1970s

Angie Treasure

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Lusia Harris: The only woman drafted in the NBA | UTAH JAZZ #JazzFeatures

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JP Chunga

There was no playbook. No track set. Just ambition and a market that wasn't yet ready for basketball. So Barry Mendelson, Executive Vice President and General Manager for the New Orleans Jazz, had to make it up as he went.

The Superdome was the main attraction to bringing the franchise, but when the 1974 season tipped off, the cavernous dome was still a couple months off. Mendelson found the Municipal Auditorium and Loyola Fieldhouse as suitable accommodations - well sort of.

Loyola Fieldhouse had a raised floor, which was a safety hazard. Mendelson had to instal fishing net to contain the players and avoid injury. Bob Lanier, the head of the NBA players association, needed to sign off.

"So he literally ran from one side of the court to the other side of the court, jumped into the netting, and the netting propelled him back," Mendelson remembered. "And so he said, 'Okay, now I’ve got to do it to the other side of the court.' So he did the same thing. Got a head of steam and jumped into the netting, and it propelled him back. He looked at me. This must have been all of five minutes. He looked at me and said, 'Everything’s perfect.' And he walked out of the gym! And so we were then granted permission to play in Loyola Fieldhouse for the balance of the 74-75 season."

Catch Barry Mendelson on Roundball Roundup on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.

Roundball Roundup is presented by First Colony Mortgage, the official mortgage lender of the Utah Jazz.

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Roundball Roundup: 5 years as the New Orleans Jazz

Ryan Kostecka

From beginning the organization in 1974 to moving to Salt Lake City in 1979, back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in the late 90s, and the ushering in of a new era with Will Hardy just last year, the Utah Jazz are celebrating their 50th anniversary this season.

Following the release of the trailer "Note Worthy — 50 Seasons of Jazz Basketball" on Monday morning, the organization took things further by featuring an alternate broadcast on Jazz+ during the Jazz-Pelicans game Monday night to celebrate the franchises time during the 1970s.

Hosted by Jazz Digital Media Manager JP Chunga and with special guests Truck Robinson, Aaron James, and Gail Goodrich — all key figures during the 1970s — Monday's alternate broadcast featured multiple stories from the 1970s.&nbsp;

Here are five things to know from the broadcast.

1.) Why New Orleans?Before the Jazz came to the Mountain West and settled in Salt Lake City, the organization got tipped off in New Orleans. 

Chunga interviewed Barry Mendelson during the alternate broadcast, asking the former Jazz general manager in New Orleans why then-owner Sam Battistone settled on New Orleans to start the franchise.&nbsp;

"Sam wanted me to come visit with him in Santa Barbara, and I did it," Mendelson said. "He asked me if I'd be interested in starting the organization from scratch in New Orleans. … New Orleans was the only second team in the NBA in the South at that time. The franchise was really awarded to New Orleans because of the Superdome."

2.) Truck vs. Big TBy far, one of the funniest moments of the broadcast was when Thurl' Big T' Bailey said that he could take Truck Robinson in a game of one-on-one in today's world.

For those who don't know, Robinson was the first major free signing in franchise history when he joined the Jazz before the 1977 season. Although he only played for the Jazz for 1.5 seasons, he left his mark as a double-double machine.&nbsp;

Robinson averaged 22.7 points and 15.7 rebounds per game that first season, becoming one of the first non-centers to lead the league in rebounding at that time. Robinson stood at just 6-foot-7 and was listed as a power forward throughout his career. He then averaged a career-high 24.2 points and 13.4 rebounds In 43 games with New Orleans the following seasons — but the Jazz's struggles led them to trade Robinson to the Suns with ideas of a rebuild.&nbsp;

For comparison's sake, Big T is still a legend to Jazz Nation these days while serving as a TV analyst for the team.&nbsp;

He also had a very productive career with the organization, suiting up for the Utah Jazz for 10 seasons. He averaged 14.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, emerging as one of the greatest sixth-man in franchise history.&nbsp;

3.) Jaeson Maravich Makes an AppearanceOne of the more memorable moments of the alternate broadcast was when Jaeson Maravich, Pistol Pete Maravich's eldest son, joined Chunga for a discussion about his dad. 

