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Jazz pay tribute to Mormon President Thomas S. Monson before game

(Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) sneaks past a green set by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the the Utah Jazz versus the New Orleans Pelicans NBA basketball game at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City Wednesday January 3, 2018.

(Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) sneaks past a green set by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the the Utah Jazz versus the New Orleans Pelicans NBA basketball game at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City Wednesday January 3, 2018.

The Utah Jazz paid tribute to one of the most influential people in state history on Wednesday night.

In the moments before the Jazz played the New Orleans Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena, the organization held a moment of silence for LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson, who passed away Tuesday night.

Monson was a Jazz fan, and the organization expressed their sadness on his death.

“For me, from the time that I interviewed, you know with the Miller family how important their faith is to who they are and what they do in the community and with the church,” Jazz coach coach Quin Snyder said. “I think those values permeate the culture of the Jazz. It’s something that they believe in and that selflessness and commitment to family are all emphasized every day.”

The moment of silence was followed by a standing ovation from those in attendance at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Monson was known to attend games on occasion. Snyder said he and the Jazz want to continue some of the values Monson was known for.

“These are things that we know are important,” Snyder said. “We want to represent them the right way.”

A visit from abroad

The Jazz have hosted coaches from the Chinese National Team for the past few weeks, as Snyder used some of his international connections to strengthen relationships.

As a part of the tour, the coaches have attended practice and games. They’ve helped players in shooting drills, they’ve engaged with players and coaches and have been given feedback.

“It’s something that’s been going on for awhile,” Jazz center Ekpe Udoh said. “It’s great to have them with us, helping out and giving pointers. You can never have enough coaching.”

Return of a Jazz favorite

Wednesday’s game was attended by former Jazz forward Boris Diaw, who was Utah’s starting power forward for much of last season, his only year with the organization. Diaw was shown on the Jumbotron in the second quarter, and greeted to a thunderous ovation. The Frenchman remains close friends with Jazz center Rudy Gobert, a fellow countryman.