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“Classic” Jerseys Hint at a “Classic” Utah Jazz Team

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"Classic" Jerseys Hint at a "Classic" Jazz Team“Classic” Jerseys Hint at a “Classic” Utah Jazz Team

By Andy Allred

Last week’s game against the Mavericks felt good.  The Jazz certainly didn’t have their best game in history. They struggled with certain aspects of the game, especially free-throw shooting, but their victory never really felt in doubt.

This win seemed to instill a confidence back into the players and the fan base that this version of the Jazz can have success and do some pretty special things when they are playing their game.

The “Classic Edition” Jazz Jerseys

The Jazz donned their “Classic” Purple Jerseys for the first time this year and they did not disappoint.

It was obvious that the Jazz organization and fans alike were excited to show off the new threads.

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In Utah, we make legends 💜

A post shared by Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) on

Since I was a kid, purple has been my favorite color. Now I remember why.

The “Classic Edition” jerseys somehow manage to give a nod to the historic past of the Jazz while simultaneously promising a bright (purple) future.

A New Classic Jazz

The jerseys weren’t the only aspect of the game that resembled Jazz past, the play on the floor did the same. However, the past wasn’t so long ago.

The first half of this game gave fans glimpses into the kind of suffocating defense that the Jazz are capable of and were so known for last year. The players fed off of each other’s energy and seemed to really play a Quin Snyder defense.

The Mavericks did make a push in the second half, and to be honest the Jazz didn’t look quite as sharp. The intensity, however, did not decrease.

The game turned chippy, the game turned physical, and while I hated how many foul shots were taken, I did love the intensity of the Jazz.

Win or Lose, You’ll Know You’ve Played the Jazz

At the beginning of the season I remember saying that win or lose, opponents are going to hate playing against the Jazz.  So far this season, I haven’t seen as much of that attitude as I expected.

But that night I saw it.

The game got pretty heated with six technical fouls and one flagrant.  The Mavericks were frustrated that they were losing. They were frustrated at the Jazz defense, and they responded with their own aggression.

In this humble Jazz fan’s opinion, this has been and should be the identity of the Jazz moving forward:

Hard-nosed defense, not backing down and having each other’s backs.

Not only do I believe this will lead to more Jazz wins, but I also think it will make the hopefully few losses that the Jazz suffer more bearable.

Remember: Apathy is the enemy of fandom.

The Jazz released their schedule for each jersey at the beginning of the season.  They may have to modify that schedule to include a few more “Classic” Jazz nights.

I’m sure the fans will appreciate it.

About The 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.

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

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

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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!

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Utah Jazz History Doesn’t Repeat Itself… and That’s Okay.

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Utah Jazz History Doesn't Repeat Itself... And That's Okay

Utah Jazz History – Thoughts Before the Opener

As I look forward to tonight’s season opener, I’ve spent all week thinking of Jazz of seasons past. The years of Jazz fandom have come as a blessing and a curse. I have fond memories of watching and going to games with friends and family, but I also have had my heart broken a few times as well (Jordan pushed off on Russell).

Utah Jazz History From my Childhood

Utah Jazz History Doesn't Repeat Itself... And That's Okay

My dad has been a season ticket holder longer than I’ve been alive. That’s right, back to the Salt Palace days. I specifically remember him paying for a subscription to Homecourt Magazine, and I worshiped those magazines.  I wanted to know every single thing about each player. I’d rip the centerfold posters of the players out of the magazine and hang them all around my bedroom. My dad would also bring home the Gametime program from each game, which at the time seemed like a magazine but now I realize they are just the programs. I would spend evenings in the backyard shooting hoops with my Gametime magazine, acting out how I felt the game should have gone.

History Repeats Itself

As a nineties Jazz fan, I never realized how good I had it.  I didn’t understand that part of having two once in a lifetime Jazz players on the team at one time meant that I may never see players like that play for the Jazz for the rest of my life.  As a high school social studies teacher, I often say to my class the “history repeats itself”, and that’s what I was looking for with the Jazz. After John and Karl retired, I found myself searching, like many Jazz fans, for who would take their place.

