Jerry Sloan's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1965 NBA Draft. However, it was with the Chicago Bulls that Sloan truly found his footing. Joining the Bulls in their inaugural season in 1966, Sloan quickly became known for his tenacious defense and relentless work ethic. As a guard/forward, he was a two-time NBA All-Star and earned a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team four times. His playing style was characterized by a gritty, hard-nosed approach that made him a fan favorite and a respected opponent on the court.

Sloan's playing career with the Bulls spanned a decade, during which he became the first player in franchise history to have his jersey number retired. His number 4 jersey was hung in the rafters, a testament to his influence and contributions to the team. Unfortunately, his playing days were cut short due to a series of knee injuries, leading to his retirement in 1976.

Transitioning from player to coach, Sloan began his coaching career with the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach in 1978. By 1979, he was promoted to head coach, a position he held for three seasons. Although his tenure with the Bulls was relatively short and met with mixed results, it laid the groundwork for his future in coaching.

In 1984, Sloan joined the Utah Jazz as an assistant coach under Frank Layden. Four years later, in 1988, he was appointed head coach of the Jazz, a role he would hold for an impressive 23 seasons. Under Sloan's leadership, the Jazz became one of the most consistent teams in the NBA. His coaching style mirrored his playing days, emphasizing defense, discipline, and teamwork.

The 1990s were a particularly successful era for the Jazz under Sloan's guidance. With stars like Karl Malone and John Stockton, the team reached the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, though they fell short both times to the Chicago Bulls. Despite not securing a championship, Sloan's Jazz were perennial playoff contenders, known for their structured offense and tenacious defense.

Sloan's coaching career was marked by numerous achievements. He became the first coach in NBA history to win over 1,000 games with a single team and ranks among the all-time leaders in coaching victories. His ability to adapt and maintain a competitive team over decades, despite changes in personnel and the evolving nature of the game, was widely respected.

In 2009, Sloan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of his contributions to the sport both as a player and a coach. He continued to coach the Jazz until 2011, when he stepped down mid-season, ending one of the longest tenures in professional sports coaching.

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