The Curious Case of John Stockton's NBA Career 

John Stockton doesn't get enough credit for his amazing durability.

John Stockon One of the greatest players to never win a ring

Not getting injured in a violent time in NBA history is quite impressive.

Stockton is one of the most underrated players in the history of the NBA. The man doesn’t get nearly enough credit in my opinion.

If someone hit Stocktons's numbers in the late 80s and early 90s today it would be a lock for MVP. Fun fact. When he was on the dream team he wandered the streets of Barcelona with his family and no one knew who he was. He filmed it and its floating around RU-vid.

As I said before. He is THE point guard. Facilitates the team. Shoots 12 times makes 9. Shoots 10 free throws makes 10 free throws. Dishes 13 assists. Registers 2-3 steals a game. Now that is what he does best. Be a POINT GUARD!

This man played 80 games in a season like 17 times out of 19 seasons I don't think we will ever see a point guard this durable again

Payton said he was the toughest player to guard. Barkley said Stockton is the perfect point guard. Sure he never won a ring or MVP. But compare Nash’s MVP seasons with Stocktons best seasons and they are very, very similar. Didn’t get the attention due to Utah being a small market and playing in the giant shadow Jordan cast

given how consistent and reliable he was over his career, I actually think he is underrated.

"They are both white" ~Andy Lmao 😂

Is he like the tim duncan of point guards? Simple yet effective

There was a story I heard years ago. John Stockton obviously lived in Utah and he wanted to be able to ski with his kids. His contract like all others forbade him from participating in skiing and other risky activities. Story says he went to Larry Miller the owner of the Jazz and explained he would like to ski with his family and wanted the contract changed . Larry also a family guy understood this and told him to have another contract written up allowing this. A testament to their character and personal relationships I suppose.

Let me see, he MADE the ORIGINAL DREAM TEAM. The only reason that there is even a "debate" is that he wasn't a "scoring PG". The casual fan overrates scoring like they do assists. So that makes him polarizing as far of where he's rated. It depends on what you rate in a PG but very few if any PG controlled the tempo of a game offensively like John. When John had the ball offensively, the Jazz knew it was in great hands. He was a true maestro and should be given ample credit for that

Can you make such a video about Arvydas Sabonis, what if he had come to NBA before injuries.

why are we discussing doubts about stockton's greatness?

Stockton’s passing was just incredible. I remember game, he casually passed it to Malone off the glass... but one-handed from a 45 degree angle near the 3pt line, to Malone on the opposite block, who was heavily covered. And this was a playoff game I think! Apart from something occasional, you’d be hard pressed to find highlights though. Just accurate passes off plays he worked to perfection is all. Over and over again.

He was a pure point guard by definition. He had grit. Wasn't flashy but can dish out dimes. Super durable. What more can you ask? Great player period.

getting 10+ all-nba selections >>> being voted for the MVP

Gary Payton said he's the goat. So I guess he was the best pg in the 90s.

The video made me think of my dad. He played for a basketball team organized by his company. He played with them for 40 years, until a few years ago when he turned 62. He swears that he never missed a game. I went to several of them. He has said that he ought to be in the basketball Hall of Fame. My dad says it with a smile but I'm not sure he isn't a little bit serious.

The assists and steals numbers he puts on are crazy for me, much respect

just by his untouchable records alone, he should be given more respect and recognition

John Stockton is the "Father of the Assist" according to State Farm at least.

I grew up watching John Stockton. He was always my favorite player to watch growing up. He was always so fundamentally sound on both ends of the floor.

Before people diss him for only having one hand, think about this fellas.... he’s the all time leader in Assists AND Steals by far with JUST ONE HAND. Imagine if he had two! 🤔🔥

I don’t care what anyone says. John Stockton is one of the greatest PG of all time. Definitely a top 5 Point Guard of all time 🏆

Great analysis. John Stockton was a great floor general. A prototypical point guard. He made his teammates better. He got them to the post season many times. He's in the hall of fame. He may not have won any rings but he had championship moments.

For me he is the best pg ever. I miss him and malone. I wish there are someone else play like them nowadays. Too bad they never got any nba championship.

Steve Nash 10335 career assists Mark Jackson 10334 career assists Mark Jackson: may I sign 10 day contract?

