Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller today announced that the team would honor former Jazz player Darrell Griffith by retiring his number, No. 35, on Dec. 4.
Griffith, who played for the Jazz from 1980-1991, will be the second player and third individual associated with the team to be so honored, joining Pete Maravich and Frank Layden."Of all the many players who have been with our franchise over the years, Darrell Griffith stands out above them all in symbolizing the essence of this team," Miller said.
"Darrell worked hard from the first day he joined this club, both in his efforts on the court, as well as making a commitment to the franchise off the court. He showed total and complete loyalty throughout his career and even today continues to represent the best this franchise has to offer. He was a winner where ever he played and Darrell was a key element to turning this franchise around and helping to make us a winner as well."
Griffith will be honored by the Jazz during halftime ceremonies in the Delta Center when the Jazz host the Charlotte Hornets, coached by former teammate Allan Bristow.
Griffith was originally drafted by the Jazz in the first round of the 1980 NBA draft, the second player selected overall. He had just completed his senior season at the University of Louisville where he had led the Cardinals to the National Championship while at the same time being named College Player of the Year.
Griffith completed his first year with the Jazz by being named the NBA's Rookie of the Year as well as being selected to the NBA All-Rookie Team. Griff played in 765 regular season games and 37 playoff games during his career while averaging 16.0 ppg. in the regular season and 15.1 in the playoffs.
He holds seven Jazz rookie records, two Jazz individual season records and is still among team leaders in every statistical category. He still ranks first in three-point field goals (530) and second in games played and field goals made and attempted. He also holds numerous individual game records.
Griffith was twice selected to participate in the Gatorade Slam Dunk Competition during All-Star Weekend (1984, 1985) and led the league in three-point field goal percentage in 1983-84. He remains among NBA all-time leaders in three-point field goals attempted (1596).
Griffith averaged in double figures in eight of his 10 NBA seasons, four times averaging 20 points or more.
Griffith was active in the Salt Lake community during his career and was a popular speaker on subjects ranging from drug abuse to education issues. He willingly assisted in Jazz community relations programs during his career and today maintains a high level of involvement in Kentucky. Griffith ended his career with the Jazz on Oct. 22, 1991, and today makes his home in Louisville, Kent.