The J-Notes
Fansided

Ranking the 5 greatest duos in Utah Jazz history

By Jared Koch

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 04: Donovan Mitchell #45 reacts with Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 4, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 04: Donovan Mitchell #45 reacts with Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 4, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – CIRCA 1980: Adrian Dantley #4 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball against the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game circa 1980 at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. Dantley played for the Jazz from 1979-86. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – CIRCA 1980: Adrian Dantley #4 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball against the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game circa 1980 at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. Dantley played for the Jazz from 1979-86. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

4. Adrian Dantley and Darrell Griffth

When you hear about Adrian Dantley today, you hear about his great scoring ability. He was one of the best scorers in the history of the game. In his seven seasons with the Jazz, he put up an average of 29 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.

When you pair Dantley with a routine 20-point-per-game scorer in Darrell Griffith, it’s safe to say it would be one of the best and most entertaining duos in team history.

This took place in the early 80s when the Jazz had just moved from New Orleans to Salt Lake City, and was a big part of the Jazz’s growth in Utah. These two exciting scorers got fans in the seats and established some of the cultures with the Jazz we still see today.

Even in today’s game, this duo could be one of the greatest. With their combination of size, athleticism, and scoring ability, they could work in any era. However, just like the Maravich-era Jazz, they never could find team success.

As a duo in Utah, the team was never able to get past the second round, and after five short seasons, we saw the pairing come to an end. While never able to make it to the championship, this duo was the reason the Jazz made their first playoff appearance in team history, so that has to count for something.