Basketball has been deeply rooted in this city for more than a decade, and the Jazz team almost had to leave, unable to survive here.
Larry Miller kept the Jazz here, and under the leadership of players like Stockton and Karl Malone, they kept getting better and better.
Their foundation throughout Utah grew ever deeper.
During the All-Star weekend, a snowstorm hit Salt Lake City.
It’s said to be the largest snowfall in the Salt Lake area this year.
When the players arrived at the airport, the wind and snow bit painfully against their faces.
No wonder so many NBA officials and players didn’t want the All-Star game to be held in Utah.
The weather for games here is terrible, and you can’t enjoy good food or entertainment like in sunny cities.
Even though Chicago and New York are also snow-laden, at least they have better conditions for eating, drinking, and having fun.
Moreover, it was previously agreed that the 1992 All-Star game would be held in Orlando, but Portland took it instead.
Orlando should have its turn for an All-Star game this year.
But to expand the NBA market and enhance the influence of these small-town teams, Stern still decided to hold the All-Star game in Salt Lake City.
After all, it was decided in 1991 that Salt Lake City would host the All-Star.
As for Orlando, they could only wait for the next opportunity.
After arriving at the hotel, Gan Guoyang called Stockton, hoping to hang out for a meal.
But Stockton told him he had many fan activities to attend during the All-Star weekend.
"With such heavy snow outside, what activities do you have? We can’t even go out. Are you helping to shovel snow?"
"You can rest at the hotel and avoid the wind and snow, but I can’t. This was scheduled a long time ago."
Elsewhere, Stockton is always the low-key, unrecognizable one.
During the Barcelona Olympics, when he rode the subway with his family, no one recognized him as a Dream Team star.
But in Salt Lake City, Stockton is truly a superstar.
Numerous community and fan events require Stockton’s participation.
For a team to survive and operate in a city is not simple.
To get fan support and recognition, wearing a jersey with the city name isn’t enough.
Before television broadcast became widespread and advanced, NBA teams were essentially no different from circuses or comedy clubs.
To sell tickets and attract fans to watch games, you had to engage deeply with the community to promote yourself.
Getting close with those who love basketball encourages them to support the team by attending games.
Then, use excellent performance on the court to captivate fans and turn them into long-term supporters.
All NBA teams, especially those founded before the 1980s, have come through hard times and operated with little success.
The Portland Trail Blazers had such tough startup years.
The business environment for the Utah Jazz was even harsher.
Salt Lake City has a small population, with a significant conservative Mormon community.
With few media outlets and little national attention, its commercial value is very low.
The only benefit here is the lack of competitors.
The Jazz team is the only one here, with no branches.
"Do you want to come with us to Sonny’s?"
"I’m not a Jazz player... Can I get paid more?"
"This is a charity event, there’s no money. But you can have a free lunch, it’s a welfare campaign."
"Alright, alright, a free lunch! I’ll go."
"Really? Oh my God, I’ll have them get ready..."
Gan Guoyang said it was because of the free lunch, but in reality, he went because he heard it was at a welfare center.
Whenever there’s an event at a welfare center, Gan Guoyang tries to attend.
He enjoys spending time with those lonely kids, bringing them a brief moment of happiness.
So he braved the wind and snow to go to the address Stockton told him about.
As expected, Gan Guoyang’s arrival caused a sensation in the community.
People from around the welfare center, including the local councilors, all came by.
The usually lonely kids were very happy to see the lively scene.
Gan Guoyang patiently signed autographs and took photos with every child.
In the many days to come, his photos would hang in the welfare center.
Each time different people came to visit, they’d be introduced to him.
That evening, Stockton’s family invited Gan Guoyang’s family to a very nice local restaurant in Salt Lake City.
Gan Guoyang looked at the prices on the menu and asked, "John, it’s quite expensive here. Are you paying?"
Stockton whispered back, "I have coupons for this place, 50% off. Plus, they have a buy-one-get-one-free promotion during the All-Star game. And because you came here to eat, the owner decided to give a free bottle of wine."
Gan Guoyang knew that when Stockton treated for a meal, he would save wherever possible.
Even though Stockton was already an NBA All-Star player earning millions of US Dollars annually, frugality was in his bones.
He took joy in it; it was his way of survival.
On February 20th, the League held the three-point and slam dunk contest.
By now, these competitions had a bit of history.
Truly big stars started to refuse participating in such shows.
The slam dunk contest became a stage for marginal players to showcase their physical talents.
In official games, they could only be supporting roles.
The slam dunk contest gave them a chance to shine.
With good luck and strength, it was enough to let them make a name in front of the fans.
Leaving a significant mark in the history books of the NBA.
More importantly, it was for the prize money and to gain some endorsement opportunities.
As for the three-point contest, it became the crown for which shooters competed.