Karl Malone, nicknamed "the Mailman", is a retired NBA player regarded as one of the best power forwards ever. He played 18 seasons with the Utah Jazz, forming a legendary partnership with John Stockton. Malone is a two-time MVP, 14-time All-Star, and ranks third in all-time points scored. He holds numerous NBA records, including most free throws made and attempted, and most regular season games started.
July 24, 1963: Birth of Karl Malone
On July 24, 1963, Karl Anthony Malone was born in Summerfield, Louisiana.
1979: First Louisiana Class C Title
Karl Malone led his high school basketball team to his first Louisiana Class C title in 1979.
1981: Third Louisiana Class C Title
In 1981, Karl Malone capped off his senior year of high school by winning his third consecutive Louisiana Class C title with his basketball team.
1983: Start of Louisiana Tech Basketball Career
In 1983, after becoming academically eligible, Karl Malone began his college basketball career with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
1984: Cut from Olympic Team
Both Malone and Stockton were left off the 1984 United States men's Olympic basketball team.
1984: First NCAA Tournament Appearance with Louisiana Tech
In 1984, Karl Malone helped lead the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs basketball team to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.
1985: NBA Debut with the Utah Jazz
In 1985, Karl Malone began his NBA career with the Utah Jazz after being drafted 13th overall.
1985: Start of a Dynasty
Malone's time playing with John Stockton from 1985 to 2003 is considered one of the most productive partnerships in NBA history, leading the Jazz to consistent playoff appearances.
January 14, 1986: Breaking the Houston Rockets' Home Winning Streak
On January 14, 1986, Karl Malone played a pivotal role in the Utah Jazz's victory over the Houston Rockets, ending the Rockets' 20-game home winning streak. Malone scored 29 points, including crucial free throws in the final seconds.
April 3, 1987: Leading Scorer for the Utah Jazz
By April 3, 1987, Karl Malone had established himself as the Utah Jazz's leading scorer for the majority of games played between February 1st and that date.
1987: Forming a Formidable Duo with John Stockton
By the 1987-1988 NBA season, Karl Malone and John Stockton had solidified their partnership as the foundation of the Utah Jazz, with Malone as the primary offensive threat and Stockton as the playmaking point guard.
December 1988: Jerry Sloan Becomes Head Coach
In December 1988, Jerry Sloan took over as the head coach of the Utah Jazz, succeeding Frank Layden, who transitioned to the role of team president.
December 5, 1989: Malone Leads Jazz to Victory Over Cavaliers
On December 5, 1989, Karl Malone showcased a dominant performance, scoring 21 points and grabbing 19 rebounds, contributing to the Jazz's 94-80 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
1989: First NBA All-Star MVP Award
Karl Malone received his first NBA All-Star MVP award at the 1989 All-Star Game.
1989: Malone's Consistent Scoring Prowess
Throughout his career, including 1989, Karl Malone consistently ranked among the league's top scorers, showcasing his ability to put points on the board.
January 27, 1990: Malone Scores Career-High 61 Points Against Bucks
On January 27, 1990, Karl Malone achieved a remarkable feat by scoring a career-high 61 points during the Jazz's 144-96 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. His exceptional performance included making 21 of 26 field goals and 19 of 23 free throws.
March 29, 1990: Malone's Scoring Prowess Continues Against Warriors
Karl Malone continued his scoring dominance on March 29, 1990, recording an impressive 49 points in a game against the Golden State Warriors.
December 24, 1990: Marriage to Kay Kinsey
On December 24, 1990, Karl Malone married Kay Kinsey, who had won the Miss Idaho USA pageant in 1988.
1990: Malone's Scoring Average Places Him Second in the League
During the 1990 season, Karl Malone continued to be a prolific scorer, finishing second in the league in points per game, showcasing his consistent offensive prowess.
February 1991: Malone Shines in All-Star Game Appearance
In February 1991, Karl Malone showcased his skills in his fourth consecutive All-Star game, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds for the Western Conference team.
March 4, 1991: Malone's Scoring Streak Leads Jazz to Success
From January 19 to March 4, 1991, Karl Malone carried the Jazz with a remarkable 19-game scoring streak, demonstrating his consistency and impact on the court.
