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The Jazz first joined the NBA in 1974 as the New Orleans Jazz. Back then, the most famous player in the New Orleans Jazz' history was "Pistol Pete" Maravich, one of the flashiest players in NBA history. In 1979 the team moved to Salt Lake City and became the Utah Jazz. In the 1983"“84 season, the team made their first playoffs. The year after, they drafted the first of two franchise cornerstones "” John Stockton and Karl "the Mailman" Malone. The two played together for 17 seasons, 15 under head coach Jerry Sloan. Stockton was proclaimed the NBA's all time leader in assists while Malone became second all time in scoring. Of course, Stockton and Malone is already a history to Utah Jazz, but they are still coached by Sloan.
His well known fiery defensive playing style during his pro basketball career is what he brings in to the team. Today, the Jazz is led by a budding young Russian star Andre Kirilenko. This 6 foot 9 inches is so versatile enough to play both inside and outside. He is also one of the best three point shooters in the league. Other equally talented Jazz superstars are Jason Hart and Deron Williams, the two point guards who have the tough task of trying to fill in the shoes of Stockton. Can the Utah Jazz continue to build the momentum they started when they won the Northwest Division making it to the Playoffs?
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