23) Jeff Malone (1990-1994)

For three-and-a-half seasons in Utah, there were two Malones in the starting lineup. Jeff Malone arrived via trade before the ’90-’91 season, cast off by the Bullets after seven seasons and two All-Star appearances. He took over as the starting shooting guard for the retiring Darrell Griffith and filled in seamlessly, utilizing his patented fadeaway jumper (Michael Jordan himself declared it tough to defend), to average 19.0 points per game over his first three seasons in Utah. Malone also compiled some terrific clutch performances, most notably in the 1992 Conference Semifinals victory over Seattle. He was traded away in 1994, part of the package that returned Jeff Hornacek, and played two more ineffective seasons before retiring. Side note: There was only one other Malone in NBA history, Moses, and Jeff was his teammate as well for two seasons in Washington.

22) Lauri Markkanen (2022-current)

A throwback to the early days of Jazz franchise history, where their biggest stars put up stats for a team that couldn’t reach the postseason. Markkanen was traded to Utah ahead of the ’22-’23 season, the centerpiece of Cleveland’s package to acquire Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz are now mired in a four-year playoff drought while Markkanen is coming up on his 10th NBA season and has yet to make an individual postseason appearance. The Finnish big man has been a lone bright spot for Utah over the last few years, averaging 23.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. He also became the first player in franchise history to earn Most Improved Player, doing so in ’22-’23, and has the lone Jazz All-Star appearance since 2022. With Utah’s recent additions of Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Daryn Peterson, Markkanen should be optimistic about ending his drought soon.

21) Rich Kelley (1975-1979, 1983-1985)

The first ever first round draft pick of the Jazz in 1975, Kelley came to New Orleans with an impressive pedigree. He averaged a double-double in his three seasons at Stanford and was named an All-American. It was slow going at first for Kelley with the Jazz but he had a breakout season in ’78-’79, averaging 15.7 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, which placed him second in the NBA. That turned out to be Kelley’s last go with the Jazz, at least for a while, as he was traded in the subsequent offseason as part of the package for Bernard King. After brief stints with the Nets, Suns, and Nuggets, Kelley came back to the Jazz in ’83-’84 and made his playoff debut with the franchise as Mark Eaton’s backup center. Kelley retired in 1986 as the Jazz’s all-time leading rebounder and he’s still seventh on that list.

20) Greg Ostertag (1995-2004, 2005-2006)

Jazz fans either love or hate Ostertag, with seemingly no in between. Drafted in the first round in 1995 out of Kansas, Ostertag never put up big stats, let alone earned any individual accolades. But he was the starting center for the best era in franchise history, with back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998. Of course, there’s also that contract, a six-year, $30 extension signed in 1998 that was regrettable even before the ink dried. At least Ostertag stayed consistent, averaging 5.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in his first three seasons and then 4.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in the next three seasons after landing his big contract. The big man never played on a losing team in Utah in 10 seasons and that distinction came down to the wire. In Ostertag’s final game in 2006, he received a standing ovation from the fans and the Jazz got a win to finish the season with a 41-41 record.

19) Pete Maravich (1974-1980)

A polarizing figure for the Jazz faithful, Maravich was easily the franchise’s biggest star until Karl Malone and John Stockton came along. In five full seasons with the team, Maravich averaged 25.7 points and 5.7 assists per game, made three All-Star appearances, and regularly wowed fans with his dribbling, long range shooting, and play making skills. But none of that translated into playoff success. In fact, the Jazz didn’t even qualify once for the postseason with Maravich on the roster. They were on the verge in ’77-’78 when Maravich suffered a major knee injury that hampered the remainder of his career. ’78-’79 was Maravich’s last full season with the Jazz and it was a messy divorce, with the star sniping at coach Elgin Baylor and teammates like Truck Robinson. “Pistol Pete” still holds the franchise single season records for scoring average and triple-doubles.

18) Gordon Hayward (2010-2017)

The hype was massive when the Jazz drafted Hayward 10th overall in 2010, off his incredible NCAA Tournament performance for Butler. It crested even further when Utah traded Deron Williams mid-season, leaving the rookie Hayward as arguably the franchise’s biggest star. It took a while for his game to match his reputation and Hayward wasn’t fully unleashed until Quin Snyder took over as head coach in ’14-’15. Over the next three seasons, Hayward averaged 20.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. In ’16-’17, he became the first Jazz All-Star since 2011 and led the team to its first playoff series victory since 2010. That also turned to be the end of Hayward’s time in Utah, as the small market franchise was unable to match a massive contract offer from the Celtics. He thus leaves a complicated history as the biggest Jazz star of the ’10s.

