The J-Notes
Fansided

Looking Back at Each Era of Utah Jazz Basketball

By David Brinkerhoff

Apr 1, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; The trees in full bloom and a general view of at Vivint Smart Home Arena where the Utah Jazz will play the Minnesota Timberwolves. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; The trees in full bloom and a general view of at Vivint Smart Home Arena where the Utah Jazz will play the Minnesota Timberwolves. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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1974-1979

Record: 161-249 (.393)

Key players: “Pistol” Pete Maravich, Leonard “Truck” Robinson

Fresh off of entering the league after an expansion draft, the New Orleans Jazz wanted to make a big splash and spark the city’s interest in the team. The team made a trade with the Atlanta Hawks and acquired “Pistol” Pete Maravich – a hometown favorite. Maravich went to school at Louisiana State University where he averaged a remarkable 44.2 points per game over three seasons.

Pistol Pete, best known for his advanced dribbling and fancy passes, continued to score after the trade. He scored more than 20 points per game during every season he was in New Orleans, including a career high 31.1 points per game average in the 1976-77 season.

Despite Maravich’s individual success, the team was struggling to win games and struggling to keep the fans engaged with the team. Due to financial problems and lack of support, it became clear that a move from New Orleans was imminent. The team was moved to Utah and a new era of Jazz basketball  began.

Next: The Move to Utah, Growing Up: '79-'96

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