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John Stockton did his own thing — and pulled it off
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Vickey LeFevre | 11:10 p.m. Sept. 8, 2009
And how we miss him! He was so great to watch and he made all the other players
better than they were without him.
Spencer Clark | 11:29 p.m. Sept. 8, 2009
I say we clone him. Even if against his will. It's for the greater good.
Anonymous | 1:37 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Stockton's the man!!!
Comments continue below
THEeyepatch | 2:04 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
A true professional, he is missed. They said that about the Hydrogen Bomb
Spencer Clark, not a good choice of words.
Utahn in Virginia | 4:52 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
John Stockton was, and forever will be, the greatest Jazz player of all time,
and the greatest point guard in the history of the game. Simply put, John
Stockton was what made the Jazz, and the NBA game, worth watching for 19 years.
The quality of the game, and the people in it, has decreased steadily since John
retired. John, thank you for providing the greatest basketball effort I ever
witnessed. When I played ball in my driveway, I always pretended to be you.
Role Model | 5:53 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
If ever there waas a sports individual that you could hold up to be a role model
it wouild be John Stackton. He is by far my favorite all-time player from any
sport. He is more than a player but more of a person you would want to have as
friend.
DennyG | 6:23 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I have not missed him a bit. Too grumpy for my liking.
Bryant | 6:52 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
John Stockton is my favorite player of all time. He represents everything in a
public icon that I wish I could be if I ever fell into the same light: humility,
dignity, dedication to the game and not the media, and always putting his family
first. He was a class act that will probably never be duplicated again. Thank
you for Mr. Stockton for the great example you set. You will always be welcome
in Utah as long as you live.
Anonymous | 6:59 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Poor DennyG. Sorry, but Stockton did his job. His job did not require him to
put himself out there to satisfy your for celebrity.
Utahn in Inidiana | 7:04 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I miss John. There was nothing like watching him play. A perfect role model.
Unusual to find a clean decent player nowadays that simply loves the game, not
all the hip around it.
IdahoJazzFan | 7:08 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
All of my children grew up with John Stockton posters in their bedrooms. I
could not have chose a better role model for them. Thanks John for all of the
memories and good luck in the future!
Utahn in Mexico | 7:14 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Ditto to Utahn in Virginia.
He was, and will be, the best Jazzman ever.
"Stockton to Malone"-- How I miss those words.
He was, and will be, the best Jazzman ever.
"Stockton to Malone"-- How I miss those words.
fossil | 7:16 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
too bad he threw the ball to malone with twenty seconds left in game six of the
championship as jordan stole the ball and they won, the jazz missed a chance to
win the championship. i wonder if it bugs him from time to time.
kuluvar | 7:19 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I never watched another NBA game after he retired. He was the last literate,
moral person in the entire league. The rest simply contribute to the decline in
society.
Nancy from Las Vegas | 7:21 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
From the few TV Jazz games I saw, I converted into a basketball fan late in his
career and I didn’t have cable TV, I loved watching John Stockton! I wish
that he gave more information about his personal life; however, I respect his
need for privacy. John, you were terrific!! Thanks for making the Jazz great.
Have a wonderful rest of your life!
Oklahoma Jazz Fan | 7:54 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
This is one of the best news articles I've ever read. Thanks Doug.
Steven | 7:57 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Stockton is my favorite player of all time everyone asks me who is my favorite
Jazz/NBA player to date and I always say Stockton to which they reply come on he
doesn't play anymore.
I met Stockton twice and he is a very nice guy what a nice article about him.
I met Stockton twice and he is a very nice guy what a nice article about him.
#1JazzFannInFlorida | 8:22 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I remember a game in Stockton's 2nd year at the Salt Palace. My BDay and
his are 2 days apart and I bought him a BDay card. I gave it to him after the
game as he ran back to the locker room. I waited to get a few autographs (I
really wanted AD's). Stockton came out and went to a group that it looked
like he was going to hang out with. He looked my way and excused himself, came
over to me, shook my hand, thanked me for the card, and signed my Jazz banner.
#1 point guard in my book. I got Dantley's autograph too, but that is
another story.
mickysfrnd | 8:26 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Those were the days. John Stockton. Amazing man.
