Utah

Where do the Utah Jazz historically rank among all NBA Franchises?

Published

1 year ago

September 23, 2024

Where do the Utah Jazz historically rank among all NBA Franchises?

There is and will always be debate among Utah Jazz fans about how good the franchise is compared to other NBA franchises. There are many ways to rank and compare NBA franchises, like who has more total championships, a better total regular season win percentage, more amazing playoff moments, and so on. You can even consider whose all-time starting 5 would be better. Total championships is a flawed way to rank franchises, do people really think the Toronto Raptors are a better franchise than the Phoenix Suns, or that the Washington Wizards are better than the Utah Jazz? The Wizards have not been close to being a title contender for 40 years, success in the 70’s should not completely trump their failures from the 80s until now.

Today, I propose a new and I’ll be even so bold as to say, a better way to compare NBA franchises. Through statistics, emotions, and bias are not considered. While stats are not perfect, particularly this new one, they are better measuring sticks than opinions vs opinions.

True Franchise Success or TFS

Skip this paragraph if you don’t want to worry about the details of the statistics but want to see each franchise’s ranking.

Franchise Success explained. The purpose of the statistic is to consider each franchise’s success by measuring their amount of playoff appearances and how many rounds they advanced throughout their history. A Playoff Appearance per season is worth 1 point, 2nd round worth 2, 3rd Round worth 3, Finals Appearance worth 4, and Finals worth 5 points. Example. in 2024, the Celtics got 5 points, Mavericks 4, Pacers 3, Nuggets 2, Magic 1. In earlier NBA years, there were sometimes only 3 or 2 rounds. Points are kept by how many rounds they won (a finals appearance is always worth 4 points, and a championship is always worth 5 points). For example, in 1970, the Hawks got 2 points despite being in the semi-finals, but the Lakers got 4 points for a finals appearance and the Knicks got 5 points for the championship. Play-in or round-robin wins will not count, though winning those leads to a point for a playoff appearance. For example, in 2023, the Bulls did not get a point, but the Hawks got a point. Franchise Success or FS is the total number of points each franchise has. True Franchise Success or TFS is how many points each franchise has divided by how many seasons the franchise is active. Ties are broken by who has more championships, then finals appearances, and so forth. For example, in TFS, the Hawks outrank the Jazz despite their 1.12-point tie because the Hawks have a championship while the Jazz do not. Also, in FS, the Cavaliers outrank the Wizards despite their tie at 50 points and their championship amount tie because the Cavaliers also have 4 finals appearances compared to the Wizards 3. Not counting ABA stats until the NBA officially counts ABA stats. I recognize that TFS does not currently account for the strength of the conference or the number of franchises in the league for each season. For example, in TFS the Hawks outrank the Jazz, but the Hawks glory years were in the 50s compared to the Jazz in the 90s, and the 90s had harder competition than the 50s so the Jazz should be considered a more successful franchise compared to the Hawks. These statistical considerations and others will be introduced into later versions of TFS.

The Utah Jazz’s franchise data

So you can see an example, the Utah Jazz’s data goes like this. 50 Seasons, 31 Playoff Appearances, 14 First Round Exits, 11 2nd Round Exits, 4 3rd Round Exits, 2 Finals Appearances, 0 Championships. 14 + 11(2) + 4(3) + 2(4) + 0(5) = 56. That gives you a total of 56 points divided by 50 (how many Jazz seasons), which comes to 1.12.

True Franchise Success or TFS Ranking for each NBA Franchise

1. Los Angeles Lakers TFS 2.61

Was there ever a question? While the Celtics have 18 championships to the Lakers 17, the Lakers have 15 finals losses compared to the Celtics 5 final losses. TFS works well here, awarding the Lakers for having a whopping total of 32 finals appearances.

2. Boston Celtics TFS 2.29

Like the Lakers not being questioned as the best NBA franchise ever, the Celtics are clearly number 2. Their TFS is 2.29, considerably higher than the 3rd best franchise which is at 1.75.

3. San Antonio Spurs TFS 1.75

The Spurs were the model of success from the late 90s to the late 2010s. Their TFS will go up as Wembanyama has genuine GOAT potential.

4. Miami Heat TFS 1.61

Heat culture and great weather, which have been staples of the franchise’s success for the past 20 years have vaulted Miami to the number 4 spot.

5. Philadelphia 76ers TFS 1.44

While the 76ers have had some struggles over the past 30 years, their dominance in earlier NBA decades helps put them as 5th best franchise ever.

6. Chicago Bulls TFS 1.29

Utah Jazz vs Chicago Bulls, 1998 NBA Finals

Michael Jordan’s dominance in the ‘90s is the main reason the Bulls, a franchise with several years of mediocracy, is ranked as high as they are. While questionable officiating may have played a part in their win over the 1998 Jazz, they certainly still deserve this spot.

