lake City, where she first moved to in 2009 and lived at different points over the past 14 years, returning to Utah would already be memorable. However, Ristovska had no idea just how unique of a trip it would be.&nbsp;

She replied to a tweet on Dec. 3, 2022, sent out by Jazz Governor Ryan Smith commenting on a call during a matchup between the Jazz and the Trail Blazers, with Smith responding the next day.

She quote-tweeted the response on Aug. 26 — nearly nine months since their initial “conversation” — with Smith once again responding.

I got to talk with Ristovska about her fandom, what the game meant to her, and what it was like to meet Smith.

Kostecka: What was your experience like that night?Ristovska: I’ve been trying to find the words to explain last night (and the night before) since, and it’s nearly impossible. Ryan and his team could not have been more generous, kind, and engaged – it really made the experience even more incredible. From checking us in and making sure we were looked after, it was next-level. So many people said hi and were generous with their time. The icing on top of the incredible games and experience!!!&nbsp;

Kostecka: What was your favorite memory/moment of the game last night?Ristovska: Oh my gosh, just one?? Apart from being RIGHT THERE with ALL OF THE ACTION MOMENTS AWAY FROM MY FACE, it would have to be seeing the buckets and action in the first half in front of me. You know the athleticism of the players and the intensity of gameplay when you’re watching, but when you’re so close, you can FEEL it. You get a whole new level of appreciation for the work that every single person on the greater Jazz team puts in. It’s phenomenal.&nbsp;

Kostecka: How have you maintained your Jazz fandom from the other side of the world?Ristovska: Oh wow – thank goodness for NBA League Pass and Jazz Twitter. I stream most games live and engage with other fans on Twitter. Also, I made it my mission to find all of the Jazz fans in Australia – and we have a group chat… There’s over a dozen of us. I think because the Jazz are still a very “niche” team in Australia, we’re quite committed to the cause and protective of our team… And we’re all pretty awesome people.

Kostecka: What are your favorite Jazz memories in general? Both watching the team in person and from abroad?Ristovska: I can’t beat last night for memories in person – how do you ever top being courtside? Before that, it would have been at the 2017 playoffs, Donovan Mitchell’s first one as a Jazz man. The energy at the arena during the first round against OKC was magnetic and absolutely wild. From abroad, it would have to be during COVID, the games resuming – I watched “that fateful game” (where everything shut down) and was so thrilled when “the bubble” started up. We were locked down a fair bit in Australia and separated from family in other parts of the country. Watching the Jazz games and engaging with Jazz Twitter/Australian Jazz fans group chat truly kept me sane during that period.&nbsp;

Kostecka: What’s it like being a Jazz fan?Ristovska: I can’t even begin to describe how the Jazz fan community has been there for each other and me in some huge times in life. Being an Australian Jazz fan is particularly interesting. When people find out you’re an NBA fan, they get it, but when you say you follow the Utah Jazz, the first question is, “Why?” The big market teams saturate the basketball community there, and you can’t turn your head without seeing some form of LeBron James jersey. I think when you tell fans you follow the Jazz, they know you’re truly “in it” for the team and not for the name.&nbsp;

Kostecka: Did you get to meet Ryan Smith? And if so, what was that like?Ristovska: I did get to meet Ryan. On the first night in the suite, Ryan came down and said hi and welcomed me to the game, and Utah – his family were also there. They were so incredibly kind and generous, and you can feel the connection that they have to the team and to the franchise. They’re passionate about the Jazz, which is everything you want in the ownership as a dedicated fan.&nbsp;

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"Part Of A Community" — Aussie Jazz Fan Sits Courtside Thanks to Ryan Smith Twitter Exchange

For anyone wondering what Utah's expectations were for the season, Danny Ainge made it abundantly clear Tuesday night.

"We want to be in the playoffs. … Let's get there," Ainge said during his annual season media availability.

