August 10, 2020

Team Spotlight: Utah Jazz

If you’re an NBA fan, whether you cheer for the Utah Jazz or not, chances are you're familiar with them. If you aren't a fan of basketball, you may still have heard of a team called the Utah Jazz. They are a significant presence in the NBA with a number of division titles and conference titles to their credit. The colors of the team are green, gold, and navy blue, which are incorporated into Classic, City, Statement, Icon, and Association uniforms – each with their own design and style.

Whether you're a fan or just like reading about NBA teams, here's some more information about the Utah Jazz.

Team History

Based in Salt Lake City, the American professional basketball team known as The Jazz (Utah Jazz) is a member of the Western Conference, Northwest Division in the NBA. At Vivint Smart Home Arena, they have played their home games since 1991. Called the New Orleans Jazz back in 1974, the franchise played as an expansion team. The name is a tribute to the old jazz music common in New Orleans history. In 1979, The Jazz moved to Salt Lake City.

The Early Years

In days of yore, one of the most successful teams in the league was The Jazz. In 1984, they qualified for their first appearance in the playoffs. This good fortune lasted until 2004. Rising as team franchise players in 1980 were Karl Malone and John Stockton. In NBA history, they were a duo that became one of the most well-known power/forward-point guard combos in existence. In 1988, taking over from Frank Layden was new coach Jerry Sloan. In the 1990s, The Jazz was one of the powerhouse teams of the NBA. In 1998 and the year before in 1997, they had two NBA finals appearances. Unfortunately, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to defeat The Jazz.

In 2003, both Malone and Stockton moved on. Deron Williams (point guard) would lead The Jazz back to prominence after they missed three consecutive season playoffs. Trades and retirements led to a restructuring of the team part way through the season spanning 2010 - 2011. The team reentered title contention with the development of soon-to-be all-stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

Everybody Needs a Mascot

The team mascot for the Utah Jazz, introduced in November 1994, is Jazz Bear. Entering the court on a motorbike, this well-known bear excites the crowds into a frenzy during most half times.

Utah Jazz Staff

As with all NBA teams, a number of staff members make up the team (in addition to players). They are as follows:

  • Ownership – Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc. (Represented by the widow of Larry H. Miller, Gail Miller)
  • Head coach – Quinn Snyder
  • General manager – Justin Zanuck
  • President – Steve Starks
  • Qualtrics is The Jazz’s main sponsor

Accomplishments

As mentioned earlier, The Jazz has enjoyed several division titles and conference titles together:

  • 9 Division titles – 2017, 2008, 2007, 2000, 1998, 1997, 1992, 1989, and 1984
  • 2 Conference titles – 1998 and 1997

Cheer For the Utah Jazz with a Cap From Hat Heaven!

Whether it's in support of the Utah Jazz, some other NBA team, or a team from a different sport altogether, at Hat Heaven, we've got the hat you're looking for. To view one of our best-selling Utah Jazz caps – click here.

Team Spotlight Utah Jazz

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