Utah

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

Published

8 months 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

Cows, birds, lichens, trains and MORE events happening across Utah this weekend!

Published

16 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Press Room

Cows, birds, lichens, trains and MORE events happening across Utah this weekend!

SALT LAKE CITY — This weekend is PACKED with events across Utah for you and your family, no matter where you are!

If you know of an event that isn’t on this list or you have something coming up, email the details to news@fox13now.com to be featured.

Here’s what’s happening across the Beehive State!

CACHE COUNTY
Richmond Black & White Days – This Saturday the City of Richmond will host a parade starting at 5:00 p.m. beginning at 600 South State Street. There will also be family activities at 11:00 a.m. featuring a pet show, cow pie eating and other contests and more! Follow the link for more information and the full schedule of events.

DAVIS COUNTY
Sowby’s Classic Car Show – This Saturday at 4:00 p.m. the Sowby’s Classic Car Show at 962 Porter Lane will host a FREE event featuring food trucks, live music, and awards for participating classic car showcases. Follow the link for more information.

Great Salt Lake Bird Festival – This Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Farmington West Sports Park Buildings 3 & 4 will host a FREE event featuring live bird workshops, arts and crafts, face painting from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., a Take-home scavenger hunt, photo opportunities and more. Follow the link for more information.

South Weber Miniature Train Rides – This Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the South Weber Railroad Club at 621 Petersen Parkway will host a FREE event featuring train rides around the park. Follow the link for more information and all the rules of the train.

SALT LAKE COUNTY
Farm Fest – This Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the Wheeler Historic Farm will host a FREE event featuring baby farm animals, live sheep shearing demonstrations, food trucks, a wagon ride, live music and more! Follow the link for more information.

UTAH COUNTY
Paddle with Care on Utah Lake – This Saturday at 9:00 a.m. the Provo River Delta at 3400 West Boat Harbor Drive will host a fundraising event to raise awareness for water safety featuring food trucks, educational booths, raffle prizes, and a paddling event in the Provo River Delta accompanied by Search and Rescue and Coast Guard officials. You must provide your own equipment and undergo a safety check before paddling. Follow the link for more information and to register.

Fit City Fair – This Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Sports Park at 295 West Volunteer Drive will host an event featuring a Family Fun Walk and Run at 8:30 a.m, prizes, educational activities and resources for fitness, nutrition, mental health and more. Follow the link for more information.

WEBER COUNTY
Color Country Shootdown – This Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Fort Buenaventura Park will host an event featuring a 30 Target 3D course on Saturday and V-formation on Sunday and more. Follow the link for more information and to register.

WASHINGTON COUNTY
The Power of Water and Bats of Snow Canyon – This Saturday Snow Canyon State Park will host The Power of Water from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and the Bats of Snow Canyon from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., featuring a moderate hike with rangers to learn about landscapes in the arid desert sculpted by water and mythbusting with rangers about bats. Visitors are recommended to bring a headlamp to Bats of Snow Canyon. Follow the link for more information and to register.

Secret Life of Lichens at Snow Canyon – This Sunday Snow Canyon State Park will host an event from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. featuring learning with rangers about lichens at the park. Follow the link for more information and to register.

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Opinion: Utah's power grid needs infrastructure improvement — now

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2025

Press Room

Opinion: Utah's power grid needs infrastructure improvement — now

They say the best time to plant a tree is yesterday. The best time for transmission buildout was 20 years ago.

Transmission buildout is not optional. It is a necessary next step in achieving affordable, clean energy access for all Utahns and updating our power grid. To move energy across the state from city centers in Salt Lake City to more rural areas like Cache Valley or Tooele County, updating our aging infrastructure is a necessity. This necessity is growing daily, as is the need for modernization and build-out in order to meet the Beehive State’s rapidly growing energy demand. Once we’re done playing catch-up, Utah is uniquely positioned to get ahead of the curve and become a national leader in this new frontier of energy abundance.

Many Utahns are well aware of this fact, and Governor Cox is no exception. He has championed Operation Gigawatt, Utah’s new plan for powering its energy future, over the past year. Even if Utah produces all the energy in the world, however, it won’t matter without the means to transport it across the state. Fortunately, the plan has stated “increasing transmission capacity” as one of the four key areas of the initiative. At a time when energy demand is skyrocketing, Operation Gigawatt could not have come along sooner.

With 70% of U.S. transmission lines over 25 years old and nearing the end of their useful life, our nation faces an undeniable need for infrastructure improvement. The time for transmission buildout is now. As one of the fastest-growing states in both economy and population, Utah must keep up with the ever-growing need for power. Our population is spreading out across the state due to city centers filling up fast, and the energy needs follow.

While the need to produce more clean, sustainable energy will come, the production is not the only problem. The U.S. has nearly 2,600 gigawatts of energy generation trapped in the queue waiting to be connected to the grid and reach Utahns who need it most. This is enough energy to power 2,277,600 homes on average a year, and it is simply not being used. If we focus more effort on transmission buildout, we can utilize the energy that is just sitting there and be prepared to transport newly produced energy more effectively in the future. This means transmission buildout should be at the top of our priority list.

Yet another benefit to building out our transmission is that Utahns’ existing monthly bills will go down, and the ability for local economies to grow will skyrocket. Transmission buildout projects such as the Cross-Tie transmission line — a 214-mile line connecting Utah and Nevada, expected to be in service by 2028 — not only aid us in our effort toward energy dominance, but also provide a wide range of jobs to local communities with otherwise very little economic stimulation. These projects could help small businesses in these rural communities simply by bringing the power and more people into town.

The bottom line is that right now is the time for transmission buildout in Utah, and it should be at the forefront of the conversation surrounding energy grid development. Expanding the grid will benefit all Utahns across the board by lowering monthly bills and reducing reliance on high-cost power sources. Along with cheaper energy, providing more renewable energy access means less price volatility for Utah, and modernizing the grid also creates jobs and economic growth in local communities.

We should have planted our tree 20 years ago, but there is no better time than the present to put transmission buildout at the top of our priority list and begin achieving energy abundance for Utah.

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Blake Moore caught nodding off during marathon budget hearing

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2025

Press Room

Blake Moore caught nodding off during marathon budget hearing

WASHINGTON — Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, inadvertently nodded off during a marathon budget markup very early Tuesday morning, resulting in a video clip that quickly went viral as he was shaken awake by his colleague.

It was nearly 5 a.m. EDT when the House clerk went through the roll call for House Ways and Means Committee members to cast their vote on a Democratic amendment. But the clerk was forced to pause on one name: Moore, who was softly snoozing in his chair.

Rep. Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn., is then seen shaking Moore awake, who begins laughing as he votes against the Democratic amendment. Fischbach and Moore exchanged whispers as Moore gave a small bow.

Utah Rep. Blake Moore has to be woken up after falling asleep in his chair during a committee meeting.
Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell and Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky were also caught on film falling asleep this morning. pic.twitter.com/ayHFMDcXLH
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— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 14, 2025

It was a small moment, otherwise lost in the roughly 17-hour hearing that began at 2 p.m. the afternoon before. But in the digital age, nothing is completely missed.

The C-SPAN clip quickly went viral on social media as the camera pans over the lawmakers’ desks to Moore.

Moore wasn’t the only one caught sleeping during the marathon meetings. Both Reps. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., and Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., were caught asleep during the Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, which took place at the same time and also dragged on overnight.

The Ways and Means Committee concluded its hearing just before 8 a.m. EDT on Wednesday morning to advance its portion of President Donald Trump’s massive reconciliation bill. The Energy and Commerce Committee continued its markup well into Wednesday afternoon.

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