One of the greatest PG's of all time called it quits today. It's too bad that MJ was around, otherwise he'd probably have a couple titles. But MJ denied a lot of people titles.....oh well, pound for pound this guy was may have been the greatest to ever lace them up. The fact that he survived so long without having the great physical skills that most legendary players have is remarkable. While most people will talk about his assists and steals record, his most impressive achievement IMO was the fact he missed 24 games in his 19 year career, and played something like 16 or 17 seasons a full 82 games, while setting ruthless picks and playing a demanding position. Kudos to you John, the last player of the old school era....
I'm sorry to see him go but not surprised. It's kind of nice that he left the game the same way he played it: without any bullshit.
I never liked Stockton, if only for the fact that he set dirty picks. Other than that, one of the top 5 point guards in NBA history, FOREVER. The scary thing is, he can STILL play
Re: Re: John Stockton Retires They weren't dirty....they were hard. There is a difference. Then again, nobody sets picks in the league anymore, so any type of pick would be considered dirty....
Don't get me wrong. I do admire the guy. If you look up the phrase "point guard" in the dictionary, it should read "See Stockton, John". He is a classy guy in general, and like I said before, he can STILL play this game. He could easily go to another team and be a veteran backup for a contender!
Sad that we lost Stockton, though it was his time. Basketball needs more guys like him and less like Iverson, Marbury and Kobe, who are superstar players but ones who masquerade as PG's while really ignoring the most important parts of that position for face time on Sportscenter. At least AI moved to the 2, but still, there are few if any old school point guards left. Kidd is the only one of quality that comes to mind. It may be because I am a bitter Knick fan, but I really don't like the NBA anymore. It used to be about 5 guys with specific skills playing roles. They all knew fundamentals, and most could shoot, nearly all could pass well. Now, in the post-MJ era, everyone wants to be a 1v1 specialist, no matter what position they play. It's great that they can dunk, but how about hitting a 15 foot jumper, or god forbid making more than 70% on free throws. Between expansion, MJ influence, the sportscenter/NBA2K influences, it's just boring to watch guys who can't do simple things that make a team better the way Stockton did. Play defense, set picks, pass into space, run without the ball. Watch a game and see how many times the offense comes down the court with the PG dribbling at the top of the key in a stationary position and 4 guys standing still waiting for a pass. And they call soccer boring?
A great player who was unfortunate to have had his best chances at a title when MJ was around. I hate to see guys of his caliber go out ringless. It's gonna happen to Malone, too. Just a shame. He'll be missed.
Read the book "Falling from Grace" by Terry Pluto, who does a great job talking about the failings of the NBA, including what you have already described. I still like the game, but I know it can be much better
One of the funniest and disturbing moments in NBA in recent memory: Shaq was complaining about how the NBA was making him wear "John Stockton shorts" and how the kids would laugh at him if he dressed like a dork. To illustrate his point, sort of, Shaq put on Stockton's Utah Jazz shorts. It fit him like a pita on an elephant. Needless to say, it was not a pretty sight.
Marbury is slowly coming around, I think. I didn't watch much of him the last couple of years, but I was impressed the few times I saw him this year. And from what I've read and heard, he seems intent on developing his game.
I agree with most of your post, but you're barking up the wrong tree. Of the three, only Marbury plays the point and Kobe has always been a 2 or 3 (though they all do a fair share of ball handling). As TWUB has already mentioned, Marbury has shown remarkable improvement in the past season and he has learned to give up the ball. And Kobe and Iverson are two players who actually do have the fundamentals down. They play tough defense, hit mid range jumpers and make a high percentage of their free throws. Sure, they take a lot of shots, but Iverson plays in an offense that is designed to get him a shot practically every posession, and Kobe had his offensive outbursts when his team really needed him. Considering the circumstances, can't fault either player
I grew up a Blazer fan. My best friend grew up a Jazz fan. His aunt went to Gonzaga with Stockton, and they actually went on a date of sorts together. Naturally, I grew up hating Stockton. But as I came to understand the game more, I couldn't help but admire him. Great skills, incredible stamina and work ethic, and probably as saavy as anybody to ever play the game. I'm a huge Gonzaga hoops fan, and I have no doubt that he has played a material role in the program's rise, and string of quality guards (Matt Santangelo, Richie Frahm, Dan Dickau, and now Blake Stepp). He practices in the summer with the players. Can you imagine what it would be like as a 18 year old freshman, to watch and learn from one of the best players ever? I love the way he went out -- typical Stockton. No ego. No fanfare. No BS. I used to think it was sad that MJ's (third) swan song was overshadowing the final year for both Stockton and David Robinson. Now I think its fine. Robinson and Stockton were never about the hype. Just the game. Next time in Spokane, I'm going to Jack and Dan's to raise a pint in Stock's honor.