Spence Checketts, radio personality from ESPN 700 and Utah Jazz/NBA expert joins us to talk Utah Jazz basketball heading into the 20/21 NBA Season. We discuss Rudy Gobert and his contract extension, how hard it is to build a championship contender in the NBA for a small market team like the Jazz, and how masterful Dennis Lindsey and Justin Zanik have been in constructing a consistently competitive roster. Spence knows basketball, the Jazz and the NBA like the back of his hand, sit back and enjoy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Growing up in Adelaide, Australia, Joe Ingles first love was Australian Rules Football. Why not, it's the most popular sport Down Under. As every Utah Jazz fan will attest, we're all thrilled that Joe decided to take his 6' 9" frame and turn it into one of the premier 3 and D forwards in the NBA.Joe Ingles is as unique as they come for NBA stars. He loves having fun on the court, he loves his home country of Australia, and he absolutely adores his family. As passionate as he is about playing for the Utah Jazz, multiply that by 1,000 to describe his passion for his kids, his wife and to seeing progress in early treatment for children with autism.In this episode, you get all of Joe Ingles. His is thoughts on the new owner of the Utah Jazz, Ryan Smith, to how grateful he is for the Miller Family and all they have done for him, and for the state of Utah. And, you will not be disappointed in hearing about having fun with his old buddy, Paul George. Enjoy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Derek Harper had an outstanding 16 year career in the NBA, mostly with the team that drafted him in 1983, the Dallas Mavericks. He also never minces words, combined with a quick wit, he brings honesty and immense value to every conversation he is a part of. We discuss the current state of America, including how to stay safe on the golf course, and we of course cover the infamous "you go to Utah" quote that has been misunderstood for almost 30 years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Fredman, the Director of Pro Scouting for the Utah Jazz, talks about what it will take for Donovan Mitchell to get to the next level in his career; if Rudy Gobert needs to add a 5 to 10 foot jumper to his offensive arsenal; how he found Royce O'Neal and many other stories from his 42 year career in the NBA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Derrick Pearson is a black man who grew up in Arlington, VA. He lived in a black neighborhood and his mom advised him to not ride his bike into the white neighborhood.Jeremy Roberts is a white man who grew up in Utah with no restrictions, other than a keen awareness that he wasn't part of the predominant religion in Utah...but this did not inhibit him from doing anything.This is an honest conversation about race, action and love. I hope that it brings new insight to how we can be an active part of the change that must happen in America.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever wondered who was behind the costumes and masks of your favorite mascots? The mascots that entertain, that do amazing stunts, that make the games fun and do everything they can to make you laugh. These are our guests on this episode. The Original Philly Phanatic, Dave Raymond, one of the first mascots in professional sports. Tim Derk, the Original San Antonio Spurs Coyote, Jon Absey - The Bear, 25 years the mascot for the Utah Jazz and Kenn Solomon who is a current mascot in the NBA. Accidents, potential law suits and run-ins with celebrities, all here in this episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episodes guests include former players Mark Eaton, Thurl Bailey and a moving, emotional tribute from Greg Ostertag that you do not want to miss. It was an honor and privilege to know you, Coach Sloan. Rest In Peace and kick ass in heaven.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A special two-part episode dedicated to the life, legacy and legend of Utah Jazz Head Coach, Jerry Sloan, who passed away on Friday, May 22nd. Guests include former players Mark Eaton, Thurl Bailey and Greg Ostertag - Utah basketball legend Ron Boone, Salt Lake radio guru Steve Klauke, who grew up in Chicago and watched Jerry Sloan as a fan, and Stu Lantz - the color commentator for the Los Angeles Lakers who battled head-to-head with Jerry Sloan during his playing days. It was an honor and privilege to know you, Coach Sloan. Rest In Peace and kick ass in heaven.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alaa is a man who knows how fortunate he is to live the life he has. A standout at Duke who played in three Final Fours, a 1st round draft pick of the Portland Trail Blazers and a man with solid parents who loved and supported him in everything he did. On top of this, Alaa is one of the kindest and well-versed NBA veterans you will ever meet. In this episode we dive deep into how Alaa ended up at Duke, what it was like playing in the NBA in the 90s and we also get his take on the ever constant debate between Donovan Mitchell vs Ben Simmons and who's talent reigns supreme. Enjoy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The use of analytics in sports, despite how common it is today, is still a controversial topic. Andy Larsen, who covers the Utah Jazz for the Salt Lake Tribune, has jumped up the ladder quickly in the world of journalism because of his unique ability to convey complex analytical data to the general sports-crazed audience. Now, Andy embarks on the greatest challenge of his life...covering the COVID-19 pandemic while the sports-world is on lock down. Enjoy this episode as we learn what it's like going from covering a fun game to covering literal life and death.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Craig Bolerjack's voice has been gracing the TV airwaves of Utah since 1985, and he is one of the most trusted authorities when it comes to the Utah Jazz, along with the local and national sports scene. Join Dan & Jeremy as they talk with Craig about what it was like to be with the Jazz in OKC during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and get Craig's thoughts on how the State of Utah has changed since 1985, the Utah vs BYU rivalry, and of course, the Utah Jazz. Enjoy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andy Burcham knew that he wanted to do radio play-by-play from the time he was six years old, listening to Jack Buck and Harry Caray call games for his favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals. Over 40 years later, Andy has achieved his life goal by becoming the play-by-play host for the Auburn Tigers football team from the SEC. Andy's story of how he got here is even more amazing than the job itself! Enjoy this episode of Voices Behind the Game with Andy Burcham. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the relaunch of Voices Behind the Game. Today, we to introduce you to our host, Dan Roberts. Dan has been the PA Announcer for the Utah Jazz for 41 years, which is the longest tenure in the NBA. He's has seen everyone from Larry Bird to Lebron James, announced two NBA Finals, the 1993 NBA All-Star game and the 1979 NCAA Championship between Michigan St. (Magic Johnson) and Indiana St. (Larry Bird). Dan even had a brief scare with the coronavirus (all is well) and provides insight that very few others can match in sports. Enjoy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brent Smith is now retired, enjoying the good life in the Arizona desert. You can't blame him for being drawn to the warmth and relaxation of the Arizona sunshine as he had a 25 year career in college basketball, becoming one of the top officials in the Mountain West Conference (formerly the WAC conference). As we venture into the NCAA tournament, we find out if officials really do have bias toward teams, coaches and players. Find out what it's like to have 18,000 fans booing at you, and learn about the consequences officials face for not doing their jobs well. Enjoy a fun, refreshing episode Voices Behind the Game.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.