A True Hall of Famer

Posted by Alex Jeppson on April 10, 2009

Monday was a gratifying day for Jazz fans as they first received news that two of their most beloved figures, John Stockton and Jerry Sloan, were voted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.  It is absolutely fitting that these two esteemed figures gain entrance together, as they were integral in bringing winning basketball to the state of Utah for nearly two decades.  No doubt the third cog in this well oiled machine, Karl Malone, will gain entrance into the hallowed halls as soon as he is eligible.  However, it is my belief that the late Larry H. Miller should receive this honor posthumously and this year, with two important members of the organization that he loved and built.

Here’s to a man who put winning above making a profit.  While other owners, especially in small markets, seek to build a Franchise only to sell it for gain at a later date, or inept ones force a beloved team out of a city because of their mistakes, *cough Seattle cough* Miller grew a home spun team into one of the most successful organizations in professional sports.  There is a reason the Energy Solutions Arena is almost universally recognized as the toughest place to play in the NBA, and it is thanks to the vision of Miller.  During his tenure as owner, the Jazz made 19 straight playoff appearances, won 8 division titles, and 2 conference championships.

Here’s to a man who represented integrity and candor.  He was unafraid to express his opinions, and he endeared himself to the community by connecting with the fanbase through frequent radio and television interviews.  His connection to his fanbase is unparalleled.  In fact, this site would not even exist if not for his belief that fans should have outlets to express their opinions. Sometimes his opinions got him into trouble, including when he refused to show Brokeback Mountain at any of his Megaplex Theaters because of his beliefs, but he was always willing to sit down and gain more education on a topic, as he did with the gay community during that specific instance.  Even if his honesty did upset some, including his own players, you have to admire someone who was willing to stick to what he believed, going so far as to refuse to watch games on Sunday because of religious principles.

Here’s to a man who embodied loyalty.  He stood by a coach and allowed him to implement his rigid plan, allowing him to become the winningest manager with a single franchise in all of professional sports.  Even more important, his loyalty and vision extended beyond basketball to the entire state of Utah.  With his plans not only with the Jazz, but with other businesses as well, Miller was able to provide entertainment and, more importantly, jobs to the state that have helped it become one of the fastest growing in the nation.  When asked in an interview what he would like to be remembered for most, he responded simply “as a man that loved Utah.” Without a doubt, he absolutely succeeded.

Here’s to a hall of famer in every sense of the term.  His merits as a basketball owner more than qualify him for the honor, but his merits as a human being make it a necessity.  No doubt the voters will see his contributions and grant him entrance, but I believe it should come now, when his memory is most salient on people’s minds.  What an honor this would be to the Jazz fans he brought together, but most importantly, the wife and family he left behind.  The NBA has recently reached out to its audience as an organization “where caring happens.”  Now is the chance to prove it.

4 Comments

Dron on April 10, 2009 said:

I agree with that article, and nice job with the biographical sketch and analysis! Let him in.

JazzNoseBleeder on April 10, 2009 said:

Three Cheers for Larry H Miller.

Every other owner would sit high in their suite and watch down on their “assets” like he was a king watching his army march into battle, but not Miller, he was down in the crowd and constantly was a warrior with his team, sometimes even giving them the little extra push they needed.

Other owners treat players as if they are expendable, while Miller treated his players like he were king Arthur and they were his knights of the round table.

Just a few more reasons why Larry did a ton for not only the Jazz, but helped pave the road for new generations of Entertainment.

Jazz Noze Bleed.

DeronWilliamsforPresident on April 10, 2009 said:

Great post.

JayD on April 10, 2009 said:

That is a great post . I have to beleive that LHM will become a Hall Of Famer in the near future . I also agree 100 % with this post .
Thanks to LHM for the memories .
Jay

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