Even though the NBA has had a plethora of top-notch point guards, just one of them can brag about having the most career assists, among many other accolades. And that’s John Houston Stockton, holder of several NBA records and the greatest player in Utah Jazz history.
He was never the flashiest, loudest, or most electric player in the league. But make no mistake, no other guard wanted to face John Stockton’s suffocating defense and quick hands when he was in his prime. He was the true definition of heart over height and one of the most intelligent hoopers of all time.
Often left out and not mentioned as regularly as he should’ve been, Stockton’s journey to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame was a remarkable one. He was such an influential figure during his days with the Jazz that Salt Lake City renamed the street in front of their arena the ‘John Stockton Drive’. That’s why today, we’re going to talk about the pride of Spokane, the ultimate pass-first guy: John Stockton.
John Stockton – Early Life And Family
John Stockton was born in Spokane, Washington, to Jack Stockton and Clementine Frei. He shined at St. Aloysius grade school before attending Gongaza Prep high school, where he would go on to break the city single-season record for most points scored in a basketball campaign.
His success during his tenure with youth teams didn’t exactly come as a surprise given his athletic DNA. his grandfather Hust Stockton played professional football during the early stages of the NFL, even winning an NBA championship.
John Stockton – College Years In Gonzaga
With no shortage of offers sitting at his table, Stockton decided to stay home. He played college basketball at Gonzaga University, following a family tradition dating back two generations. There, he played for coaches Dan Fitzgerald, who stepped away after Stockton’s freshman year, and Jay Hillock.
While not known for his scoring prowess during his NBA days, Stockton averaged nearly 21 points per game during the senior year of his college career. Leading the Bulldog to a 17-11 record, he was named WCAC Player of the Year, a distinction no other player in program history had won.
Needless to say, his great efforts didn’t go unnoticed, as he was one of 74 college hoopers invited to try out for the 1984 U.S. Olympic squad. And even though he didn’t make the cut, his career was enough to be the 16th overall pick in that year’s Draft.
John Stockton – Utah Jazz
John Stockton was the ultimate late bloomer. It wasn’t until the 1987-88 season that he became the starting point guard for the Jazz and showed flashes of what he could do. Stockton’s assists resulted in Malone’s surge as one of the most dominant scorers in NBA history, and they put on a show for nearly two decades at Salt Lake City.
Stockton’s career skyrocketed as soon as he got a hold of the starting spot. He set a single-season record for most assists (1,164) and the highest assists-per-game average in NBA history at 14.5.
While never an outspoken player or a high-maintenance kind of guy, it didn’t take long before the Jazz became aware of Stockton’s importance, up to the point where he demanded that his son’s hockey team were able to play and practice at their arena, then known as the Delta Center.
Stockton became the league’s most prolific passer during his 19-year tenure with the Jazz, setting a franchise record for 28-assists and pulling the strings of the NBA’s finest offense more often than not.
The craziest part about Stockton’s tenure in the league is the fact that he still holds the record for the most career assists despite not being a starter for the first three years of his career. Just picture how many more dimes he could’ve handed out if he had become a starter early on, especially if he hadn’t spent four years in college as it usually happens nowadays. But even despite that, his numbers and records are unlikely to be matched or topped, just like it happened with Wilt Chamberlain.
He was an example of durability for nearly two decades, becoming perhaps the most reliable player in the league and turning an ever-struggling franchise into a perennial NBA Championship contender. For their efforts, the Malone and Stockton statues stand right outside of the arena to honor the most successful tenure in franchise history.
John Stockton – NBA Finals
Next to Malone, John Stockton led the Utah Jazz to their only two NBA Finals appearances, both against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Even though the Bulls had already been to that stage multiple times and the pressure was on Utah after a 0-2 start, Stockton responded with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 assists to give the franchise their first-ever win in the Finals. However, the Bulls still beat them in six games.
The Jazz were back to the ultimate stage next season and were even a scarier team. They had experience by their side and people were talking about Michael Jordan’s final year with the Chicago Bulls. With their backs against the wall again, Stockton knocked down a big three-pointer to give the Jazz the lead.
However, he was unable to spoil Jordan’s second three-peat and epic Bulls finale. Stockton stayed in the league for another three seasons and helped the Jazz reach the playoffs in every single one of those seasons, but the Jazz didn’t make it back to the Finals with Malone leaving town to join the Los Angeles Lakers.
John Stockton – Personal Life
Besides his successful career history as an athlete, Stockton also managed to get a B.S. from his days at Gonzaga. He and his wife Nada Stepovich have four sons (Houston, Michael, David, and Samuel) and two daughters (Lindsay and Laura).
His son Michael Stockton currently plays for BG Gottingen in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga, its first basketball division, while David Stockton played at Gonzaga and had brief stints with the Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, and NBA G-league. His daughter Lindsay Stockton played hoops at Montana State University, while his other daughter Laura Stockton also played basketball for the Bulldogs before going pro in Germany with the Herner TC.
Moreover, John has a brother and three nephews who played college hoops. His brother Steve Stockton played for the University of Washington, while his elder son played at Whitworth College. His nephew Shawn Stockton played for the University of Montana, while Riley Stockton shined with Seattle Pacific.
