Top 50 Utah Jazz Players Countdown: #28 Jeff Malone
Sep 14, 2023, 11:43 AM
Utah Jazz guard Jeff Malone (Photo by Tom Smart)
(Photo by Tom Smart)
SALT LAKE CITY – The countdown for KSL Sports’ 50 greatest Utah Jazz players continues and coming in at number 28 is guard Jeff Malone.
Leading up to the tip-off of the 50th season in Jazz history, Jake Scott and Ben Anderson have been counting down the top 50 players in franchise history as voted on by fans and the media.
Here’s a look at Jeff Malone’s career with the Jazz.
Jazz 50: Rank No. 28 – Jeff Malone
Acquired by the Jazz in a three-team trade that sent Bobby Hansen and Eric Leckner to the Sacramento Kings, Malone added a significant scoring punch to a roster looking to compete for an NBA title.
After making two All-Star appearances on a struggling Washington Bullets roster, the guard immediately stepped in and relieved the scoring load on Hall of Famers John Stockton and Karl Malone.
Over three and a half seasons in Utah, Malone averaged 18.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 50 percent from the floor.
Malone, a notoriously reliable postseason player upped his averages to 19.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 30 playoff appearances with the Jazz.
Though Malone was known for his strong scoring acumen, his game was heavily based on the mid-range.
In need of a more significant three-point shooting threat, the Jazz dealt Malone along with a future first round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers 1994 for guard Jeff Hornacek and Sean Green.
The trade is viewed as one of the best in Jazz history as Horncek helped the organization capture its first two Western Conference titles in 1997 and 1998.
Malone still ranks in the top 10 all-time for the Jazz in points per game (ninth), minutes per game (sixth), and free throw percentage (second).
Follow the rest of the Jazz 50 countdown with Jake and Ben Monday through Friday at 11:30 leading up to the opening day of the regular season.
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.
