Stockton retires

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Jazz guard John Stockton, the NBA's all-time assist leader, said Friday that he plans to retire after 19 seasons.


Stockton met with Jazz owner Larry Miller and coach Jerry Sloan and told them he was not planning to return for a 20th season.


"I think I'm finished,'' Stockton said. "I informed those guys and that's the direction I'm headed. I just said, 'I think it's time to move on.'''

The Jazz's stonefaced leader who never seemed to age continued to excel late in his career at a position that usually chases players away by their early 30s.


Stockton even spent his last few seasons trotting the ball up the court past a handful of former opponents who retired long ago and are coaching.


Named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, Stockton played in every game in 17 of his 19 seasons and is the runaway all-time leader in career assists (15,806) and steals (3,265).

http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/media/nba/2003/0430/photo/a_stockton_ht.jpg

Great player.  I couldn't stand him when he played against the Suns though.  From the late 80s and well into the 90s, he and Kevin Johnson were so evenly matched.  Other than Magic, probably the best point guards in the game back then.  It's too bad he never won a ring.  The Jazz almost had the Bulls number back in '98 I think it was.  He certainly helped put Gonzaga's program on the map too.  

My feelings:  :'(

We (us here in Jazzland ;)) knew this was coming, though.  He has had knee problems and I truly think he wanted to go out on top.  He was a great point guard and will be sorely missed.

Good luck on the rest of your life, John. :)

Bye John, thanks for the great playing.  Stockton is an example of how far a strong work ethic and focus to sucess can take somone.

A real class act. He'll be missed.

How many times do you think the phrase "Stockton to Malone" has been uttered?