Although success was tough to find in the early years, it wasn't for lack of trying. The organization immediately made a splash by trading for Pete Maravich in its first season. The homegrown star from LSU, Maravich, was expected to invigorate the new franchise and give them a launching point.

Maravich helped lead the franchise's turnaround, being named back-to-back first-team All-NBA — culminating in a career season in 1976-77 when he led the league in scoring at 31.1 points per game.&nbsp;

Injuries began to take their toll on Maravich, specifically to his knees, which caused him to miss numerous games throughout the rest of his career. Despite losing some of his quickness and athleticism, the sharpshooter made up for it in other ways by becoming more of a facilitator.

"I just marvel at some of the stuff he was doing back then," Jaeson said of his son. "He was so far ahead of his time that it's kind of crazy to think how far advanced he was with his ball handling, passing, and shooting. His skill level was far advanced for the time. … I think his creativity is something that is sorely missing from today's game."

4.) Soul Food RestaurantAs part of the alternate broadcast on Jazz+, fans were invited to ask questions in the group chat. One of the most popular questions asked James, Robinson, and Goodrich were funny stories from their times on the road. 

James had arguably the best one, detailing a midseason trip to Phoenix that started high, had a rough part in the middle, but ended with laughter.&nbsp;

According to James, one of the best parts of playing the Suns was that the team would go to a soul food restaurant called Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe. James said it was some of the best soul food he'd ever eaten, and stopping by when in town was always a priority.&nbsp;

As he tells the story with three other teammates in a cab on the way to the cafe, their driver was flying around Phoenix. After telling the guy to slow down, the driver responded, "I drove in New York for 10 years, never had an accident." Sure enough, and with the writing on the wall, the driver ran a red light and got hit by another car.&nbsp;

Although everyone was alright, some players had to miss the game against the Suns, resulting in just seven healthy guys being able to play (and picking up the win). But according to James, the funniest part came when he and his teammates were outside the car following the crash.&nbsp;

"What amazes me about that night is when we laying on the ground, people were passing by asking what was going on," James said. "They were saying, 'Some NBA players were in an accident'. … Attorneys were passing by and giving us their cards. That was amazing."

5.) Studio 54Joining the broadcast during the fourth quarter, the No. 7 overall pick by the Jazz in the 1975 draft, Rich Kelley finally told the tale of one of the most iconic and fun photos during the Jazz's time in New Orleans. 

The photo featured Kelly, James, and Maravich enjoying a night out in New Orleans at Studio 54, a vintage rock club.

"What a night it was," James responded when asked about it.&nbsp;

Kelley had a slightly different take that night, saying, "It was all just whooping and walking, it was just a fun night. … It wasn't anything extraordinary, just good fun."

However, the best part of Kelley's reminiscence came when he told the second half of the story about what happened the following year when he and James tried to go back to Studio 54, but this time without Maravich.

"We go sauntering down to Studio 54, and there's a long line, the same long line that we cut in front of the year before (with Pete)," Kelley said. "This year, we go cutting back up to the bouncer, asking him if he remembers us as the guys who were with Pete Maravich last year. The bouncer said, 'Yeah, you guys were great. You got Pete with you?' We told him nah and that he wasn't going to make it, and the bouncer said, 'Back of the line.'"

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Jazz Host Alternate Broadcast to Celebrate the 1970s as Part of 50th Anniversary Celebration

Monday night, the Utah Jazz hosted three members of their history. Hall of Famer Gail Goodrich, All-Star Truck Robinson, and the franchise's first draft pick Aaron James.

The former teammates joined JP Chunga on Roundball Roundup to recount their time with the New Orleans Jazz.

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Roundball Roundup: Gail Goodrich, Truck Robinson, and Aaron James

As the Jazz celebrate their 50th anniversary this season, it's a perfect time to reflect on a half-century of memories.&nbsp;

From beginning the organization in 1974 to moving to Salt Lake City in 1979, back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in the late 90s, and the ushering of a new era with Will Hardy just last year, Utah has emerged as one of the winningest franchises since its inception.&nbsp;

The Jazz have posted a .542 winning percentage through nearly 4,000 games, good enough for fourth all-time. They trail San Antonio (.601), Boston (.592), and the Los Angeles Lakers (.592).&nbsp;

Here's a look back at the organization's time during the 1970s:

It all started on June 7, 1974, when the NBA officially admitted the New Orleans Jazz as an expansion franchise. According to history, team officials chose the name 'Jazz' because of its dictionary definition: collective improvisation. New Orleans, being famous for Jazz music, is also said to have played a role in the name.

