The Utah Jazz and popular guard Darrell Griffith bade one another a tearful farewell Monday. The departure of Griffith cut a significant tie to the past, a past that included a Jazz team that struggled from laughingstock to contender. And Griffith was there for it all.
"I would say it's very hard to see Griff go because it means another chapter in my life has gone, too," said Jazz President Frank Layden.Certainly the departure of Griffith, who asked to be placed on waivers Monday, marks the turning of another page in Jazz history. Selected in the first round in the 1980 NBA Draft, Griffith was known as "Dr. Dunkenstein." The Jazz took him in the Draft as the No. 2 pick overall, behind Joe Barry Carroll.
The 1980 College Player of the Year, Griffith gave the Jazz a much-needed dose of instant credibility. "We knew back then we were getting a player who was used to playing in big games in front of big crowds," continued Layden. "He was a marquee-type player."
"He's been with us since the days of having 2,000 fans at the games," said center Mark Eaton, who played with Griffith for nine seasons.
Griffith, who played 11 seasons in Utah, was a rarity among NBA players - one who until now has spent his entire career in the same spot. He was the 1981 NBA Rookie of the Year and for eight seasons averaged in double figures. He is the Jazz all-time leader in games played (765), field goals made and attempted, and 3-point field goals.
Griffith's departure wasn't a complete surprise, despite his status as one of the team's all-time greats. His scoring average last year dipped to 5.7 points a game and he played only 1,005 minutes - both career lows. (Griffith missed the 1985-86 season with a broken foot.) His consecutive games streak ended at 220 when he sat out a March 4 game at Orlando.After last season, Griffith was given the OK by the Jazz to look for a better situation, but nothing developed over the summer.
He scored only 15 points in five exhibition games this year and did not play in the Jazz's last outing, in Raleigh, N.C., against Charlotte. By all indications, Griffith would have played sparingly this year, thus reducing his chances to catch on with another team.
In a teary press conference, owner Larry H. Miller said Griffith called him while on the trip East and requested a meeting upon his return to Utah. Miller added that Griffith feels he can play basketball for two or three more seasons. "All things considered, the bottom line is that Darrell asked for and we granted his being waived by the Jazz," said Miller.
The waiving of Griffith leaves vacant a roster spot. At this stage, Griffith's contract can be picked up within 48 hours by an NBA team. If he clears waivers, then he is free to work a deal with any interested team at whatever salary that team offers. Griffith is under contract by the Jazz through this season, and will earn about $800,000. By waiving Griffith, only half his contract now counts against the salary cap.
Griffith, too, wept when he spoke of his career in Utah. "I love the game so much, I think I made the best decision for me," he said. After calling it strictly a business decision, he choked with emotion as he said, "Like I say, it's hard, but it happens . . ."
He added that leaving Utah was difficult, but "as a professional athlete, I can deal with it."
Griffith's career was a long, storied one. He joined two other "name" players when he came to the Jazz. The Jazz had acquired Adrian Dantley the previous year from the Lakers, and legend Pete Maravich was already walking on wobbly knees. From the start, Griffith didn't disappoint, averaging 20.6 points a game his rookie season. "He was a big-time player, a home-run hitter," continued Layden.
Layden said among his most memorable Griffith moment was a November night against Dallas (1986) when he led the Jazz in a comeback that included the team's scoring seven points in 20 seconds to beat the Mavs 104-103. "He hit the big shots," said Layden.
Another was the March 1981 night in which Griffith landed two three-pointers in a row in an overtime win over the Lakers. "It's very difficult, especially with Griff, because he was the beginning of the greatness of the Jazz," said Layden.
His career high was a 41-point night in 1984 against Seattle. Griffith's last high-scoring night was when he started against Houston last November. He scored 24 points to tie for top honors with John Stockton.
Asked about his most memorable moment with the Jazz, Griffith said huskily, "Draft Day. It's everyone's dream to be in the NBA. It would have to be Draft Day . . ."
Upon resolving with the Jazz that he wished to be waived on Monday, Griffith then called longtime teammates Thurl Bailey, John Stockton and Eaton. "I hate to see him go. We're losing a friend as well as a teammate," said Eaton. "I always hoped way down that he'd retire here."
Added Coach Jerry Sloan, "I just want to wish him a lot of luck and that the way things transpire, I hope for the best."
Miller, who signed Griffith to a two-year contract in 1990, added, "One thing I can say, and that needs to be said, is that Darrell gave the Jazz everything he could. He always handled himself with a great deal of class."
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(Additional information)
Griff's legacy
Scoring average: 16.2
Rebounds: 2,519
FG pctg: .463
FT. pctg: .707
3 point Pctg: .332
NCAA Player of the Year, 1980
No. 2 draft Choice: 1980
Played 220 consecutive games
1981 NBA Rookie of the Year
Fifth in NBA 3-pointers made (530)