November 8, 1991: Birth of Daughter Kadee
Karl Malone and Kay Kinsey welcomed their first child, daughter Kadee, on November 8, 1991.
December 14, 1991: Malone's Flagrant Foul Results in Suspension
On December 14, 1991, during a game against the Detroit Pistons, Karl Malone was involved in an incident where he elbowed Isiah Thomas, resulting in a suspension and a fine. This event highlighted a controversial moment in Malone's career.
1991: Malone Expresses Opposition to Magic Johnson's Return
In 1991, Karl Malone's expressed opposition to Magic Johnson's return to the NBA following Johnson's HIV diagnosis, sparking controversy and highlighting the complexities surrounding the issue.
1992: Joining the Dream Team
In 1992, Malone and Stockton joined the legendary "Dream Team," marking a turning point in Olympic basketball as NBA players were welcomed onto the roster.
1992: Olympic Gold Medal
Karl Malone won his first Olympic gold medal with the United States national team at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
1992: Jazz's Playoff Run Ends in Western Conference Finals
In 1992, the Jazz's playoff journey ended in the Western Conference Finals, marking a challenging moment in their pursuit of a championship.
1992: Malone Wins Olympic Gold with the "Dream Team"
In 1992, Karl Malone was part of the legendary "Dream Team" that won the Olympic gold medal, showcasing his skills on the international stage.
1992: Malone Leads Jazz to First Western Conference Finals Appearance
In 1992, Karl Malone played a crucial role in leading the Jazz to their first-ever Western Conference Finals appearance, marking a significant achievement in the team's history.
1992: Almost 50 Wins
During Malone's tenure with the Jazz, they achieved multiple 50-win seasons, solidifying their status as a dominant force in the league, except for the 1992-1993 season, when they finished with a still respectable 47-35 record.
February 4, 1993: Malone Surpasses 16,000 Career Points
On February 4, 1993, Karl Malone reached a significant career milestone by surpassing 16,000 points, solidifying his place as one of the league's all-time leading scorers.
April 7, 1993: Birth of Daughter Kylee
On April 7, 1993, Karl Malone and Kay Kinsey had their second daughter, Kylee.
1993: Malone Leads Jazz to Western Conference Finals; Shares All-Star MVP
In 1993, Karl Malone was instrumental in leading the Jazz to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in his career. He also shared the All-Star MVP award with his teammate John Stockton.
March 29, 1994: Malone Grabs Career-High 23 Rebounds in Loss to Warriors
On March 29, 1994, despite the Jazz's loss to the Golden State Warriors, Karl Malone showcased his rebounding prowess by grabbing a career-high 23 rebounds.
1994: Rockwell Film Debut
In 1994, Karl Malone made his film debut, starring in "Rockwell" as a member of Porter Rockwell's team.
1994: Public Disclosure of Father's Suicide
In 1994, Karl Malone publicly revealed that his father, Shedrick Hay, had died by suicide when Malone was 14 years old.
1994: Jazz's Playoff Run Ends in Western Conference Finals
In 1994, the Jazz's playoff journey ended in the Western Conference Finals, marking a challenging moment in their pursuit of a championship.
1994: Jazz Achieve Franchise-Record 60 Wins
In the 1994-1995 season, the Utah Jazz, led by Karl Malone, achieved a historic milestone by winning a franchise-record 60 games, showcasing their dominance throughout the regular season.
1994: Malone's Consistent Scoring Prowess Continues
Throughout the 1990s, including 1994, Karl Malone maintained a high level of scoring, solidifying his reputation as one of the most difficult players to guard.
January 20, 1995: Malone Becomes 19th NBA Player to Reach 20,000 Career Points
On January 20, 1995, Karl Malone achieved a significant milestone by becoming the 19th player in NBA history to score 20,000 career points, solidifying his legacy as one of the league's all-time leading scorers.
May 8, 1995: Birth of Son Karl Jr. "K.J."
Karl Malone's first son, Karl Jr. "K.J.", was born on May 8, 1995.
1995: Malone's Consistent Scoring Prowess Continues
Throughout the 1990s, including 1995, Karl Malone maintained a high level of scoring, solidifying his reputation as one of the most difficult players to guard.
