Kelby Jones

CONFIRMED: Utah Jazz, Salt Lake City to host NBA All Star Game in 2023

August 22, 2019 by Kelby Jones Leave a Comment

Organization sources recently disclosed that the Utah Jazz will host the NBA All Star Game in 2023 or 2024. This will be the second time Salt Lake City will host the event. The previous occurrence happened in 1993.

Utah Jazz to host event in Salt Lake City, Utah again after 30 years

The organization placed its bid to host a future NBA All Star Game back in February 2018. At the time, local political leaders seemed very hopeful the bid would be won by Utah.

“On behalf of the State of Utah, we are committed to the hard work of bringing the NBA All-Star Game to Salt Lake City.
We know this about the Miller family, Utah Jazz organization, and our state — the NBA All-Star Game will be above the rim and the NBA family will fall in love again with the great people of our state.”
Utah Governor Gary Herbert in 2018.

“We are very excited and well prepared to bring back the NBA All-Star Game to Vivint Smart Home Arena. We are a vibrant, diverse and culturally rich community that knows how to celebrate the experience of sport. Our 2002 Olympic Winter Games remain the standard against which all other Olympic Winter Games are measured.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski in 2018.

Miller Family on Utah Jazz placing bid to host future NBA event

Utah’s political leaders weren’t the only big names backing the Utah Jazz organization and the city in which it resides. In addition, Greg Miller, son of Gail Miller made sure to sound in on the potential of the game making a return.

Utah Jazz, Salt Lake City to host NBA All Star Game in 2023 or 2024 — Utah Jazz teammates Karl Malone and John Stockton received co-MVP honors in the 1993 NBA All Star Game held in Salt Lake City.

“The 1993 NBA All-Star Game was memorable for many reasons. Our new arena was just two years old, and we were so proud to welcome the NBA family into our new home. It is with great excitement and anticipation that we now invite the NBA to return this celebration of our sport back to Salt Lake City for a game elevated.”
Greg Miller, son of Gail Miller and NBA Board of Governors member

Utah Jazz Fan Show breaking news?

This isn’t the first time Ryan Van Dorn or Kelby Jones have broken big Utah Jazz news. Recently, the show reported on purple mountain jerseys 20 weeks prior to the announcement. Listen to the podcast below for more on that:

Interested in more from the Utah Jazz Fan Show? Listen Saturdays at noon on The Zone Sports Network.

When will Utah Jazz fans know the exact year?

The timeline is unclear as to when the team will make an announcement. Fans are still patiently awaiting updates regarding new jerseys, etc. Not to mention just waiting for the season is ALREADY driving some fans crazy.

We’ll make sure to report as soon as an announcement is made.

In the mean time, make sure to listen to the Utah Jazz Fan Show Saturdays at noon!

CONFIRMED: Utah Jazz to debut “mountain” jerseys next season

August 9, 2019 by Kelby Jones 1 Comment

utah jazz throwback purple mountain jersey

Sources say local retailers are stocking up on a Utah Jazz “mountain” jersey in anticipation of next season’s debut.

The Utah Jazz organization is planning on incorporating mountains into the design of the team’s jerseys next season. This, according to one local employee at a sporting goods retail store in the greater Salt Lake City area.

The employee claims the store’s manager had planned and ordered large amounts of the jersey after receiving communications from the decision-makers, presumably with Nike.

Utah Jazz throwback purple mountain jerseys

The previous “mountain” jerseys were made famous in the late 1990’s during the teams two runs to the NBA Finals. Both runs ending in losses to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in both matchups.

Goodbye to the Utah Jazz City Edition Jersey?

The Utah Jazz made noise during the 2017-2018 season by debuting their newly-designed “City Edition” jerseys. The jerseys revolved around an entirely new design-scheme, including a red, orange and yellow color pallet.

According to the local employee, the new Utah Jazz “mountain” jerseys will be replacing these jerseys all together. This may come as a surprise to those who thought this design may have been foreshadowing something bigger to come.

Other Utah Jazz Jersey Concepts to Consider

Some, including John Stockton, weren’t big fans of the Utah Jazz throwback purple mountain jerseys originally. Furthermore, some STILL aren’t big fans of it, even today.