While Ainge's proclamation may seem odd considering the goal for nearly every team in the NBA is to make the postseason, the reality is that 14 of the 30 teams in the league fall short every season.&nbsp;

When you factor in the questions surrounding the Jazz, the overall talent and depth of the Western Conference — and the fact that Utah owes a top-10 protected first round pick to Oklahoma City in the upcoming draft — it wouldn't be shocking if the goal for the season was something other than the postseason.&nbsp;

Yet that couldn't be further from the truth. And it's not just Ainge saying so.&nbsp;

"That's the goal. … That's what we're trying to work towards," Lauri Markkanen said. "That's really one thing that I'm looking forward to, getting on that stage and really experiencing that."

"We're going to come at the season like we did last year, with a really high competitive spirit," head coach Will Hardy said. "We're trying to win every night. … Whether that results in us making the playoffs or play-in, so on and so forth, we'll find out."

The good news for the Jazz is that they're starting things off on the right foot and with the right man leading the way.&nbsp;

Ainge was very complimentary of Hardy, noting the growth he's seen from a rookie coach last year to one who looks much more comfortable entering this season.&nbsp;

"I think Will has been great," he said. "I think the things he's learning are just the things you would learn as a head coach. Being a head coach is different than being an assistant coach. … All those things are things you have to learn as a head coach, and he's doing that."

Markkanen also echoed Ainge's sentiments, noting the biggest difference between last season and this one is the level of comfort between coach and star player.

"Once you get comfortable with somebody, you can talk about different things," Markkanen said. "It's been more open once we got that year under our belt and kind of know each other. … That definitely helps, and now we can really talk about anything."

As somebody who has won an NBA title as a player and executive, Ainge knows what is needed and what it takes to climb that mountain. It's why the team, armed with many assets, is not afraid to take a big swing if necessary.&nbsp;

"I believe that a lot of players can play in any system, but a lot of them need to be a right fit," he said. "I think that's a question we always ask, 'How does he fit in with us?' Some players fit in better with certain teams and have more opportunities with them. … And some teams need a specific player's expertise and greatness."

Whether or not Ainge and the Jazz pursue trades throughout the season, the end goal stays the same. But even if they come up short, it doesn't mean the season was a failure.&nbsp;

"There are different ways to measure success," Ainge said. "Last year, my expectations weren't super high, but they overachieved because of how they played and how they grew as a team."

"I think there are a lot of factors that go into success," he added. "We want to make the playoffs, we're going to set out to do that. … But there are different ways to measure success."

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“In The Playoffs” — Ainge Reiterates Postseason Goal During Annual Press Conference

For Ryan Smith, being the governor of the Utah Jazz comes with a responsibility that far exceeds bringing a championship to Utah. For Smith, being the steward of the franchise&nbsp;comes with the responsibility of providing the best fan experience imaginable and making the Jazz brand global — and, in doing so, representing the state in the best way possible.&nbsp;

However, Smith felt that responsibility before he became governor of the team.&nbsp;

In 2017, Qualtrics partnered with the Jazz for a patch on Utah’s jersey — but Smith, founder of Qualtrics, had other ideas. He donated the patch to 5 For The Fight, a Qualtrics-led nonprofit global campaign inviting everyone to donate $5 to the fight against cancer. 5 For The Fight became the first-ever cause-related jersey sponsorship in the history of North American professional sports and was prominently featured on Jazz jerseys for the past six seasons.

Earlier this week, 5 For The Fight announced that it had surpassed its&nbsp;initial goal of raising $50 million and now has its sights set on further growth and evolution, especially related to its partnership with the Jazz. Starting this season, 5 For The Fight will receive permanent placement in Delta Center with an interactive space on the concourse and representation within the arena bowl.