17) Bryon Russell (1993-2001)

It was either a nudge or a push depending on who you ask. It was also the unfortunate defining play of Russell’s otherwise impressive career. In game six of the 1998 NBA Finals, Russell was defending Michael Jordan with a championship on the line and well, you know what happened. For Jazz fans, Russell was much more than a victim of the “Last Shot,” he was a crucial piece of the best teams in franchise history. A second round pick out of Long Beach State, Russell was a long shot to even make the Jazz roster but hung around for three seasons at the end of the bench until his breakout in ’96-’97. It’s no coincidence that Russell’s breakthrough coincided with the Jazz making their first NBA Finals appearance, as his wing defense and tertiary scoring were critical elements. Russell then statistically peaked for the Jazz over the next four seasons, averaging 12.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

16) Paul Millsap (2006-2013)

A power forward from Louisiana Tech who led the NCAA in rebounding for three consecutive seasons? Millsap seemed like a perfect fit for the Jazz, even despite his status as a second round pick, falling to #47 overall in 2006. Sure enough, like several others on this list, he became an unlikely star in Utah and used it as a springboard for further success with other franchises. Millsap made an immediate impact, becoming one of just eight rookies in Jazz history to play in all 82 games, providing key bench contributions in their surprising run to the 2007 Conference Finals. He rose to the ranks of Utah’s sixth man starting in ’08-’09, and averaged 14.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game over the next five seasons. The Hawks swooped in and signed Millsap as a free agent in 2013, and the former Jazz star made the All-Star roster in each of the next four years.

15) Darrell Griffith (1980-1991)

In his college days at Louisville, Griffith was such an impressive dunker that not only was he part of the famed “Doctors of Dunk,” he even got the sublime individual nickname “Dr. Dunkenstein.” At the NBA level, Griffith unleashed another tool in his arsenal, taking advantage of the newly instituted three-point line. In his first five seasons, Griffith averaged 21.0 points per game, led the NBA in three-point field goals twice, and became the first, and still only, Jazz player named Rookie of the Year. He was also the second leading scorer on the ’83-’84 Jazz that became the first team in franchise history to make the playoffs and to win a series. Unfortunately, Griffith suffered a stress fracture in his foot during the 1985 training camp that left him sidelined for an entire season and never the same afterwards. He is still fourth in franchise history in total points, third in steals, and had his #35 jersey retired in 1993.

14) Thurl Bailey (1983-1991, 1998-1999)

He was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and part of the famed “Cardiac Kids” NC State team that won the 1983 NCAA Tournament but Bailey has since become a Salt Lake City institution. He was drafted seventh overall by the Jazz in 1983 and spent his first eight-and-a-half seasons with the franchise. Bailey was the starting power forward as a rookie but held that spot for only two seasons, gracefully transitioning to a sixth man role after Karl Malone joined the roster. Despite almost exclusively coming off the bench, Bailey added 19.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in his prime, while finishing in second place in Sixth Man of the Year voting twice. He spent the ’90s with the Timberwolves and in Italy before returning to Utah for one last season in ’98-’99 before retiring. Bailey has since become a television analyst for Jazz games and has worked tirelessly with local charities.

13) Derrick Favors (2011-2019, 2020-2021)

You may be surprised to see him so high on this list but Favors placed himself all over the all-time Jazz leaderboard in his nine seasons with the team. The former #3 overall pick was a disappointment on balance, sure (and a rare player drafted that high only to be traded during his rookie season, never a good sign), but endeared himself to Jazz fans by setting aside his ego and becoming an efficient and successful secondary scorer and rebounder. In an era of turmoil after Jerry Sloan’s retirement, Favors was a constant. The undersized center is fourth in franchise history in rebounds, and top 10 in blocks and win shares. His role with the Jazz decreased with the additions of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell but Favors was a clutch member of the teams that won playoff series in 2017 and 2018. The Jazz traded Favors to the Pelicans in 2019 but he returned a year later for one more season with the team.

