No. 3) Paul Millsap
Given the way his career has progressed since his departure, it’s hard not think about Paul Millsap and wonder what might have been. Since joining the Atlanta Hawks, Millsap has played in three All-Star Games and cemented himself as one of the league’s most versatile players.
Had Carlos Boozer not been on the team or if the Jazz had been more open to helping him expand his shooting range, he may have been able to achieve similar status with the Jazz. Still, Millsap was a fan favorite during his time in Utah thanks to his blue-collar style, knack for clearing the glass and hard-nosed defensive play.
Although he never reached his full potential in a Jazz jersey, he still gave the club a strong seven years. During his final season with the team — which had actually been a step back from the previous campaign — Millsap was one of just five players in the NBA to average at least 14 points, seven rebounds, 2.5 assists, a block and a steal.
The others were Kevin Durant, Marc Gasol, Josh Smith (when he was good) and Al Horford. Talk about elite company.
His best game with the Jazz was undoubtedly the “Miracle in Miami” in 2010 when Millsap led the team to an unlikely overtime win over LeBron and the Miami Heat. He scored 46 points in the game and hit timely shots to secure the 116-114 victory, one of the more memorable efforts in team history.
Utah Jazz Stats: 540 GP, 12.4 PTS, 7.0 REB, 1.1 STL
Next: BOOOOOOO-ze
No. 2) Carlos Boozer
Some Jazz fans find it difficult to put Carlos Boozer’s time with the team into perspective considering some of the controversy that surrounded him. They tend to question his dedication, heart and especially that Olé Defense. Heck, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t defaced one of his Jazz jerseys at one point or another as an embattled, young (ish) fan.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying that he his best years were in Salt Lake City. And those years were really, really good.
With the Jazz facing a post Stockton-to-Malone world in the mid-2000s, Boozer’s impact on the franchise was huge. He was a multiple-time All-Star, an Olympic gold medalist, the team’s go-to scorer and one of the NBA’s best rebounders for several years.
Before the Jazz boarded the hype train this offseason, the Boozer/Deron Williams-era teams were the last Jazz squads to really be relevant in the league. They were also among the most successful in team history and, as much as D-Will steered the ship, they would have been rudderless without Boozer.
In 2006-07 and ’07-08, Boozer posted back-to-back 20-10 seasons. The only other player in team history to post consecutive full seasons of 20-10 ball sits at the top of this list.
In other words — like it or not — Boozer is one of the best players ever to wear a Jazz uniform.
Utah Jazz Stats: 354 GP, 19.3 PTS, 10.5 REB, 2.9 AST
Next: The Mailman Delivers!