Aint no shame in loosing to Jordans Bulls, Jerry West or Elgin Baylor lost often aswell and regraded very highly, they all Lost to the best Team possible

John Stockton played when point guards looked to pass first then shoot. He was a solid shooter, 2s or 3s. Some of the other Pg looked for their own shot, which is how the game has evolved over the years. Todays NBA pg shoot 3s like crazy, it wasnt like that back in Stockton days. Stockton, Ewing, Malone, Drexler, and others were denied championships due to Jordan. But they and their teams were good enough to win the championship, except they faced jordan (jordan isnt normal). Stockton should be in the Hall of Fame.

Stockton's playoff stats in 1991 against Kevin Johnson and Terry Porter: First round versus Suns: Stockton: 18 ppg, 12.8 apg, 4.5 reb, 1.5 stl, 62.2 FG% Johnson: 12.8 ppg, 9.8 ast, 3.3 reb, 0.5 stl, 30% FG Second round versus Portland: Stockton: 18.4 ppg, 14.6 apg, 4.8 reb, 2.8 stl, 48% FG Porter: 22.2 ppg, 6.8 apg, 3.4 reb, 1.8 stl, 50% FG Stockton demolished Johnson, and he more than held his own against Porter. Look at how much offense Stockton was generating when you include assists: even if we just assume all those made field goals were two pointers, then Stockton is responsible for nearly 50 points of offense per game in that series against Porter. Porter would be worth 36 points per game by that same standard. Stockton is massively underrated, even in this video. And check out his stats against Magic Johnson in the playoffs: Magic: 18.7 ppg, 10.3 apg, 4.6 reb, 1 stl, 50% FG Stockton: 19.3 ppg, 16.4 apg, 3.4 reb, 4 stl, 50.5 % FG

He's vastly underrated. What some people don't get is the very reason Karl Malone kept getting MVP votes is because how much Stockton meant to the overall running of the offense. He fed the Mailman. That was his role and he did it perfectly.

He may not have been the best player at point guard, but he certainly was the best at being a point guard. He set up plays like no other

My favorite story about John Stockton comes from Barcelona in 1992. While the rest of the Dream Team were mobbed by fans, Stockton could go anywhere with his family without being recognized. In one video, he asks some NBA fans in Spain who are the people on a Dream Team shirt he is wearing. They excitedly told him each person's name until he points to his own picture on the shirt. Then they suddenly asked, "Is that you?"

I always say its not necessarily about rings. Its your career and how it transpired whether or not you are a HOF. Rings depend on other factors. A lot of people want to count rings as the standard, but your career counts just as much.

Stockton's career played out in the Michael Jordan era - both were part of the 1984 rookie class, both played an era where post play and hand checking meant that point guards were necessarily pass-first playmakers. But most point guards of that time probably feared and respected Stockton's play - Gary Payton has publicly said that Stockton was the hardest guy to play against because Stockton was always in motion, offensively and defensively. Had Jordan didn't dominate the 90s, Stockton would have won a ring. In terms of the comparison to Steve Nash, we have consider the changing of playing styles in the mid 2000s, which helped Nash win his MVPs. Nash flourished in a point guard- dominated system that exploited rule changes in the NBA - shorter 3 point distances, more floor spacing and no hand-checking. Guys like Stoudamire looked to be the first option on offense, but Nash had the ball most of the play, with the freedom to dribble through the clock as he looked for the best shot. If Stockton (and Malone) played their primes in the mid 2000s on a similar system, they would have won a championship, since their Utah teams were so good defensively.

One thing people don't understand is that Stockton and Malone were a unit. to talk about one without the other in terms of accomplishments is missing the point. They were the greatest DUO the game has ever seen.

I'm 40, and after watching this video, I finally know what the "old timers" of my youth were talking about when they scoffed at our hubris when we tried to analyze the careers of NBA stars of yesteryear. No one EVER questioned Stock's greatness when he was playing. He was selected for the f*cking 1992 Dream Team, and never won or contended for an MVP because Karl Malone is the greatest pure PF of all-time, and because of his stats and flash, would never be eclipsed by another teammate in votes, even if that teammate is the second-best PG of all-time. Assessing John Stockton wasn't complicated until the NBA's RU-vidr millenials deemed it so. You didn't obsessively watch NBA on NBC pre-game shows or stay up to watch the late editions of SportsCenters during the 90s like I (and those of my generation) did, hearing the experts, current and former players, and coaches extolling the myriad virtues of a player like John Stockton night after night after night. However, this generation gets its NBA opinions from...Andy Hoops? Jonny Arnett? That high roller dude? Man...it's no wonder so many people's opinions on the internet are so variable and ill-formed.

Stockton was a top 3 PG during his playing days, earning steals and assists on efficient scoring. Since we prize scoring so much, it also hurts his perceived value of greatness. As an individual player, to me, he's good. As a team player, incredible. His greatness comes from his durability and his willingness to share the ball.