12) Carlos Boozer (2004-2010)
11) Mehmet Okur (2004-2011)

Deron Williams and Andrei Kirilenko were the unquestioned stars of the Jazz during the ’00s but Boozer and Okur were the engine that kept the franchise competitive. For six years, the duo paired up on the front line for Utah and had similar styles of play. Varied and deadly offensive arsenal, a clever balance to their lack of size, apt rebounding, and defense… well, let’s just say neither had much interest. Both also solidified themselves on the Jazz all-time leaderboard. Boozer is still top 10 in triple-doubles, field goals, and field goal percentage (though not rebounds, even though he averaged 10.5 per game for Utah), while Okur is top 10 in three-point field goals, win shares, and free throws. Boozer both arrived and departed the Jazz under disputable circumstances, leaving the Cavaliers in 2004 despite a handshake deal and then joining the Bulls in 2010 after promising Jazz management he’d stay.

10) Donovan Mitchell (2017-2022)

Maybe he’s not the biggest Jazz star in the 20+ years since Karl Malone and John Stockton retired, but Mitchell was the most explosive. He was a throwback to the early days of the franchise, when volume scorers like Adrian Dantley and Pete Maravich would shoot first and ask questions later. Mitchell is Utah’s all-time leader in three-point field goals in a career and in a single season (’21-’22). Set loose in Quin Snyder’s offense, Mitchell averaged 20+ points, four-plus assists, and four-plus rebounds per game for four consecutive seasons, while making three All-Star appearances. He also turned the Jazz into a playoff threat for the first time in years, though they never advanced past the Conference Semifinals in his five seasons on the roster. Mitchell was traded in 2021 to Cleveland, where he’s blossomed into an even bigger star, while the Jazz have cratered ever since.

9) Mark Eaton (1983-1993)

From auto mechanic to NBA shot blocker nonpareil, it was a circuitous journey to Jazz legend for Eaton. He was working at auto shop when a junior college coach recruited him based on height alone. Eaton used that as a springboard to UCLA and then with the Jazz, where he established himself as one of the greatest shot blockers in league history. In ’84-’85, Eaton put together arguably the most dominant defensive season ever, winning Defensive Player of the Year while setting the still standing records for blocks in a season (456) and blocks per game (5.6). He was also DPOY in ’88-’89, 1st-Team All-Defensive three times, tied the record for blocks in a single game, and is one of four players with 3,000+ career blocks. Eaton spent all 11 seasons of his career with the Jazz and his jersey #53 was retired in 1996. He remained in the SLC area, working as a Jazz television broadcaster and radio host.

8) Jeff Hornacek (1994-2000)

Before Hornacek, the Jazz were an excellent team with a Conference Finals ceiling. After adding Hornacek via trade from the 76ers in 1994, the Jazz were the second best team in the NBA and made back-to-back NBA Finals appearances. Hornacek’s best individual seasons came before his time with Utah. He was a primary scorer and play maker in the early ’90s for the Suns and the 76ers, and made an All-Star appearance in 1992. Teaming up with Karl Malone and John Stockton on the Jazz, Hornacek could hone in on his variety of additional skills, from catch-and-shoot long range accuracy to defensive tenacity to underrated rebounding. He still stands as the franchise’s all-time leader in three-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage, and is top 10 in assists, steals, and win shares. He stepped away in 2000 due to an arthritic knee and the Jazz almost immediately retired his #14 jersey.

7) Deron Williams (2005-2011)

It was the end of an era when John Stockton retired in 2003 but Jazz fans didn’t have to wait long to cheer for another elite point guard. After finishing below .500 for the first time in 22 years in ’04-’05, Utah landed Williams with the third overall pick. He was almost immediately handed the keys to the offense and in his second season, Williams was already leading the Jazz back to the Conference Finals. He made two All-Star appearances representing the Jazz, was 2nd-Team All-NBA twice, and averaged 18+ points and 10+ assists per game for four straight seasons. It was, however, a fractured exit for Williams, traded to the Nets in 2011 for a weak return after being widely blamed for forcing Jerry Sloan’s sudden retirement. But Williams, who is still fourth in franchise history in total assists, remained a resident in Utah and and has since found amends with the fanbase.