Mike | 8:31 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I was refereeing a Jr. Jazz game at the Dimple Dell rec center several years
ago. Hornacek was the coach and Stockton was there watching his son play.
Stockton just sat in a chair and watched the game. He didn't really say a
thing. Hornacek on the other hand nearly got himself a "T". I liked
them both.
Contrast that to a little league football game a couple of years before that I was reffing. Stockton was on the sidelines behind the rope yelling at the officials. Not realizing who he was, I turned around and told him to shut up (I'd have told him to shut up anyway). He did, and the rest of the game was pleasant. We had a nice time talking on the sidelines about the game in between plays.
Contrast that to a little league football game a couple of years before that I was reffing. Stockton was on the sidelines behind the rope yelling at the officials. Not realizing who he was, I turned around and told him to shut up (I'd have told him to shut up anyway). He did, and the rest of the game was pleasant. We had a nice time talking on the sidelines about the game in between plays.
What a great read! | 8:37 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
This article was superbly written. I gained an understanding of a childhood
event that has always rubbed me the wrong way. I was at a Jazz/Lakers game. A
family acquaintance led me down to the floor long before the game to introduce
me to a few players. John Stockton wouldn't give me an autograph. Neither
would Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Magic Johnson not only gave me a signature, he sat
me down on his lap and talked to me with his big smile and encouraged me to
always try my best at whatever I did in life. I've never forgotten
Magic's kindness to me and I always sort of resented John Stockton. This
article helped me understand Stock's point of view and the reason behind
his behavior.
Dan | 8:42 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I always enjoyed watching Stockton play. He knew how to watch everyone and get
the ball to the right person and when he couldn't find anyone, which was
rare, he would shoot and make it.
Thank you also John for your personal commitment and example of making your family a priority.
Thanks for the memories.
Thank you also John for your personal commitment and example of making your family a priority.
Thanks for the memories.
Robinson, you are wrong | 8:45 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I watched several interviews after a Jazz game. Stockton sat on a chair holding
one of his children and was friendly, willing to talk and open to the questions.
Where were you when these interviews took place. Didn't watch a lot of
Jazs games but I saw several of these interviews. Did you need material for an
article. You did him a disservice. I do agree with you on what thing. He was a
class act.
Anonymous | 9:01 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Karl Malone was the best Jazz Man Ever.
Stockton second. He is well deserving of the Hall of Fame.
Anyway, for those who say that there are not anymore basketball players with Stockton Values are absurd.
He was the last literate moral person in the entire league,
it is unusual to find a clean decent player nowadays that simply loves the game.
There are multiple all stars that are great examples.
Dwight Howard
Williams
Paul
Roy
Bosh
Wade
Granger
James
Griffen
Durrant
Stockton second. He is well deserving of the Hall of Fame.
Anyway, for those who say that there are not anymore basketball players with Stockton Values are absurd.
He was the last literate moral person in the entire league,
it is unusual to find a clean decent player nowadays that simply loves the game.
There are multiple all stars that are great examples.
Dwight Howard
Williams
Paul
Roy
Bosh
Wade
Granger
James
Griffen
Durrant
Big hands | 9:12 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
One quirky thing I'll always remember about this obscure guard drafted out
of Gonzaga....the first time I saw him play, I was amazed at the size of his
hands. 6'1" guys aren't supposed to palm the ball directly off a
dribble, but he could with ease. Probably helped him deliver all those pinpoint
passes...
I think.... | 9:15 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
The speech has just been written that should be given at the induction ceremony.
Absolutely great article. Pin points Stockton to a T. He is and will always
be the best!!
spiritree | 9:34 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
My 85 year old mom learned to love the Jazz watching Mr. Stockton play with
heart and without showboating every time he completed a pass or dropped in a
three from the top of the key. How we miss him.
Anonymous | 9:37 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Congratulations to John Stockton, but why did the desnews put in a picture of
him getting a shot blocked?
Joe Morris | 9:39 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I miss John Stockton. The game of Basketball was never the same when he left.
There are very few who can play the game now and play it because its what they
love to do, and not for how much they can make from it.
Bones | 9:56 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I agree with Anonymous @ 9:01. Just because there aren't really many NBA
stars with that same clean-cut shy image doesnt mean that none of them are moral
people or even good role models.
