Nov 17, 2014; Spokane, WA, USA; John Stockton looks on during a game between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Southern Methodist Mustangs during the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Leadership/Passing/Vision/Clutchness: John Stockton
There were no parades or rock bands picking guitar solos when John Stockton entered the NBA Hall of Fame. To me, that’s a tribute to what made him so great.
Although undersized and seemingly “nothing special,” Stockton was a generational player. He was a silent assassin and a giant on the court, leading his team to victory after victory through sheer determination, hard work and laser-like focus.
It was always about the team and what he could do to ensure a win with Stock. No glitz, no glam, no fireworks and no confetti. Still, John Stockton was the heart and soul of the franchise; there’s a reason his likeness was sculpted out of bronze and posted in front of EnergySolutions Arena.
Stockton led by example and that’s all it took. He never missed practices or games and never took a play off. In return, other Jazz men wanted to be just like him. He’s the NBA’s version of Rocky Balboa.
In regards to his clutchness, it’s another unheralded part of his game—nearly everything about Stockton was unassuming. He had a litany of clutch moments throughout his career. Whether it was hitting back-to-back threes against Sacramento in 1995, dropping a record 24 dimes in a playoff game against Magic and the Lakers, or hitting a three-pointer over Charles Barkley to send the Jazz to the NBA Finals, Stockton consistently came through when it mattered most.
Now, to Stockton’s passing and vision, no NBA player in history is within 4,000 assists of him. His court vision is unmatched; John Stockton is the greatest passer of all time.
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