6) Rickey Green (1980-1988)

Like so many Jazz stars, Green was a diamond on the rough, pulled off the trash heap and turned into a star player. Despite being a first round pick in 1977, he had been already waived by two teams and was toiling away for the Hawaii Volcanoes of the CBA when the Jazz gave him a chance during the ’80-’81 season. Green made the most of it, developing into one of the decade’s premier play makers and perimeter defenders. ’83-’84 was his peak, leading the NBA in steals, getting named to the All-Star team, and helping the Jazz make its first playoff appearance in franchise history. Once a young John Stockton took over his spot in the starting lineup, Green shifted to a bench leadership role until the Hornets selected him in the 1988 expansion draft. He remains third in Jazz franchise history in both assists and steals, trailing only Stockton and Karl Malone in both categories.

5) Rudy Gobert (2013-2022)

Taking the mantle from Mark Eaton, who mentored him early in his career, Gobert became the second defensively legendary Jazz center. Gobert earned Defensive Player of the Year three times with the Jazz, was named 1st-Team All-Defensive six times, and led the NBA in blocks per game once and in rebounds once. He was also an exceedingly efficient offensive player, leading the NBA in field goal percentage three times. Teaming up with Donovan Mitchell, Gobert ushered in a new era of Jazz success, albeit with a limited ceiling. Utah made the playoffs in each of Gobert’s final five seasons with the team, but never managed to advance past the Conference Semifinals. Gobert is second in Jazz franchise history in total rebounds, third in blocks, and third in win shares. The return on investment for him in 2022 from the Timberwolves was also a solid one, bringing Walker Kessler and Keyonte George to Utah.

4) Andrei Kirilenko (2001-2011)

Talk about a stat sheet filler, Kirilenko is top 10 in Jazz franchise history in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Only Karl Malone can also lay claim to the same superlative. Kirilenko and Malone had a short overlap as the Jazz’s starting forwards until the latter departed for the Lakers. Kirilenko became the de facto face of the franchise for the remainder of the ’00s and averaged 12.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game in his final eight seasons with the Jazz. “AK-47” was also named All-Defensive three times and made an All-Star appearance in 2004. Shooting was also Kirilenko’s biggest issue though he did show some improvement later in his career, thanks to some tutelage from fellow Jazz legend Jeff Hornacek. When the NBA lockout took effect in 2011 and his contract with the Jazz expired, Kirilenko returned to his native Russia to play with CSKA Moscow.

3) Adrian Dantley (1979-1986)

It’s a complicated legacy, to say the least. Dantley was far-and-away the franchise’s biggest star in the first half of the ’80s. He is the only Jazz player to ever win an NBA scoring title (and he did it twice), trails only John Stockton and Karl Malone in All-Star appearances with six, and was the leading scorer on the first Jazz team to finish with a winning record and to win a playoff series (in ’83-’84). You can even argue that Dantley’s the sole reason that the franchise remained in Salt Lake City and didn’t relocate during the ’80s. But, fair or not, Dantley had a reputation as sullen and selfish, and never saw eye-to-eye with coach Frank Layden. His 1986 departure was highly contentious, and was already the fourth trade of his career. The Jazz were so desperate to unload Dantley that they traded him to the Pistons for pennies on the dollar. But Dantley is still mostly beloved by Utah fans and in 2008, became the first player inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame who spent the majority of his career with the Jazz.

2) John Stockton (1984-2003)
1) Karl Malone (1985-2003)

They were both so reliable for so long that many called them dull. But Jazz fans would never accuse Stockton and Malone of causing boredom. The legendary pick-and-roll partners provided myriad thrilling moments in their 18 seasons together with the Jazz. That stint included 18 consecutive playoff appearances, five Conference Finals, and two NBA Finals. Stockton set the NBA career assists record and career steals record, became the only player to average 14+ assists per game twice, and provided a signature moment in the 1997 Conference Finals, hitting a buzzer beater to clinch the series and send Utah to its first NBA Finals. Malone was the leading scorer and rebounder on the two Jazz Finals teams, finished third in NBA history in points, averaged 25+ points and 10+ rebounds per game for a full decade, and is the only Jazz player ever to earn league MVP (and he did it twice). At the time of Stockton’s retirement and Malone’s departure to the Lakers, they were #1 and #2 on the all-time list of most seasons played with one franchise (19 and 18, respectively). Unfortunately, their legacy is also defined by their joint record for most postseason appearances without winning a championship.

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