From Deseret News archives:

Retired numbers

With Stockton's big day upcoming, try taking this quiz

Published: Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004 6:21 p.m. MST
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When the Utah Jazz raise a commemorative No. 12 up to the Delta Center rafters Monday night in jersey-retirement ceremonies, honoree John Stockton will become the 158th person to be honored in such a "retirement-recognition" event.

While most of the NBA's 30 franchises have retired numbers in honor of jerseys worn, championships won or victory totals achieved, some have started to hoist commemorative banners. The Los Angeles Lakers raised two banners three seasons ago in honor of their Minneapolis roots — one for the five titles the franchise won before moving west in 1960 and the other bearing the names of the Minneapolis-era Hall of Famers. And the Chicago Bulls punctuated their six-championship reign during the 1990s with a banner saluting former general manager Jerry Krause and a "COACH" for former head coach Phil Jackson.

The Phoenix Suns, who retired five jersey numbers in early franchise history, now honor former standouts by listing their names and numbers in a "Ring of Honor" at American West Arena. The move, done by other pro sports franchises, commemorates supserstars but also allows jersey numbers to be reused at a later date.

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How well do you know the NBA star players, coaches, team officials and accompanying numbers that have been honored over the years? Try your hand at the 14 questions — get them all right and you may deserve your jersey to be retired somewhere sometime by someone.

1. When the Utah Jazz retire Stockton's No. 12, it will be the sixth number retired in franchise history. Name the five individuals and corresponding numbers previously honored by the Jazz in retirement ceremonies — and name them in chronological order of retirement.

Pete Maravich, No. 7 (in 1985); Frank Layden, No. 1 (in 1988); Darrell Griffith, No. 35 (in 1993); Mark Eaton, No. 53 (in 1996); and Jeff Hornacek, No. 14 (in 2002).

2. As the NBA's newest franchise, the first-year Charlotte Bobcats obviously haven't retired a jersey number yet. Name the four other NBA franchises that also haven't retired a jersey number to date.

The Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic and Toronto Magic.

3. Name the NBA franchise with the most retired numbers — and related retired icons — and how many individuals that franchise has so honored.

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Jeff Hornacek, left, was the fifth person in Utah Jazz history to have his number retired. John Stockton will be the sixth.

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