Roger Braille
Played a total of four seasons with the Utah Jazz, first from 2003-2005 and lastly from 2010-2012. During his first stint, he was allowed to play outside the offense and attempt iso when desired as he found himself, along with Matt Harpring, as one of Jerry’s pet players. At 12:01 am on July 1 of 2005, he agreed to terms with the Phoenix Suns. Roger made his eventual return to Utah and found himself in the doghouse by fans before being waived in March.
Rony Seikaly
Seikaly played with the Warriors from 1994-1996. In the 1997-1998 season, the Jazz traded Greg Foster and Chris Morris to the Orlando Magic in exchange for the 6’11” big man. For Olando, he was averaging 15 points per game and grabbing 7.6 rebounds. The trade went far enough that Foster and Morris arrived in Orlando and participated in practice. The catch? Seikaly never reported to Utah, the trade was voided, and Foster and Morris returned to Utah.
Seikaly could have arguably cost the Jazz a title, as they had never had that kind of offensively skilled center at that point in franchise history. Seikaly traded in his chance at a ring for the opportunity to wear a set of headphones, as he is now a professional DJ.
Derek Fisher
Famous for constantly stepping over the three-point-line in the finals but still counting it as a three, Fisher was a long-time nemesis of the Utah Jazz as a Los Angeles Laker. Fisher eventually landed in Golden State from 2004-2006 before being traded to the Jazz for Devin Brown, Keith McLeod (RIP coach), and Andre Owens in the summer of 2006. There was some mild angst in the Salt Lake community when Fisher did not report and there had been no statements from his representatives. A few saw the second-coming of a Seikaly situation. The 6’1” guard ultimately reported to Utah and starred along side Deron Williams in the backcourt. The Jazz made an impressive run to the Western Conference Finals before being ousted 4-1 by the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs.
After the season closed, news broke that the Jazz would release Fisher from his contractual obligation due to the health of his daughter. “Basketball is not a priority right now,” Fisher told Utah media as the community rallied around him with their support. Utah was not a central location for his daughter’s physicians that were located in New York. However, on July 19th of 2007, just 17 days after being released by the Jazz, Fisher announces signing with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent.
John Amaechi
Nelson, with the aid of David Lo Pan, now has his three Warrior demons to taunt the Utah Jazz.
Up for the challenge, Quin says he’s paid his dues.
Dennis Lindsey, having a bit of Chinatown experience himself, puts Quin in contact with local Chinese magic practitioner Egg Shen.
With everyone now securely on the championship bus, Egg Shen suggests releasing a surprise Warriors ghost of their own on Golden State.
Ekpe Udoh
Ekpe was the 6th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors. He played 1.5 seasons for them before being included in a tank trade with Monta Ellis going to Milwaukee in exchange for the injured Andrew Bogut, thereby solidifying the GSW tank and screwing the Jazz out of the #8 pick in 2011. After spending some time overseas, Udoh returns to take on his former franchise, a team who desperately needs competent inside defenders on affordable contracts.
Quin prepares for battle.
When Quin finally confronts Lo Pan, he misses his knife throw and is now effectively disarmed.
Lo Pan, admiring Quin’s knife, goes for his final kill.
“Goodbye, Mr. Snyder!”
Nellie, realizing the man who powers his Warrior demons is now dead, looks on as he realizes this could also be the death of Nellie Ball. Unable to fully process this, Nellie begins to explode.
