Karl Malone couldn't picture John Stockton wearing any other uniform. Neither could Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller - or Stockton, himself, for that matter.
"There wasn't any doubt," the free agent guard said after signing a three-year contract (worth a reported $15 million) to remain with the Jazz. "It's just a good situation for me."The NBA's all-time assists and steals leader, who likely could have commanded more money on the open market, said a variety of things - including the community, franchise and teammates - led to his decision to begin a 13th season in Utah. At age 34, he is all but assured of finishing his career with the Jazz.
"I was never nervous or uptight about it. It's been stress-free for the most part," Stockton said at a press conference in the Delta Center Thursday. "I can't really worry about what other people think and would do.
"You try to represent yourself and your family well in whatever business you are in," he added. "And that's what I try to do."
Without the assistance and/or interference of an agent, Stockton and Miller worked out the new pact on their own - beginning specific talks in July, announcing a verbal agreement in September.
"The confidence level in both of us is real high. It's an unusual relationship," said Miller. "The toughest thing is I don't know how to honestly express it."
Stockton informed Miller last spring that he'd "play here and no where else." The point guard, however, did ask for a few benefits. Namely, a no-trade clause and exemptions from standard NBA contracts that would allow Stockton to water ski and play baseball and soccer with his children.
"It's kind of typical of John," said Miller, who also helped secure Delta Center ice time for the youth hockey league of one of Stockton's sons. "I think it just speaks about his character. If there is one word to describe John it's `thoroughbred.' It applies to all aspects of his life. He's just special."
Stockton, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was glad to put what he called the "business" aspect of his job behind him.
"Now it's back to the part I enjoy," said the eight-time NBA all-star. "And that's playing."
Stockton and his teammates met with the media before embarking to St. George for training camp. Practice sessions for last season's Western Conference finalists began this morning.
"We knew what (Stockton) was going to do," said Malone, whose contract also expires after the 1998-99 season. ". . . I'm looking forward to being with him the next three years."
In a prepared statement, Miller added: "I guess I'd say that, on one hand it's nice to have the contract actually signed, but at the same time, I think there was enough of a solid foundation in the relationship between John and myself that both sides trusted each other enough that neither side would pull anything unusual, and that it would wind up in the end where it worked."
And well, said Stockton.
"It just couldn't have worked out any better than it did."