[1] During the off-season, the Jazz signed free agent John Amaechi.
[9] However, the Jazz began to show their age as they struggled losing five of their first seven games, leading to a 6–11 start to the season.
[13] Malone averaged 22.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, and was selected for the 2002 NBA All-Star Game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,[14][15][16][17][18] but did not play due to visiting his sick mother back home in Louisiana.
[23] However, in the Western Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Jazz lost in four games to the Sacramento Kings.
[24][25][26][27] Following the season, Russell signed as a free agent with the Washington Wizards after nine seasons in Utah,[28][29][30] while Marshall signed with the Chicago Bulls,[31][32][33] and John Starks and John Crotty both retired.