“With the help of Utah Jazz fans, partners, and the community, 5 For The Fight has crossed the $50M mark. It was an ambitious goal we set at the time we announced the jersey patch,” said Mike Maughan, co-founder of 5 For The Fight. “It has been amazing to see the entire community rally around the cause and get involved. 5 For the Fight is excited about our continued partnership with the Utah Jazz to continue to raise money for cancer research alongside other generous partners, and hundreds of thousands of supporters across the world.”

With 5 For The Fight taking on a new role in partnership with the Jazz, Smith was in search of a new jersey patch partner.

On Thursday morning, Smith and the Utah Jazz announced a multi-year jersey patch partnership with LiveView Technologies (LVT). LVT is a Utah-built and -based national provider of innovative life safety and security technology and will appear on the jerseys beginning the 2023-24 season.&nbsp;

“We could not be happier to partner with another growing Utah-built company like LVT that shares our commitment to community,” Smith said. “As our partnership with 5 For The Fight evolves into its next phase, we’re excited to feature the LVT logo on our jerseys and continue using that prominent space to celebrate the innovative, hard-working mindset that Utah is all about.”&nbsp;

Here are three things to know about Utah’s newest partner: LVT.&nbsp;

1.) Community Born, Community BasedFounded in 2005 and located in America Fork, LVT is one of the fastest-growing companies in Utah. Since 2019, the company has experienced expansive growth that has brought an extensive amount of jobs to the state, including a 120% yearly growth rate and a 450% workforce expansion.&nbsp;

Instead of moving the company elsewhere, Ryan Porter, CEO, president, and co-founder of LVT, has elected to stay in Utah. This has helped the state continue its technological growth and, therefore, expand its brand.

“We’re excited to join the Jazz community. By having LVT serve as the team’s jersey patch partner, it will propel our organization’s growth and recognition across Utah and beyond,” Porter said. “We believe in Utah, and we’re proud to represent this state. LVT is committed to the community, and we know that when people feel safe, communities are better. We look forward to a successful partnership with the Jazz.”&nbsp;

2.) What is LVTA leader in life safety and security, LVT’s enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution is used by retailers, critical infrastructure and utilities, construction projects, warehouse and distribution centers, and more. They’re also a premier developer and manufacturer of mobile, solar-powered, and cellular-connected surveillance solutions and software.

The company’s user-friendly, enterprise life safety and security solutions quickly secure any physical environment using intelligent automation and actionable, real-time data. Many public and private industries have utilized LVT’s rapidly deployable commercial security systems, including sports, critical infrastructure retailers, transportation, and hundreds of other customers around the United States. Earlier this year, LVT also partnered with state emergency management officials, providing them with their technology to monitor flood waters across Utah.&nbsp;

3.) Bigger Than LVTDespite taking over as Utah’s jersey patch sponsor for the foreseeable future, Porter and LVT also understand that continuing a legacy of using the patch to give back is important for all involved.

With that in mind, Porter and LVT have joined 5 For The Fight in the ongoing battle against cancer. Not only do LVT employees have the ability to make ongoing donations to the cause, but the company is donating 100 tickets to Utah’s season opener against Sacramento on Wednesday, Oct. 25, for families battling cancer.&nbsp;

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“Could Not Be Happier” | Utah Partners With LVT; To Continue Relationship With Five For The Fight

Friday night at the Jon M. Huntsman Center wasn’t about basketball. The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is never about basketball.&nbsp;

Yet, don’t tell that to Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;

In a much more competitive game than in years past, it was Team Dwyane taking down Team Ryan 81-78 in a thrilling and exciting finish — one that was almost won on a buzzer-beater.&nbsp;

Michael “The Miz” Mizanin drilled a halfcourt heave — which based on the new rules, would’ve been a four-pointer — that would’ve won Team Ryan the game. But after replay, the shot was a second late, and Team Dwyane walked away with the victory.&nbsp;

Seattle Seahawks star receiver DK Metcalf took home MVP honors after posting 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks on 9-of-16 shooting. It was apparent that he was the strongest athlete on the court, translating his gridiron skills to the hardwood with thunderous dunks that ignited the crowd time and time again.&nbsp;

