Utah Jazz legend Thurl Bailey visits Eastern Idaho

Utah Jazz legend Thurl Bailey made a speech in Ammon Wednesday night at Gold’s Gym.

Bailey stepped into the spotlight as an NCAA champion. He then spent 12 years in the NBA; 10 of which were with the Utah Jazz. Bailey now analyzes the Jazz on TV for Root Sports. Heck, you may even know Bailey as a singer.

Bailey wasn’t in Eastern Idaho to talk about any of that, though.

“I’m not here as ‘Thurl Bailey, the basketball player,'” said Bailey. “I’m not even here as ‘Thurl Bailey, the motivational speaker,’ as I am ‘Thurl Bailey, the person.'”

Sure, he signed basketballs and T-shirts. He also took photos with fans and talked with each one, but the former NBA star was really here to talk about making better financial decisions and living a happier life.

“Where are you going? Where do you see yourself? asked Bailey. “Where do you want to be in two, three, four, 10, 20 years, retirement?”

Bailey said he’s watched players make good and bad financial decisions throughout his career.

“I’ve seen guys who made $25 million and have nothing, and I’ve seen guys who were one day away from being cut from the team who made $10,000 that are very successful,” said Bailey. “What did one have that the other one didn’t?”

Bailey is the fifth all-time scorer in Jazz history.