He was a master tactician in game and in life. When the sport needed a guy who could feed his O and organize his D to fall back, Stockton played it like a true boss.
"Not even once, was I the best player in any of my teams." Such humility coming from such a great player and great human being. You can have your MJ, your Magic, your Lebron, your Kobe. Me, I'll take this guy first on my team, 11 out of 10 times.
He made a career by getting steals and assists and he did the same thing here: he stole the show by passing the credit to everyone else. True professional to the max.
One of the best PGs no doubt. Squeaky clean life off the court too...never made the news because of controversy, no scandals or stories of infidelity, no drama with coaches and teammates. Class act.
I never liked Stockton that much, all because he was a cold cold killer. But I have to give him credit. He made me tear in his speach, he made me fear with his game, and he really does reflect what a Human being is capable at his best. Education, humility, light. Well Stockton, you won. All my youth I wanted to be like Mike, but today, just for today, I wish I and the world could be more like you. Thank you for the lessons, for the great highlights and yes, try to be like dad because he did a great job with you. Congratulations.
Right there with you on this. I probably didn't like him because he was so damn good, and relentless, and fierce. But yes, what a beautiful speech this was. What a beautiful human being he is.
The greatest point guard in the history of the game. He literally spent his entire speech talking about other people and not once about himself. Amazing.
John Stockton is the reason why Karl Malone became one of the highest scoring players in the league's history and named as the MVP twice. Malone was an energetic, powerful big man; but there was no way he could've scored nearly as he could without Stockton. I would still say Magic was the best PG to ever play the game; but Stockton is easily the best play maker in the NBA history.
I think Magic might be as well. But if you look at statistics there are many things that John Stockton did better than Magic. John Stockton has 5 seasons with a assist/per game ratio better than Magic's best season. John has a better steals per game record than Magic. John shot 3 pointers better than Magic, he shot foul shots better than Magic and because he shot 3 pointers better his Effective field goal percentage is better. There are lots of things that John Stockton did better than Magic. In the end, Magic was a better scorer (height and size helps), but John was probably more efficient and a better passer. I have to say that it is, in the very least, a real conversation as to who was the best. Magic scored more, but John helped his teammates score more. Both ways lead to points and it is hard to know which is the better approach. One reason that we are having this conversation is also because John played for Utah. LA simply has more resources. Players make more money if they play for LA. Especially back then it was hard for Utah to get good free agents. Utah ran up against Chicago who had a better supporting cast than did Utah. If John had played for LA, he would also have rings. But Lebron isn't going to go to Utah because he can't built an endorsement empire in Salt Lake. These two market are simply not on equal footings even in the salary cap era. John maximized his opportunity and there is no shame in ending a career without any rings.
Malone said in his book that he and Stockton didn't practiced the pick and roll or outlet passes as much as everyone thinks they did. As Karl described it: John just knew where to put the ball.
I'm related to John Stockton. His Mom and my Grandmother from my Mom's side were 1st cousins and my Aunt from my Dad's side were best friends and would come to town to visit John's Mom a few weeks every year. When I finally met him all I knew was that we were somehow related and when I met him I mentioned this. He not only already knew who I was but was able to tell me how we were related and told me stories about my Grandmother and Aunt. Such a cool Guy and so cool that he knows so much about my family and that he is so kind and humble. I also have an Uncle in Spokane who often sees him volunteering at their local food bank and He's always coaching kids at the athletic center he built in Spokane.
Actually he said..."He makes 1 big shot and everyone thinks he's kinda cool" it was a sarcastic remark in reference to that game 6 winning shot in the Finals.
As a kid I watched this guy TORCH my beloved supersonics, and my immature ass always hated him. 15 years later I finally recognize that he was the perfect point guard. Smart, competitive, poised, fundamental....it's like my dad created this guy as a role model to look up to
Baker As a Jazz fan, I still liked watching the Sonics. Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton were no joke. I wish they were still around! Seattle SuperSonics just has a ring to it.
Same. Jordan was of course a megastar, but in the 90s I most hated playing Utah because of Malone and especially Stockton. There was no doubt in my mind that after Michael, Stockton was the player I hated the most, because he was unstoppable. ... and he'd only score 10-12 points. But effectively Stockton would account for 40, 50 points, dishing passes, stealing the ball, free throws, the dude simply disrupted the entire game. People who don't respect Stockton's game I think simply never saw him play. Right now I put Stockton at 4th all-time PG. Oscar and Magic first, just because they did everything and were champions as well, Curry third for shooting and championships, and Stockton 4th. What he lacked in rings, he makes up for in season and career records and durability. Would play almost every game for his career. Dude was an iron man. Durable, disruptive, good efficient shooter, high basketball IQ, #1 all-time in steals and assists. If only Jordan's Bulls weren't in the way to deny him championships, he'd probably be no-doubt #1 all-time PG.
Anybody who says John was overrated, or trash, are clueless. He is arguably the best passing PG of all time, one of the best defenders of all time, and he could shoot. His numbers are insane. Records are meant to be broken. Well, his assist record will probably never be broken. Probably won't even be approached.
