Introducing the Utah Jazz Dream Team!

The Jazz pride themselves on being one of the best-run franchises in the NBA, and their employees are the driving force behind their incredible, ongoing successes both on and off the court. To recognize individuals who go above and beyond their duties and exemplify the organization’s values on a daily basis, the Jazz have launched a new monthly award: the Dream Team.

Those in the know understand how many exciting initiatives the Jazz have executed so far this year — from continuing the sellout streak (now at 251 home games) to welcoming the basketball world for the 2023 NBA All-Star to hosting a series of world-class entertainers for sold-out events at Vivint Arena. Acknowledging the employees who helped make these achievements possible, the Jazz have named Payden A. , Kari Holt Larson , and Daniel Knight as the Dream Team recipients for January, February, and March 2023, respectively.

Payden Adams

Producer and Senior Director of Entertainment, Production & Game Presentation

January 2023 Dream Team Winner

Payden Adams has thrived as a leader of the Jazz’s in-game and fan-experience team since 2021. With a wildly busy schedule on game nights, Payden is always looking for ways to incorporate new and creative entertainment? into the game night experience. He works directly with multiple departments within the organization, generating unique ideas to give fans the best experience possible whenever they come to Vivint Arena. Someone who always meets the moment, Payden can be found roaming the sidelines in support of his team members, and is known as one of the most fashion-forward employees on game nights.?

"It's a lovely reminder that our peers see and acknowledge our work," Payden said. "Accolades by outside entities have their place and value, but to be embraced and celebrated by your own organizational family is so much more rewarding."

Kari Holt Larson

Vice President of Community and Special Events

February 2023 Dream Team Winner

As someone who had championed the Utah Jazz as an ideal host of the 2023 NBA All-Star since 2019, Kari Holt Larson rose to the occasion when All-Star weekend finally made it to Salt Lake City this past February. As Executive Director of All-Star activities for the Jazz, Kari was a primary liaison between city and county officials, the NBA, and the Jazz for All-Star weekend, and was? one of the busiest people as she coordinated events, appearances, logistics, and everything else needed to make All-Star a resounding success. In her sixth season with the Jazz, Kari has continually proven to be a reliable and dedicated employee in how she shows up and shows out for the organization.?

"I'm incredibly grateful to have been part of the All-Star journey," Kari said. "From preparing the bid to the announcement and finally seeing it come to life was amazing. While I appreciate being recognized as the February Dream Team recipient, it was not me individually, but the collective effort of the entire organization and all of our community partners that made it a huge success."

Dan Knight

Director of Operations at Vivint Arena

March 2023 Dream Team Winner

While it’s amazing to see so many different things taking place at Vivint Arena, the amount of work that goes into making each of them perfect is often overlooked — but not by the Jazz. Leading the Jazz’s operations and custodial teams at their home arena since joining the organization just two weeks before opening in 1991, Dan Knight is the person who makes it all possible. Always on top of things, Dan and his team went above and beyond during NBA All-Star Weekend by helping create the perfect environment for fans. But his most impressive achievement is something he does on the regular. Just hours following the completion of Utah’s game on Feb. 28, he led the effort in turning the arena from a basketball court to an ice rink as Disney On Ice performed two days later on Mar. 2. The man behind the curtain, Dan continues to construct the space for the Jazz to host world-class events that create memorable experiences for fans.?

“Honestly, I just felt grateful for the recognition and for the teams that work with me to make it all possible,” Dan said.