Utah Jazz Dream team

 

As players get bigger, stronger and faster coupled with rules of

the game being in constant change, conventional wisdom

suggests that players from different eras cannot be compared.

However, I have decided to defy those odds. 

The Utah Jazz were established in 1974 as the New Orleans

Jazz. The franchise remained in The Big Easy until 1979 and

have called Salt Lake City, Utah, home since that year. 

You would be hard-pressed to find a team with a mascot name

that is more polar opposite of its home city than the Utah Jazz.

Former owner Sam Battisone moved the team from New Orleans

to Salt Lake City because of financial concerns. The Jazz do not

have an NBA championship to their resume but reached back-

to-back NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998 losing both times to the

Chicago Bulls, who at the time were NBA royalty winning six

NBA titles in eight years.

The Jazz failed to reach the postseason for their first nine

seasons but made the postseason for 20 consecutive years, the

second longest streak in NBA history to the San Antonio Spurs

and Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers. In a nutshell, while

the Jazz do not have an NBA title, the best way to describe them

is they have been like the hurdler that never wins the race but is

always in the mix. 

Today, I put together a Jazz Dream Team. There are some rigid

criteria in making this team. First of all, the player needed to have

played for the Jazz for a minimum of four seasons -- no exceptions.

However, someone on this team is keeping the seat warm for

current star Donovan Mitchell, who is in his third season. It’s just

a question of who gets bumped? 

Since the free agency era began 30 years ago, that standard

needs to be in place. Two-year rentals don’t make this list. This

roster is all-encompassing from all eras. 

Personality or legal flaws are not a deterrent to making this team.

This is basketball, not the Boy Scouts. Being in the Hall of Fame

is the first consideration coupled with impact on the franchise.

The number of All-NBA seasons are a top consideration with

longevity also helping immensely. While I understand it is hard

to compare eras, I’m not going to convolute this discussion. 

Generational reminders

Being on the Jazz during a season of being a contender does

not get you a hall pass on this team. However, being on the

Jazz during a bad season is no deterrent to getting a spot on

this team. Winning or losing eras, all high-level performers get

considered. 

To further the challenge, the modern game has evolved into

positionless basketball. The roster will comprise 15 players

encompassing all eras. The starting lineup will be position

specific, after that it will be the best of the rest with four years

playing for the franchise being the first requirement. 

So, if you want to make a case for a player being on the team,

don’t just tell me he should be there and why, tell me who you

would remove. Before you make a case to put someone on

the list, ask yourself, “Who do I take off the list at that position?”

Starting lineup

Point guard: John Stockton

“Stockton-to-Malone” was a familiar refrain to Jazz fans and

throughout the NBA for nearly 20 years. Many people view

Stockton as the best pure point guard in NBA history. Stockton

holds the career record for assists and steals, both by wide

margins. Stockton was the epitome of durable, missing just 22

games in his 19-year Hall of Fame career. Stockton’s 3-pointer

at the buzzer to defeat the Houston Rockets in Game 6 of the

1997 Western Conference finals was perhaps the most

memorable moment in franchise history as it vaulted the Jazz

into the NBA Finals. 

Stockton was a 10-time All-Star, NBA All-Star game MVP in

1993 and 11-time All NBA (two as a first-teamer). Stockton

was NBA All-Defensive second-team on five occasions, led

the NBA in assists nine times and led the NBA in steals twice.

Stockton led the Jazz to back-to-back NBA Finals

appearances in 1997 and 1998. In his career, Stockton

averaged a double-double with 13.1 points and 10.5 assists

per game.

Shooting guard: Pete Maravich

Maravich, known as “Pistol Pete,” is one of the best outside

shooters in NBA history before the 3-point line era, which came

into existence during his final two seasons in the NBA. Maravich

played for the Jazz mostly during the New Orleans era.

Maravich was an excellent all-around guard with his shooting

and passing ability. The Jazz did not make the playoffs in

Maravich’s six seasons but he belongs in the starting lineup.

Maravich was a five-time All-Star and four-time All NBA (two as

a first-teamer). He was the NBA scoring champion in 1977. With

the Jazz, Maravich averaged 25.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4

assists per game.

Small forward: Adrian Dantley

Choosing Dantley as the starter was a no-brainer because he is

the only All-Star level small forward the franchise has ever had.