This man being recognized as one of the best ever, absolutely refuses to take credit when he can honor others. This is why he is my favorite player ever.
You probably watched him from the Finals years and after when he was 35-40. go look at his vids from the 80s. he looked way young, smooth skin and baby faced. The best young clips are from "Stockton's Simple Man highlights"
Such a humble guy! Jordan spent over 20 minutes talking about what made him great and all the people he beat along the way. Stockton spends his time expressing his appreciation and admiration to ALL the people who made it possible for him to achieve what he has. No "all I do is win" narcissistic attitude. No desire to be remembered as a legend. Just thankful for where he is and what he has. THIS is what a role model should be.
I agree. I always here people saying mamba mentality because of Kobe and I’m just thinking, kobe seemed like a complete jerk. I would hate to be on kobe or Jordan’s team. But with John Stockton, it would be much better
@@younggabe1031 winning a championship isn’t everything. Just because you don’t win a championship doesn’t mean you completely lose. What about making the playoffs just about every year and All the games won in the regular season? Do those wins all if a sudden no count because of the championship game?
+Austin King Choked in the playoffs and succeeded because of Hall of Famers around him? You mean like in Game 6 of the Finals his rookie year and his hook shot over McHale in the '87 Finals? Cmon, are you seriously arguing Stockton was better than Magic? Stockton was my favorite player and I always rooted against the Lakers, but that's not even an argument.
+Austin King Yeah, an NCAA championship and 5 NBA titles within a decade. That would be one more NCAA championship and 5 more NBA titles than Stockton had. You know, Stockton, the 4th best point guard of all time behind Magic at #1, Oscar and Isiah.
One of the best and most pure PGs ever to play. Stockton and Malone were a lethal 1-2 combo but like many others in their era, they didn't win a ring cause of Jordan and the Bulls.
+1lecher I never implied that it wasn't. I was commenting more on the level of competition the Jazz faced in the West that it took them until 1997 to even make it to that level.
Totally underappreciated, played incredible his whole career. He was never the best player on his team, and he was never on the best team in the league, yet he put up amazing numbers for 19 seasons and not once in his career did he miss the playoffs.
because Isiah was suposed to be on the dream team and micheal jordan said if hes on the dream team im not. so they picked stockton over isiah. And he says why in the beginning. just a class act.
Out of all these Hall of Fame speeches I've listened to, this one stood out to me the most. John Stockton is the man. I believe he is first class. I've watched videos of him on and off the court. One thing I observed is how he treats people. Treats them like fine china, not like a paper plate.
When I heard the story of the USA Olympic basketball team bus being followed by thousands of people... there was an incident where the bus was momentarily stopped close to the hotel (I believe they we're going to the hotel) and Stockton got up and asked the driver to open the doors.. He walked out of the bus, met up with his wife and kids, and marched into a crowd. And NO ONE in the olympic filled tourist crowd or streets blinked an eye as John walked by. Nobody. He walked up to a woman wearing a "Dream Team" T shirt with the faces of all the players.. and John asked the woman a question (im not sure what) and his son pointed to John's picture on the shirt and said "that's daddy"... John casually walked the streets in full privacy and anonymity.. Meanwhile Charles Barkley was being followed by hundreds of people wherever he went.. Basketball man... what a fucking dream. John was a true team first player.. had he decided, he could have put up numbers, but he didnt.. He put team first and STILL ended up in the HoF.. that's remarkable when you consider today approach to NBA stardom
I coached against John Stockton when he was in the 8th grade and I was at St. George's. They beat us 94-4. Yes 94-4. How did we get 4? Anyway nobody knew how good he would become. There whole team was tremendous, obviously. Our shooting was a little cold that game.
One of the greatest point guards in basketball history. I say that as a guy who was constantly routing against him as a bulls and laker fan. Definitely one of the greatest. I will never forget Karl "pick" Malone and John "roll" Stockton.
John Stockton was a tremendous basketball player. A stand out, despite his stature, in the most competitive and talented Era of basketball thus far. A humble, intelligent class-act. Definitely one of my all time favorite players
Zebulon Dean The most talented era? HAHAHAHA. The 90s was the WEAKEST era since the 70s. Watered down expansion league with lots of great individual players on average teams and the overall competition and quality down compared to the 80s or 2000s. That being said, Stockton is great easily top 5 pg ever
No shit in terms of assist. Magic had the record for assist. Stockton then took that record off him. But has Stockton won a championship? If he could pass well enough to make open looks for teammates, how did magic win a championship and he did not.
***** Magic's up there, but his assists were more inflated by just a lineup full of dunkers & spot up shooters he had to throw the ball to on the show time fast break, and he still wasn't quiet as selfless as Sally Fields. A better overall player than Fields, yes, and one of the 5 greatest passers ever, but not a greater passer than Sally.
Stockton is the most underappreciated player ever...... No other player in history is the #1 name on an all-time best list more than once... Except Mr. John Stockton......... Had he been drafted or left in free agency to ho to the Rockets, Bulls, Spurs, Celtics, Magic, or Lakers there is no doubt he would have rings...