While the action on the court was entertaining — as it always is with this game — it was the coaches who were stealing much of the spotlight.&nbsp;

Helping out Wade were the Antetokounmpo brothers (Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex) and three-time Olympic skiing medalist Lindsey Vonn, all of whom could be seen barking orders from the sidelines and smiling wider than anyone in attendance.&nbsp;

For Smith, two-time WNBA Champion Lisa Leslie, rapper and actor Fat Joe, and Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman brought the underdog mentality almost pulled off the near upset behind the play of actor Everett Osborne.

The game was played by a cross-section of entertainment and athletic stars, including Grammy Award-winning artist 21 Savage, Janelle Monae, and Cordae. Calvin Johnson, the retired star from the Detroit Lions, also joined Metcalf from the NFL, and recently retired slugger Albert Pujols also participated.

One of the best moments of the evening was when former Jazzman Carlos Boozer came out of the crowd to suit up for Wade, only to be matched when former NBA champion Richard Jefferson came out from behind the broadcast booth to first officiate then play in the game for Smith.&nbsp;

But the highlight of the night came when Wade and Smith faced off in a traditional three-point contest.&nbsp;

In the end, Smith knocked down 44% of his threes to take down Wade, 11-10. Because each shot was worth $3,000, the two combined to raise $63,000 for charity — all while the game raised $100,000 for Howard University.

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Team Wade Wins NBA All-Star Celebrity Game; Smith Gets Revenge In Three-Point Contest

After 30 years of waiting, NBA All-Star Weekend has finally returned to Salt Lake City.&nbsp;

Serving as the host city and as expected, the Utah Jazz will be taking over the weekend with owners Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade, and players Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler, and Collin Sexton all competing throughout the three-day affair.

Here’s how you can watch all your favorite Jazzmen over the next three days. (All Times MT)

Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game*Date: Friday, Feb. 17*Location: Jon M. Hunstman Center*Time: 5 p.m.*TV: ESPN*Who To Watch: Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade— After being on the same side for the past two years, Smith and Wade will find themselves on opposite ends of the court after being selected as the captains for the game. 

Team Dwyane's coaches are as powerful as it gets in basketball, with two-time NBA MVP and 2023 NBA All-Star Game Captain Giannis Antetokounmpo and Olympic Medalist Lindsey Vonn heading the group. Giannis' brothers, Thanasis and Alex, are also part of the coaching staff. Helping Smith on the sidelines will be Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, two-time WNBA Champion Lisa Leslie, World Series Champion Alex Bregman, and Grammy-nominated rapper Fat Joe. 

2023 Jordan Rising Stars Game*Date: Friday, Feb. 17*Location: Vivint Arena*Time: 7 p.m.*TV: TNT*Tickets: Click HERE*Who To Watch: Former Jazzman Deron Williams, Jazz assistant coach Jason Terry, and rookie center Walker Kessler. — Capping off opening night of NBA All-Star weekend, fans will watch the future stars of tomorrow go head-to-head in a unique and thrilling format.

All three games in Jordan Rising Stars will be played to a Final Target Score, meaning that a game will end with a made basket or a made free throw instead of the clock running out. The semifinal games will be played to a Final Target Score of 40. The final game will be played to a Final Target Score of 25. Team A will face Team B in the first semifinal (Game 1), and Team C will play Team D in the second semifinal (Game 2). The winner of Game 1 will meet the winner of Game 2 in the final (Game 3).

NBA All-Star Practice, Presented By AT&T*Date: Saturday, Feb. 18*Location: Jon M. Huntsman Center*Time: 11 am - 11:40 am (East) | 12 pm - 12:40 pm (West)*TV: NBATV*Who To Watch: Lauri Markkanen*Tickets: Click HERE— All-Star practice gives fans a behind-the-scenes experience to see how players and coaches prepare for Sunday's main event. Payers and coaches will participate in the annual Media Day with reporters worldwide. Following the conclusion of the media day, the respective teams will move to the court for live practice.