The Jazz have had six players average over 30 points per game,

Dantley had four of those seasons. Though the Jazz only made

the playoffs twice in Dantley seven seasons, he was a highly

productive player.

On the way to a Hall of Fame career, Dantley was a six-time

All-Star and two-time scoring champion. He averaged 24.3 points

per game and 5.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists. 

Power forward: Karl Malone

Malone was known as “The Mailman” for his ability to consistently

deliver with clutch performances. Malone is also considered by

many the best power forward in NBA history. Though Malone was

a very physical player in the low-post, over the years he

developed into a consistent perimeter shooter. Malone is No. 2

in NBA history in total points behind Los Angeles Lakers’ legend

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Malone helped guide the Jazz two

consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998 on the

way to a Hall of Fame career.

Malone holds various NBA records and was a two-time NBA

MVP, 14-time All-Star, two-time NBA All-Star game MVP and

14-time All-NBA selection (11 as a first-teamer), four-time NBA

All Defensive first-team. In his 19-year career, Malone averaged

25.0 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. 

Center: Rudy Gobert

Gobert and Mark Eaton are similar players in that their game is

defensive-minded. They also have similar resumes but what

gives Gobert, who is currently in his seventh season in the NBA,

the nod is that he has become a more offensively inclined player

than Eaton ever was. Because of his 7-foot-1 frame and 7-9

wingspan, the French-born Hobert is known as “The Stifle

Tower.”

Gobert earned his first All-Star appearance in 2020 and has

twice made All-NBA, once as a second-teamer and another

time as a third-team choice. Gobert is also a two-time NBA

Defensive Player of the Year and three-time NBA All Defensive

first team. He was the NBA blocked shot leader in 2017. Gobert

is averaging 11.7 points and 11.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocked

shots for his career but has averaged at least 13.5 points and

each of the past four seasons. 

Bench (alphabetical order)

Thurl Bailey: Bailey was a starter for the Jazz for much of his

first two seasons but with the franchise drafting Malone, Bailey

ended up being one of the Jazz top options off the bench and

he enjoyed many productive years in that role. After eight

seasons with the Jazz from 1983-1991, Bailey played for the

Minnesota Timberwolves for three years along with playing in

Greece and Italy before returning to the Jazz in the 1998-1999

season. In his NBA career Bailey averaged 12.8 points per

game and was NBA All Rookie first team in 1984.

Carlos Boozer: Three of Boozer's seven seasons with the

Jazz were shortened by injuries but his time was still impactful

enough to earn a spot on this roster. Both of Boozer's All-Star

seasons in his career came as a member of the Jazz. He was

All NBA third team in 2008. As a member of the Jazz, Boozer

averaged 19.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

Mark Eaton: At 7-4, Eaton is one of the tallest players in NBA

history. Eaton holds the NBA record for most blocks in a season

(456) and career average blocked shots per game at 3.50.

Eaton played his entire career with the Utah Jazz. Eaton

recorded 3,064 block shots, at the time of retirement No. 2

behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Eaton was an All-Star in 1989

and was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, four-time

leader in blocked shots and five-time NBA All Defensive team

(three as a first-teamer). 

Darrell Griffith: Griffith’s arrival coincided with the franchise

having moved from New Orleans along with transition from

the Pete Maravich era. Griffin and Dantley formed an

outstanding scoring duo. Griffith was the NBA Rookie of the

Year in 1981 and NBA all-rookie first team. For his career,

Griffith averaged 16.2 points per game and over 20 points in

four of his first five seasons with the Jazz. The arrival of

Stockton and Malone made him more of a role player.

Gordon Hayward: Hayward, who was now a Boston Celtic,

played for the Jazz for seven seasons. After the departure

of Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson during the 2013 season,

Hayward became the Jazz most prominent weapon.

Hayward's lone All Star season was his final one in Utah in

2017. As a member of the Jazz, Hayward averaged 15.7,

4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. 

Jeff Hornacek: Hornacek played for three different teams

but his career was most synonymous with the Jazz.