The years immediately following John and Karl’s retirement, Jazz fans watched Kirilenko’s freak athleticism and could be mildly entertained. However, the real sting of the loss of those two hadn’t quite sunk in.  In 2005, when the Jazz drafted Deron Williams, I remember thinking to myself “this guy is going to be the next John Stockton”. He wasn’t. When the Jazz added Boozer in 2004, they had their Malone replacement. He wasn’t. Thus began my quest to have history repeat itself in the Jazz organization. I didn’t understand how the Jazz could win without those guys. I repeated this maddening optimism with Mo Williams, Paul Millsap, Devin Harris, Al Jefferson, Trey Burke, and Derrick Favors. I’ll even admit that last year when the Jazz traded for Ricky Rubio I was finally content that the Jazz had found their pass-first point guard that they had needed.  I was desperate to relive the glory days of John and Karl.

Utah Jazz History – A “New Era”

This last season, I finally came to my senses. Watching the Jazz stand pat in the offseason made me realize that the front office and coaching staff are excited about the current roster. How was that possible with no Stockton and Malone to run the patented pick-n-roll? The Jazz may not have replicated their 1997 NBA Finals roster, but they did manage to assemble a roster that could get back there. A new generation of Jazz stars are arising, and with them, a new Jazz philosophy: “Team is Everything”.

Let’s face it, the West is stacked.  Even so, analysts from around the country are giving the Jazz a shot at being right up there with the best. If Donovan can grow this year at the same rate he did last year, if Rudy can continue to have a presence like the Defensive Player of the Year that he is, if Jinglin’ Joe can keep stroking it, I don’t see why the Jazz can’t beat any team on any given night. This team had a strong showing last year, and the exciting part is that there is still room for improvement. Donovan made this clear a few weeks ago in an interview with the Salt Lake Tribune’s Gordon Monson when he said, “… We can’t live on what we should’ve, what we could’ve done. No, let’s just go out and do it. Everybody has that same hunger and passion. We’ve all been underrated our entire careers.” This passion combined with humility is what Jazz fans love. It is the reason Stockton became a household name. But those days are over, in the past, the history has been written. Tonight, the “new era” Jazz continue to write their own legacy.

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a 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 on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone. If you’d like to be notified when articles and podcast episodes are released, subscribe below!

EPISODE 01 – Show Intro, Preseason Takeaways, Sunday Sermon & ZDOG

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Episode 01 – Welcome to The Jazz Fan Show

On episode 01 of The Jazz Fan Show, brought to you by TryDayTrading.com…

Hosts Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones talk Utah Jazz preseason performances, present the first weekly sermon from The Rev & interview fellow Jazz super fan ZDOG.

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a 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 on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone. If you’d like to be notified when articles and podcast episodes are released, subscribe below!

Takeaways From the Utah Jazz vs. Perth Wildcats Preseason Matchup

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Takeaways From the Utah Jazz vs. Perth Wildcats Preseason Matchup

Utah Jazz vs. Perth Wildcats goes exactly as you’d think.

Tonight’s Utah Jazz vs. Perth Wildcats game kicked off the 2018-2019 preseason schedule for the Jazz. While the game went exactly as everyone predicted, the game atmosphere surprised me.

As I looked around the arena, I noticed around 75 percent of the seats were filled.

…for a preseason game.

Against a team from Australia who I genuinely thought may not score a point in the first quarter.

Once again, Jazz fans represent better than any in league. It’s beginning to feel like people are noticing…

My Takeaways – Utah Jazz vs. Perth Wildcats

#1 | Grayson Allen (duh)

After doing so well last season, the Utah Jazz were forced to select late in the first round of the NBA Draft.  Looking at the level of talent that is typically still available at that point, drafting Grayson seemed like a no-brainer.

Fast forward to tonight’s preseason opener against Perth.

Allen checks into the game in the first quarter and has a foul within ten seconds.

“Hmm,” I said.

He then goes on to hit his next five 3-point attempts and finishes the game as one of the leading scorers with 19 points in 22 minutes.

It may not be a performance we come to expect from Grayson as his career settles, but for now, it seems he fits in with the team.

At this point, and with this team, I’ll take it.

#2 | Alec Burks and His Passing Game

During last season’s playoff push against OKC, Alec Burks came off the bench as a surprise contributor to the Utah Jazz victory.

