The tribute to 19-year NBA legend John Stockton was held on Saturday, June 7, 2003. Doors opened just after 4:00 p.m. and fans were treated to video clips recapping Stockton's tremendous career. The crowd erupted when the man of the hour stepped onto the podium. NBA Commissioner David Stern was the first to speak. He commented that it wasn't until 1990 that he found out that "Stockton to Malone" wasn't one word. "Hot Rod" Hundley, the announcer for the Utah Jazz, read a letter to Stockton from President George W. Bush.

Jazz owner Larry H. Miller also spoke of Stockton's career. "You laced them up 1,504 times and you laid it all out there 1,504 times," Miller said. "This is a day that we always knew would come but always hoped wouldn't."

Governor Mike Leavitt declared June 7 "John Stockton Day" in Utah, but was unable to attend the ceremony. Karl Malone gave a speech that brought many standing ovations and even more tears. "I hope and I pray people here realize a couple things. There will absolutely, positively will never ever be another John Stockton. Ever," Malone said. "He gave me more than I gave him. I want to say this. On behalf of my family to your family. We love you and I'm going to miss you." The Mailman also reminisced of the first time the duo met.

John Stockton was the final speaker of the evening. Stockton showed a lighter side that Jazz fans rarely see. He talked about holding out for an extra $5,000 his rookie year and joked about his shorts, which remained shorter than anyone else's throughout his illustrious career. "I haven't changed anything. I haven't even changed the length of my shorts," he joked.

Other speakers included John's wife Nada Stockton, Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan, and former Jazz coach Frank Layden.

Afterward, fans were invited out to the Delta Center floor. Former Jazz players Mark Eaton, Thurl Bailey, Antoine Carr, and Ron Boone signed autographs, as Karl Malone took pictures with his many fans. Outside the Delta Center, several Jazz faithful (myself included) stayed to see the coaches and players, including Stockton himself, off.