Upon his retirement, Stockton announced that he was serving as an assistant coach for ‘seven or eight teams’ at the same time. However, he didn’t pursue that career path other than working out with Jazz players every now and then. Later in 2015, he joined Montana State University as an assistant after coaching several MSU women’s team players in AAU leagues. In 2017, Stockton released ‘Assisted’, his autobiography, with help from his junior High School coach Kerry L. Pickett.
John Stockton – Career And Accolades
Throughout his incredible career, Stockton led the league in assists in nine consecutive seasons, feature NBA players still rave about and for very good reasons. The legendary guard was a 10-time All-Star, All-Star Game MVP, made tw0 All-NBA First Teams, six All-NBA Second Teams, and three All-NBA Third Teams.
Stockton also led the league in steals twice, was a five-time member of the All-Defensive Second Team, and was selected for the NBA’s 50th Anniversary and 75th Anniversary Teams. Unsurprisingly, the Utah Jazz retired his no. 12 jersey.
Outside of the NBA, Stockton was named WCAC Player of the Year in 1984, made back-to-back First-Team ALL-WCAC in 1983 and 1984, and had his number 12 retired by the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Also, he helped Team USA win gold medals at both the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.
John Stockton – Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame
For all the aforementioned accolades and what he was able to do on the basketball court both during his college basketball career and in the NBA, John Stockton was a lock to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2009 and then also in the College Hall of Fame in 2017.
John Stockton – A Record-Setting Point Guard
Despite never being able to win an NBA championship, John Stockton still managed to write his name in NBA history. He led the league in assists per game in nine consecutive seasons and twice in steals. Up to this day, Stockton holds the NBA records for most assists in one season (1,164), most career assists (15,806), and most career steals (3,265) both of which are quite unlikely to ever be broken. He also holds the NBA record for the most 82-game seasons played (16) and if it wasn’t enough, Stockton helped the Jazz play playoff basketball in every single season he was with the team.
John Stockton – Net Worth
John Stockton is a retired American professional basketball player who has an estimated net worth of $45 million. During his NBA career, Stockton was a 10-time NBA All-Star and holds the records for most assists and steals in NBA history. He earned his fortune through his salary from the Utah Jazz and various endorsement deals.
How Tough Was John Stockton?
While you wouldn’t recognize him for his physical play, John Stockton achieved something not many players have done. John Stockton missed a grand total of 22 games throughout his entire NBA career, constantly playing through injury and orchestrating a top-notch offense while also being an NBA All-Defensive kind of player. He missed 18 games to start the 1997-98 season with an MCL injury endured during the preseason. That would be the only major injury of his career.
Playing in all 82 games in 16 out of 19 seasons, put a relentless effort every time he was called upon and played basketball with a never-ending drive. Thanks to that determination, Stockton joined A.C. Green as one of the few true Iron Men of the NBA. Stockton appeared in a Utah Jazz record 1,504 games.
How Tall Is John Stockton?
Throughout his career, John Stockton was listed at just 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) with a weight of 170 lb (77 kg). He was a bit of a tweener for the NBA standards but that didn’t prevent him from setting all kinds of records.
What number was John Stockton?
One of the most impressive things about John Stockton is the number he wore for his entire career: 12. That’s right, throughout 19 seasons, nearly 1,500 games, and more than 10,000 points, John Stockton wore the same number. In fact, when he retired in 2003, the Jazz retired his number 12 jersey in honor of his extraordinary career.
Can John Stockton Dunk?
Even though he’s got plenty of career highlights, you’ll never find a clip of John Stockton dunking. He wasn’t exactly the most athletic player you’d find on the court. Instead, he often stood to fundamentals and made the right play. He was a prolific scorer with his layups and even floaters but he wasn’t a flashy dunker or a high-flying player.
Are John Stockton and Karl Malone friends?
Malone and Stockton put together one of the most dominant duos in NBA history for 18 seasons. And even though his most famous teammate Karl Malone isn’t exactly the most outspoken or public persona in the NBA right now— and neither is Stockton; they’ve both been spotted at multiple sporting events throughout the years. Moreover, Stockton’s and Malone’s wives Kay and Nada have also been well-known friends for many years.
John Stockton – Recent Controversies
Recently, some started questioning John Stockton’s status as an NBA legend. The talented point guard starred in an anti-vaxx documentary and had some interesting takes and opinions about the COVID-19 vaccine. “Do your own research,” invited Stockton; something that raised plenty of controversy around social media.
Moreover, his Alma Mater Gonzaga stripped him of his season tickets due to multiple refusals to wear a mask while attending games. And, even though he claims there are no hard feelings and that he hopes to make amends with the school, it doesn’t seem like we’ll see him at Spokane any time soon.
But even regardless of his views on such a controversial matter, there’s no denying that John Houston Stockton played a huge role in taking the NBA to a whole new level. While we don’t encourage you to listen to medical advice from any athlete, Stockton’s legendary playing career is still worthy of respect and consideration.
