6 Basketball Players who Played for Jazz and Thunder
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Jazz and the Thunder.
Derrick Favors
Derrick Favors was known for his tenacity on the boards and his ability to score in the paint. Selected third overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 2010 NBA Draft, Favors was traded to the Utah Jazz in his rookie season as part of the deal for Deron Williams.
In Utah, Favors blossomed into a solid power forward, regularly starting and making significant contributions on both ends of the floor. Over multiple seasons with the Jazz, he provided solid scoring and rebounding numbers, along with his sturdy defense.
While he might not have been an All-Star, Favors has had a solid NBA career, consistently contributing as a valuable team player and demonstrating his skills as a rebounder and interior scorer.
*Favors was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 6)
Jeff Green
Jeff Green has played for numerous teams in the NBA. He was initially drafted 5th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2007 NBA Draft, though he was immediately traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he spent the first part of his career.
Green has had a journeyman career, playing for 11 different teams in his 15-year career including the Thunder, Celtics, Grizzlies, Clippers, Magic, Cavaliers, Wizards, Jazz, Rockets, Nets, and Nuggets. He was a solid contributor to the Nuggets Championship this past season.
Green’s versatility and ability to play both inside and outside have allowed him to fit into various roles on different teams. He’s been both a starter and a valuable bench player throughout his career, contributing with his scoring, rebounding, and ability to defend multiple positions.
Ersan Ilyasova
Ersan İlyasova is a professional basketball player who has played in various leagues around the world, including the NBA and EuroLeague. Born in Turkey, Ilyasova’s professional career started in 2004 with Yeşilyurt in the Turkish Basketball League.
He was later drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft. Known for his scoring ability and rebounding, Ilyasova played multiple stints with the Bucks and also spent time with several other NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
For his career, Ilyasova averaged 10.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in the NBA.
Earl Watson
Earl Watson was a player who spent significant time in the NBA as a point guard and later transitioned into coaching. Known for his leadership, toughness, and basketball IQ, Watson carved out a steady career as a role player and floor general.
Watson was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft. Over the course of his playing career, he played for various NBA teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Indiana Pacers.
Though not a prolific scorer, Watson made his mark through his ability to distribute the ball, play solid defense, and provide leadership on and off the court.
Watson Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Grizzlies, Supersonics, Thunder, Pacers)
Derek Fisher
Derek Fisher was selected 24th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1996 NBA Draft. As the Lakers’ point guard, he played a crucial role during the team’s championship runs, especially in the early 2000s when they secured three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002.
Fisher added two more championships to his resume with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010. One of his most iconic moments came in the 2004 playoffs, where he hit a game-winning shot with just 0.4 seconds left on the clock against the San Antonio Spurs, a play often referred to as the “0.4 shot.”
Beyond the Lakers, Fisher played for several other teams, including the Warriors, Jazz, Thunder, and Mavericks. Over his 18-year playing career, he was revered not just for his basketball skills but also for his leadership, serving as the president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) from 2006 to 2013.
Fisher Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Lakers)
Greg Foster
Greg Foster’s NBA journey began when he was selected 35th overall by the Washington Bullets in the 1990 NBA Draft. Throughout his NBA career, he played for several teams, including the Hawks, Bucks, Bulls, Timberwolves, Jazz, SuperSonics, and Lakers.
While never a star, Foster’s ability to play both power forward and center positions, coupled with his defensive presence, made him a valued rotation player.
One of the highlights of Foster’s career was his time with the Utah Jazz during the late 1990s. He played a supporting role alongside Hall of Famers Karl Malone and John Stockton, contributing to the team’s successful runs to the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998.
