There is a peculiar dynamic embedded in the history of the Utah Jazz. An oddity that some day could lead to a key player walking away from the franchise. Unlike so many other things in basketball, there are no analytics for this phenomenon.
The dynamic began during Karl Malone’s rookie season and it’s something that I believe bothers Malone to this day.
But first, let’s review some Jazz history.
The Jazz’s inaugural season in Utah was 1979-80. The team went 24-58. Four seasons later, the Jazz finished 45-37. Coach Frank Layden was named NBA Coach of the Year.