“The Mailman” was aware that Stock wasn’t performing at his peak during the 1992 Olympics.
After being overlooked by Team USA in 1984, John Stockton’s final opportunity to win an Olympic gold medal came with the 1992 squad. Although he started the international competition with high spirits, his fortunes changed dramatically when he collided with Michael Jordan during a Tournament of the Americas game against Canada, resulting in a fractured right fibula.
The severe pain from the injury significantly impacted his performance. Witnessing his Utah Jazz teammate’s suffering, Karl Malone became worried.
The 6’1″ point guard entered the tournament after leading the NBA in assists for the fifth straight season. Unfortunately, the leg injury he sustained in the game against Canada cast doubt on his ability to play, at least initially. Nevertheless, the Gonzaga University star was determined to do whatever was necessary to participate.
“The whole Olympic experience is incredibly important to me,” Stockton said. “I’ve dreamed about it since I was a child. It’s one of the most significant things in my life, certainly in my career. If playing through pain is required, I’m prepared to do it.”
The team doctor cautioned Stockton that playing would be his and the Jazz organization’s responsibility. However, for the legendary point guard, missing the 1992 Olympics was never an option. Determined to compete, he persevered and made his Olympic debut with 9:55 left in the first half of the game against Spain.
Despite his effort, Stockton was far from his best, scoring just four points and recording no assists in six minutes of play. Seeing his Jazz teammate struggle with pain, Malone expressed concern.
“He showed a lot of heart by being out there,” Karl said. “But that’s not the Stockton I play with every night in Utah. I’m still worried about him. He’s handling it well, but I know he’s not at 100 percent, and you just never know.”
Karl Malone expressed concern after witnessing John Stockton’s struggles on the Dream Team, noting, “That’s not the Stockton I play with every night in Utah.” Malone recognized that Stockton wasn’t performing at his best during the 1992 Olympics.
John Stockton’s final chance at an Olympic gold medal came with the 1992 Team USA squad, following his exclusion from Team USA in 1984. Although he started with high spirits, his fortunes changed dramatically after a collision with Michael Jordan in a Tournament of the Americas game against Canada, resulting in a fractured right fibula.
The severe pain from the injury significantly impacted Stockton’s performance. Malone, seeing his Utah Jazz teammate in discomfort, became worried.
Stockton, who had led the NBA in assists for five consecutive seasons, faced doubts about his ability to play due to the leg injury. Nevertheless, he was determined to participate, expressing how crucial the Olympics were to him.
The team doctor warned that Stockton’s decision to play was his and the Jazz organization’s responsibility. Undeterred, Stockton made his Olympic debut with 9:55 left in the first half of a win over Spain. Despite his effort, he struggled, recording just four points and no assists in six minutes. Malone, concerned about his teammate’s pain, commented, “He showed a lot of heart by being out there. But that’s not the Stockton I play with every night in Utah. I’m still worried about him. He’s handled it well, but I know he’s not at 100 percent, and you just never know.”
Despite limited playing time and a role in the Dream Team’s success, Stockton achieved his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal. However, he was never able to replicate that success in the NBA, despite reaching the Finals twice with Malone in 1997 and 1998.
