John Stockton and Karl Malone were both stars for the Utah Jazz during the 90s. While they didn’t end up winning a championship together, they made two NBA Finals together and were known as a devastating one-two punch.
When speaking to Jason Whitlock on an episode of his “Fearless” podcast, John Stockton opened up about his partnership with Karl-Malone on the court. Stockton claimed Malone read his mind on the court and added that the two ended up bonding and becoming brothers. (20:30)
When we got on the court, I thought there was something magical. The guy read my mind. He caught everything. He finished everything. He had all my work ethic and then some. He loved them game. Just one thing after another, bond, bond bond, to where now he’s literally inseperable from me as a brother.
There is no doubt that Karl Malone and John Stockton are generally viewed as the best players in Utah Jazz history. With the ascendance of Donovan Mitchell as a legitimate star though, some, like Stephen A. Smith have claimed that the young shooting guard is the best player that has played for the team.
“He’s got a J, got a handle, got an NBA body, is strong, can finish at the basket. He take it to the hole, can create his own shot, can hit free throws. There’s nothing this brother cannot do. In Utah, already, I don’t wanna hear about Karl Malone. I don’t wanna hear about John Stockton. That’s the best player in the history of the Jazz organization right there. I just said it, and I ain’t stuttering.”
While John Stockton and Karl Malone may not have gotten the ultimate prize in the form of a ring, they were dominant in the 90s. Many fans still remember their partnership very fondly.
The Utah Jazz have had stars since John Stockton and Karl Malone left the league, but no star duo has helped the team get to a Finals. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert will seek to get the team to the highest stage together though, and perhaps they’ll even end up getting a ring.
