John Stockton is cemented in basketball history as one of the most iconic point guards the NBA has ever witnessed. His career, spent entirely with the Utah Jazz (1984-2003), is marked by unparalleled court vision and an extraordinary passing ability. This translated directly into him becoming the NBA’s all-time king of assists with a staggering 15,806, and steals with 3,265 – records that stand unchallenged today. Alongside the formidable Karl Malone, Stockton spearheaded the Jazz, leading them to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998 and amassing a net worth estimated at $45 million.
Drafted 16th overall in the 1984 NBA draft from Gonzaga University, Stockton’s journey is a testament to consistent excellence. He evolved from a backup player to the cornerstone of the Jazz franchise. His durability was almost superhuman; he missed a mere 22 games throughout his 19-year career. This consistent presence on the court contributed to 10 consecutive All-Star selections (1989-1997) and 11 All-NBA honors. Beyond the NBA, Stockton earned two Olympic gold medals, representing the USA in the legendary 1992 “Dream Team” and the 1996 team. Known for his fundamental, no-frills style of play, Stockton, with Malone, revolutionized the pick-and-roll offense. While an NBA championship eluded him, largely due to encountering Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in the Finals, his influence on basketball remains profound. His legacy was solidified with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Utah Jazz’s retirement of his number 12 jersey. Stockton’s career averages of 13.1 points, 10.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game paint the picture of a complete and dominant point guard.
Since retiring, Stockton has chosen a quieter life back in his hometown of Spokane, Washington, occasionally mentoring young basketball talents and authoring his autobiography, “Assisted,” in 2013. His son, David Stockton, has also pursued a professional basketball career, carrying on the family name in the sport.
John Stockton’s Early Years: Spokane Roots
Born on March 26, 1962, in Spokane, Washington, John Houston Stockton’s basketball journey began in his hometown. Even in his high school years, his aptitude for basketball was evident. During his senior year at Gonzaga Prep, Stockton shattered the city’s single-season scoring record, signaling the arrival of a special talent.
College offers poured in from institutions like the University of Idaho and the University of Montana. However, Stockton opted to remain in Spokane, choosing to play for Gonzaga University. Donning the Bulldogs jersey, he showcased his all-around game, leading the West Coast Athletic Conference (WCAC) in scoring, assists, and steals. His stellar performance culminated in being named WCAC Player of the Year, setting the stage for his NBA entry.
NBA Career: From Draft Pick to Jazz Legend
In the 1984 NBA draft, the Utah Jazz selected John Stockton as the 16th overall pick. While not a widely recognized name nationally at the time, Stockton quickly began to forge a reputation for himself within the league. Just three seasons into his Jazz tenure, he secured the starting point guard position, marking the beginning of an era. A year later, Stockton earned his first All-Star selection, a testament to his rapid ascent, as he also led the NBA in assists per game that season. This would be the start of an unprecedented run, as he continued to lead the league in assists for the next nine consecutive seasons, solidifying his place as the premier playmaker in the NBA.
The 1990s witnessed Stockton reaching new heights. In January 1991, he delivered a career-high 28 assists in a single game against the San Antonio Spurs, showcasing his exceptional court vision and passing prowess. In 1992, the Jazz reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history, though they were ultimately defeated by the Portland Trail Blazers. The following year, in 1993, Stockton’s contributions were recognized on a national stage when he was named co-MVP of the All-Star Game. Further Western Conference Finals appearances followed in 1994 and 1996, but championship contention remained just out of reach.
John Stockton in his Utah Jazz JerseyJohn Stockton in action for the Utah Jazz, showcasing his legendary point guard skills and court vision, elements that significantly contributed to his net worth and enduring legacy in the NBA.
In 1992, Stockton’s career took an international turn when he joined the US Basketball “Dream Team” for the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. This historic team, for the first time featuring NBA players, dominated the competition and captured the gold medal. Stockton repeated this Olympic triumph in the 1996 Atlanta Games.
