Does Utah really have a prominent jazz music scene? What the heck is a “dodger?’
The NBA has a disproportionate number of teams with a name unrelated to their current city:
Harry How /Allsport / Via gettyimages.com
The Utah Jazz used to be the New Orleans Jazz.
The first NBA team based in New Orleans was named the Jazz, after their well-known, lively music scene.
Utah Jazz / Via sportslogos.net
The Jazz played their first five seasons in New Orleans, moving to Utah in 1979. The decision to keep a name so specific to the city of New Orleans was met with controversy, but the moniker remained.
The New Orleans Hornets used to be the Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte's team name was inspired by the city's resistance efforts in the Revolutionary War, which were referred to as a "veritable nest of hornets" by a British commander.
New Orleans Pelicans / Via sportslogos.net