@@mattathiasmacabees6416 what are you talking about? The Kings had the 9th pick and selected Otis Thorpe. However, The 76ers took Barkley at 5, and took Leon Wood at 10. The Sixers could have drafted Barkley and Stockton. Imagine that!
The all-time Assists and Steals leader. If Jason Kidd couldn't break either of his records, than no one will. I wished he could've played for my Knicks. Ewing, Starks and Stockton...shit!
Yes, our Knicks couldn't have been pound for pound with those rings had we had team gelled together with his leadership. Damn, I just want to see the Knicks (or any new professional NY sports team) win one more championship before I kick the bucket.
That wouldn't have even been fair. Could you just imagine for 1 second, Stockton on the 92' and 93' Knicks??? Replace Starks with Stockton, and they'd have won 2 or 3 rings, no doubt in my mind.
One of the all time class acts of professional sports. His mild mannered demeanor belied an old school toughness that made him the real deal. His assist and steals records will never be broken, ever.
Gosh dang that was a great speech, had me in tears a little bit. The way he spoke about his family was very pure. What a selfless guy, I wish I was more like him.
Whenever I hear greatest PGs I only hear Nash,Kidd,Magic, and Curry. I'm the only person at my school who whenever someone says best PG I say Stockton. Underrated Underapreciated leads the league in assists and steals
What a man. John Stockton, you sir are a truest role model in basketball! Just hard to fathom how genuinely normal, humble and pure this guy from rural northern state stayed after all those years in the NBA craziness.
when you don’t have the charisma or the star of other players (like the MJ, Lebrons etc) it takes many many years of consistent super good work, humbleness, leadership, etc to become respected as this gentleman has become. He has lived a harder life than most other famous stars but he had reaped once retired what most others don’t will never do: sheer and utter respect. That is priceless and he will take that with him for the balance of his life. A truly remarkable man, and someone to copy. His greatness is such that he speaks about everyone else but himself. As his hole career his always elevating others. True leadership.
P4ssiveTurtle 850 Of those that won a championship yes. But overall (1-10), Hakeem had more quality role players around him, and a better roster than did Sally Fields in 94'.
I have listened to this a number of times and it never gets old! I remember John running around outside playing hoops with the neighborhood kids and it was more like WWE (only real). John, I have watched you grow up and mature and along with your sidekick Nada you have raised a truly remarkable family. I have known your mom and dad for almost 50 years, in fact your mother was in my mom and dad's wedding. I still remember after they both retired from nursing, they would gather as a group at Jack and Dan''s for lunch and a few beverages on friday afternoons. Thank you for the memories and the years of friendship and all that you have done and will continue to do for the kids of Spokane...GO ZAGS!!!
Feels like he is still dishing out assists in this speech
He was a master tactician in game and in life. When the sport needed a guy who could feed his O and organize his D to fall back, Stockton played it like a true boss.
MANCHESTER UNITED what 240 nations exist?
MANCHESTER UNITED dude I saw you before wtf are u doing
@MANCHESTER UNITED F.C dude stop embarising us football (soccer) fans
@@boci4618 facts
Just like his game, he spent his speech elevating the people around him. Class.
waitin4winter that's a class comment my friend
Well put
waitin4winter Beautiful notation ♡
A great reflection of how community, not the individual, builds greatness.
Exercise Account John Stockton is my Grandma favorite NBA player and were from the Philippines
"Not even once, was I the best player in any of my teams."
Such humility coming from such a great player and great human being. You can have your MJ, your Magic, your Lebron, your Kobe. Me, I'll take this guy first on my team, 11 out of 10 times.
Holy words best pg ever
haziqbambam hes the most consistent player of all time... i mean the guy rarely misses and rarely makes mistakes on the plays!
your team would lose then cause they would have mj or kareem or bird
+haziqbambam I understand where you are coming from but I'll take Jordan thank you very much.
magic was better than stockton, man
He made a career by getting steals and assists and he did the same thing here: he stole the show by passing the credit to everyone else. True professional to the max.
Well-said!
A player. A man. A husband. A father. Dude if we had a nation of John Stockton’s it would be freakin Utopia.
Don’t worry bro. Soon we will have a nation of Jamals and Muhammad’s. That will be the true utopia.
@@johnreggie7797 Jamal who?
We need more John Stockton’s right now in the world
People would hate
@@johnreggie7797 Hateful people like you are why we don't have a utopia
One of the best PGs no doubt. Squeaky clean life off the court too...never made the news because of controversy, no scandals or stories of infidelity, no drama with coaches and teammates. Class act.
OS1540 agreed!
No one can control controversies or stories sadly. It's just that now people sometimes attempt to tarnish someone's life just for money.
@Luxury Brown cause it's the truth.
With a fine wife he found as a freshman in college
Most of the time, when an athlete makes the news, it's because some Thot Gold Digger wants to cash in.
He said Malone was the best player on their team for 18 years. No John, YOU were the best player on that team.
