Utah Jazz Dream Team - May 2024 Winner: Zach Paige

Congratulations, Zach Paige.

Paige was named the Utah Jazz Dream Team winner for May 2024 for all his hard work throughout his time with the organization. The Dream Team was created to recognize individuals who go above and beyond their duties and exemplify the Utah Jazz’s values daily.

“Zach is the coordinator of scouting. He manages the entry level staff on the team as well as goes out and scouts on the road. He communicates with college coaches to gather important background information on all of the draft prospects. He is the ultimate glue guy to make sure nothing falls through the cracks logistically and administratively in basketball operations. Zach went above and beyond during our internship search process in addition to his work interviewing prospects and scouting at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament during April. We are so grateful to have him on our team.” 

Read more to get to know Paige, his journey with the Jazz, and any advice he has for those wanting to join the organization.

Question: What was your reaction when you found out you’d won?

Paige: It came as a surprise and I was a little bit caught off guard at first. I feel really honored to be recognized as this month’s winner, especially in such a busy month.

Question: How was the last month different when compared to your other months with the Jazz?

Paige: May is always a fast paced month in basketball operations. Draft preparation gets into full swing and the G League Elite Camp and NBA Combine are the main events. All in all, it was a busy month and the “official” start of the pre-draft season.

Question: How did you get your start with the organization? What has that journey been like?

Paige: I started with the Jazz as a Basketball Operations Analytics Intern. From there I got a chance to be involved in the scouting department and work my way up to my current position. The journey has been a unique and rewarding learning experience. Each year I have been able to learn more and more and I’ve been able to continue to grow into the role that I am in today.

Question: If asked, how would you describe your role to someone who didn’t know?

Paige: The best way to describe my role is that I help coordinate and manage our scouting and basketball operations processes. This includes everything from scouting live games and events, helping oversee our scouting coverage, gathering information on prospects, managing our scouring information systems and department technology, and overseeing our basketball operations internship program.

Question: What is the best part of your role? What is the toughest part?

Paige: The best part of my role is getting to play a small part in the decision-making process for the organization. The toughest part about the role is the time commitment during the season. There is a lot of travel during the college basketball season, so I am away from home a lot during this time.

Question: What is the best part of being with the organization?

Paige: The best part about being with the Jazz is the people I’ve been able to work with. I’ve been blessed to work with some very knowledgeable and experienced people who have been willing to share their advice and help me grow each year.

Question: Is this your dream job? If not, what is?

Paige: Growing up in Utah, this has been a dream job for me. This has been something I always dreamed of doing, but never thought I would get the opportunity to experience it. It’s special to be able to work for an NBA team, but even more special when you get to work for your hometown team that you grew up watching.

Question: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

Paige: In 5-10 years I see myself working with a team where I can add value and continue to contribute to decision making and the team culture.

Question: Any advice/inspiration you’d give to someone looking to join the Jazz organization?

Paige: The two pieces of advice I would give to someone looking to join the Jazz organization would be, don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and continue to network. The path to where you want to finish is not always linear and may include setbacks at times, but through hard work and perseverance good things will come about. Lastly, network with people in the industry. Connections and who you know are vital and can play a big part of landing an opportunity in an industry like this.