January 13, 1996: Malone Renews Contract with Jazz
On January 13, 1996, Karl Malone solidified his commitment to the Jazz by renewing his contract.
1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team and Second Olympic Gold Medal
In 1996, Karl Malone achieved two significant milestones: he was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team and won his second Olympic gold medal with the United States national team.
1996: 1996 Olympics
Malone secured his second Olympic gold medal with the US team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
1996: Malone Wins Olympic Gold and Leads Jazz to Finals Appearances
Following his gold medal win at the 1996 Summer Olympics, Karl Malone spearheaded the Jazz's impressive run to consecutive NBA Finals appearances, establishing their presence as a dominant force in the league.
1997: Malone Wins MVP, Leads Jazz to NBA Finals; Jazz Lose to Bulls
In 1997, Karl Malone's exceptional performance earned him his first NBA Most Valuable Player award. He led the Jazz to their first NBA Finals appearance, where they faced Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Despite Malone's efforts, the Jazz fell short in their championship pursuit, losing to the Bulls.
1997: First NBA Finals Appearance
In 1997, Karl Malone, alongside the Utah Jazz, made his first appearance in the NBA Finals.
July 1998: Alaskan Fishing Trip
In July 1998, Karl Malone, an avid outdoorsman, went on a fishing trip to Alaska with Jazz teammates, family, and contest winners.
July 1998: WCW Bash at the Beach
In July 1998, Karl Malone, a wrestling enthusiast, participated in a professional wrestling match at World Championship Wrestling's (WCW) "Bash at the Beach" event. He teamed up with Diamond Dallas Page against Dennis Rodman and Hulk Hogan. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the event was a major financial success for WCW.
November 12, 1998: Trade Demand
On November 12, 1998, Malone made public his desire to be traded from the Jazz, expressing frustration with team owner Larry H. Miller and the Utah media.
1998: Brother's Keeper Appearance
Karl Malone made a cameo appearance as himself in an episode of the television series "Brother's Keeper" in 1998.
1998: Second NBA Finals Appearance
In 1998, Karl Malone and the Utah Jazz reached the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year.
1998: 1998 NBA Finals
In the pivotal Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, Malone and the Jazz faced a 3-2 deficit against the Chicago Bulls. Despite Malone's 31 points and 11 rebounds, the Jazz suffered a heartbreaking loss. The game ended with a last-second shot by Michael Jordan after stealing the ball from Malone, securing the Bulls' third consecutive championship.
1998: Paternity Lawsuits and Allegations
In 1998, The Globe reported that Karl Malone had been involved in paternity lawsuits regarding three children: twins Daryl and Cheryl Ford, born when Malone was 17, and Demetress Bell, born when Malone was 20 and Gloria Bell was 13. Malone's attorney stated that previous settlements were made before paternity could be conclusively established.
1998: Birth of Daughter Karlee
In 1998, Karl Malone and Kay Kinsey had their fourth child, daughter Karlee.
1998: 1998 NBA Season
During the 1998 NBA season, Malone helped lead the Utah Jazz to a 62-20 record, the best in the NBA. They made it to their second consecutive finals appearance, with Malone scoring 39 points in game 5 against the Chicago Bulls, but ultimately lost the series in 6 games.
1998: Acceptance of Paternity and Relationship with Ford Twins
By the fall of 1998, Karl Malone publicly acknowledged his paternity of twins Daryl and Cheryl Ford, who became part of the Malone family. Both twins later played basketball at Louisiana Tech, Malone's alma mater.
1999: 1999 Playoffs
During the 1999 playoffs, Malone and the Jazz lost in the second round to the Portland Trail Blazers. In game 5 of that series, Malone was fined $10,000 for elbowing Brian Grant.
2000: MVP Flakes Cereal Release
A cereal called "MVP Flakes," dedicated to Karl Malone, was released in 2000.
2002: Political Contribution
In 2002, Karl Malone made a donation to the campaign of incumbent U.S. Representative Jim Matheson, a Democrat representing Utah's 2nd congressional district.
2002: Passing Wilt Chamberlain
In the 2002-2003 season, Malone achieved a historic milestone by surpassing Wilt Chamberlain to become the NBA's second all-time leading scorer.