7. Golden State Warriors TFS 1.19

Utah Jazz vs Golden State Warriors, 2017 NBA Western Conference Semifinals

While the Warriors have the 3rd most championships ever at 7, their several years of being a bad team hinders their overall ranking.

8. New York Knicks TFS 1.18

The Knick’s dominance in the ‘70s and steadiness in the 50s, ‘80s, and ‘90s are big factors in their ranking, despite a rough 20-year patch before their current team.

9. Phoenix Suns TFS 1.16

1990 Japan Games: Utah Jazz v Phoenix Suns

The Suns are the greatest NBA team to never win a championship, while they have recently seen some bad years, they are historically a steady franchise.

10. Oklahoma City Thunder TFS 1.14

The Thunder will eventually give the Seattle Super Sonics back their franchise history when the Sonics come back to the NBA, which could happen soon. While the franchise’s championship came in a Sonics jersey, the Thunder have done quite well for themselves in their time in Oklahoma. Once the franchise history is only from Oklahoma, the franchise will likely jump into the top 5 for TFS among all NBA franchises.

11. Houston Rockets TFS 1.123

The Rockets TFS is bolstered by Olajuwon’s ability to raise his game in the playoffs. While the Jazz have their best franchise moment against them with 1997 game 6 of the WCF being won by Stockton’s 4th quarter brilliance and game-winner, the Rockets have won their share of the rivalry matchups too.

12. Atlanta Hawks TFS 1.12

The Hawks being ranked 12th is an example of a flaw in the current model of TFS. Their best years came in the 50s, they have not been as dominant from the ‘90s and on, when the NBA was closer to 30 teams and not 8.

13. Utah Jazz TFS 1.12

The Jazz may not be the greatest franchise, but their consistency through the Stockton to Malone years makes them the 2nd greatest franchise to not win a championship. If their finals were not against potentially the greatest dynasty in North American professional team sports in the ‘90s Bulls, the Jazz could have 1 or 2 championships.

14. Milwaukee Bucks TFS 1.11

Kareem, Giannis, and an underrated 80s squad were the Bucks’ driving factors in their TFS ranking.

15. Portland Trailblazers TFS 1.0925

The Blazers have been a consistently competitive franchise, with a minimal number of bad years when compared to other franchises.

16. Detroit Pistons TFS 1.0921

The Pistons are a franchise of extreme highs and lows. Their success in their Bad Boy and 2000s eras are the only reason they are not a top 5 worst franchise in NBA history. Ring counting would put them as an elite franchise but when considering their prolonged years of poor play, they come out as an average franchise.

17. Dallas Mavericks TFS

The Mavericks have been steadily good for 20 years but their struggles in the early 80s and 90s weigh them down.

18. Denver Nuggets TFS 1

The Nuggets should be ranked higher in few years as they have a strong team going forward for seasons to come.

19. Indiana Pacers TFS 1

The Pacers would be ranked much higher if their 3 championships were counted from their ABA days. The NBA should count ABA stats in their history.

20. Cleveland Cavaliers TFS 0.92

If not for LeBron James, the Cavaliers would be a top 3 worst franchise in NBA history.

21. Orlando Magic TFS 0.8

The Magic had 2 brief championship contender teams that have led to 2 finals appearances, perhaps Banchero and Wagner can lead them to other finals in the next few seasons.

22. Washington Wizards TFS 0.794

The Baltimore/DC franchise’s only glory years came in the ‘70s when they were the Bullets. The Wizards are tanking now so expect them to continue to drop down the list in the next seasons.

23. Toronto Raptors 0.793

The Raptors are the 2nd lowest-ranked team to win a championship. Their 90s and 2000s struggles bring their ranking down, along with relative non-playoff success in the 2010s other than their Leonard-led championship team in 2019.

24. Brooklyn Nets TFS 0.75

The Nets, like the Pacers, would benefit from their ABA statistical success being included in their NBA franchise. While they have had potential super teams, they never seem to put it together for a deep playoff run, except for when Jason Kidd led the team.

25. Memphis Grizzlies TFS 0.62

The Grizzlies have mostly been bad or average for their franchise existence. The Grit and Grind era saved them from being even lower on the list.

26. Sacramento Kings TFS 0.59

The Kings are the lowest rank team to have won a championship, which came more than 70 years ago. Since the 70s, the Kings have mainly been a non-playoff team.

27. Los Angeles Clippers TFS 0.48

The Clippers have only made the WCF once in franchise history, which came on the heels of the 2021 Jazz collapsing. The Clippers, like the Kings, have been mired in mediocracy for most of their long franchise history.

