Most young point guards in the '90s grew up idolizing Magic Johnson. Five rings, Showtime swagger, and a new definition of what a floor general should be. For others, Isiah Thomas was the closest comparison, having guided the Detroit Pistons to consecutive titles with his quickness and ball-handling that everybody tried to copy.
Jason Kidd, However, he found his inspiration elsewhere. What stood out to him was not the rings or the accolades, but the unwavering consistency. John Stockton displayed over more than a decade. For Kidd, Stockton's discipline, dependability, and selflessness placed him right alongside Magic on the all-time tier of great point guards.
Kidd was deeply impressed by Stockton
Magic, of course, brought unmatched flair, size and scoring ability as a 6'9" playmaker. But Stockton represented something more subtle and enduring: consistency and precision. Aware that his 6'1" frame wouldn't allow him to dominate physically, Stockton developed exceptional game awareness.
He mastered the art of reading plays, intercepting passes, and turning defense into quick offensive opportunities. As a result, once he started averaging over 14 points per game and leading the league in assists, he cemented his status as a generational point guard.
Moreover, by the time J-Kidd entered the league in 1994, Stockton led the league in assists for an eighth consecutive season. Then, in Kidd's sophomore campaign, Stock led the Utah Jazz to the Western Conference Finals.
What stood out to Kidd the most in this process was Stockton's ability to impact the game without needing high-scoring numbers; his leadership and playmaking elevated the team's overall winning ability.
"John Stockton, Magic Johnson. I think those two are the best to ever play," Kidd said about the best point guard during his appearance on the "Dan Patrick Show." I think he (Stockton) had 5000 more assists than I did. When you look at those records, it's amazing. I just don't think he gets the due he deserves. I think sometimes he's left out of the mix of the greatest point guards.
Furthermore, Stockton, who was well past his prime during most of the years he played against Kidd, still managed to average 12.9 points and 9.3 assists over 28 games, which added to his credit with Kidd.
Related: "The person I choose No. 2 would be Shaq" - Active NBA players chose LeBron James as the GOAT and snubbed Michael Jordan
Inspired an entire generation of point guards
Today's fans, especially those who often place more weight on championships and accolades, may focus more on Stockton's inability to capture a title, especially when he had Karl Malone as his running mate; thus, his legacy is sometimes unfairly downplayed.
But the admiration he earned from fellow point guards like Kidd reflects the deep respect Stockton commanded among his peers. For those who came up watching him, his consistent brilliance was the blueprint for what success at the point guard position truly meant.
Who knows? If Stockton had won even a single championship, the narrative surrounding his career would likely be very different.
Had John been a player who would have never prioritized elevating Karl Malone's potential and instead tried to chase the MVP trophy himself, who knows, today's fans might have shown more respect for his name. But as things stand, those who played in his era knew the value Stock had.
Related: John Stockton recalls being heckled in Kansas City as a rookie: "It was so quiet in the gym and I heard someone say, 'Stockton CBA!'"
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar