The J-Notes
Fansided

Ranking the 5 best nicknames in Utah Jazz franchise history

By Jonah Kubicek

Utah Jazz celebrates with teammate Greg Ostertag as head coach Jerry Sloan (far right) looks on during the Jazz 78-73 win over the Chicago Bulls in Game 4 of the NBA Finals at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Utah Jazz celebrates with teammate Greg Ostertag as head coach Jerry Sloan (far right) looks on during the Jazz 78-73 win over the Chicago Bulls in Game 4 of the NBA Finals at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. /
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Dec 9, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

#5: Donovan Mitchell, aka Spida

Given on the AAU circuit by a coach based on how Donovan Mitchell moved around the court, the nickname has stuck long into his professional career. “Spida” is one of the most recognizable nicknames currently in the league, so it had to make it into the top list. It’s not the most clever thing I’ve ever heard, but it’s catchy, it stuck, and it’s been widely embraced by fans of the Jazz and the league as a whole.

Allegedly, the nickname was given due to Mitchell’s defensive prowess. I just wish he brought that skillset into the NBA because if he could defend nearly as well as he could score, he’d be a frontrunner for MVP every single season.

#4: Pete Maravich, aka Pistol Pete

There are a variety of reasons why Pete Maravich was given this excellent nickname. First of all, he shot the basketball from his hip, like a cowboy shoots a pistol fresh from the holster. Second, he was one of the faster players on the court at any given moment. Third, he could pinpoint passes with such accuracy that only a shooting maestro could manage to match, and finally, he was one of the first long-range shooters to ever enter the league, adding points to the scoreboard from a distance, like a pistol would.

While the nickname is admittedly cheesy, I recall a conversation I had when the NBA announced its top 75 list for the diamond anniversary. When Pete Maravich was added to the list, one of my friends didn’t even recognize the name until the “pistol” was added to his name, at which point he admitted he thinks Maravich is the pioneer of modern basketball. I won’t disagree with that take, and it’s clear the nickname became the most recognizable part about him.