28. New Orleans Pelicans TFS 0.478

The Pelicans, which only constitutes New Orleans teams in their franchise history, have never been serious title contenders unless you consider the 08 Hornets better than they are usually considered.

29 Minnesota Timberwolves TFS 0.457

Other than 2 WCF appearances, the T-Wolves have not advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs. Their current team has the potential to continue making noise in the playoffs until the new salary cap rules eat into their core.

30. Charlotte Hornets

The worst current franchise in NBA history. They have never been title contenders, often miss the playoffs, and have never made it to the ECFs. Things need to change for the Hornets to course correct and rise in the franchise ranks.

Final Thoughts

The Jazz are an above-average franchise, despite never winning a championship and having multiple playoff collapses through the years. Their ranking might take a hit these next couple of seasons, but they are positioned to be a top Western Conference contender and potential champion throughout the late 2020s and 2030s. Sit back and enjoy the ride Jazz fans, winning a championship is the ultimate goal, but I’d never trade our franchise history for the Kings, Wizards or Raptors just because they have won it all once.

2024 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League - Memphis Grizzlies v Utah Jazz

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Utah

Opinion: What makes the ‘Utah Way’ a model for the nation?

Published

12 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Opinion: What makes the ‘Utah Way’ a model for the nation?

As usual, Utah is leading the nation on key issues. We explore the importance of this and the political impact.

Cowley: Strong communities are the result of strong families and strong churches. Lucky for us, Utah has both. When social networks are robust, there is less need for the government to serve as a social safety net (more on this topic later). The holidays are especially tough. I encourage readers to reach out to that friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, send a “thinking about you” text to a loved one or ask your dad/aunt/co-worker/cousin/neighbor/sister-in-law how they are doing, but actually mean it. Sometimes small things have the largest impact.

Pignanelli: “Robust social capital translates into heightened economic prospects and lower demands on the public sector. The Beehive State is thriving, but we still have work to do.” — Shawn Teigen, President, Utah Foundation

The release of this study was significant for several reasons. In this acerbic political environment, we needed a reminder that Utahns are an amazing people. The elements of the “Utah Way” are reinforced by metrics covering civic engagement, social cohesion, health, community and economic mobility. For 12 years, Utah has been among the leading states for social capital, demonstrating a deeply ingrained characteristic of our people.

Utah’s score is twice the national average, a mixed result that highlights our performance but also raises concerns about fellow Americans. Low social capital causes weaker economies and troubled communities, prompting legitimate bipartisan concern in the United States.

Local politicians need to address policies that continue this strength but at the same time take nothing for granted. Voters are hungry for such substance.

We should celebrate, but we should also share the secret of our success with other states. That is also the “Utah Way.”

Gov. Cox and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joined forces on CNN to discuss the future of politics and what they are looking for in candidates to “lower the temperature” of political discourse. Will this have an impact on upcoming elections?

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, left, and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox join hands at the conclusion of their conversation on the state of our politics today at the National Cathedral, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | John McDonnell for the Deseret N

Cowley: There is a lot of political rhetoric circulating about protecting the Constitution, but just as important is protecting the soul of our nation.

These leaders from opposing parties and different religious affiliations find commonalities in their devotion to faith and patriotism, but unfortunately share something else — the experience of leading their respective states through politically motivated violence with strength, respect for humanity and a desire to “disagree better.” It’s a reminder to show respect to those across the aisle as we are all Americans, endowed with the same unalienable rights from our Creator.

This compassionate approach is where Cox differs significantly from Trump, and it plays well with Utahns who may support Trump’s policies but find his decorum lacking. Case in point: Trump’s vicious response to the murder of Rob Reiner. Not cool, Mr. President. Not cool at all.

Pignanelli: I consistently hear criticism from the left and the right toward Cox and his “disagree better” initiatives. When challenging these critiques, I never receive a rational explanation of why Cox is wrong. However, he provided the reason in his 2024 Republican convention speech: “You hate me because I don’t hate enough.”

Cox’s critics publicly and appropriately protest the vitriol directed at them by their ideological opposites. But they are frustrated that Cox is doing more than just “talking nice.” He is “walking the walk” by challenging all members of the political class (officials, pundits, media, etc.) to be respectful. Cox’s efforts will pay dividends through a subtle influence on the many voters who admire his admonitions.

Gail Miller announced a philanthropic gift from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation of $10 million for homeless services in Salt Lake City. Will this have an impact on homelessness in Utah’s capital city?