Now, AB seems like he’s been around for a long, long time. But for some reason, it feels a little different this year.

I don’t know exactly what it is. He’s always been quick, a slaher and able to score. Obviously, injuries have played a major role, but up to this point I’ve never seen him make the passes he’s making.

Alex looks healthy. He looks like his swagger is slowly but surely making its way back. But this time, it doesn’t seem like it will overtake AB along with the rest of us.

He’s older, more experienced, and seemingly humble.

Is 2018-2019 the year we finally see AB make the improvements we all know he’s capable of making?

#3 | Early Look at Season Rotation

A few notes: Joe Ingles sat out during the Utah Jazz vs. Perth Wildcats game, which left Royce O’Neale as the starting 2.

It looks like Dante Exum is backing up Ricky Rubio entirely and no longer sharing the backup PG role.

Similar to the end of last year, Derrick Favors sits first and is replaced by Jae Crowder. Late in the first quarter, Rudy Gobert sits and Derrick Favors replaces him at center.

Favs anchoring and first AND second teams. I love it.

Another surprise was the fact that Greyson Allen replaced Donovan Mitchell, and it worked extremely well. Will we see Greyson as the primary backup to Spida all season?

#4 | Talent Gap of Basketball World

All props to the Perth Wildcats.

They knew they’d be massacred by the Utah Jazz (the team’s starting center was 6′ 9″)… and they were.

My experience at the Utah Jazz vs. Perth Wildcats game just reaffirmed the level of talent NBA must have to compete in any way at all.

We’re lucky to be able to witness it first-hand.

#5 | Jammin’ While We’re Jammin’

This is random, but it seemed like the facilities played music over the PA system during literally every Utah Jazz possession.

I know it’s becoming more and more common to hear the jams play during live in-game play, but this seemed like a little much.

Was this just because it was a preseason game, or should we expect this to become the norm moving forward?

My suggestion (because you’re all dying to know)?

Pump the jams. Lose the Jazz dancers.

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a 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 on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone. If you’d like to be notified when articles and podcast episodes are released, subscribe below!

Five Reasons We’re Pumped for The 2018-2019 Utah Jazz Season

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Five Reasons We're Pumped for The 2018-2019 Utah Jazz SeasonFive Reasons We’re Pumped for The 2018-2019 Utah Jazz Season

It is finally here. The Jazz preseason starts this Saturday. The Jazz will have their first preseason test against the Perth Wildcats.  The team from Australia includes the one time Jazz man, Bryce Cotton, who was the MVP of the NBL this past season.

With the regular season around the corner, here is a list of five things to look forward to this Jazz Season.

5. The Style

Style has always been an important aspect of the NBA.  It’s funny the same guys that criticize their wives for watching “Project Runway”, tune in early to an NBA game to see what crazy style Westbrook is rocking that game.

The Jazz have never been a team known for their style, but this particular group seems to have a certain swagger that make them fun to watch.  Some of the style questions fans will watch for are:

5 Things to Look Forward to This Jazz Season
Courtesy of DeseretNews.com
  • Will Ricky Rubio keep the Samurai hair?
  • Is Rudy going to bring back the salute?
  • Will Donovan get his signature shoes?
  • Will the Classic jersey receive the same support as the City jersey from last year?

4. The Improvement

This summer the Jazz committed to the plan to bring everyone back from last year. Because of this, we don’t have a lot of new players to analyze and predict how they will fit in.  Grayson Allen is of course the exception, but he’ll be mentioned more below. Since the roster looks similar to last years’ the big question is, where will the Jazz improve?

The first place to look is at the Jazz stars.  Rudy Gobert is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. If he can maintain his defensive presence while continuing to improve his offensive game, he is going to be in the conversation for best center in the league. Donavan Mitchell took the league by storm last year.  If he plays every season at the same level he finished last year, he will be one of the best Jazz players ever. The crazy thing is that he might, and in my humble opinion will, get better.  Mitchell is well on his way to becoming a very special player not just recognized in Utah, but in the league.