The 1996-1997 season was a landmark year for the Jazz. They achieved a franchise-record 64 wins and finally broke through to the NBA Finals, propelled by a dramatic buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer from Stockton against the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Finals. Despite reaching the pinnacle, the Jazz faced Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and were defeated in the Finals. A knee injury hampered Stockton at the start of the 1997-98 season, causing him to miss the first 18 games. Nevertheless, the resilient Jazz returned to the NBA Finals that year, only to once again face and be defeated by the Bulls.
After several more seasons of consistent play and leadership, Stockton announced his retirement in 2003. The announcement was met with widespread recognition of his remarkable career, including a special ceremony and the renaming of a street near the Jazz’s stadium in Salt Lake City in his honor. In his retirement statement, Stockton expressed continued confidence in his playing ability but emphasized his desire to dedicate more time to his family.
Career Earnings: Salary and Financial Success
John Stockton’s NBA career was not only marked by on-court achievements but also by significant financial success. Throughout his 19 seasons, Stockton earned $62 million in salary alone. Adjusting for inflation, this figure equates to approximately $95 million in today’s dollars, highlighting the substantial value of his contracts. His peak earnings seasons were 1999-2000 and 2000-2001, where he commanded $11 million per season, reflecting his status as one of the league’s top players and contributing significantly to his overall net worth. Beyond his salary, while specific endorsement deals are not widely publicized, it’s reasonable to assume Stockton also benefited from endorsement opportunities throughout his Hall of Fame career, further augmenting his financial portfolio.
Life After Basketball: Post-Retirement Ventures
Following his retirement from professional basketball, John Stockton returned to Spokane and transitioned into coaching youth teams in the local community, investing back into the sport he loved. Stockton also ventured into the business world, particularly in the construction industry, demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit beyond the basketball court. In 2013, he shared his life story and insights in his autobiography, “Assisted,” offering fans a deeper look into his career and perspectives. His coaching career progressed, and he was even considered as a potential head coach for the Utah Jazz, showcasing his continued connection to the franchise. In 2015, he took on the role of assistant coach for the Montana State University women’s basketball team, further solidifying his commitment to coaching and mentoring young athletes.
Controversies: Anti-Vaccine Stance
In recent years, John Stockton has faced public criticism due to his outspoken views on the COVID-19 vaccine. In January 2022, his stance gained widespread attention when he revealed what were widely considered to be false and unsubstantiated beliefs about vaccine safety. This came to light after his prolonged absence from Gonzaga basketball games, where he had been a regular attendee. It emerged that Stockton had refused to comply with the university’s mask mandate at games for the preceding two years.
Expanding on his position, Stockton propagated a debunked claim that “hundreds” of professional athletes had died on the field after receiving the vaccine, a statement that lacked factual basis and drew significant backlash. This public stance led to considerable controversy and tarnished, for some, his otherwise revered public image.
Family and Personal Life
John Stockton is married to Nada Stepovich, daughter of the last territorial governor of Alaska, Michael Stepovich. They have a large family with six children and are devout Roman Catholics. Several of their children have followed in their father’s athletic footsteps, pursuing basketball careers, reflecting a strong sporting lineage within the Stockton family.
Real Estate Dispute: Legal Battles in Priest Lake
In 2019, Stockton became entangled in a significant legal dispute related to real estate in Priest Lake, Utah. He engaged in legal action to oppose a development project near his property. The case centered on Stockton’s efforts to prevent a developer from constructing properties on undeveloped wetlands near the lake. Ultimately, the court ruling was not in Stockton’s favor, and he was ordered to pay $500,000 in legal fees.
The legal battle arose from a situation where Stockton and his neighbors attempted to block the sale and construction of lakefront properties across 65 acres of wetlands. They were subsequently accused of conspiracy and interfering with the sale when they preemptively purchased 45 acres of land intended for the developer. The development company, Tricore Investments, filed a lawsuit, leading to a complex legal process where Stockton and his neighbors ultimately faced adverse rulings.
Who’s Richer?
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John Stockton Net Worth Compared to Fellow NBA Stars.
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Karl Malone Net Worth Compared to John Stockton.
