Big3 Brings Former Jazzmen Johnson, Jefferson Back To Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The bond between players and fans is unique. Players can move on, years can pass by, but the connection still exists.

Fans will continue to cheer for beloved former players, and in turn, those players relish in the opportunity to play in that city once again.

Joe Johnson and Al Jefferson are perfect examples of this relationship. Even though it’s been years since either donned a Jazz uniform, the two are fan favorites in Utah. On Saturday night, Jazz fans have a chance to cheer them on once again at Vivint Smart Home Arena when the Big3 comes to Salt Lake City.

“I love it, especially in cities that I’ve played in, playing in Salt Lake is really cool,” said Johnson. “Those are usually huge turnouts and I enjoy that.”

Jefferson played for the Jazz from 2010-13. He says being in Utah during the “off season” is a little different than what he was used to during the season.

“It’s always great to come back here,” said Jefferson. “I’m grateful to be here during the summertime cause most of the time I was gone during the off-season, it’s nice to be here in the heat.”

Looking Forward To The 2019-20 Utah Jazz

It’s been a few years since Johnson last played for the Jazz, but he’ll forever live on in Jazz folklore for “The Shot” – a buzzer-beating bucket against the Clippers in game one of the 2017 playoffs – helping the team steal a game on the road; their first playoff win since the 2009-10 season.

He only played in 90 games as a Jazz-man, but his contribution was instrumental in building a foundation the Jazz have built on over the last three seasons. He thinks they’ll continue to build after putting together one of the best off seasons in the NBA.

“The moves are awesome,” he said. “The Jazz made the biggest moves throughout the summer. I know a lot of big name guys went to other teams but you think about the pieces they’re trying to plug in here and some of the additions they’ve made, I’m looking forward to watching these guys play.”