Stockton was amazing and is one of my favorite athletes ever to play any sport professionally. But, the NBA has plenty of great role models, Just look at Deron Williams right here in Utah. Obviously there are some idiot punk head cases, but believe it or not having several visible tatoos doesn't make someone one of those morons.
Stockton was amazing and is one of my favorite athletes ever to play any sport professionally. But, the NBA has plenty of great role models, Just look at Deron Williams right here in Utah. Obviously there are some idiot punk head cases, but believe it or not having several visible tatoos doesn't make someone one of those morons.
Fred Gorzon | 10:15 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
as this article alludes to John Stockton was a little strange about his personal life and beliefs. Now he has chosen one of lifes biggest losers to present him at the hall of fame it indicates more about the man than I care to know. John here was your last chance to keep your fame and you blew it.
Thankful | 10:17 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
What a great example for all of us to learn from. If there was more people in
the world that simply played because they love the game, sports in general,
would be much better off. Hopefully all of the young kids and crazy dad's
can learn from a great example we find in John Stockton.
Anonymous | 11:26 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I have to admit that I have a very warm, nostalgic feeling after reading this
article. What a guy.
Rumor | 11:30 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
If I remember correctly, John didn't have an agent (except maybe his dad).
He would not negotiate his contract, but would leave the contract terms upto Mr.
Miller. I think John would say something like: 'If you want me to return,
please make a contract for me to sign'; then John would go to Spokane for a
month before he would return to sign the new contract. Please verify if these
rumored details are somewhat accurate.
Yeah John | 11:32 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I haven't watched much of the Jazz since Stockton is gone. He was such a
great example, I haven't found another like him on the team. He is raising
six children, that says a lot about this good husband and father!
Gary o | 11:39 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I loved watching John Stockton play. He did so with skill and class. I never
saw him get in anyone's face or rub in his success (and his many steals and
assists attest to those successes). He played the game as if he loved it and
would have played even if he were not being paid. My only regret is that he
never won that NBA championship that he deserved.
Basketball John! | 11:41 a.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Basketball John! I love the Basketball John! Basketball John, John Stockton, o
ooo oooooooooooo! I never have forgotten that song. Congrats on the HOF, Mr.
Stockton!
Anoymous@ | 12:07 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I almost stopped watching the Jazz games after John Stockton retired. It just
wasn't the same afterward. But I couldn't stay away. I can't say
I liked the team after Stockton and Malone but I like what the team has become
today. Deron Williams spent a week with John Stockton playing BB and learning
and that's good.
Now I'm glad to see John Stockton inducted into the Hall of Fame. He deserved it more than anyone else in my opinion. And to be inducted with his coach Jerry Sloan has to be right up there with the very best moment.
Now I'm glad to see John Stockton inducted into the Hall of Fame. He deserved it more than anyone else in my opinion. And to be inducted with his coach Jerry Sloan has to be right up there with the very best moment.
Vince Eccles | 12:11 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Excellent career, John.
Excellent article, Doug.
Excellent article, Doug.
Both Ways | 12:12 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I loved Stock as a player, but have to disagree with Anonymous | 6:59 a.m. Sept.
9, 2009 .
"His job did not require him to put himself out there to satisfy your for celebrity."
Somehow guys like Hornacek and Malone could show their appreciation for who allowed them to make the money the made and have the life they had. I can appreciate not wanted to be bugged when you're with your family, but you can't say 'hi' on the street to a passing fan? That's as much a part of your job as playing the game the right way. If you're that uptight about being out on Main Street, then you should have had a 'posse' to protect you. Between that and picking Isaiah "never a role model to my kids in a bazillion years" Thomas as his presenter, I have serious problems trying to reconcile the public love for John with who he really might be. Not who you think he is or want to believe he is.
Celebrity isn't real. And it doesn't necessarily jibe with anything else.
"His job did not require him to put himself out there to satisfy your for celebrity."
Somehow guys like Hornacek and Malone could show their appreciation for who allowed them to make the money the made and have the life they had. I can appreciate not wanted to be bugged when you're with your family, but you can't say 'hi' on the street to a passing fan? That's as much a part of your job as playing the game the right way. If you're that uptight about being out on Main Street, then you should have had a 'posse' to protect you. Between that and picking Isaiah "never a role model to my kids in a bazillion years" Thomas as his presenter, I have serious problems trying to reconcile the public love for John with who he really might be. Not who you think he is or want to believe he is.