Although success was very difficult to find in the early years, it wasn't for lack of trying. The organization immediately made a splash by trading for Pete Maravich in its first season. The homegrown star from LSU, Maravich, was expected to invigorate the new franchise and give them a launching point.

Alas, that never happened, as the Jazz went 23-59 in that first season, going through three head coaches as well.&nbsp;

Things began to slowly turn around the following season, with head coach Butch van Breda Kolff providing some stability. After finishing the previous year as the leading man, he manned the role in the second season as Utah turned things around by finishing 38-44. Even though they missed the playoffs, the season was deemed a success as Maravich averaged 25.9 points per game, third-best in the league.&nbsp;

With higher expectations entering 1976-77, Maravich answered the call from an individual production standpoint. He was named First Team All-NBA for the second consecutive season, leading the league in scoring at 31.1 points per game with 13 games of 40+ points. However, the team regressed in the&nbsp; win-loss column as they finished 35-47, eventually leading to the firing of Breda Kolff.&nbsp;

Things turned around for the 1977-78 year, with the arrival of Truck Robinson giving Maravich a talented running mate. Although they barely missed out on the postseason, Maravich's knee injuries played a prominent role as he missed 32 games that season. But Robinson's arrival as a free agent helped stabilize the organization as he averaged 22.7 points and 15.7 rebounds per game.&nbsp;

With expectations continuing to build into the 1978 season, the Jazz disappointed, leaving the franchise with limited options.

As Maravich's knee injuries continued, he looked limited compared to the peak of his career. Utah traded Robinson to the Suns, hoping to rebuild through the draft as the team struggled to a 26-56 record, their worst since the inaugural season.&nbsp;

But bigger things lay ahead, including a massive decision from then-owner Sam Battistone.

Venue issues had long plagued the organization since its inception, including struggling to find a home base.&nbsp;

The Jazz played at the Municipal Auditorium and Loyola Fieldhouse during that first season. However, issues with the height of the court raised serious concerns with the NBA's Players Association — which resulted in a net being placed around the court to prevent the players from falling into the stands for safety reasons.&nbsp;

Utah also tried its time at the massive and cavernous Louisiana Superdome.&nbsp;

While it appeared better originally, significant financial issues made things difficult for the organization. Because the Superdome was in high demand, the price to play games was exorbitant — and when coupled with Maravich's knee injuries and the team failing to make the postseason, financial issues began to take their toll. There was also the issue of playing an entire month on the road due to New Orleans hosting Mardi Gras every February.&nbsp;

With financial issues plaguing the organization, an aging superstar dealing with severe knee injuries, and a fanbase struggling to accept the team, Battistone made a move that would forever change the future of the Jazz.&nbsp;

After going through an exhaustive research process, Battistone elected to move the franchise to Salt Lake City, Utah, to start the 1979 season. Despite being one of the smallest markets in the league, Salt Lake City had a history of having a tremendous fanbase following the success of the Utah Stars of the Athletic Basketball Association (ABA).&nbsp;

Although attendance was initially sluggish following the move, much of it had to do with the organization moving to the Mountain West just months before the 1979-80 season began. This led to many questions needing to be answered and a struggling marketing campaign amidst all the changes.&nbsp;

The on-court play suffered as Maravich's knee injuries had peaked. Under new head coach Tom Nissalke and his rule that players who don't practice don't play, Maravich sat for 24 straight games, much to the dismay of Jazz Nation.&nbsp;

As a result, the team struggled to a 24-58 record.

However, one of the bright spots of that first season in Utah was the emergence of Adrian Dantley. Just 23 when he was traded to the Jazz, Dantley emerged as a prolific scorer in the NBA, averaging 28.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game that year.