Hornacek became the perfect complement to Stockton and

Malone. He was excellent moving without the ball and also

one of the best free throw shooters in NBA history. Hornacek

was instrumental in the Jazz reaching back-to-back NBA

Finals appearances in 1997 and 98. With the Jazz, Hornacek

averaged 14.4 points, 1.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

Andrei Kirilenko: Kirilenko was nicknamed “AK-47” in

reference to his initials, combined with his jersey number and

the rifle. After Stockton retired and Malone left for one season

for the Los Angeles Lakers, Kirilenko became the face of the

franchise. Kirilenko played 10 seasons with the Jazz and was

an All-Star in 2004, NBA All-Defensive first team in 2008 and

led the NBA in blocked shots in 2005. Kirilenko averaged 12.4

points 5.6 rebounds. 

Mehmet Okur: Okur spent seven productive seasons with

the Jazz after his first two with the Detroit Pistons. The Turkish

born Okur played a mixture of power forward and center

throughout his career and was nicknamed “The Money Man”

and “Memo is Money” among Jazz fans for his ability to make

crucial shots. Okur was an All-Star in 2007 and averaged

15.3 points, 7.6 rebounds in his career in Utah.

Deron Williams: Williams spent six very productive seasons

with the Utah Jazz. His lone All-Star season with the Jazz

came in 2007. That season the Jazz advanced to the Western

Conference Finals losing to the eventual NBA champion San

Antonio Spurs. With Utah, Williams averaged 15.3 points per

game, 7.6 rebounds. 

Head coach: Jerry Sloan. 

This choice takes about a nanosecond to make. Sloan is not

only the best coach in Utah Jazz history but one of the best

ever in the NBA despite not having delivered a championship.

The Hall of Famer compiled 1,127 regular-season and 96

more in the postseason. If not for Michael Jordan's Bulls, the

Jazz more than likely would have delivered a championship.

To be fair, the Bulls prevented a lot of Hall of Famers from

winning championships. Despite all of his victories, Sloan

was never the recipient of NBA Coach of the Year. Beyond

victories, Sloan fostered a no-nonsense mentality when it

came to establishing a culture with the Utah Jazz.

Team: 1997-1998.

It's a close battle between 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 but

the ladder gets the nod. The former won 64 regular-season

games while the ladder won 62.  Both teams lost 4-2 to the

Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals but the 1997-1998 version

had the best chance to knock off the bulls having secured

home court advantage in the NBA finals and beating the

Chicago Bulls twice in the regular season. Both squads

featured pretty much the same cast of characters with

Malone, Stockton, Hornacek and Bryon Russell.

Portland Trailblazers Dream Team

 As players get bigger, stronger and faster coupled with rules of the game being in constant change, conventional wisdom suggests that players from different eras cannot be compared. However, I have decided to defy those odds. 

The Portland Trailblazers were established in 1970 and did not record a winning record until the 1976-1977 campaign. That season, the Blazers reached the NBA summit, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 4-2 for the NBA championship. Since that season, the Blazers have been like a hurdler that is always in the race but never wins it. The Los Angeles, and San Antonio Spurs to a lesser extent, were the biggest road blocks. The franchise returned to the NBA Finals twice in the 1990s before losing to the Detroit Pistons 4-1 in 1990 and 4-2 to the Chicago Bulls in 1992. 

When choosing a name for the franchise, the most popular choice was “Pioneers,” but Lewis & Clark College (Portland) already occupied that name. The name “Trailblazers” was ultimately selected to depict explorers making paths through forests so as to depict the ruggedness of the Pacific Northwest. The name, however, has been frequently shortened to “Blazers.” 

Though Oregon Ducks college football has become exceedingly more popular over the past two decades, the Blazers remain the state of Oregon’s lone professional sports franchise. 

Today, I put together a Blazers Dream Team. There are some rigid criteria in making this team. First of all, the player needed to have played for the Blazers for a minimum of four seasons -- no exceptions. Since the free agency era began 30 years ago, that standard needs to be in place. Two-year rentals don’t make this list. This roster is all-encompassing from all eras. 

Personality or legal flaws are not a deterrent to making this team. This is basketball, not the Boy Scouts. Being in the Hall of Fame is the first consideration coupled with impact on the franchise. The number of All-NBA seasons are a top consideration with longevity also helping immensely. While I understand it is hard to compare eras, I’m not going to convolute this discussion. 

Generational reminders

Being on the Blazers during a season of being a contender does not get you a hall pass on this team. However, being on the Sonics/Thunder during a bad season is no deterrent to getting a spot on this team. Winning or losing eras, all high-level performers get considered. 