Thank you for this video. Stockton was one of my favorite. He really know he's role. He put up the stat sheet that PG must do. And also, karl Malone is his only help. MJ got scottie, rodman, kukoc, kerr, harper, grant. The glove got vin baker and Shawn Kemp. If only the management was able to land another superstar. It might have been another story.

Another sign of longevity of John Stockton: With his 13.4 ppg average in the 2001-02 season, Stockton was one of only 9 NBA players to average 13+ ppg at age 38+. The other guys are: Michael Jordan (Wizards seasons), Karl Malone (Final 3 seasons), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1985-88), Grant Hill (2010-11), Reggie Miller (2004-05), Tim Duncan (2014-15), Robert Parish (1991-92) and Dirk Nowitzki (2016-17). On a side note, the most surprising quote about Stockton that I've ever heard was Steve Kerr considering him as a Dirty Player.

I totally agree, he was so underrated because he wasn't flashy or a trash talker. He didn't have a narrative like bird vs magic. He also never won a championship, which hurt his legacy. But a true basketball fan appreciates his game n his talent, I mean c'mon he was in the DREAM TEAM, remember that? Great video n commenting, btw. Wow no agent? Nice fun fact 👍🏿

I've seen a lot of your videos and this one was the best. Really interesting and informative perspective.

John Stockton wasnt flashy thats why I think he gets overlooked but he is second best pg to play

Hed probably have a ring if Jordan never came out of retirement

Prime Stockton would set records for most assists in a season.. And he must have been highly regarded, for him to make both the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Dream Teams. I remember by the end of 1997 and that great playoff run, people were already saying that Stockton had to be one of the 2 or 3 greatest point guards of all time.

Dude Stockton made Malone. His the best 90’s PG

My favorite player of all time, i really like is style.

If he had played with the Lakers or in New York, he would have got more fame. he is a legend for sure, but playing in Utah has not helped.

It boggles my mind how people underrate and underestimate what John Stockton did. The all time leader in assists and steals. He was the ultimate 2 way player. Yes, I get it, he didn’t score much. He didn’t need to, he had Malone, but John shot over 50% for his career, one of only a handful of PG’s to do that. Highest seasonal assist average. Led league in assists 9 straight years. John Stockton was a legend. If he isn’t the best pure PG to ever play, he’s damn close, and he should be mentioned in the top 5 of PG’s. His durability was off the charts. He played in every single game on 17 of his 19 seasons, and missed a grand total of 22 games in his career. 22 games. A feat that will probably never be touched again. Give credit where credit is due instead of knocking on some guy because he didn’t win a ring. Or he wasn’t a flashy passer.

Love your vids man love the info and your perspective on the NBA as a whole

He has the iconic retro short shorts. Classic.

His story always breaks my heart. If he had the pieces that Magic Johnson played with, you bet that John would've won at least one championship. The only reason a lot of folks pass this man up is because of Malone, who played with more flash with all of his dunks and scoring (which what casual fans only see), also because he was white. Name any other white man blazing it up back then; none other. Everyone viewed black players to be better overall, and it was true. It still pretty much is. Take Larry Bird for example; even a few fellow NBA players had something negative to say about Larry being white. There was a stigma thay white players were slower, less athletic, as provem by the now relatively well known phrase "Whitemen can't jump" (Which was also a title to a movie) People looked at Stockton and judge him as being slow and borig, but a quick search would easily disprove that. If only the games back then were viewed with more analytics, he would've gotten the praise he so deserves. John Stockton was a class act right up till the end. Always did the right thing, went for the right play-- always looking to help his teammates and ultimately the team. Played with passion and consistency.

Cos he doesn't do flashy stuff like no-look passes, he was just quietly great and reliable.

I am a Utah native who watched John Stockton growing up. He was indeed the hardest working player I have ever saw and consistent too. He made his point to become the all time NBA leader in assists AND steals (even in those short shorts)

Stocton u ok Stocton: yea I just sprained my ankle n broke a couple fingers but I'm still ready to play lmao

He made more all nba teams than all star teams, I bet not many players can say that

Born in 94 but growing up for the short time I watched him play he was my fav PG

Game 6 v. Houston was more than just the Final shot. The Jazz were down something like 15 points during the 4th quarter and Stockton took over the last 5 minutes, mostly as a scorer (which is not what he's known for). He badly wanted to win and the Rockets didn't have anyone to match up with him, so he got really aggressive and just made it happen. Next time that game is on NBA TV, check it out and notice how he played differently those last few minutes and really took control on his own.