Celebrity isn't real. And it doesn't necessarily jibe with anything else.
Wyoming Fan | 12:33 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Stockton was one of the greats. It's too bad he didn't get a ring. We
loved watching him.
Tami | 12:37 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
My only regret is that they did not send Karl in with John. How could they
seperate these team members?
Who is the "loser" presenting John?
Who is the "loser" presenting John?
Pete | 12:56 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I ask my 6 year old son, who has never seen John Stockton play, but has pictures
of him in his room who the best basketball player is. His answer is sometimes
"daddy", but mostly it's John Stockton. Does anybody remember the
"Basketball John Stockton" song that was made when the Jazz went to
the finals for the first time. That is one of his favorites. Great song.
Dan Hillyard | 1:03 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Great article. Post media events are a chance for retired athletes to gravy
train the celeb. meal ticket and get some face time in the media. Not Stockton,
several years ago when the Jazz had a retirement ceremony for Malone I watched
Stockton sitting in a gym by himself (no "crew")in Spokane watching
his son shooting free-throws in an AAU skills competition. I always thought it
was pretty cool that he had his family priorities in place
JakeC | 1:44 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I think he is the ebst so much so I am sitting here in Springfield MA after
travelling from Australia to See Stockton inducted once in a lifetime
opportunity which I cannot wait for!
Congrats John!!!
Congrats John!!!
Wasatchpowder | 1:58 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
Let's see what Stockton taught his kids and us.
Hide from the media and fans.
Don't acknowledge the fans during a game.
Don't sign autographs.
Don't stand up for yourself and negotiate contracts, let the other guy write the terms.
Run back to Spokane as fast as you can and never come back to Salt Lake.
Hide from the media and fans.
Don't acknowledge the fans during a game.
Don't sign autographs.
Don't stand up for yourself and negotiate contracts, let the other guy write the terms.
Run back to Spokane as fast as you can and never come back to Salt Lake.
Rob | 2:08 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
John come back!!
You can still play - PLEASE!
You can still play - PLEASE!
STEVE-O | 2:09 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
John Stockton was, and still is my favorite player to watch. He was such a
smart player, and always gave 100% while he played. What's even better is
he gives 100% to his family and anything else he's involved in.
I can also understand where John is coming from with reactions to fans. Some fans are stupid, and don't understand that athletes are people. They get annoyed and bothered constantly so I have no qualms with players ignoring stupid fans. Anybody who gets a chance to meet John Stockton in a normal setting would appreciate who he is! He just loved to play basketball.
I can also understand where John is coming from with reactions to fans. Some fans are stupid, and don't understand that athletes are people. They get annoyed and bothered constantly so I have no qualms with players ignoring stupid fans. Anybody who gets a chance to meet John Stockton in a normal setting would appreciate who he is! He just loved to play basketball.
jazzfanfromhouston | 2:19 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I grew up in utah, i watched the jazz all the time. When i moved to Houston, i
stopped watching basketball namely because i was in houston, and stockton was
retiring.
Living in houston wi had the honor of wathing two other pro athletes in the waning days of their careers who lived up to similar standards as Stockton. Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, most utahns don't get a lot od exposure to MLB, but those two baseball players along with John Stockton are the kind of athletes all kids should aspire to want to be like
Living in houston wi had the honor of wathing two other pro athletes in the waning days of their careers who lived up to similar standards as Stockton. Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, most utahns don't get a lot od exposure to MLB, but those two baseball players along with John Stockton are the kind of athletes all kids should aspire to want to be like
Annie | 2:35 p.m. Sept. 9, 2009
I've never been a sports fan, but somehow became a rabid Jazz fan. I know
this will seem silly, but I was sitting in my office with sports talk radio on
the day Stockton quietly stated that he was "hanging up his sneakers"
or something like that. I got teary immediately. My colleague walked in right
then and said "Oh Annie! What's wrong?" I could only whimper that
Stockon was retiring. Couldn't even talk about it for three days withing
tearing up. Silly, I know. But there it is. Nobody like him since....DWill
lookin' good, however.
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