Dantley's presence helped set the stage for Utah's growth as the organization made its way into the 1980s with a new city and new hope.&nbsp;

SEASON RECORDS1974-75 | 23-591975-76 | 38-441976-77 | 35-471977-78 | 39-431978-79 | 26-561979-80 | 24-58

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Jazz Basketball Decade Series | 1970s

Pete Maravich was the very first Jazzman signed. The future Hall of Famer inspired future members of the hall. Danny Ainge was one of the many players influenced by the Pistol.

"I mean the guy, he averaged 44 points a game over his college career," Ainge explained. "I mean that’s just insane. And with no three-point line and no shot clock. Maybe, more importantly, there was no shot clock. Just an amazing player. With his long floppy hair, and his long floppy socks. His techniques in shooting free throws. Everything was unique about Pistol."

Catch The Note: History of the Jazz on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.

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The Note: Pistol Pete Maravich and New Orleans Jazz

As the Utah Jazz celebrate their 50th anniversary this season, it’s a great time to reflect on the long and proud history of the nine coaches who’ve been the leading man of the Jazz.&nbsp;

From Scotty Robertson in 1974 to Will Hardy in 2022, the Jazz have been blessed with some of the greatest coaches in league history throughout their rich history. Read below for a look back at each coach, and see how the Jazz got to this point in history.&nbsp;

2/4.) Elgin Baylor | 1974, 1976-79Technically, Baylor was the second head coach in the history of the Jazz, although he only served as the leading man for one game in 1974 following the firing of Robertson. After returning to the bench as an assistant coach for the next couple of seasons under Butch van Breda Kolff, Baylor took over as head coach in 1976.&nbsp;

While his coaching career was up and down, Baylor is known as being one of the significant basketball players in league history.&nbsp;

Due to a basketball recruiting disparity at black high schools in the 1950s, Baylor went to the College of Idaho on a football scholarship. Although he never played a down for the school, he made the basketball team, averaging 31 points and 20 rebounds per game. He transferred to Seattle University, where he dominated college basketball for two seasons and led them to the 1957-58 national title game.&nbsp;

Baylor was drafted No. 1 overall by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1958, where he was named the Rookie of the Year. He played his entire 14-year career with the Lakers, helping guide them to Los Angeles, where he became one of the best forwards in league history. Following his coaching career, Baylor was hired as the team's Vice President of Basketball Operations of the LA Clippers in 1986, serving 22 years.&nbsp;

He died in Los Angeles on March 22, 2021. He was 86.

ACCOLADES- 11x NBA All-Star- 10x All-NBA- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1959)- NBA Rookie of the Year (1959)- No. 22 retired by the Lakers- 2x NCAA All-American- NBA Executive of the Year (2006)- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame&nbsp;- College Basketball Hall of Fame

CAREER STATSPoints: 27.4Rebounds: 13.5Assists: 4.3&nbsp;

COACHING RECORDNBA- New Orleans Jazz | 86-135 (.389 winning percentage)

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50th Season | History Of Jazz Coaches: Elgin Baylor

3.) Tom Nissalke | 1979-81With a coaching career that spanned nearly 40 years, Nissalke was the third coach in Utah history.&nbsp;

He has one of the rarest distinctions in basketball coaching history, having been named 'Coach of the Year' in both the ABA and NBA. Throughout his career, Nissalke was head coach of seven NBA/ABA teams and an assistant for three teams, winning an NBA title as an assistant with Milwaukee in 1971.&nbsp;

Before he broke into the professional ranks, Nissalke made a name for himself as head coach of Wayland Academy in Wisconsin. He moved up to the college ranks at the University of Wisconsin and Tulane as an assistant before jumping to the pro ranks with the Bucks. From there, he bounced around multiple professional leagues, including the ABA and NBA.&nbsp;

His coaching credentials also include the Olympics, where he served as head coach of the Puerto Rico national team at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. They finished 2-5 in the tournament, nearly pulling off a massive upset of the United States when they fell 94-93.&nbsp;

Nissalke passed away on August 22, 2019, at his home in Salt Lake City.

ACCOLADES- NBA Champion (1971)- ABA Coach of the Year (1972)- NBA Coach of the Year (1977)

CAREER: 371-508 | .422 winning percentage

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50th Season | History Of Jazz Coaches: Tom Nissalke

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