2003: End of an Era
In 2003, after long-time teammate John Stockton retired, Malone became a free agent, marking the end of one of the most successful duos in NBA history.
2003: End of Utah Jazz Tenure
In 2003, Karl Malone's 18-season tenure with the Utah Jazz came to an end.
2004: Free Agency and Knee Surgery
After his stint with the Lakers, Malone underwent knee surgery in 2004. Personal conflicts with Kobe Bryant contributed to his decision not to return to the Lakers. The New York Knicks also expressed interest in signing him.
2004: Third NBA Finals Appearance
In 2004, Karl Malone played in his third NBA Finals, this time with the Los Angeles Lakers.
2004: Injury in Finals
In the 2004 NBA Finals, Malone, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, suffered a knee injury during the series against the Detroit Pistons, forcing him to miss the final game, which the Lakers lost.
2004: Political Contributions
Karl Malone donated to the 2004 reelection campaign of President George W. Bush and the U.S. Senate campaign of Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska.
2004: Soul Plane Cameo
Karl Malone had a cameo appearance as himself in the comedy film "Soul Plane" in 2004.
February 13, 2005: Retirement
On February 13, 2005, at the Delta Center, Karl Malone formally announced his retirement from the NBA after an illustrious 19-season career.
February 2005: Potential Signing with Spurs
In February 2005, there was speculation about Malone potentially signing with the San Antonio Spurs, coached by Gregg Popovich, for one more season.
March 23, 2006: Jersey Retirement and Honors
On March 23, 2006, the Utah Jazz honored Malone by retiring his number 32 jersey. They also unveiled a bronze statue of him alongside John Stockton outside the EnergySolutions Arena. Additionally, a portion of 100 South in Salt Lake City was renamed in his honor.
May 31, 2007: Return to Louisiana Tech
On May 31, 2007, Malone returned to his alma mater, Louisiana Tech University, taking on roles as the director of basketball promotion and assistant strength and conditioning coach. He also made a generous donation of $350,000 to the university's athletic department.
2007: Joining Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Staff
After retiring from the NBA, Karl Malone joined the staff of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs basketball team in 2007.
2008: Demetress Bell's Account of Meeting Malone
In 2008, The Buffalo News reported that Demetress Bell, who had a career as an NFL offensive lineman, first met Karl Malone after graduating high school, during which Malone allegedly expressed it was "too late" for a father-son relationship.
March 2009: Advocacy for Louisiana Farmers
Karl Malone appeared on "Hannity" in March 2009, advocating for Louisiana farmers facing job losses due to Pilgrim's Pride plant closures.
2010: Hall of Fame Induction
In 2010, Malone was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame alongside his fellow "Dream Team" members.
2010: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Karl Malone was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010, recognizing both his individual career and his contribution to the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team.
2010: Dealership Sales
Malone sold his shares in two car dealerships in 2010: a Toyota dealership in Albuquerque, New Mexico and a Honda Dealership in Sandy, Utah.
May 29, 2013: Return to Utah Jazz
On May 29, 2013, Malone rejoined the Utah Jazz in a coaching capacity, focusing on developing the skills of the team's big men.
2014: Reconciliation with Demetress Bell
By 2014, Karl Malone and Demetress Bell had reconciled and were in regular contact by 2018.
2018: Malone's Reflection on Past Relationships
In 2018, Karl Malone expressed remorse over his handling of relationships with his older children, stating, "I didn't handle it right; I was wrong. ... Father Time is the biggest thief that's out there, and you can't get that back."
2018: K.J. Invited to NFL Combine
Karl Malone's son, K.J., who played football at LSU, received an invitation to the NFL Combine in 2018.
2019: Toyota Dealership Purchase
Malone purchased a Toyota dealership in Ruston, Louisiana, in 2019.
October 2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection
In October 2021, Karl Malone was honored as one of the NBA's greatest players by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2022: Ranked 16th Greatest NBA Player
In 2022, as part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary celebration, The Athletic ranked Malone as the 16th greatest player in NBA history, solidifying his legacy as one of the most dominant power forwards of all time.