He doesn't like to take credit :D
Actually they were the best two.
There's a reason they're one of the best duos of all time.
1k match 15k assist that just Greatness Better than Malone This record will never be broken
+Nathan Smith magic is not third in all tiem assists lol
Nathan Smith Stockton has more points than Magic
He looks like a 007 agent
fr
He looks like the inbred brother of Timothy Dalton
Ikr!
With his killer passes, he may as well be
And could kill on the court like one!
Stockton pulled up in his minivan with his wife kids and then proceeded to whoop the ass of our team. -Chris Webber
He really did drive a minivan. He took the Utah culture to heart. Utahn here.
Legendary CWebb's Stockton stories.
He bust us up
He just thanked everybody for 12 minutes... holy fucking shit this guy is amazing.
Lol. Thanks for summarizing the whole speech
@@WyWid handing out assists on the court and off it!
Such a non-typical NBA player. Married. Same wife for 23 years.
6 kids by the same woman, who is his wife!
He should've been kicked out of the league. Being all respectful, faithful & whatnot.
Steve Kerr, David Robinson, Mark Jackson, Jeff Hornacek....I think Isiah on stage with him is also still married with his original wife
ThaDreamMerchant lol.. He doesn't fit in!! lol Next NBA Commissioner..
Karl Malone as well right?
I never liked Stockton that much, all because he was a cold cold killer. But I have to give him credit. He made me tear in his speach, he made me fear with his game, and he really does reflect what a Human being is capable at his best. Education, humility, light. Well Stockton, you won. All my youth I wanted to be like Mike, but today, just for today, I wish I and the world could be more like you. Thank you for the lessons, for the great highlights and yes, try to be like dad because he did a great job with you. Congratulations.
Well said.
Right there with you on this. I probably didn't like him because he was so damn good, and relentless, and fierce. But yes, what a beautiful speech this was. What a beautiful human being he is.
same here man
Classy comment, Kyemin! And yes, you hit the target...great game, made others better, and humble.
I AGREE, MIKE FOR ME WAS THE BAR, BUT STOCKTON PREVAILS VICTORIOUS IN THE HALL OF FAME!!!
he went through each individual kid and told them something special about themselves in front of all those people what a fucking man John Stockton is
The greatest point guard in the history of the game. He literally spent his entire speech talking about other people and not once about himself. Amazing.
I thought it was great that he would introduced his father seated next to his wife
Yeah but it’d be nice to hear him talk about who he his for once.
Lol he's not even the best point guard on that stage. 😂
@@jlobiafra = dumb
@@Jesuisartistebut he actually did
This is why I am a FOREVER FAN of John Stockton. A class player. But even more, a class person.
Plays like a sir, talks like a sir
Scrotums like a sir
looks like one too，id bet he smells like one as well
John Stockton is the reason why Karl Malone became one of the highest scoring players in the league's history and named as the MVP twice. Malone was an energetic, powerful big man; but there was no way he could've scored nearly as he could without Stockton. I would still say Magic was the best PG to ever play the game; but Stockton is easily the best play maker in the NBA history.
Gun Murat Ilban Malone was smart...he ran the floor hard because he knew Stockton would find him everytime
nor would stockton have as many assists. Greatest duo ever.
I think Magic might be as well. But if you look at statistics there are many things that John Stockton did better than Magic. John Stockton has 5 seasons with a assist/per game ratio better than Magic's best season. John has a better steals per game record than Magic. John shot 3 pointers better than Magic, he shot foul shots better than Magic and because he shot 3 pointers better his Effective field goal percentage is better. There are lots of things that John Stockton did better than Magic. In the end, Magic was a better scorer (height and size helps), but John was probably more efficient and a better passer. I have to say that it is, in the very least, a real conversation as to who was the best. Magic scored more, but John helped his teammates score more. Both ways lead to points and it is hard to know which is the better approach. One reason that we are having this conversation is also because John played for Utah. LA simply has more resources. Players make more money if they play for LA. Especially back then it was hard for Utah to get good free agents. Utah ran up against Chicago who had a better supporting cast than did Utah. If John had played for LA, he would also have rings. But Lebron isn't going to go to Utah because he can't built an endorsement empire in Salt Lake. These two market are simply not on equal footings even in the salary cap era. John maximized his opportunity and there is no shame in ending a career without any rings.
He racked all those assists mostly because he got the best runningback in the nba. They helped each othet to be the best in their position.
Malone said in his book that he and Stockton didn't practiced the pick and roll or outlet passes as much as everyone thinks they did. As Karl described it: John just knew where to put the ball.
I'm related to John Stockton. His Mom and my Grandmother from my Mom's side were 1st cousins and my Aunt from my Dad's side were best friends and would come to town to visit John's Mom a few weeks every year. When I finally met him all I knew was that we were somehow related and when I met him I mentioned this. He not only already knew who I was but was able to tell me how we were related and told me stories about my Grandmother and Aunt. Such a cool Guy and so cool that he knows so much about my family and that he is so kind and humble. I also have an Uncle in Spokane who often sees him volunteering at their local food bank and He's always coaching kids at the athletic center he built in Spokane.
