Karl Malone on Draft Night, June 1985

Malone is the second all-time leading scorer behind Kareem Abdul-Jaber

Malone Played for the Jazz for 18 seasons.

Salt Lake City, UT – After a 19-year Hall of Fame-caliber career spent almost entirely with the Utah Jazz, Karl Malone announced his retirement Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005.  Malone, 41, spent 18 years with the Jazz, averaging 25.4 points and 10.1 rebounds.  He joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2003-04 and spent one season (42 games) with them.

“It has been a great 19-year ride, but all good things must come to an end,” said Malone. “I have been blessed by many things in my life, most of all the support I have received from my family, especially my wonderful wife, Kay; this incredible franchise, led by Larry Miller; and my coaches and teammates.”

The 6-9 forward out of Louisiana Tech was selected by the Jazz with the 13th overall pick of the 1985 Draft.  Malone retires as the Jazz's all-time leader in points (36,377); minutes played (53,479); field goals made (13,335) and attempted (25,810); free throws made (9,622) and attempted (12,965); and rebounds (14,601).  He scored a career high 61 points (21-26 FG, 19-19 FT) vs. Milwaukee on 1/27/90.

“I am honored that Karl would ask me and the Utah Jazz to be a part of this announcement," said Miller. "This is an important day in his life and I am thrilled to be part of it. I have valued our relationship both personally and professionally over the years.  In many ways we are like brothers.”

Miller continued by saying, “Through all of our ups and downs I have never underestimated Karl’s contribution to the Utah Jazz. Karl’s contribution to this franchise is immeasurable. Through thick and thin, one thing that must be said about Karl is that he came to play every night.”

Selected in 1996 as one of the “50 Greatest Players in NBA History,” Malone was a two-time MVP (1997, 1999) and finished his career in second place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 36,928 points. He is one of two players (Jerry West) to average at least 25 points in 11 consecutive seasons (1987-98) and the only player in league history to be named to the All-NBA team 11 times (1989-99).  He scored in double figures in 575 consecutive games, third-longest streak in NBA history, and led the league in free-throws made a record eight times (1988-89 through 1992-93, 1996-97 through 1998-99). 

“Karl’s contribution to the Utah Jazz and the NBA are incalculable,” said NBA Commissioner David J. Stern. “I am very pleased that Karl would choose to announce his retirement in Salt Lake City with the Utah Jazz and Larry Miller at his side.  We look forward to his certain induction in the Hall of Fame and we all hope he remains involved in the NBA in some fashion.”

In addition to his professional achievements, Malone was also a member of gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic teams in 1992 and 1996.   He also won the 1997-98 IBM Award, designed to honor the player who contributes the most to his team’s overall success. He is one of eight players to win All-Star Game MVP honors at least twice, claiming the award in 1989 and 1993 (co-MVP with John Stockton). 

“For 18 years, Karl, along with John Stockton, was the centerpiece of the Utah Jazz,” said Jazz Head Coach Jerry Sloan.  “I can only add to the accolades already expressed here today.  Karl has one of the best work ethics I have experienced in coaching. He put his heart and soul into every game.”

Career Transactions:  Selected after junior season by the Utah Jazz in the first round (13th pick overall) of the 1985 NBA Draft....Signed by the Jazz on 8/8/85....Re-signed by the Jazz on 11/7/88....Re-signed by the Jazz on 9/25/90....Re-signed by the Jazz on 1/13/96....Re-signed by the Jazz on 8/1/99…Signed by the Los Angeles Lakers on 7/16/03.