The second place to look for improvement is at the backup guard position.  Dante Exum still leaves so many questions for Jazz Fans.  While the optimism seems to be waning a bit, it is still hard to not see the incredible upside that Exum has. Alec Burke is another question mark. Last year he was a consummate professional racking up DNPs, while at the same time being prepared when his number was called.  Most players usually don’t have a huge improvement year as late in their career as Burke is, but then again, Quin Snyder isn’t most coaches, so it would be great to see Alec take a step forward and be a veteran presence and contributor. Other players that hopefully can show some improvement include Royce O’Neale, Jae Crowder, and the return from injury of Thabo Sefolosha.

3. The Bromances

5 Things to Look Forward to This Jazz Season
Courtesy of KSL.com

This one is kind of an odd one, but the comradery of this version is fun.  Whether it’s Gobert and Neto doing their camps together over the summer or Mitchell and O’Neale attending BYU and UofU sporting events, the players seem to genuinely like spending time together. Hopefully the Jazz have another season of pranks, jokes, and Instagram jabs to look forward to this year.

2. The Awards

Last year the Jazz were in the awards discussion for the first time in years.  Mitchell won the dunk contest, Gobert won the DPOY, and Mitchell and Snyder were finalists for the ROY and COY honors. Obviously Donovan won’t be in the running for the Rookie of the Year, although a sophomore did win it last year, but Quin and Rudy will hopefully be right back in the conversation for their respective honors at the end of this season.

To put Donovan in the MVP conversation would be wildly optimistic. However, there is a fair chance that the Jazz could have two all-stars for the first time in ages.  The stacked Western Conference may impede this a bit, but it is still possible.  If Mitchell and Gobert do make it to the All-Star Game, they’ll hopefully spend more time showing their talents, and less complimenting John Wall’s handles.

1.The Attitude

The number one thing to look forward to this Jazz season, is the attitude of the team.  There is a toughness in this team that is rare in the NBA.  Quin Snyder has the team committed to defense and for the most part, there is buy in by each individual player.  Other teams in the NBA are going to hate matching up against the Utah Jazz. Win or lose, the Jazz had a tendency to make their opponents work last season, and there are a lot of teams that don’t want to do that.

The players always had each other’s backs last season, and the first full season of Jae Crowder in a Jazz uniform will only add to that.  Then there is Grayson Allen.  All antics aside, Allen is a tough kid. It is to be seen how much playing time he will get his rookie season. If this were the Jerry Sloan era, the answer would probably be very little. But we will see. What can be expected, is that when Grayson plays, he’s going to play hard. This will only strengthen the overall attitude and swagger of the Jazz.

Regardless of the final record and the playoff position, this year is almost certainly going to be a good one to watch. The Jazz are back and we couldn’t be happier.

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a 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 on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone. If you’d like to be notified when articles and podcast episodes are released, subscribe below!

Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Revealed

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Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Revealed

Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Revealed

The new jersey design will be worn nine times during the Jazz’s 2018-2019 season.

The Utah Jazz purple throwback jerseys were revealed Sept. 20. This after months of rumors that suggested a purple throwback design was in the works.

The jersey will commemorate the Jazz being in Utah for 40 seasons. The Jazz moved to Salt Lake City in 1979 from New Orleans.

Check out social media posts from the players regarding the new jerseys below:

 

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Throwing it back but always lookin ahead 👀

A post shared by Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) on

 

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POPS IM WALKING IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS & LOVING IT.!!! TRIPLE BLESSED.!! 🙏🏾💜💜 NEW PURPLE JERSEY’S 🔥🔥🔥 99X15

A post shared by JAE CROWDER (@bossmann99) on

This is one of six jerseys the Jazz will wear throughout the season. Check out which games will feature which jerseys below:

Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys Utah Jazz Purple Throwback Jerseys

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a 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 on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone. If you’d like to be notified when articles and podcast episodes are released, subscribe below!

 

PRESEASON EPISODE #1 – The Jazz Fan Show

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Deron Williams/Jerry Sloan, Junior Jazz Memories, Short Term Jazz Players and more!

In this special preseason edition of The Jazz Fan Show, hosts Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones discuss the recent Deron Williams/Jerry Sloan meeting. Other topics discussed include memories from Junior Jazz, favorite short term Jazz men and more!

About The Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a 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 on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone. If you’d like to be notified when articles and podcast episodes are released, subscribe below!