For those of you who aren’t happy to bring back the team’s heritage, enjoy a few Utah Jazz jersey concept designs, courtesy of a Google search.

The Jazz Fan Show will continue looking into this news as it breaks. Follow us on Twitter (@JazzFanShow) to be notified of any developments.

Donovan Mitchell Discusses Sophomore Campaign w/ The Crossover

April 20, 2019 by Kelby Jones Leave a Comment

The rising Utah Jazz guard experienced quite the learning curve while transitioning into his second full NBA season.

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell recently visited The Crossover while in the midst of the late-season road trip on the east coast.

The Crossover crew brought the up-and-comer in to discuss what it’s like to be a second-season player in the NBA.

Watch the video from The Crossover’s post below:

What’s Different for Donovan Mitchell?

After a stellar rookie season which included a first-round playoff victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder and former MVP Russell Westbrook, Donovan knew things would be far more difficult in the years to come. In contrast, year two has been a new experience for the Sophomore.

“This year, it’s different. I have to be locked in for every moment, they make it so tough on every possession,” Mitchell told The Crossover. “But the words I’ve received from James [Harden], from Kobe [Bryant], Chris Paul, it’s helped me understand that. I think in my rookie year, I was really taken aback. This year I came seeking advice.”

That teachability is just the beginning of a long process aimed at avoiding any “sophomore slumps” that might have been heading Donovan’s way. He also had to learn, very quickly, what it means to hold and be held accountable by teammates.

Donovan Mitchell on Overcoming This Season’s Slow Start

After a slow start to the season, the team needed Donovan to step up. Furthermore, to retain the leadership role he had earned the year before.

“Coach Snyder stressed to me that this year was going to be a lot different, and it was one thing for me to hear, and another thing for me to go through it,” Mitchell said regarding Utah’s poor start. “It’s one of those things you really have to go through, to experience. They kind of anticipated this happening, I didn’t. But to have the support of my teammates through the early part of the season was really special, and really helped get us back to where we need to be.”

So… what exactly did Donovan change about how he was playing this season? And how did it help the team get back on the winning path?

“Changing my pace and making an effort to get to the free-throw line, that’s something James [Harden] is great at and Dwyane Wade talked to me about as well,” Mitchell said. “To hear that from them and then trying to follow their advice really helped me get back on track.”

What’s To Come for Donovan Mitchell?

In conclusion, Donovan Mitchell may have learned some big lessons and have even bigger plans in his future. However, right now his only focus is on this season’s playoff push.

“It’s been a crazy past two years, trying to absorb everything I’ve learned,” Mitchell said. “We’ve got a healthy lineup, and one that can be pretty special. Now we’ve got to prove it each and every night.”

Click here to read the entire interview from The Crossover.

Utah Jazz Fans and the Jimmer Fredette Civil War

March 27, 2019 by Kelby Jones Leave a Comment

Jimmer Fredette and the Phoenix Suns came to town and everyone’s REAL UPSET.

The Utah Jazz are winding down the 2018 – 2019 season with a schedule equivalent to a nice downhill coast on your favorite bike. Part of that schedule included a game against the tanking Phoenix Suns and their newest signee, former BYU star Jimmer Fredette.

Fredette recently returned to the NBA after two years playing professionally in China for the Yao Ming-owned Shanghai Sharks. In just his second game with the Phoenix Suns, the former international star found himself near his old stomping grounds in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Jimmer finally entered the game to start the second quarter. The crowd, obviously filled with BYU fans who made the 35 minute drive to the arena, gave the former local a standing ovation. The crowd would go on to cheer each and every time he touched the basketball.

Jimmer’s Time in Utah

In case any of you have forgotten, these were the guy’s numbers/highlights while he was a senior at Brigham Young University:

Now, while I know many of you were on the red side of things during this time, you still have to admit this is some exciting stuff. If the dude had come from your school, you’d still be cheering for him too.

