The Utah Jazz have typically always had to get over the obstacle being a small market team. More than that though, there's always been the narrative that players simply don't want to play in Utah. However, with everything going the Jazz's way it seems, it appears as though the days are over.
KSL Sports' Ben Anderson explained how the narrative in Utah has changed, primarily under Ryan Smith's influence.
"In the past, Salt Lake City carried a reputation as a less desirable destination among NBA locales, fueled by Derek Harper’s 'you go live in Utah' comment in 1997 and Rony Seikaly’s refusal to report to the Jazz after a 1998 trade," Anderson wrote. "That perception has shifted, largely due to the efforts of Ryan Smith and the Jazz front office."
Anderson then elaborated even further as to how particular Jazz players
"Utah’s young core — including (Keyonte) George, (Ace) Bailey, Lauri Markkanen and restricted free agent Walker Kessler — has embraced the city.
"Jaren Jackson Jr. also has spoken positively about his early experience after the Jazz acquired him in February, and he has spent the offseason working out with teammates in Utah."
Even the elite prospects from this year's class clearly take no issue with playing in Utah.
"Both Cam Boozer and AJ Dybantsa have strong ties to Utah, and Peterson has made the Jazz one of his limited pre-draft workout stops."
It hasn't just been Ryan Smith, but he's led the charge
The eradication of Utah's unfair narrative about not being a player's destination has been primarily due to Smith's efforts, though not entirely. Keep in mind that Dwyane Wade, one of the best players of his era whose popularity endures among current and former NBA players, has also boosted the Jazz through his affiliation with them. It hasn't stopped there.
Most Jazz alumni have spoken highly of Utah, aside from a few bad apples like Trey Lyles. Deron Williams has done everything he can to make up for what happened with the Jazz after his falling out with the team. As one of the best players ever to play for the team, he has served them well by going out of his way to praise the franchise and the state itself.
The fact that this is all happening just as the franchise is about to embark on a new era of basketball is beyond timely. The Jazz have had multiple successful eras of basketball but they've never quite bene able to shake this narrative.
If they're shaking it now, that could massive dividends for Utah. A lot of owners don't always have the best mindset when it comes to the franchise they own, but Smith has udnerstood from the jump, which has played a role in why this new era of Jazz basketball truly feels like it's going to be the start of something special.
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