Exciting night for the 'city of Utah'
Brad Rock
To which he replied: "I was just so happy, but that's the only emotion I can give you — just joy and happiness. Going to a great team like that, and being in the city of Utah, in front of great fans."
Maybe it was a sign.
Nineteen years after the original crime, the Jazz drafted another geographically challenged power forward.
Still delivering to the wrong address.
On June 18, 1985, then-Jazz coach Frank Layden stepped to the podium at the Salt Palace and said with a flourish: "We're gonna bring a Mailman to Utah."
The crowd cheered boisterously.
Malone was young and a bit nervous when asked by an interviewer about the prospect of playing for the Jazz, who had taken him with the 13th pick. Malone replied he was pleased to play "in the city of Utah."
The remark brought snickers from the locals, who liked to think the state's biggest city was at least on the map. Or not.
Jazz president Dennis Haslam wasn't with the team then, but he does remember Malone's remark.
"It was a bit of a laugher," he said.
As a rookie, Malone chose No. 32 as his number. In 2004, another 6-foot-9 power forward was drafted, who wore No. 32 in college.
Even his college coach referred to him as "the next Karl Malone."
As the Church Lady used to say on "Saturday Night Live": "Isn't that conveeeeenient?"
Thursday's events began with a welcome from longtime Jazz broadcaster Hot Rod Hundley. One of the larger and more enthusiastic draft day crowds in recent years showed up. In part, that's because interest in the Jazz is relatively high. But also, last year's draft in Utah was closed to the public.
There was a moment silence to honor coach Jerry Sloan's wife, Bobbye, who passed away last week. Then came video highlights of last season. Soon to follow was the unveiling of the new Jazz uniforms, which include white, navy and light blue, and look curiously reminiscent of Midwest Division rival Dallas.
On road uniforms, it says "Utah" on the front — which will no doubt account for more geographical confusion in years to come.
When it got down to drafting, the Jazz got about what was expected. Owner Larry H. Miller said beforehand that if BYU center Rafael Araujo was available, they would take him. But when the count rose to No. 8, Toronto called Araujo's name.
A swell of disappointed boos rose from the Delta Center crowd.
When the Jazz's turn came, there were still several good possibilities. Sergey Monya, the 6-8 Russian, was still around, as were 7-foot-5 Russian Pavel Podkolzine and Nevada guard Kirk Snyder. Haslam stepped to the podium as the sound was muted.
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