Or not. I guess we’ll find out Wednesday when former University of Utah star Kyle Kuzma returns…

Mannnnnn I better get the same reception Ute fans this is amazing 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— kuz (@kylekuzma) March 26, 2019

Utah Jazz Fans at Vivint Smart Home Arena React Live to Jimmer Fredette

Like I said before, if you were alive and in Utah in 2010 or 2011, you had to give the guy some respect. Apparently this respect has lasted, however, as the crowd reacted like this basically any time Fredette touched the ball:

Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns Players React to Jimmer Fredette’s Warm Welcome

Here’s what the guys on the floor had to say:

Donovan on the Jimmer-loving crowd: "I was so confused today. … It just shows the passion of the fans in Utah. I told Ricky, 'This man played college basketball. He didn't do anything else but play college basketball and they love him.' That’s awesome."
— Ryan Miller (@millerjryan) March 26, 2019

Three Jazz players react to Jimmermania. pic.twitter.com/rPa5fB0Vjv
— David James (@DavidDJJames) March 26, 2019

Kyle Korver, on Jimmer: "Good for him. He’s got such a story. His basketball story is filled with ups and downs, some good and some tough. I just really respect that he keeps on battling. It’s good to see him back out there again. … He's gonna have fans here for generations." pic.twitter.com/xiB6S8mWCo
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) March 26, 2019

Devin Booker on Jimmer pic.twitter.com/8ISVvWAI5f
— JP Chunga (@JP_Chunga) March 26, 2019

Utah Jazz Fans React to Jimmer Fredette on Twitter

People weren’t happy and also feeling themselves PRETTY hard…

Just tell me – would you honestly not have cheered your heart out for rudy the football player – if you knew his story – but he played against you in a game that was out of reach?
— Jazz Jams & Jammies (@Bud66498179) March 26, 2019

Best part of Jimmer being back in the NBA is how salty it makes some people 😂😂
— Jazzy Keegs (@Kwjazzman) March 25, 2019

You don't seem to get the point. No one is arguing about him getting cheered. It's just he was cheered excessively. It was pathetic. BYU fans seem to have this whole "Glory days" type of mentality that is just embarrassing. The fact that Jimmer was cheered that much is annoying.
— A. cavaleiro (@aknight292) March 27, 2019

Why do Utah Jazz Fans love Jimmer Fredette so much?

I’ll do my best to explain it below…

Jimmer Fredette poses zero threat to the Utah Jazz

Everyone’s getting all mad that we cheered so loud for the guy. The team was up by 30 and the game was getting unwatchable. If it’s a two-point game, I’ll make sure you feel my support, Jazz players. But when you’re already planning your postgame meal in the third quarter, let me cheer for my guy.

Jimmer is All of Us

Jimmer is a six-foot unathletic white guy who absolutely and unequivocally dominated college basketball while playing for a disadvantaged Brigham Young University team. The things he was able to do while going up against the likes of Kawhi Leonard and other future NBA stars is almost unbelievable.

Jazz Nation Identifies with Perpetual Underdogs

The Utah Jazz are perpetual underdogs. Nobody around the leagues cares if we succeed. We’re just a small market nobody who always has to fight for the attention we so rightly deserve. Jimmer Fredette is the same.

What did this whole thing tell us about the Utah Jazz?

In conclusion, I believe our biggest takeaway from this entire experience is that the game of basketball can kind of get away from us at time.

Do we really need to look THIS deeply into every aspect of a player we used to love getting another shot in the NBA? And where does this kind of stuff end?

WE ARE LITERALLY FIGHTING OTHER JAZZ FANS OVER JIMMER FREDETTE.

And frankly, it’s pretty damn weak.

Always try to remember the wise words of Abraham Lincoln:

A house divided against itself, cannot stand.

What are we going to do if Russell Westbrook comes back to town? How will we react if Donovan misses a game-winner in round one?

Will it be with hatred and cowardly online harassment toward those who generally share our same beliefs and values?

As a lifelong Utah Jazz fan, I hope we’re better than this. If something as minuscule as JIMMER FREDETTE RETURNING TO THE NBA is causing this kind of backbiting, do we even deserve any kind of success?

If it continues at the rate it’s at, we might as well pack up the whole team.

