So you say you're retiring from professional basketball. Forgive us if we don't want this ride to end. When the Utah Jazz traded for you for the 1993-94 season, the community breathed a collective sigh of relief. Not only were the Utah Jazz acquiring a proven entity on the guard line, the community was gaining a man who embodied the values it embraces.
We thank you for being such a fine example to our youths. You earned a spot on your college and NBA teams the old-fashioned way, you worked for it. Not blessed with commanding size, you've relied on intellect and sheer desire to reach the pinnacle of your game -- this in spite of a knee injury that's haunted you since your college days. You've lived out the underdog story before the community's eyes, which has helped children recognize that their dreams can be achieved if they subscribe to a work ethic, stick to the basics and believe in themselves.You've taught people through example how important it is to give back to their communities. Instead of asking for a flashy retirement gift, you requested that a financial gift be made to Primary Children's Hospital. You marked your last regular season game in the same understated fashion that you joined the Utah Jazz. Just as you quietly slipped into the lineup in February 1994, you made a gracious exit from regular season play Wednesday night. You're such a regular guy that you discouraged the standing ovation and thundering applause. Sorry, grateful Utahns couldn't help themselves.
Perhaps it's because people feel such a connection to you. There's a refreshing ordinariness about you. They see you in the community doing everyday things, like shopping in a sporting goods store or taking your kids to the mall to visit Santa Claus. Even when you're doing extraordinary things, such as defending your three-point-shot title at the 2000 All Star Game, your family has been close at hand.
While people feel a bond to you, there remains a certain degree of awe. Your play helped elevate the Jazz to a different level of competition. In your six full seasons, the Jazz have won three division titles and two Western Conference championships. Although a consummate team player, you added fresh dimension to the Jazz staple "Stockton to Malone."
As the consummate team player, you have the good grace to know when to walk away from the game. You're leaving for all the right reasons, because your body has told you it's time and because you need to spend more time with your family. We respect your decision.
Gratefully, the ride isn't quite over. Once again, the Jazz are the Midwest Conference champions. Once again, fans will be treated to exciting post-season play and a spring of Jazz mania. As you so aptly put it during your retirement ceremony Wednesday night at the Delta Center: "Let's play ball!"
When the time comes to finally hang up the sneakers -- here's hoping it's later than sooner -- know that we're delighted you will remain in our community. You've done nothing but make people here proud since that fateful day in February six years ago.
Thanks for all you've done for the Jazz and this community. More so, thank you for being such a great role model for kids.