The J-Notes
Fansided

Will the Utah Jazz avoid another slow start in ’19-20?

By Caleb Manser

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 09: Head coach Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz reacts to a foul call in the second half of a NBA game against the Denver Nuggets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 09, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 09: Head coach Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz reacts to a foul call in the second half of a NBA game against the Denver Nuggets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 09, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON – MAY 29: Jeff Hornacek #14, Karl Malone #32 and John Stockton #12 of the Utah Jazz celebrate against the Houston Rockets during Game Six of the Western Conference Finals on May 29, 1997 at the Summit in Houston, Texas. The Utah Jazz defeated the Houston Rockets 103-100. Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON – MAY 29: Jeff Hornacek #14, Karl Malone #32 and John Stockton #12 of the Utah Jazz celebrate against the Houston Rockets during Game Six of the Western Conference Finals on May 29, 1997 at the Summit in Houston, Texas. The Utah Jazz defeated the Houston Rockets 103-100. Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

This year, the Jazz will aim to be like the old school team in more than one way. For one, they are bringing back the old uniforms and court. Many fans are pleased with this as they have requested it for years.

For two, they are aiming to replicate the most successful era in franchise history. Only twice have the Jazz appeared in the NBA Finals, and it was back-to-back in 1997 and 1998. Both times they came up short to the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan.

To be fair, everyone  came up short against Michael Jordan in his prime. He prevented several NBA legends from winning a championship including Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, Shawn Kemp, and Reggie Miller. For other NBA legends, their championship ring was delayed because of His Airness. Back then, nobody could beat the Bulls with Jordan.

But that’s beside the point — the Jazz are aiming to get back to the Finals and win it this time. The closest thing we had to the Bulls Dynasty was the Warriors, but now that they’re dismantled the door is wide open for a championship.

Now, if the Jazz plan on replicating the late 90s success, they have to get off to a good start. Check out the midseason record for Utah from the 1995 to 2000 seasons:

  • 1994-95:   31-10
  • 1995-96:   27-14
  • 1996-97:   28-13
  • 1997-98:   28-13
  • 1998-99:   the equivalent of 31-10 (lockout shortened season)
  • 1999-2000:   27-14

So, basically, the Jazz should be at least 27-14 at midseason point. This is a realistic goal for improvement.

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