To further the challenge, the modern game has evolved into positionless basketball. The roster will comprise 15 players encompassing all eras. The starting lineup will be position specific, after that it will be the best of the rest with four years playing for the franchise being the first requirement. 

So, if you want to make a case for a player being on the team, don’t just tell me he should be there and why, tell me who you would remove. Before you make a case to put someone on the list, ask yourself, “Who do I take off the list at that position?”

Starters

Point guard: Damian Lillard

Having recently completed his ninth NBA season, Lillard's legacy is still in progress but he might be the best player in franchise history when his career ends. Lillard staying loyal to Portland is admirable in an era small market stars beg their way out of town. Even if Lillard kicked and screamed his way out of Portland, he’s the best point guard in franchise history, no questions asked. 

Lillard is a five-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA (one as a first-teamer),  NBA Rookie of the Year in 2013 and NBA All Rookie first team that same season. Lillard is one of two players in franchise history, along with Clyde Drexler, to reach at least five All-Star games. In his career, Lillard is averaging 24.2 points, and 6.5 assists per game.

Shooting guard: Clyde Drexler

At the present time, you would be hard-pressed to name anybody other than Drexler the best player in franchise history. Drexler was nicknamed “The Glide” because of his incredible athleticism and easy going demeanor. Drexler played 12 of his 15 seasons with the Blazers, the other three with the Houston Rockets, for whom he helped win two NBA championships.

Drexler is a Hall of Famer who averaged 20.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game in his time with the Blazers. Drexler is a 10 time All Star and 5 time All NBA (one as a first-teamer). Drexler holds the NBA record for most offensive rebounds by a guard in his career. Drexler led the Blazers to a pair of NBA Finals appearances. 

Small forward: Clifford Robinson

In a sense, Robinson was ahead of his time. Though he played from 1989-1997 with the Blazers, Robinson’s style of play would fit perfectly as a stretch-four in today's game. There was very little he couldn't do as he was a solid young shooter, he could drive to the basket and play defense. 

Robinson earned only one All-Star appearance but should have learned more and was the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 1993. Robinson also played for four other teams besides the Blazers. In his career, Robinson averaged 14.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Robinson played a mixture of small forward, power forward and Center but he deserves a spot in the starting lineup somewhere. 

Power forward: Maurice Lucas

Lucas and Bill Walton formed an outstanding frontcourt that helped the Blazers win the 1976-1977 NBA championship. Though Lucas played only five seasons with the Blazers, he was still one of the best players in franchise history, which is more than enough to land him in the starting lineup with this team.

Two of Lucas's four career All-Star appearances came in a Blazers uniform. In 1977-1978, Lucas was second-team All-NBA and NBA All-Defensive first-team. In his seasons with the Blazers, Lucas averaged 15.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game and he also averaged 3.1 assists per game. 

Center: Bill Walton

You would be hard-pressed to find a more popular player in Blazer history. Though Walton is a Hall of Famer, much of his legacy involves what he could have been. His time as a high-level NBA player was limited due to the numerous nagging foot injuries throughout his career. Walton, however, is very deserving of a spot in the starting lineup.

Walton's career with the Blazers was only four years but it was very impactful. Both of his All-Star appearances came in a Blazer uniform. He helped deliver the franchise its only NBA Championship in 1977 and he was also the NBA Finals MVP. Walton was the MVP of the NBA in 1978. In his four Seasons with the Blazers, Walton averaged 17.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.6 blocked shots. 

Bench (alphabetical order)

LaMarcus Aldridge: While Aldridge has spent his last five seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, and Blazer fans were less than fond of his decision to leave, Aldridge provided moments of greatness in his career in Portland. Aldridge was a four-time All-Star and scored 12,562 points. In 2013-2014, Aldridge helped the Blazers get past the first round for the first time since 1999. Four of Aldridge's seven All-Star appearances came as a Blazer. He averaged 19.4 points in 8.4 rebounds in Portland. 

Jerome Kersey: Kersey's 17-year career came with six different teams but was most synonymous with the Blazers, for whom he played 11 years. Kersey was a second-round draft pick from Linwood College, a Div. III school. Kersey along with Terry Porter, Clyde Drexler and Kevin Duckworth became a key nucleus for the franchise appearing in two NBA finals in three years. In his career with the Blazers, Kersey averaged 12.1 points and 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Kersey was also part of the 1999 San Antonio Spurs NBA championship.