Gail Miller, right, acknowledges applause from the audience and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenahll, left, following Miller’s announcement of a $10 million donation to Shelter the Homeless at the Gail Miller Resource Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Cowley: Utahns’ commitment to neighbor-helping-neighbor is unmatched. It is families like the Millers that help make Utah special, and we are blessed to have them. Unfortunately, this problem cannot be solved with more money, by any one organization or by the government alone. It’s a community problem that requires community solutions.

Homeless Coordinator Tyler Clancy’s focus on cracking down on crime while connecting first responders with mental health resources will help cut the head off the snake. Rep. Melissa Garff-Ballard’s focus on connecting individuals to employment opportunities is also an important tool. But the most important intervention, as the Utah Foundation survey details, is family and neighbors caring for one another. This first line of defense can lessen the need for government to intervene after problems have festered.

Pignanelli: As someone who lives, works and recreates in Salt Lake City, I encounter homeless individuals every day. I hear their pleas for spare change and often clean the waste they leave behind. Along with other residents and fellow business owners, we yearn for a solution. The continued generosity of the Miller family and many other Utahns, combined with practical public policies enacted by officials, will make a significant impact.

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Judge grants bond to Utah soccer coach arrested by ICE

Published

24 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Judge grants bond to Utah soccer coach arrested by ICE

The Utah man arrested by ICE and wrongly accused by Homeland Security of being a “sodomite and a child abuser,” was granted bond on Monday.

A hearing for Jair Celis was held virtually on Monday, with an additional hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Celis has been a popular soccer coach in Sandy, is married to a U.S. citizen, and has a baby boy who is also a U.S. citizen.

“The judge was very good,” said Adam Crayk, Celis’ attorney. “She just flat out said, ‘Look, I can’t consider something that’s a verbal representation. There’s been no filing here. There’s been nothing submitted to show anything other than exactly what his attorney is saying. And that is, look at all the years that he’s been here, look at all the people that are in favor of him.’”

Bond was granted for $5,000.

Politics

Utah coach’s case escalates after DHS labels him ‘predator’ in viral post

Once the bond is paid, Crayk expects Celis to be back home in Utah by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Crayk says he still plans to seek legal action against Tricia McLaughlin with Homeland Security for insisting and publicly declaring Celis is a “sodomite and child abuser” when there is no evidence of that.

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Utah Jazz Learn Anthony Davis’ Official Status for Mavericks Game

Published

2 days ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

Utah Jazz Learn Anthony Davis’ Official Status for Mavericks Game

The Utah Jazz won’t be tasked with going up against Anthony Davis for their upcoming matchup vs. the Dallas Mavericks.

According to head coach Jason Kidd, Davis has been downgraded to out for the Mavericks’ game vs. the Jazz due to a calf injury.

Anthony Davis out tonight, Jason Kidd says.
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) December 16, 2025
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Davis was previously questionable heading into the night with a left calf contusion, having played the last nine games for the Mavericks following another calf injury that forced him out earlier in the season.

And while, according to Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News, Davis was present for the Mavericks’ pre-game shootaround, the Dallas staff appears to be taking the safe approach with their star big man, and will keep him out of the action on the road in Salt Lake City.

Anthony Davis Ruled Out vs. Utah Jazz

In the 11 games that Davis has been on the floor for the Mavericks, he’s remained a strong impact player on both ends of the floor, averaging 20.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists on 51.7% shooting. His absence vs. the Jazz will mark his 15th missed game on the season, leaving him just three games shy of being ineligible for end-of-season awards.

Losing him, no doubt, is a big missing piece for the Mavericks’ frontcourt for however long he’s out, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where he’s been commanding Dallas to a top-six defense through nearly the first two months of the regular season.

Dec 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) walks back up the court during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Jazz, though, won’t be without a depleted frontcourt on their own side as well. Starting big man Jusuf Nurkic has been ruled out due to rest for his second missed game of the season, while of course, Walker Kessler remains out with his season-ending shoulder surgery.

That means the Jazz will be set to start Kyle Filipowski as their starting center, surrounded by Ace Bailey and Lauri Markkanen in their frontcourt. Kevin Love and two-way signee Oscar Tshiebwe will remain their depth pieces at the five.

For the Mavericks, they’ll be rolling with a big man rotation consisting of Daniel Gafford on a minutes restriction, as well as veteran Dwight Powell.

Tip-off between the Jazz and Mavericks lands at 7 p.m. MT in the Delta Center, as Utah will attempt to fire off win number two in a row after their win vs. the Memphis Grizzlies, and continue their strong play in front of the home fans they’ve shown thus far this season.

Be sure to bookmark Utah Jazz On SI and follow @JazzOnSI on X to stay up-to-date on daily Utah Jazz news, interviews, breakdowns and more!

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