In this case, Stockton is still the #1 point guard of all time. He was the greatest to play that position, Magic dominated it but I still consider him as a passer. Their is just an appeal that give you a part of him that is considered tha true and best point guard

He was Amazing Scary. His game was all that.

John Stockton was underrated in my opinion.

Great video. Felt great watching it with my Stockton jersey on. He's very underappriciated and a top 3 point guard all-time no cap. He is my goat.

John Stockton was the most “true” PG ever

How good was Ron Artest. The best perimeter defender in his prime.

One of the Best of your video... Maybe cause because of Stockton i start to follow basketball... One of my very first heroes in life. Peace

I was alive in the 90s and after Magic retired, everyone said that Stockton was the best point guard in the league. He was never a favorite with kids, because kids like scoring, but sports writers and basketball analysts loved him

Hey andy can u do how good was big z actually?

He's the Goat at PG and set the record of assts in less games than Magic

John Stockton could dominate a game in ways that many don't comprehend. He is the only guy I've ever seen who could control a game and only score 15 points. He got assists and steals, he forced bad passes and shots with his defense and his double teams, set mean picks, hit jumpers and layups with ease, and never stopped moving. By the way, I'm a die hard spurs fan.

My all time favorite player ever, I never thought of him as boring he made the game fun to watch. Like it should be played

Yeah l don't need any stats for anyone to tell me how good he was. J Stockton was a Great player. Definitely doesn't get the recognition he deserves to get.

Imagine Stockton & Olajuwon on the same team.

Stockton played in a physical era with lot of legit centers blocking your way. Stockton is underrated.

Amazing video

Sir Andy "how good Ray Allen actually" please

I feel like True PG’s can’t win MVP, but be the most important part of the team. Do the work, command the team, distribute the ball, but not be the best scorer or the flashiest.

I'm a Jazz fan since early 90s and I can tell you we all knew that Stock was our prime guy in crunch time. Karl Malone was our superstar for sure, but it was well known that their arms sort of tend to shorten in the clutch, especially from the FT line. We knew and our rivals also: when Magic talks about their 88 WCSF series he always speaks about Stockton as the guy who was to be stopped, even when Malone destroyed Kareem nastily on the inside. Damn, he even almost send the 98 Finals to seven games with that 3pt just before the goat torned on his magic.

Stockton's assist totals get noticed but his defense and steals need respect. And Stockton's durability at his size is insane considering the aggressive nature in which he played. Plus Stockton's amazing durability took place during a time period in the NBA when the league was allowed to be it's most physical, in terms of 'hands on' and 'hard contact' relative to officials letting rough play go.

In short, Stockton’s a chill guy

John Stockton is probably the greatest accountant to have ever played basketball

Longevity and consistency are underappreciated in today's NBA

So you easily wondered how his assists and steals got that higher, then you got the words, consistent and durability.

Stockton gives MJ nightmares...

How can you say that back then the perception of him was not that great? He's a 50 Greatest member and was on Dream Team and Dream Team 3 I agree with you, definitely second greatest PG ever. Isaiah Thomas is a CLOSE third IMO.

i must admit - as a bulls fan, back in the 90' i hated stockton & malone with all my guts but nowadays i have great respect for both of them. he surely is one of the greatest

The crazy thing is that Stockton's peak seasons were better statistically than Nash's MVP seasons

Stockton was so shadowed by everyone on the west coast during that time Nd That’s a fact

Stockton is a great player, knew his role, and was EXTREMELY durable. He was also known in his day for being a dirty player. But all in all, he doesn’t get the shine because he was a SYSTEM player, and had Karl Malone for his entire career, also with Jerry Sloan as coach. He maximized his output in the right situation. If you’re gonna compare him to other stars who actually had to be the main focal point of a team, he’s not that guy like other PG’s such as Magic, Zeke, Payton, Kidd etc.

What made Stockton great was he was consistent then all those guys point guards in the 90s

great vid

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I love john Stockton

He was a dream teamer and was an 11 time all star. He wasn't that overlooked.

one of my fav point guard period.

John Stockton was the best "team player" ever.

Ight I’ve always wondered how seatgeek get the view from the seats you’re buying, like does someone go sit in every single seat taking a picture from it 😂

Exciting = does not always mean greatness. Considering the era when they played and who they played against, Stockton was without a doubt one of the best if not the best PG.

Hey Andy, can you make a video talking about “the evolution of center position in NBA from 70s to current day”?