John Stockton Calls Karl Malone The Best Ever, Describes Michael Jordan And LeBron James With One Word

On a recent appearance on The Maverick Approach podcast, NBA legend John Stockton participated in a rapid-fire segment where each prompt required just a one-word response. True to form, the Hall of Fame point guard was concise but impactful, and in the process, he made a bold claim about his longtime Utah Jazz teammate, Karl Malone.

When asked to sum up Malone, Stockton didn’t hesitate: “Best-Ever.” 

It was a striking declaration given the context of the all-time great debate that usually revolves around names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell. 

Stockton’s answer speaks volumes about the respect he has for Malone, with whom he shared the court for nearly two decades. Together, they formed one of the most lethal duos in NBA history, revolutionizing the pick-and-roll and leading the Jazz to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998.

When the conversation turned to Michael Jordan, the player who famously denied Stockton and Malone championship glory in those Finals, Stockton chose the word “Competitor” later adding “Top Competitor” for emphasis. 

It’s an acknowledgment of Jordan’s relentless drive, which Stockton experienced firsthand on basketball’s biggest stage. There was no bitterness in his tone, only respect for the way Jordan approached the game with unmatched determination.

LeBron James, another perennial figure in the GOAT conversation, drew the word “Amazing” from Stockton. 

It’s notable that Stockton’s one-word choices for Jordan and LeBron were both deeply complimentary, though with different tones, Jordan as the ultimate rival and competitor, LeBron as a generational talent whose skill set and longevity remain awe-inspiring even to fellow legends.

Stockton’s rapid-fire continued beyond basketball. He referred to The Dream Team, the iconic 1992 Olympic squad he was a part of as “Truly a Dream”, capturing the once-in-a-lifetime nature of that roster and experience. 

For Robert F. Kennedy (RFK), he used “Idol”, and for Kamala Harris, a more cryptic “Woosho” paired with a sigh, leaving listeners to interpret his meaning.

His non-basketball answers revealed glimpses of his personality and beliefs. He described the FDA as “Needs work”, called the COVID vaccine “Absurd”, and said the CDC needs a “Redo.” 

Asked about the CIA, he initially responded with “No Comment” before reconsidering and adding “Spooky.” 

On the subject of aliens, he answered “Could be,” showing an openness to the idea. 

For Donald Trump, Stockton’s response was more cautious: “Jury’s out... boy a step in the right direction.”

Stockton’s quick responses painted a picture of a man who remains fiercely loyal to those he believes in, especially Karl Malon,e while holding strong personal convictions about a wide range of topics. 

His declaration of Malone as the “Best-Ever” is sure to spark debate, but it’s also a testament to the bond they shared on the court and the historic success they achieved together. Whether or not fans agree with Stockton’s hierarchy, his words leave no doubt about where his loyalty and admiration lie.