The J-Notes
Fansided

Ranking the top-10 Guards in Utah Jazz history

By Nathan Smith

Chicago Bulls forward Scottie Pippen (L) knocks the ball away from Utah Jazz guard John Stockton 17 December during the first quarter of their NBA game at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by EUGENE GARCIA / AFP) (Photo by EUGENE GARCIA/AFP via Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls forward Scottie Pippen (L) knocks the ball away from Utah Jazz guard John Stockton 17 December during the first quarter of their NBA game at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by EUGENE GARCIA / AFP) (Photo by EUGENE GARCIA/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Despite never tasting NBA Championship success, the Utah Jazz have been one of the most consistent franchises in the NBA over the past 40 years, and over that time, they’ve hosted some legendary names. Names like Adrian Dantley, Carlos Boozer, Rudy Gobert and the iconic Karl Malone have all donned the famous Jazz Note, but today, we are going to take a special look at the guards that made this franchise what it is today.

Over the years, the smaller men in Utah have made their mark, so much so that this list represents some of the best to ever step foot on an NBA court. Whether it be from the franchise’s struggling time in New Orleans, through the iconic 90’s into the modern day, despite several team failures, the franchise has often sent out some of the greatest players in the game to represent Salt Lake City.

So Jazz fans, take a trip down memory lane as we look back through the past 50 years and count down the 10 best guards in New Orleans/Utah Jazz history.

10. Mike Conley

Career numbers: 14.6 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.2 RPG, 170 GP, 2019 NBA Teammate of the Year, 2021 All-Star.

Mike Conley has only been in Utah for the past three seasons, and while he hasn’t led this team to any playoff success, as an individual, he’s been great, and he often makes his teammates around him much better. His future with the team is certainly up in the air right now, but in his time with Utah, he’s proven to be a great teammate and has helped this team have a fantastic run through the regular season, even if they haven’t been able to translate that into post season success.

The Jazz have had some great guards over the years, and some that have played with the team for a number of years, and if Mike Conley finishes his career in Salt Lake City, there’s a chance he could rise through this list and be considered a top guard in team history. Right now though, he’s a great leader, a good scorer and a fantastic passer, and outside of the All-Star duo of Gobert and Mitchell, it’s safe to say he’s been the teams most important player, and he has been thriving in that role.