Earned Edition Jersey Giveaway

March 4, 2019 by Kelby Jones 1 Comment

Submit the form below and enter for your chance to win a free Donovan Mitchell Utah Jazz Earned Edition Jersey, courtesy of TryDayTrading.com!

Spida-Mitchell by Kay Malik

February 23, 2019 by Kelby Jones Leave a Comment

Spida-Mitchell writer Kay Malik stopped by the Utah Jazz Fan Show this week to discuss his latest track.

Check out Spida-Mitchell by Kay Malik on Soundcloud:

Kay appears in Episode 21 of The Utah Jazz Fan Show. He discusses where his inspiration came from, some of the hidden gems you may have missed in the song. He also talks about how he’s loved the game of basketball all his life.

CLICK HERE to listen to the episode!

The Utah Jazz Fan Show

Brought to you by TryDayTrading.com

Part of The Zone Sports Network

The Utah Jazz fan show is moving to Saturdays at noon on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone and The Zone Sports Network.

Furthermore, you can find more episodes of the Jazz Fan Show on The Zone Sports Network App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, Google Play and more!

Episode 17 NOW AVAILABLE!

January 27, 2019 by Kelby Jones Leave a Comment

Episode 17 of

The Utah Jazz Fan Show

is NOW AVAILABLE!

On Episode 17 of The Utah Jazz Fan Show, brought to you by TryDayTrading.com…

The Utah Jazz are trending up, but is a trade still in play?

Dante Exum and how he lost a chance at an extra $200k.

Ricky Rubio’s role in Utah’s future.

Strange things happening on AND off the floor for Jazz players.

Will the Jazz have zero, one, or two All Stars representing them this season?

Miss Last Week’s Episode?

On Episode 16 of The Utah Jazz Fan Show, brought to you by TryDayTrading.com…

Ryan and Kelby talk about the BIG problem at Point Guard for the Utah Jazz before welcoming back Gretchen Devine to discuss Rudy Gobert and his magical Pratt Daddy Crystals.

PLUS, another edition of the Jr. Jazz Fan Show with nine-year-old Kennedy and The Rev blesses us with another Sunday Sermon!

About the Utah Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a radio show, podcast and blog focusing on all things Utah Jazz. Founded by Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones in September of 2018.

You can hear the show Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone.

The Jazz Fan Show is also now available in podcast format! Click the links below and subscribe today!

iTunes

Spotify

JazzFanShow.com

TryDayTrading.com

1280TheZone.com

The Zone Sports Network App

Soundcloud

Why Subscribe to The Utah Jazz Fan Show?

The show began in an attempt to create more content around the Utah Jazz for the fans to enjoy.

Our goal has been to contact and bring together as many die-hard Utah Jazz fans as we can, and we’re having a great time doing it!

If you or someone you know love the Utah Jazz, contact us today for a chance to come on the show and discuss what it means to you to be a Utah Jazz fan!

PLUS, listening to The Jazz Fan Show is your best way to get information on upcoming giveaways!

The Utah Jazz Fan Show:

Where Everything’s Made Up and the Stats Don’t Matter

Michael Scott Gifs that Describe This Season for the Utah Jazz

December 26, 2018 by Kelby Jones Leave a Comment

Michael Scott On Being a Utah Jazz Fan

To accurately portray what the beginning of this season felt like for Jazz fans, please enjoy the following explanation from The Office’s Michael Scott:

Preseason:

After Beating SAC to Go 1-0 on Season:

After Jerebko’s Tip-In Winner:

When Utah Lost to Memphis Twice:

When the Jazz Couldn’t Win at Home:

Losing by 50 Points to Dallas:

Thinking Back on the Nightmare that was Utah’s Start-of-Year Schedule:

Watching the Utah Jazz in the Middle of Above-Mentioned Schedule:

Watching NBA Referees Miss Easy Calls Each and Every Night:

Thinking About How Stacked the Western Conference is:

When Rudy Took it Out on a Water Bottle:

Watching Refs Miss James Harden Travel:

Watching Refs Miss Russell Westbrook’s 6th Foul:

When Jazz Beat the Warriors:

When Jazz Won the Christmas Game: