Career Timeline of Karl Malone: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Karl Malone made an impact.

Karl Malone, nicknamed "the Mailman," is a retired American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. He spent 18 seasons with the Utah Jazz, forming a dominant partnership with John Stockton. Malone was a two-time NBA MVP, a 14-time All-Star, and a 14-time All-NBA Team member, including 11 consecutive First Team selections. He ranks third in all-time NBA scoring with 36,928 points and holds records for most free throws made and attempted, and most regular season games started.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1979: First Louisiana Class C Title

In 1979, Karl Malone led his basketball team at Summerfield High School to the first of three consecutive Louisiana Class C titles.

1981: Third Consecutive Louisiana Class C Title

In 1981, Karl Malone led his basketball team at Summerfield High School to their third consecutive Louisiana Class C title in his senior season.

1983: Louisiana Tech Debut

In 1983, Karl Malone began playing for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs basketball team in his second year of enrollment.

1984: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 1984, Karl Malone helped the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs to their first NCAA tournament appearance.

1984: Cut from US Olympic Basketball Team

In 1984, Karl Malone was cut from the United States men's national basketball team.

1984: Averaged 18.7 Points

In his second season with Louisiana Tech, which was 1983-84, Malone averaged 18.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

1985: Malone and Stockton Teamed Up

In 1985, Karl Malone and John Stockton teamed up on the Jazz and formed one of the most productive guard-forward combinations in NBA history. Their collaboration lasted until 2003.

1985: First NBA Season

In 1985, Karl Malone began his first 18 seasons in the NBA with the Utah Jazz.

1985: First Place in Southland Conference

In 1985, Karl Malone helped the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs secure first place in the Southland Conference.

1985: Selected by the Utah Jazz

In 1985, Karl Malone was selected by the Utah Jazz with the 13th overall pick in the NBA draft.

January 14, 1986: Jazz snapped Rockets' winning streak

On January 14, 1986, Karl Malone scored 29 points as the Utah Jazz defeated the Houston Rockets 105-102, ending the Rockets' 20-game home winning streak.

April 3, 1987: End of second season

After his second season, Karl Malone became the Jazz's leader in average scoring and rebounding. Between February 1 and April 3, 1987, he was the leading scorer of the game in 24 of 29 games.

1987: Foundation of Offense

By the 1987-88 season, Karl Malone had become the foundation of the Utah Jazz's offense.

December 1988: Jerry Sloan Became Head Coach

In December 1988, Jerry Sloan took over as head coach of the Utah Jazz, succeeding Frank Layden.

1988: First All-Star Game Appearance and All-NBA Team Selection

In 1988, Karl Malone made his first All-Star Game appearance, scoring 27.1 points per game, and was selected for his first All-NBA team.

1989: Second in scoring

As he had done in 1989-90, Malone finished the 1991–92 season second in the league in scoring, averaging 28.0 points per game.

March 29, 1990: 49 Points against Golden State Warriors

On March 29, 1990, Karl Malone scored 49 points against the Golden State Warriors.

1990: Start of season

The 1990-91 season started with a 7-8 record.

February 1991: Jazz's Record

After starting the 1990-91 season 7-8, the Jazz went 21-9 in January and February 1991.

March 4, 1991: End of Scoring Streak

From January 19 to March 4, 1991, Karl Malone led the Jazz in scoring for 19 straight games.

1992: Joined US Olympic Basketball Team

In 1992, Karl Malone joined the United States men's national basketball team, marking the inclusion of NBA players in national teams.

1992: Western Conference Finals Appearance

In 1992, the Utah Jazz made it to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.

1992: Jazz Season Record

In the 1992-93 season, the Utah Jazz had a season record of 47-35. Malone led the Jazz to multiple 50-win seasons with the exception of this season.

1993: Stellar Numbers

In 1993–94, Malone started all 82 games of 1993–94 and helped the Jazz make the Western Conference Finals for the second time in franchise history.

1994: Starring Role in the film Rockwell

In 1994, Karl Malone starred in the film "Rockwell" as a member of Porter Rockwell's team.

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1995: Stellar Numbers

In 1994-95, Malone averaged 26.7 points and 10.6 rebounds.

January 13, 1996: Contract Renewal with the Jazz

On January 13, 1996, Karl Malone renewed his contract with the Utah Jazz.

1996: 1996 Summer Olympics Gold Medal

In 1996, Karl Malone played in the Summer Olympics and won a gold medal with the US team.

1996: 1996 Summer Olympics and NBA Finals Appearance

In 1996, Karl Malone won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics and subsequently led the Jazz to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances.

1997: 1996–97 Season MVP Award

During the 1996–97 NBA season, Karl Malone won his first NBA Most Valuable Player award and led the Jazz to a 64–18 record. Malone reached the NBA Finals in 1997, where they played the Chicago Bulls.

1997: NBA Finals Appearance with the Jazz

In 1997, Karl Malone and the Utah Jazz reached the NBA Finals.

November 12, 1998: Trade Demand and Subsequent Backtrack

On November 12, 1998, during the NBA lockout, Karl Malone declared he would demand a trade from the Jazz, but he later retracted the demand.

1998: Second NBA Finals Appearance with the Jazz

In 1998, Karl Malone and the Utah Jazz made their second appearance at the NBA Finals.

1998: Appearance in Brother's Keeper

In 1998, Karl Malone appeared in an episode of "Brother's Keeper".

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1999: Second MVP Award and Playoff Loss

In 1999, Karl Malone won his second NBA MVP award, but the Jazz lost in the second round of the playoffs to the Trail Blazers.

2002: Political Donation in 2002

In 2002, Karl Malone donated $1,000 to the campaign of incumbent U.S. Representative Jim Matheson, a Democrat representing Utah's 2nd congressional district.

2003: Free Agency

In 2003, Karl Malone became a free agent after Stockton retired.

2003: End of Utah Jazz Career

In 2003, Karl Malone concluded his 18 seasons with the Utah Jazz.

2004: Free Agency and Potential Return to Lakers

After the 2004 NBA season with the Lakers, Karl Malone became a free agent. Personal problems with Kobe Bryant discouraged Malone from returning for another season with the team.

2004: Political Donations in 2004

In 2004, Karl Malone donated $4,000 to the reelection campaign of President George W. Bush and $2,000 to the U.S. Senate campaign of Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska.

2004: Cameo Appearance in Soul Plane

In 2004, Karl Malone made a cameo appearance as himself in the comedy film "Soul Plane".

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2004: Final Season with the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2004, Karl Malone played his final season with the Los Angeles Lakers, reaching his third NBA Finals.

2004: NBA Finals Loss with the Lakers

In 2004, Karl Malone's quest to win an NBA championship failed as the Lakers were defeated in five games by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. He also suffered a sprained right knee during the finals.

February 13, 2005: Retirement Announcement

On February 13, 2005, Karl Malone officially announced his retirement from the NBA after 19 seasons.

February 2005: Speculation of Signing with the Spurs

In early February 2005, prior to the 2005 NBA All-Star Game, Karl Malone's agent speculated that he would sign with the San Antonio Spurs.

May 31, 2007: Director and Assistant Coach at Louisiana Tech University

On May 31, 2007, Karl Malone became director of basketball promotion and assistant strength and conditioning coach at his alma mater, Louisiana Tech University.

2007: Joined Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Staff

In 2007, after retiring from the NBA, Karl Malone joined the staff of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

March 2009: Appearance on Fox News' Hannity

In March 2009, Karl Malone appeared on the "Great American Panel" segment of the Fox News talk show Hannity. During his appearance, he advocated support for farmers in Louisiana who were about to lose their jobs due to the closing of Pilgrim's Pride plants.

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