Sweet Music in Utah

Utah Jazz, the first thing that comes to mind is the incredible tandem of John Stockton and Karl Malone. This combination put Utah on the map with unmatched precision and poise. Stockton to Malone was the best tandem is NBA history.

You can look at the numerous amount of times Stockton and Malone worked the pick and roll to perfection. You can look at Stockton’s 3 pointer to beat the Rockets to go to the finals, or Malone winning the MVP. Any way you look at it, these two guys made each other look better. These two guys who were so completely different will go down as 2 of the best to ever play in the NBA.

John Stockton was a catholic white kid from Washington. Attending college at Gonzaga, he was always told that he was to small to play in the NBA, that he wouldn’t make it. Some might argue that Stockton’s skill isn’t what made him great. They might argue that his determination and perseverance are what made him the all-time steals and assists leader. Enough about Stockton, he wouldn’t appreciate me babbling on about him. The modest Stockton was drafted by the Utah Jazz and took a back seat to Adrian Dantley in his rookie season. Little did he know about the man that would change the rest of Stockton’s life.

The next year a big man out of Louisiana Tech was drafted, you can call him “the Mailman” or you can call him Karl Malone, either way he was one of the best ever to play in the NBA. A cocky but not so much arrogant Malone looked forward to proving his excellence in the NBA.

Well you know the rest, Stockton passed his way to become the all time assists leader, and Malone said his foot in the all-time scorers list. We all saw them do it, but what made this pair so different? I’m sure your mom told you that opposites attract, that’s exactly what they were, complete opposites.

The modest Stockton let Malone have the glory, he was just happy to win. Malone took those wonderful passes and turned them into baskets. Malone energized Stockton, I think that it is best summed up by the picture where Malone is holding Stockton up in triumph. Stockton’s scrappiness and willingness to get on the floor, produced steals that produced hammer dunks by the mailman. If you call Malone “the mailman” then Stockton was the guy addressing and stamping the letters. As much as big black guy and a little white guy can love each other, Malone and Stockton did. I think it is safe to say that Malone nor Stockton would be what they are today if they hadn’t played together. ?