I must admit, I used to dislike Karl Malone. As a matter of fact, I despised him.
I wasn't alone in those sentiments either. Outside of Utah and now Los Angeles, Malone is viewed upon as more of a villain than an NBA superstar. Perhaps no other player in the history of the game has accomplished so much while being celebrated so less. Which begs one to question: Why?
Maybe it's because the moments for which he is most remembered are those of controversy and disappointment, often involving some of the NBA's best and most popular players.
Like the time he clobbered Isiah Thomas in the lane, or the time his infamous elbow knocked David Robinson out cold. There were his underwhelming performances in the biggest of games -- missed free throws in the '96 and '97 playoffs, and getting the ball stripped by MJ in Game 6 of the '98 Finals.
And then there was the Magic Johnson incident in 1992. Malone spoke openly about his fears of playing against an opponent with the "A.I.D.S. Virus." The concerns led Magic to re-retire and left all of us to wonder how the Mailman could be so insensitive.
Even when he took a huge pay cut this offseason to sign with the Lakers, Malone could not escape controversy. Was he trying to ride the coattails of Shaq & Kobe to get his elusive title, or was he planning on hanging around just long enough to break Kareem's scoring record? Or both?
It looked like a no-win situation for Malone. But then came his knee injury in December and with it came a change of perspective; and, eventually, a change in perception.
While rehabbing his injury, he began thinking about the inevitable -- retirement. His mother's death over the summer had put things in perspective for him. He doesn't care about the scoring record, and even winning a Championship wouldn't mean as much as it would have before. If you've seen his recent interviews and can read between the lines at all, you realize that this season will be his last.
Upon realizing this myself, I began reflecting on Malone's career. I started to think about how he is so different than the typical NBA player of today. It was at this point where my perception of Karl Malone changed. In some circles, this is called a paradigm shift. In others, it's called, "taking your blinders off."
Instead of concentrating on the man's shortcomings, I started to think about the things we should remember him by: his unparalleled work ethic in the offseason, his ability to get to the line more than any other player in history, the way he runs a pick and roll to perfection, and how he sprints to fill the lane on a fast break -- beating his man down the floor…every…single…time.
And, of course, there was his M.O. -- his consistency, both in attendance and production. Which is why there aren't many nicknames more suited to an athlete than his. Yes, the Mailman always delivered.
Maybe I was looking at this guy's career the wrong way all along. Looking back at those controversial moments, I found that I had "conveniently" forgotten about some details. Such as after the game in which he elbowed Robinson, Malone went to the hospital to apologize to his fellow Dream Teamer.
And the Isiah elbowing incident came about after the Detroit guard, steamed about being snubbed for the Dream Team, had tried to embarrass John Stockton. Malone was simply getting his teammate's back. Do you think Shaq would ever do the same for Kobe?
And as for the incident with Magic, well maybe it wasn't that big a deal to begin with. After all, it was Magic who helped court Malone to Los Angeles, even offering to bring his #32 jersey out from retirement for Karl's use. As far as signs of respect go, not many are greater than that.
As this season moved along and Malone made his return from injury, it became clear that he was the glue holding this team together. No, there wasn't any coattailing going on around here -- the Lakers needed Malone, plain and simple.
And now, in the playoffs, as the Lakers try to re-claim their lost title, they will need Malone more than ever. For they know that the power forwards they may have to face along the way have names like Duncan, KG, Webber, Jermaine, Rasheed, and Kenyon -- All Stars in the prime of their careers.
No, it never was going to be easy for him. And as the Mailman prepares for his "Final Delivery," he smiles because he wouldn't want it any other way.
Like I said, I used to dislike Karl Malone. But now, I appreciate him. I respect him. I enjoy watching him play. And I must admit, I will miss him.
I just wish that I realized it a lot sooner.
