Jazzhoops

 
"Training camp is two weeks away. The Jazz corner stones are gone. The future is here. Before we take an in-depth look at the future lets pay tribute to the past. This week Karl Malone. Next Week John Stockton."
 
Karl Malone, in his own words.

The Mailman's exclusive delivery to jazzhoops.net
By Johnathan Kendrick

On Tuesday night Karl Malone sat courtside in The Palace at Auburn Hills. His head was bowed and his hands covered his face. There were 12 seconds left in the WNBA Championship game, and his daughter, WNBA Rookie of the Year, Cheryl Ford was on the free throw line trying to ice the game for

her team, the soon to be WNBA champion Detroit Shock. Cheryl made both shots from the stripe giving the Shock a 5-point lead and the title. After the final 12 seconds ticked off the clock, Cheryl Ford ran to her father. Malone caught her in mid air and held his daughter in a tight embrace, suspended from the floor for the next half a minute. Karl Malone the family man, the basketball player, the Olympian, and yes, Karl Malone the Laker. A few days ago I had a chance to question Karl Malone about all of these titles and more. Here are the answers from a man who would simply like to be known as "a man that always tried 110%."

Jazzhoops:To start off, Jazzhoops.net would like to offer our condolences to Karl and the Malone family for the loss of Karl's mother. It's clear to see that Shirley Malone was a woman of character and influence. What is the greatest lesson or greatest value that she instilled in you?

KM:"Not to give up. I have always been a believer in setting goals and achieving them."

Jazzhoops: Cheryl Ford is having an amazing year for the Shock. There is no discussion she is the WNBA Rookie of the Year. With her breaking the record for double-doubles in a season as well as playing on a first place team, how much of an argument can be made for Cheryl to be MVP?

KM:"That would be a great honor, and I am very proud of her."

Jazzhoops: You have been a long time supporter and season ticket holder in the WNBA. Does your previous interest in the league make it that much better to see Cheryl succeed.

KM:"Absolutely."

Jazzhoops: Karl, you maintain a fairly high profile in the community especially with your family. Looking at your role as a father and role as an athlete, can you tell us how much responsibility an athlete has to his fans, and how much responsibility the fans have to let the athlete spend time with his family.

KM:"Well, one is business; one is personal. I try and keep them separate, but being an athlete, there is sometimes a crossover."

Jazzhoops: What is your favorite basketball moment or accomplishment?

KM:"Winning two gold medals in the Olympics."

Jazzhoops: What do you consider the greatest thing you have done in your life?

KM:"Having six incredible children and marrying my wife."

Jazzhoops: You are regarded as one of the most involved athletes in his community. Do you feel you are over achieving or are other athletes just not getting involved?

KM:"Probably both."

Jazzhoops: Will there ever be a better basketball team than the original Dream Team?

KM:"I don't know, but that team was awesome!"

Jazzhoops: Having played in two Olympic games, do you see your role on the 2004 Olympic team being different from the previous teams?

KM:"Yeah, they want me to be the wise old man and play. I love teaching so this should be fun."

Jazzhoops: What were the highlights of playing in the Olympics?

KM:"Having that gold medal put around your neck. It is indescribable. It is so powerful."

Jazzhoops: In your opinion, how would the 2003-2004 Lakers do against the 2004 Olympic team?

KM: "I'll know in a few months."

Jazzhoops: When Reggie Miller recently re-signed with the Indiana Pacers, he said, "I didn't want to be like some other guys who jump on another team's bandwagon just to get a ring." Although your name was not mentioned, it's easy to see these remarks were directed at you. Do you feel you are jumping on the bandwagon, or do you feel you will be a major contributor for the Lakers next year?

KM:"Considering the Lakers pulled out early last year, and I've got a big job at the power forward, I considered the Lakers the hardest road to win on. I could have gone to San Antonio for a ton more money and less pressure to win."

Jazzhoops: Will you be going after the all-time scoring record?

KM:"If it comes, great."

Jazzhoops: How do you want to be remembered?

KM:"A man that always tried 110%."

Jazzhoops: Have you had time to use the surfboard that the Lakers gave you yet, or have the kids taken that as their own?

KM:"It's in the house."

Jazzhoops: After your contract in L.A. is fulfilled, do you plan to return to Utah as a player?

"Right now, it's 1 year at a time."

Jazzhoops: It's well known your dream home in Utah is on the market. There has been talk you own property and plan to build a new home just out of Salt Lake. Will you be building another house in Utah?

KM:"We'll see."

Jazzhoops: When it became clear that you were headed to the Lakers, were you approached at all by the Jazz management to see if a sign and trade could be worked out with the Lakers?

KM:"Dwight Manley, my agent, analyzed that. I don't believe so."

Jazzhoops: On behalf of the Staff and Members at Jazzhoops.net, we thank you for your time for this interview, the time spent with the Jazz, and wish you the best in 78 of the 82 games next year.

KM:"Thank you."