CJ McCollum: Though Lillard grabs a lot of the headlines, McCollum and Lillard have formed elite NBA backcourt for the better part of the last seven years. McCollum is the first player in NBA history to come from a private school, Lehigh. McCollum was voted the NBA's Most Improved Player in 2016. In his career with the Blazers he has averaged 18.5 points 3.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds per contest. 

Jim Paxson: Paxson played nine of his 11 seasons with the Blazers. He was a two-time All-Star and it happened in back-to-back seasons in 1983 and 1984. He was also All-NBA second team in 1984. At the time the Blazers traded him to the Boston Celtics after the 1988 season, Paxton was the franchise's all-time leading scorer. In his career, Paxson averaged 14.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. 

Geoff Petrie: Petrie was the first great player in the history of the franchise. Petrie averaged over 24 points a game on three occasions in his only six seasons with the Blazers. Though he was not part of the 1977 NBA championship team, he had some sweat equity in the franchise getting there. Petrie was a two-time All-Star in the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1971. In his career, he averaged 21.8 points per game and 4.6 assists 

Terry Porter:

Until Lillard established his greatness, Porter would have been the starting point guard on this team and he is one of the most adored players in franchise history to Blazer fans. Porter, however, deserves a spot on this roster. Porter ran the offense efficiently and was a solid shooter as he averaged 14.9 points per game, 7.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds per contest in his career as a Blazer. Porter was a two-time All-Star who helped the Blazers reach the NBA Finals twice in a stretch of three seasons. 

Brandon Roy:

Roy played six of his seven NBA seasons with the Blazers. While his injury-riddled career leaves one to wonder what Roy could have been, he also did more than enough good things to land a spot on this roster. Roy was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2007 and NBA All-Rookie first team as well. He was a three-time All-Star. In his career, Roy averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists.

Arvydas Sabonis: 

Though he only played seven seasons in the NBA, Sabonis is one of the best European players in NBA history. Sabonis, however, played professional basketball for 22 years if you include his years of playing in Europe. Sabonis was inducted into the Hall of Fame and was one of the first perimeter shooting centers  to shoot 3-point shots. He was a very skilled passer. During his NBA career, Sabonis averaged 12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists. 

Rasheed Wallace: 

To put it charitably, Wallace was a powder keg as he set the single-season record for technical fouls in 2000-2001. Wallace, however, had a very accomplished NBA career with the Blazers and later helped the Detroit Pistons win an NBA title in 2004. Wallace helped the franchise two back-to-back Western Conference Finals before losing to the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers. In a Blazers uniform, Wallace was a two-time NBA All-Star and averaged 16.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game 

Buck Williams: 

Though his time in Portland did not feature All Star level play as it did with his previous team, the New Jersey Nets, Williams was the perfect complement to the likes of Terry Porter and Clyde Drexler. Williams helped the Blazers reach two NBA finals in three years. While with Portland, Williams was a three-time NBA All-Defensive selection, two as a first-teamer. Williams brought a lunch bucket mentality as a rebounder. With the Blazers, he averaged 10.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest,  and 1.5 block shots. 

Head coach: Jack Ramsay. 

Rick Adelman and Terry Stotts have each had very successful careers leading the Blazers. However, until another head coach leads them to a championship, one will be hard pressed to uspurp Ramsey. He coached the Blazers to 453 of his 864 career coaching wins  In the regular season. Ramsey also guided the Blazers to 29 more postseason wins including the 1976-1977 championship. Before Ramsey arrived the Blazers had not made the playoffs or had a winning record in their history. Ramsey is in the Hall of Fame as a coach and is probably among the top 10-15 of all time in NBA history.

Team: 1976-1977. 

The Blazers have been a consistent playoff participant in their franchise's history but as far as the best team is concerned, you would be hard-pressed to go any other way than the one that delivered the lone championship. The 49-33 regular-season record, which netted the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, may not appear impressive. The Blazers, however, got healthy at the right time and were very impressive in the postseason. In the Western Conference playoffs, the Blazers  defeated the Chicago Bulls 2-1, the Denver Nuggets 4-2, and swept the Los Angeles Lakers 4-0 in the Western Conference Finals. In the NBA finals, the Blazers lost the first two games against the Philadelphia 76ers before winning four consecutive contests to deliver the NBA championship.