1980
Rookie Year
1991
Retired
Dr. Dunkenstein was Utah's first franchise star — the explosive shooting guard whose leaping ability, scoring instincts, and clutch play defined the early Jazz years in Salt Lake City. Griffith's 1980-81 Rookie of the Year and 1984 All-Star selection established him as one of the premier guards of his era, laying the foundation for what the Jazz franchise would become.
Off the Court
Darrell Griffith was the first All-Star in Utah Jazz history, led the NBA in three-pointers in 1984, and gave Salt Lake City its first franchise player. Here is why #35 belongs in the rafters.
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Seasons
1
Team
Utah Jazz
1980-1991
Active in Louisville community
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Dr. Dunkenstein' was given to him at Louisville for a vertical leap that teammates measured at 48 inches.
Won the 1980 NCAA Championship with Louisville and was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.
Was the first Jazz player to make an NBA All-Star Game (1984) in Utah, cementing him as the franchise's first true star.
Was one of the first players in NBA history to embrace the three-point line, leading the league in threes made in 1983-84.
Career Honors
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