John Stockton

Ageless wonder John Stockton, all-time NBA leader in every major assist category, has been playing for the Utah Jazz since 1984. He holds the record for most career assists and career steals. His love of the game, staying power, and nice guy reputation have caused some to say he represents all that is good in basketball. After signing another two-year contract at age 40, Stockton promises to achieve an assist record that will be challenge to beat.

John Stockton ranks among the top point guards in NBA history, the league's all-time leader in both assists and steals. A gritty, durable player who sees the floor as well as anyone who ever played the game, he holds many assists records, including the mark for career assists at 14,503 (entering 2001-02). Stockton's other records include most assists in a season (1,164), highest assists average for a season (14.5 apg), a tie for most assists in a playoff game (24), most consecutive seasons leading the league and total seasons leading the league (9), and a tie for third for most assists in a game (28).

In addition, in 1995-96 he became the league's all-time leader in steals, passing Maurice Cheeks' mark of 2,310. He had 2,976 at the conclusion of the 2000-01 season.

Stockton is an annual All-Star and All-NBA selection and has made the NBA All-Defensive Team three times. He has teamed with Karl Malone to form one of the most productive and enduring duos in league history. After missing a total of four games in his first 13 pro seasons, Stockton missed the first 18 games of the 1997-98 campaign following preseason knee surgery, but has played in every game since that time.

Source: NBA.com, www.nba.com/playerfile/john_stockton.