Utah Jazz notes: Jazzmen go ape over Lion King trailer

Several Utah Jazz players were hyped about the just-released Lion King remake trailer. Also — Karl Malone has a message for the troops.

The Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone and, as my J-Notes brother-in-arms Jared Woodcox points out, even the 8-10 Utah Jazz and their fans have plenty to be thankful for.

Multiple players took to social media to remind us all that, despite the recent Jazzland doldrums, there are things bigger than basketball and that this holiday is the time to acknowledge what we do have and be grateful for it. One of those things is turkey, which was the subject of my personal favorite Thanksgiving tweet, courtesy of Donovan Mitchell —

Two hours though? I feel your pain, Mr. Mitchell.

As great as turkey is though — or whatever your food of choice is on the big day — nothing got Jazz players as hot and bothered as the new Lion Kong trailer.

The first-look teaser of Jon Favreau’s CG remake of the 1994 Disney classic, which officially dropped on Thursday, featured James Earl Jones reprising his role as the voice of Mufasa and, well, was pretty much amazing.

Ricky Rubio, Royce O’Neale and Jazz two-way players Naz Mitrou-Long and Tyler Cavanaugh share that sentiment, and shouted out the trailer on Twitter after it hit the net —

Make no mistake about it — this trailer dropping was way more exciting than anything the Jazz have done on the hardwood in recent days. With any luck, the combination of T-Day delights and Simba’s epic tale will light a fire under the blue, green and gold crew.

Favreau’s take on the Lion King is scheduled to hit theaters next summer.

The Mailman salutes the troops

If you happened to be watching Headline News’ Morning Express with Robin Meade on Tuesday, you were treated to a bit of Jazzy goodness.

During the program’s Salute to the Troops segment, Jazz legend Karl Malone offered his thanks to everyone serving in the US Military this holiday season. Said the Mailman: “From the Malone Family to yours, I want to salute all the men and women serving our great nation.”

Good on ya, Karl. And I echo your sentiment.