Karl Malone

Karl Malone was one of the best forwards to ever play in the NBA and it’s hard to find a more durable player, period.

Malone began his NBA career in 1985 when the Utah Jazz selected him with the 13th pick in the first round. That season, “The Mailman” was nominated to the NBA All-Rookie Team by averaging 14.9 points and 8.9 rebounds over 81 games.

“The Mailman” got his nickname because he always delivered in big games. In a May playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers in 1997, Malone made 18 of 18 free throws, which broke the NBA record for most free throw attempts without a miss in a single postseason game. He also finished with 42 points.

When playing the Seattle Supersonics in an April 2000 postseason game, Karl Malone scored 50 points (franchise playoff record for the Utah Jazz) and grabbed 12 rebounds.

After signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2003 offseason, Malone became the oldest NBA player to ever post a triple-double when he totaled 10 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a regular season game against the San Antonio Spurs. He was 40 years old at the time.

Karl Malone was also one of the most durable players in NBA history. In 18 NBA seasons, “The Mailman” missed only 10 games – an astonishing feat for any player, especially when you consider how much stress the game of basketball is placed on your knees.

Not every player is willing to run up to congratulate Malone on his career success, however. Malone was often accused of “throwing” elbows during his playing days and even caused former Detroit Pistons’ guard Isiah Thomas to have 40-stitches above his left eye after an incident in 1991. He also inflicted injuries to current NBA star Steve Nash and former San Antonio Spurs’ great David Robinson, who was left unconscious on the court for nearly two minutes after catching one of Malone’s elbows. 

Many will also note that Malone wouldn’t have had the success he had if not for former Utah Jazz teammate John Stockton, one of the best guards to have ever played the game. Stockton was so effective at getting Malone the ball that often all that was required of “The Mailman” was to provide a slam-dunk.

But to say Malone wasn’t a great player because he had help would diminish all that he accomplished. He was simply one of the best forwards in NBA history and he also made Stockton better.

Karl Malone won two NBA MVP Awards (1997, 1999) and was a 13-time NBA All-Star. He was also an 11-time All-NBA First Team Selection and was a three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team Selection (1997-1999).

When his career was finished, Karl Malone record 36,928 points, 5,238 assists and 14,968 rebounds. The basketball legend was also nominated to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.