Steve Nuxoll tell John his nickname should be Magic Stockton because he was the ideal point god
Good morning. So you are related to NBA Legend John Stockton?
Wow very cool
I’m related to Stockton too! my grandmas cousin is his wife
Is John Stockton Mormon? You know, having spent his entire career in SLC, UT...
Every year or two I re-watch this to remind myself what true class and humility look like. No one stands taller than the man who lifts others.
Well said, we'll said
“He makes one big shot and everyone thinks it’s kinda cool, I don’t get it” hahahahaha 🤣🤣🤣
He probably said that because of that game 6 shot that Michael hit to end the whole series😂😂😂
MJ is my life time crush
Oris Nisbett fact still hurts
Actually he said..."He makes 1 big shot and everyone thinks he's kinda cool" it was a sarcastic remark in reference to that game 6 winning shot in the Finals.
@Ben Anantavara Shut the fuck up cry baby 🖕
As a kid I watched this guy TORCH my beloved supersonics, and my immature ass always hated him. 15 years later I finally recognize that he was the perfect point guard. Smart, competitive, poised, fundamental....it's like my dad created this guy as a role model to look up to
Baker As a Jazz fan, I still liked watching the Sonics. Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton were no joke. I wish they were still around! Seattle SuperSonics just has a ring to it.
Same. Jordan was of course a megastar, but in the 90s I most hated playing Utah because of Malone and especially Stockton. There was no doubt in my mind that after Michael, Stockton was the player I hated the most, because he was unstoppable. ... and he'd only score 10-12 points. But effectively Stockton would account for 40, 50 points, dishing passes, stealing the ball, free throws, the dude simply disrupted the entire game. People who don't respect Stockton's game I think simply never saw him play.
Right now I put Stockton at 4th all-time PG. Oscar and Magic first, just because they did everything and were champions as well, Curry third for shooting and championships, and Stockton 4th. What he lacked in rings, he makes up for in season and career records and durability. Would play almost every game for his career. Dude was an iron man. Durable, disruptive, good efficient shooter, high basketball IQ, #1 all-time in steals and assists. If only Jordan's Bulls weren't in the way to deny him championships, he'd probably be no-doubt #1 all-time PG.
Anybody who says John was overrated, or trash, are clueless. He is arguably the best passing PG of all time, one of the best defenders of all time, and he could shoot. His numbers are insane. Records are meant to be broken. Well, his assist record will probably never be broken. Probably won't even be approached.
you're damn right
I hate John Stockton. After watching him played in the 90s, I can no longer watch today's NBA! It's miserable!
15806 assists don't lie Stockton is the man humble as too.
9× NBA assists leader (1988-1996)
One of the best point guard ever
Khadim Sabara
And 2 time steals leader too.
he would be a hell of an NBA coach
Assistant Coach for Montana States woman's team I believe. Think his daughter plays for that school.
For sure 100%
Kinda concerned
There's something about HOF PGs sucking ass as either coaches or GMs
@@janseanhernane3191 Maybe Steve Nash will be different this time. Only time will tell.
@@SmoothCriminal12 welp theyre one of the best teams in the East now lol
This man being recognized as one of the best ever, absolutely refuses to take credit when he can honor others. This is why he is my favorite player ever.
Damn man, Stockton has me tearing up at 4:20 talking about his moms. RIP. Classy John Stockton. Very classy.
Such a class act! The most respectable player I ever seen give a speech
One of the best humble players ever.....
Can ignore "humble", and still the truth.
Loved watching Stockton, but why has he always looked 45 years old?
+Connell Glick (ConnellCorpse) lmao even in 80' and 90'? So true lol.
+Connell Glick (ConnellCorpse) imagen when he is 80 still look 45 i would take that everyday :P haha
John Stockton is a vampire who doesn't age and was bit at 45 yo. He's really been alive for hundreds of years.
You probably watched him from the Finals years and after when he was 35-40. go look at his vids from the 80s. he looked way young, smooth skin and baby faced. The best young clips are from "Stockton's Simple Man highlights"
I was going to say, he just doesn't age
Such a humble guy! Jordan spent over 20 minutes talking about what made him great and all the people he beat along the way. Stockton spends his time expressing his appreciation and admiration to ALL the people who made it possible for him to achieve what he has. No "all I do is win" narcissistic attitude. No desire to be remembered as a legend. Just thankful for where he is and what he has. THIS is what a role model should be.
Lol?
are you high my boi?
I agree. I always here people saying mamba mentality because of Kobe and I’m just thinking, kobe seemed like a complete jerk. I would hate to be on kobe or Jordan’s team. But with John Stockton, it would be much better
@@WyWid so you rather lose than win is what you’re saying? MJ and Stockton shouldn’t be in the same sentence
@@younggabe1031 winning a championship isn’t everything. Just because you don’t win a championship doesn’t mean you completely lose. What about making the playoffs just about every year and All the games won in the regular season? Do those wins all if a sudden no count because of the championship game?
As a teenager in the 90s, I never thought john Stockton would one day make me cry!! Definition of a true professional!!
He was the inductee yet he praised every one but himself. Class act.
No frills, no gimmicks.... The best point guard to have ever played the game.
+LinkStateOSPF No, the guy he backed up at the Olympics holds that title.
***** ha Yeah, Magic sucks. Let's go with that brilliant and eloquent assessment.
+Austin King Choked in the playoffs and succeeded because of Hall of Famers around him?
You mean like in Game 6 of the Finals his rookie year and his hook shot over McHale in the '87 Finals? Cmon, are you seriously arguing Stockton was better than Magic? Stockton was my favorite player and I always rooted against the Lakers, but that's not even an argument.
+Austin King Yeah, an NCAA championship and 5 NBA titles within a decade.
That would be one more NCAA championship and 5 more NBA titles than Stockton had. You know, Stockton, the 4th best point guard of all time behind Magic at #1, Oscar and Isiah.
Jake Jenkins Stockton is better, deal with it!
One of the best and most pure PGs ever to play. Stockton and Malone were a lethal 1-2 combo but like many others in their era, they didn't win a ring cause of Jordan and the Bulls.
Not just because of the Bulls. You're forgetting that the Stockton-era Jazz made it out of the West only twice.
+Fakename70 --- Going to the Finals twice in that era was a big accomplishment, no matter which conference.
+1lecher
I never implied that it wasn't. I was commenting more on the level of competition the Jazz faced in the West that it took them until 1997 to even make it to that level.
+Fakename70 --- Oops, sorry, misunderstood your comment. And you are 100% right.
Jordan and the Bulls stopped so many championship worthy teams... thats just insane
Pretty sure he had some of the best peripheral vision of anyone ever lol
Jarett Bousquet he has eyes all over his head
360° vision...lol
James Posey I came here as well John Stockton is a class act
"i'm never the best player on my team"
BRO. you're the ALL TIME LEADER IN ASSISTS!
And steals.
and steals
So much love in this speech i cant even believe it
Totally underappreciated, played incredible his whole career. He was never the best player on his team, and he was never on the best team in the league, yet he put up amazing numbers for 19 seasons and not once in his career did he miss the playoffs.
not once? damn...
He was the best player on his team. Malone without him would've been great, but not as much as with him. Stockton is top2 PG ever
True that! Plus check his games played.... the guy was one of the most durable ever in the league!
That’s crazy! Never NOT making the playoffs. What a player and what an example.
shutterbugblues and not once did he win a championship
because Isiah was suposed to be on the dream team and micheal jordan said if hes on the dream team im not. so they picked stockton over isiah. And he says why in the beginning. just a class act.
Best Point Guard of all-time and most humble person I’ve ever seen on the NBA stage.
"Stockton to EVERYONE!" What an amazing player and gentleman. The game was made better because of him.
Such a nice, calm, "regular" dude..... who was a cold blooded killer in the court.
Gotta love him
Out of all these Hall of Fame speeches I've listened to, this one stood out to me the most. John Stockton is the man. I believe he is first class. I've watched videos of him on and off the court. One thing I observed is how he treats people. Treats them like fine china, not like a paper plate.
Listen to the speech by Oscar Schmidt if you get a chance.
his speech was just like his game all about team mates.... great man....
Magic probably was a better player than him in overall but Stockton is the best POINT GUARD ever bruh
tamayeahs Magic was undoubtedly better than him in every category, but your right that Stockton is the best pure pg ever
tamayeahs
most, wouldn't say in steals though.
Magic is a floor general that you build a team around him, Stockton is a player you want to have on your team as your PG.
***** very well said
Except Defense
Just a good man. Classy hard working guy. It’s never about him. The perfect point guard in life and basketball.
Was born in 75 watched bball my whole life never heard his voice until this
Class act all the way..
Hear, hear.
When I heard the story of the USA Olympic basketball team bus being followed by thousands of people... there was an incident where the bus was momentarily stopped close to the hotel (I believe they we're going to the hotel) and Stockton got up and asked the driver to open the doors.. He walked out of the bus, met up with his wife and kids, and marched into a crowd. And NO ONE in the olympic filled tourist crowd or streets blinked an eye as John walked by. Nobody. He walked up to a woman wearing a "Dream Team" T shirt with the faces of all the players.. and John asked the woman a question (im not sure what) and his son pointed to John's picture on the shirt and said "that's daddy"... John casually walked the streets in full privacy and anonymity.. Meanwhile Charles Barkley was being followed by hundreds of people wherever he went.. Basketball man... what a fucking dream. John was a true team first player.. had he decided, he could have put up numbers, but he didnt.. He put team first and STILL ended up in the HoF.. that's remarkable when you consider today approach to NBA stardom
He did put up numbers
Yes, that was all in the Dream Team documentary. We've all seen it.
And Stockton LOVED IT!
He haaaaaaated attention.
Joel Embiid's official burner account he put up all time assists and steals leader numbers!!
He went unnoticed. Still does. Best pure pg ever.
