Karl Malone's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Karl Malone.

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

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: All-Star MVP Award

In 1989, Karl Malone was named NBA All-Star MVP after scoring 28 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and making 3 assists.

January 27, 1990: Career-High 61 Points

On January 27, 1990, Karl Malone scored a career-high 61 points in a 144-96 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, making 21 of 26 field goals and 19 of 23 free throws.

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.

1991: Bulls Championship

In 1991, the Chicago Bulls achieved their first championship in a run that would total six by 1998.

1992: Summer Olympics Gold Medal

In 1992, Karl Malone competed with the United States national team in the Summer Olympic Games and won a gold medal.

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: Honorary Member of Oregon National Guard

In 1992, The Oregon National Guard made Karl Malone an honorary member after the U.S. national team beat the Venezuelan team in the gold-medal game of the Olympic qualifier tournament.

1992: Hall of Fame Induction for Olympic Team

In 2010, Karl Malone was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team.

February 4, 1993: Surpassed 16,000 Career Points

On February 4, 1993, Karl Malone surpassed 16,000 career points in a game against the Lakers.

March 29, 1994: Career-High 23 Rebounds

On March 29, 1994, Karl Malone recorded a career-high 23 rebounds in a game against the Golden State Warriors, which the Jazz lost 116-113.

1994: Won 60 Games

For the first time in team history, in 1994–95, the Utah Jazz won 60 games.

January 20, 1995: Reached 20,000 Career Points

On January 20, 1995, Karl Malone became the 19th NBA player to reach 20,000 career points.

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: NBA 50th Anniversary Team Selection and Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 1996, Karl Malone was named one of the 50 greatest players of all time as part of the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team. In the same year, he won another gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games.

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.

1998: 1998 NBA Finals Game 6

During Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals held at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Karl Malone scored 31 points and made 11 rebounds but lost a pass in the post. The Jazz lost the game to the Chicago Bulls, costing them the series.

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: Passing Wilt Chamberlain on All-Time Scoring List

In the 2002-2003 season, Karl Malone passed Wilt Chamberlain for second on the all-time NBA scoring list with 36,374 points.

March 23, 2006: Jersey Retirement and Statue Unveiling

On March 23, 2006, the Utah Jazz retired Karl Malone's jersey number 32. A bronze statue was unveiled outside the EnergySolutions Arena next to teammate John Stockton, and a portion of 100 South in Salt Lake City was renamed in his honor.