1979-1996
Record: 756-638 (.542)
Key Players: Karl Malone, John Stockton, Adrian Dantley, Darrell Griffith, Mark Eaton
Despite his phenomenal play in New Orleans, Maravich was released during the first season in Utah. Adrian Dantley, who was in his first season with the team, became the focal point of the offense.
Utah Jazz, 1979-1996 pic.twitter.com/HiVkuIMTr0
— Mr. Mary-Kate Olsen (@mrmarykateolsen) May 15, 2016
In the 1983-84 season, Dantley (30.6 ppg) and Darrell Griffith (20 ppg) led the Jazz to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. That summer they drafted John Stockton out of Gonzaga University and the following summer they selected Karl Malone out of Louisiana Tech.
The young core continued to grow together and became a shoo-in to make the postseason each season. Dantley was traded and Griffith was injured and soon retired, but Stockton and Malone had taken over the offense and continued to lead the team.
Next: The Finals Years: '96-'04