Though the Utah Jazz lack the flashy history of larger franchises, some of the NBA‘s best talents have played for them. Here is a look at the top players in Utah Jazz history.
Honorable Mentions:
Jeff Hornacek (1994-2000): Jeff Hornacek spent six seasons with the Jazz, averaging 14.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He was a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, shooting 41.4% from three-point range during his time in Utah. He was also a key player on the team during their back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998.
Deron Williams (2005-2011): Deron Williams spent six seasons with the Jazz, averaging 17.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game. He was a three-time All-Star and one of the best point guards in the league during his time in Utah. He helped lead the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2007 and was a key player on the team during his tenure.
Now, let’s take a look at the top ten players in Utah Jazz history:
Darrell Griffith (1980-1991)
Darrell Griffith spent his entire career with the Jazz, averaging 16.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He was the first overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award that same year. He was a high-flying shooting guard and one of the most exciting players in the league during his time with the Jazz.
Andrei Kirilenko (2001-2011)
Andrei Kirilenko spent ten seasons with the Jazz, averaging 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He was a versatile forward who could do it all on both ends of the floor. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team three times during his time in Utah and was a key player on the team during their playoff runs in the mid-2000s.
Rudy Gobert (2013-2022)
Rudy Gobert has spent his entire career with the Jazz thus far, averaging 12.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. He is a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and one of the best defensive centers in the league today. He has helped lead the team to the playoffs multiple times and is a key player on the current Jazz roster.
Adrian Dantley (1979-1986)
Adrian Dantley spent seven seasons with the Jazz, averaging 29.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He was a prolific scorer and one of the best offensive players in the league during his time with the Jazz. He was a six-time All-Star and helped lead the team to the playoffs multiple times during his tenure.
Pete Maravich (1974-1979)
Pete Maravich spent five seasons with the Jazz, averaging 25.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. He was a flashy and exciting player who had a unique style of play. He was a four-time All-Star during his time with the Jazz and was one of the most popular players in the league at the time. Sadly, his career was cut short due to injury, but he still left an indelible mark on the Jazz franchise.
Carlos Boozer (2004-2010)
Carlos Boozer spent six seasons with the Jazz, averaging 19.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He was a dominant power forward who could score and rebound at a high level. He was a two-time All-Star and helped lead the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2007.
Mark Eaton (1982-1993)
Mark Eaton spent eleven seasons with the Jazz, averaging 6.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. He was one of the best defensive centers in NBA history and was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He was a key player on the Jazz teams that made it to the Western Conference Finals in 1984 and 1992.
Adrian “Odie” Smith (1971-1976)
Adrian Smith spent five seasons with the Jazz, averaging 18.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He was a high-scoring guard who was one of the best players in the ABA before joining the Jazz in the NBA. He was a two-time All-Star during his time with the Jazz and helped lead the team to their first playoff appearance in 1975.
Karl Malone (1985-2003)
Karl Malone spent eighteen seasons with the Jazz, averaging 25.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He is one of the best power forwards in NBA history and was a two-time NBA MVP during his time with the Jazz. He was a fourteen-time All-Star and led the team to two NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998.
John Stockton (1984-2003)
John Stockton spent nineteen seasons with the Jazz, averaging 13.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game. He is one of the best point guards in NBA history and holds the record for the most assists and steals in NBA history. He was a ten-time All-Star and helped lead the team to the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998.
