NBA games are a hub for celebrity sightings. Being one of the most popular sports in America, the league carries immense significance in popular culture. This is why, seeing some of the biggest names in the world, sitting courtside for a game, is a pretty ordinary thing. While there are some celebrities who enjoy a game for a casual getaway, others are deeply involved fans.

One of the biggest names who is also a regular fan of the league is Adam Sandler. The 57-year-old actor was born in New York but has had a special relationship with the Utah Jazz franchise.

Adam Sandler’s history with the Jazz

Sandler is a lifelong basketball fan. From his practice sessions with NBA teams to cheering for his favorites from the courtside, seeing him around a hoop is a regular thing. Starring in the Safdies’ Uncut Gems, sharing the screen with Celtics’ Kevin Garnett, he has also incorporated basketball into his art. Moreover, in 2022 he produced and c0-starred in the movie Hustle which explores the life of a Philadelphia 76ers scout.

Interestingly, Juancho Hernangómez, who was with the Jazz at the time, co-starred in the movie. Hustle gained both critical praise and love from fans and has a 7.1 rating on IMDb.

Coming back to Sandler’s relationship with the Jazz, the Mark Twain Prize winner has practiced with the team on several occasions. Back in 2019, when Sandler was in Utah for a performance, he took some time to visit the Jazz facility. The actor went to the Zions Bank Basketball Campus to meet with the team and also booted up for a quick hoop session.

The Grown Ups star was so good on the court that he managed to impress Donovan Mitchell, who was at Jazz then. Recently, he was seen at the Utah facility, and only this time, he was accompanied by some kids to the practice session.

Billionaire Ryan Smith recently welcomed Sandler to the facility. He posted a clip of the actor training with some kids. Smith wrote, “The kids getting trained by a basketball great … Ball is life. Welcome to Utah @AdamSandler”.

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The Hustle story

It is not all fun and games between the Jazz and Sandler. Following the release of Sandler’s ambitious project Hustle, the Jazz waived their star player Hernangómez. Many people at the time linked this to the recent project that Hernangómez was a part of. It was even said that the Jazz are not fond of the project and as a result, the star of the movie is being let go.

Although there is no concrete evidence to prove it, the theory did sound interesting to many. Despite that one minor setback for Hernangómez, it can be alluded that the Jazz and Sandler do have a solid relationship. Continued support from the actor for the franchise will surely cement it in years to come.

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