State Farm All-Star Saturday Night*Date: Saturday, Feb. 18*Location: Vivint Arena*Time: 6 p.m.*TV: TNT*Who To Watch: Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, and former Jazzman Karl Malone— Markkanen, who has already been chosen to start the All-Star game, will participate in the 3-Point Contest. He'll be facing Portland's Damian Lillard, New York’s Julius Randle, Boston's Jayson Tatum, Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield, Sacramento's Kevin Huerter, and Miami's Tyler Herro.

Meanwhile, Clarkson, Kessler, and Sexton will represent the Jazz as a three-person team in the Skills Challenge. They'll be facing the Antetokounmpo brothers (Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex) and a rookie team (Orlando's Paolo Banchero, Detroit's Jaden Ivey, and Houston's Jabari Smith Jr.).&nbsp;

Lastly, Malone will be a judge for the Slam Dunk Contest.

NBA All-Star Draft, Presented by Jordan Brand | 72nd NBA All-Star Game*Date: Sunday, Feb. 19*Location: Vivint Arena*Time: 5:30 p.m. (Draft) | 6:30 p.m. (Tipoff)*TV: TNT*Who To Watch: Lauri Markkanen— The weekend's main event is finally here, as the world's best players will showcase their skills in the annual All-Star game. LeBron James (Lakers) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) will serve as captains and select their respective teams 30 minutes before tipoff in a pickup-style draft. 

INTERNATIONAL TVA total of 73 international broadcast partners will televise NBA All-Star 2023. Six international television and digital networks — from China, France, Greece, Mongolia, Poland and Spain — will conduct live onsite commentary from Salt Lake City, and one digital partner — from Vietnam — will broadcast NBA All-Star remotely for the first time.

Fans outside North America will be able to watch Jordan Rising Stars, State Farm All-Star Saturday Night and the NBA All-Star Game through the NBA’s international broadcast partners and NBA League Pass via the NBA App.

Fans around the world will be able to vote for the MVPs of the 2023 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and the NBA All-Star Game via&nbsp;NBA.com&nbsp;and the NBA App with an NBA ID, the league’s new membership program.

Fans around the world can watch NBA All-Star Media Day presented by AT&T, in addition to post-event participant media availabilities throughout the weekend, live on the NBA App.

The NBA App will feature All-Star-related content from 12 countries in six languages.&nbsp; The league’s social media channels around the world will also feature All-Star content throughout the weekend.

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Everything To Know About NBA All-Star Weekend 2023 — Utah Jazz Version

After being on the same side for the past two years, Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade will find themselves on opposite ends of the court come Friday. Feb. 17.

As part of the annual Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at All-Star Weekend, Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz, and Wade, minority owner of the Jazz, have been selected as the captains for the game.&nbsp;

From the coaching staffs to the players, the game is as star-studded as it gets.&nbsp;

Team Dwyane’s coaches are as powerful as it gets when it comes to basketball with two-time NBA MVP and 2023 NBA All-Star Game Captain Giannis Antetokounmpo and Olympic Medalist Lindsey Vonn heading the group. Giannis’ brothers, Thanasis and Alex, are also part of the coaching staff.&nbsp;

Helping Smith on the sidelines will be Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and Two-time WNBA Champion Lisa Leslie, World Series Champion Alex Bregman, and Grammy nominated rapper Fat Joe.&nbsp;

For Smith, the game will also have a personal touch.&nbsp;

There will be multiple in-game activations, including the fan-favorite Ruffles 4-Point Ridge Line, that will help to raise up to $100,000 to benefit&nbsp;5 For The Fight Cancer Research Internship&nbsp;in partnership with Howard University.&nbsp;

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Ryan Smith And Dwyane Wade To Captain The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

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>