With season over, Stockton's future unclear

By TIM KORTE AP Sports Writer April 30, 2002 SALT LAKE CITY (AP)

John Stockton is saying the things he usually says this time of year. This time, Utah Jazz fans are waiting to find out exactly what it means. The 40-year-old Stockton ended his 18th NBA season Monday night when Sacramento beat the Jazz 91-86, eliminating Utah from the playoffs in four games. Though he has another season remaining on a two-year contract, it's uncertain whether the future Hall of Fame point guard will return next fall. Stockton said he hasn't made a decision yet. ``I haven't thought about it,'' Stockton said. ``I feel like I can still compete. I still enjoy it. But there's a lot of things that factor in, family and all sorts of things.''

Stockton is the NBA's career leader with a 15,177 assists, more than 5,000 ahead of Magic Johnson (10,141), and leads in career steals with 3,128. Stockton had a remarkable season in 2001-02, considering his age and the fact that Utah surrounded him with two rookies in Andrei Kirilenko and Jarron Collins in the starting lineup. Stockton averaged 13.4 points and 8.2 assists, then turned it up to 17 points and 9.4 assists over the final 12 games of the season. He played those last games after turning 40 on March 26. In the playoffs against the Kings, he averaged 12.5 points, 10 assists and only two turnovers. He fouled out of a Game 3 loss, a key factor in the outcome and the only time in 177 playoff games Stockton has fouled out. Along with Karl Malone, who has spent 17 seasons in Utah, Stockton has become a Jazz fixture. They led the team's rise from mediocrity, losing in the 1997 and 1998 NBA Finals but helping the Jazz to 19 straight playoff appearances.

Even other NBA players enjoy watching Stockton play. ``I told him after the game that I hope to see him next year,'' said Sacramento's Vlade Divac. ``He did a lot of good things for this league and I am proud to know the guy.'' Stockton, who doesn't have an agent, usually meets with team owner Larry Miller in August to discuss his status. Last summer, he accepted a pay cut from $11 million a year to $7.7 million to help Utah meet the salary cap. Stockton and Malone, who has another season remaining on a four-year, $67 million contract, have repeatedly said they'll play as long as they feel healthy and competitive. Neither wants to be part of a rebuilding project. ``The decision will come from inside, not from what happens outside,'' Stockton said. ``I'll talk with the powers that be and see if they have a wish in that direction. I've got to follow that.''