I coached against John Stockton when he was in the 8th grade and I was at St. George's. They beat us 94-4. Yes 94-4. How did we get 4? Anyway nobody knew how good he would become. There whole team was tremendous, obviously. Our shooting was a little cold that game.
Their
A little cold?
Sarcasm
Youre a great coach
Ouch... 4.. Points.. 8th grade.. Shooting cold... Sound like the coach was cold as well 🤕🤕😇😇😇😇
He is my Grandma favorite NBA player and were from the Philippines
Karl's wife has ties from the philippines.
I love the way he elevated his family and gave them each a personalized shout out.
Such a top-level class player & classy gentleman
Humble guy really admirable.
We will never see another PG like him with the direction the NBA is going today.
Sooner or later the game will probably go back to how it was in the 80s or 90s
@@WyWid hopefully, tired of this soft basketball RN.🙏
He is the most humble and good person NBA has ever seen...
It was an honour for the NBA
One of the greatest point guards in basketball history. I say that as a guy who was constantly routing against him as a bulls and laker fan. Definitely one of the greatest. I will never forget Karl "pick" Malone and John "roll" Stockton.
What an absolute champion. You're a legend John Stockton. I'm gonna teach my future children all about the way you played the game.
The Greatest Point Guard ever!!
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Jonathan Blaze Yes,Magic.. could be...2nd best!!
John Red 1. Magic Johnson 2. Oscar Robertson 3. Isiah Thomas 4. Gary Payton 5. John Stockton
Jonathan Blaze 1.John Stockton 2. i don't know!!
1. Magic 2. Oscar 3. Stockton
Just had a look on wiki at Stockton's stats. Holy fuck the dude could ball
15k assist it will never be broken
and Malone was the benefactor of those assists thats why he had 20k + points
+ImSoVainItsAProblem Best PG in NBA History IMO!
All-time leader in steals, assists, turnover ratio, and possession control...and looks like he stepped out of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.
man just worked. BEST PG OF ALL TIME.
This guy is in rarefied of himself..total package and all class..thanks Stockton for the memories.
He said he’d get his suit tailored for Malone after his speech. He wasn’t lying, Malone was wearing the exact same suit during his speech
John Stockton was a tremendous basketball player. A stand out, despite his stature, in the most competitive and talented Era of basketball thus far. A humble, intelligent class-act. Definitely one of my all time favorite players
Zebulon Dean The most talented era? HAHAHAHA. The 90s was the WEAKEST era since the 70s. Watered down expansion league with lots of great individual players on average teams and the overall competition and quality down compared to the 80s or 2000s. That being said, Stockton is great easily top 5 pg ever
john stockton was so great his assists total record will never be broken. "knock on wood"
Arif ali you'll be knocking eternally.
probably best speech ever
Unreal. What a humble, awesome husband, father, and of course athlete. But mostly, a great human being.
John Stockton has always been a class act, hard working player, one of the best point guards to ever play the game.
the best passer in nba history
In terms of what? Magic Johnson is arguably the best passer in NBA hidtory.
Assit
lol assist you mean?
No shit in terms of assist. Magic had the record for assist. Stockton then took that record off him. But has Stockton won a championship? If he could pass well enough to make open looks for teammates, how did magic win a championship and he did not.
***** Magic's up there, but his assists were more inflated by just a lineup full of dunkers & spot up shooters he had to throw the ball to on the show time fast break, and he still wasn't quiet as selfless as Sally Fields. A better overall player than Fields, yes, and one of the 5 greatest passers ever, but not a greater passer than Sally.
Love John Stockton. I was glad that I watched him growing up. He was the Pistol Pete of the 80s and 90s.
Just without the flair to his game....but otherwise almost the same game.
Arguably the best point guard of all time.
What an amazing sportsman, player, father, champion but most importantly a human being. I look up to him.
Epitome of a role model, thank you John.
Stockton is the most underappreciated player ever...... No other player in history is the #1 name on an all-time best list more than once... Except Mr. John Stockton......... Had he been drafted or left in free agency to ho to the Rockets, Bulls, Spurs, Celtics, Magic, or Lakers there is no doubt he would have rings...
Maybe, maybe not. We'll never know now.
TheRetroWoman80 most likely yes.
He's #2 PG of all time in my book, next to Magic.
The bulls took jordan at 3 and had the 9th pick and could have drafted Stockton and jordan in the same draft... Imagine THAT
@@mattathiasmacabees6416 what are you talking about? The Kings had the 9th pick and selected Otis Thorpe. However, The 76ers took Barkley at 5, and took Leon Wood at 10. The Sixers could have drafted Barkley and Stockton. Imagine that!
The all-time Assists and Steals leader. If Jason Kidd couldn't break either of his records, than no one will. I wished he could've played for my Knicks. Ewing, Starks and Stockton...shit!
Randy H. Definitely we would had won championships GODAMN Jordan
Yes, our Knicks couldn't have been pound for pound with those rings had we had team gelled together with his leadership. Damn, I just want to see the Knicks (or any new professional NY sports team) win one more championship before I kick the bucket.
That wouldn't have even been fair. Could you just imagine for 1 second, Stockton on the 92' and 93' Knicks??? Replace Starks with Stockton, and they'd have won 2 or 3 rings, no doubt in my mind.
It was between Kidd and Nash who ever had the chance
How would Ewing help more than Karl Malone? You realize it's fucking Karl Malone right?
One of the most underrated nba carrers and still elevating everybody else even in his speech. Thanks, Stockton.
One of the all time class acts of professional sports. His mild mannered demeanor belied an old school toughness that made him the real deal. His assist and steals records will never be broken, ever.
John Stockton is one of my favorite all-time players, such a humble guy.
Best Point Guard Ever to Play!!! Thank you so much! You are the role model for many kids growing up!!!
Gosh dang that was a great speech, had me in tears a little bit. The way he spoke about his family was very pure. What a selfless guy, I wish I was more like him.
Gary Payton said John Stockton was harder to guard than Michael Jordan.
Pmpbreeze Ogah and John and Sir Ice Irving were GP’s honor presenters!!!
Gary Payton would just talk and Stockton would ignore him and respond with his play lol as a Sonics fan it was so damn annoying
Pmpbreeze Ogah man. Throw your phone away ☎️ 🗑
Pmpbreeze Ogah no he said other than MJ it was Stockton 😬
Lmao we all know thats some bull
I have so much respect for Stockton. He's in my top 3 greatest pgs ever. I think he's highly underrated.
Classy speech as he credits the people who helped him get to where he is.
Thanks John. Thank you. You were a blast to watch. Greatest point guard of all time
Whenever I hear greatest PGs I only hear Nash,Kidd,Magic, and Curry. I'm the only person at my school who whenever someone says best PG I say Stockton. Underrated Underapreciated leads the league in assists and steals
My top 5 point guards
1. Magic
2. Stockton
3. Big O
4. Kidd
5. Nash
u know u made it when the GOAT is smiling and clapping for your speech
Stockton is the GOAT
@ yes he was such a bad mama jamma, the Chris Webber story is legendary
I tip my Hat to John Stockton, not only as a player. But for his honesty and humility.
And put being a man above a sport.
One of the best ever! His Character shows in his speech... Thank you John Stockton.
How can you not love John, he is a class act. Love you man and for being such a great person you rule!
What a man.
John Stockton, you sir are a truest role model in basketball!
Just hard to fathom how genuinely normal, humble and pure this guy from rural northern state stayed after all those years in the NBA craziness.
I just love it when players acknowledge their father's. I love my pops, he's my hero. I always tear up when they do this.
That was fr the classiest hall of fame speech. Congratulations Stock you are immortalized sir.
when you don’t have the charisma or the star of other players (like the MJ, Lebrons etc) it takes many many years of consistent super good work, humbleness, leadership, etc to become respected as this gentleman has become. He has lived a harder life than most other famous stars but he had reaped once retired what most others don’t will never do: sheer and utter respect. That is priceless and he will take that with him for the balance of his life. A truly remarkable man, and someone to copy. His greatness is such that he speaks about everyone else but himself. As his hole career his always elevating others. True leadership.
I am a chicago bull fan but I have to say he is one of my favorite players I have seen... he was a great 3 point shooter and hard to defend.
Great player and classy individual. Shame he and Malone went up against Jordan twice. They might have gotten at least one ring otherwise.
MJ blocked so many great players but winning a ring. Any other era, Stockton would probably gotten at leat two
TheKingOfRuckus that´s what some other Players like Ewing, Barkley and Reggie also have in their had always i recon....
Eric Matterson So did Hakeem The Dream Olajuwon & Magic Johnson during Stockton's prime, but all 3 had deeper rosters too.
+Arsen Akopyan Hakeem had the worst team of any to win a championship what are you talking about.
P4ssiveTurtle 850 Of those that won a championship yes. But overall (1-10), Hakeem had more quality role players around him, and a better roster than did Sally Fields in 94'.
What a total LEGEND of a man, so humble and as gracious off-court as he was tenacious and gifted on the court.
God bless you thank you for making my childhood great. Thank you for being a great player
Miss my childhood years in Utah! Stockton to Malone...
i met him at petco park a couple summers ago, he is what he appears to be here. humble and a very nice person.
Not only an awesome player but a great human being! Tks for everything John!
One of thee best speeches in the last 10 years. Thank you John.
I have listened to this a number of times and it never gets old! I remember John running around outside playing hoops with the neighborhood kids and it was more like WWE (only real). John, I have watched you grow up and mature and along with your sidekick Nada you have raised a truly remarkable family. I have known your mom and dad for almost 50 years, in fact your mother was in my mom and dad's wedding. I still remember after they both retired from nursing, they would gather as a group at Jack and Dan''s for lunch and a few beverages on friday afternoons. Thank you for the memories and the years of friendship and all that you have done and will continue to do for the kids of Spokane...GO ZAGS!!!
This guy is the embodiment of humility. He’s the leader in all time assists and steals; but you would never be able to tell that from his speech.