Karl Malone, born in Summerfield, Louisiana, was the youngest of nine siblings. In high school, he led his basketball team to three consecutive Louisiana Class C championships from 1979 to 1981.
He later attended Louisiana Tech University, joining the Bulldogs’ basketball team in his sophomore year under coach Andy Russo. During his second season, the team posted a 29-3 record, topped the Southland Conference, and qualified for the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. Malone earned the nickname "The Mailman" for his consistent performance on the court.
In the 1985 NBA Draft, Malone was selected 13th overall by the Utah Jazz, despite anticipating a pick by the Dallas Mavericks. He made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the 1986 NBA All-Rookie Team. Standing 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall and weighing 260 pounds (117.5 kg), Malone quickly became one of the league’s dominant power forwards. Partnering with point guard John Stockton, he excelled in the pick-and-roll, with Stockton creating opportunities and Malone converting them into points. Known for his rigorous workout routines and durability—he never missed more than two games in any of his 18 seasons with Utah—Malone was a formidable rebounder and scorer, equally effective in the low post and with his mid-range jump shot.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Malone’s Utah Jazz teams consistently dominated the NBA’s Western Conference. Alongside Stockton, he formed one of the most iconic duos in league history. Their precision in the pick-and-roll propelled the Jazz to the playoffs every year, culminating in back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998.
Stats:
Karl Malone played 19 seasons in the NBA, representing the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers. Over 1,476 regular-season games, he averaged 25.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Malone was selected to 14 All-Star games and won two NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. In recognition of his outstanding career, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.
Facts:
Malone scored the second most career points in NBA history (36,928), and holds the records for most free throws attempted and made.
He was a physical defender and rebounder, and one of the most durable players ever in the NBA.
Internationally, Malone competed with the United States national team in the Summer Olympic games of 1992 and 1996; in both years he won gold medals.
After retiring from the NBA, Malone joined the staff of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs basketball team in 2007.
Achievements:
Karl Malone’s career achievements includes: 2x Olympic Gold Medal, 2x League MVP, 2x All Star Game MVP, 14x All Star, 11x All-NBA First Team, 3x All-Defensive First Team.
