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The Utah Jazz are a National Basketball Association team based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Jazz franchise began in New Orleans in 1974, but they were unsuccesful, even with "Pistol" Pete Maravich leading the team. He was often considered one of the most entertaining players to watch, but nevertheless, the Jazz were a losing team. After four losing seasons in New Orleans, they moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1979.
They continued at or near the bottom of the standings until the 1983- 1984 season, when they won the division and made it to the second round of the playoffs. In 1984 the Jazz drafted John Stockton from Gonzaga, and in 1985 they drafted Karl Malone from Louisiana State University. With Frank Layden and later Jerry Sloan coaching the team, these moves paid off. They became one of the most successful teams throughout the late 80's and all through the 90's. John Stockton eventually set records for the most steals, assists, and games played with one team in NBA history and became one of the most successful point guards in history. After playing together for several years, Stockton and Malone established a remarkable in-game connection on the court, with Stockton frequently passing to Malone for a Malone score. Soon "Stockton to Malone" became one of the most well-known sayings in the NBA. They were supported by other good players such as Mark EatonMark Eaton can refer to more than one person: Mark Eaton the professional basketball player. Mark Eaton the professional ice hockey player., Adrian Dantley , Jeff Malone , and later Jeff HornacekJeff Hornacek was an NBA player from 1986-2000. Known primarily as one of the last consummate shooters in basketball, he won the NBA 3-point competition twice, and the All-Star 2-Ball Challenge once, with Utah Starzz star Natalie Williams. He was drafted, Bryon Russell , and Howard Eisley , to name just a few. This combination created one of the most elite teams in the league. Eventually, Malone earned the record for the second most points in NBA history, and received MVP awards in 19971997 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar), and was designated the International Year of the Reef''. Events January January 3 NBC's Today Show Bryant Gumbel signs off for the last time January 8 Mister Rogers receives a star on t and 1999For the album by Prince, see 1999 (album 1999 is a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar), and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the UN. Events Kosovo War Former child star Gary Coleman files for bankruptcy Y2K prep. Jeff HornacekJeff Hornacek was an NBA player from 1986-2000. Known primarily as one of the last consummate shooters in basketball, he won the NBA 3-point competition twice, and the All-Star 2-Ball Challenge once, with Utah Starzz star Natalie Williams. He was drafted also became a renowned player through the '90's, and was one of the best three-point and free throw shooters in the league. He retired in 2000This page is about the year 2000. See 2000 AD for the UK comic book, Number 2000 for other uses. 2000 is a leap year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar), and also the International Year for a Culture of Peace''. Events Y2K passes without the seri. However, the Utah Jazz, despite making 20 consecutive playoff appearances ( 1983 to 2003), never won a championship, losing to the Chicago Bulls four games to two in 1997 and again in 1998. After that they faded in the standings, although they continued to make the playoffs until 2003, after which Stockton retired and Malone moved to the Los Angeles Lakers, hoping to receive a championship ring.
In the 2003 to 2004 season, the Jazz were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league. However, they shattered all expectations under no-namers Andrei Kirilenko, Raja Bell , Matt Harpring , Gordan Giricek , and Carlos Arroyo. They were in the playoff race to the end of the season, missing out by just one game to the Denver Nuggets. Jerry Sloan was second place in the voting for the NBA Coach of the Year Award, losing to Hubie Brown of the Memphis Grizzlies. In the 2004 offseason, with the surprise additions of Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur , they are once again expected to be serious contenders in the West, and are often hailed for making the best offseason moves of any team. In 2004, with the realigment to introduce a 30th team, the Jazz were transferred to the Northwest Division with the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Seattle Sonics.