The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

JOHN Stockton has had a phenomenal career in the National Basketball Association. Now the retired Hall of Famer is enjoying spending time watching his children participate in the game that he left behind with an impeccable impression.

Stockton, whose 19-year-old career in the NBA all with the Utah Jazz has him as the all-time leader in assists and steals, is in town cheering on his daughter, Lindsay Stockton, who is following in his footsteps as the starting point guard for the Montana State Bobcats.

The 51-year-old 10-time NBA All-Star, who played on the United States original ‘Dream Team’ at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, said he’s enjoying his first trip to the Bahamas.

“I just got here today and was able to walk around,” said Stockton, who noted that he got caught in a small sprawl of rain. “But we’re having fun so far.”

No doubt, the trip has been a good one so far after Stockton got to watch the Bobcats pull off a 61-46 victory over the Bahamas All-Stars at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium Monday night.

The Bobcats were scheduled to play the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association champions Johnson Lady Truckers last night.

While Stockton is in town with his wife Nada to enjoy some collegiate basketball games, he also took the time out to reflect on the current NBA playoffs.

“The (Los Angeles) Clippers look great right now, but that could all change tomorrow, who knows. Memphis is looking good, so is Golden State. From the east, it could be Chicago or Cleveland. It’s anybody’s ball game,” he said.

When asked if he missed playing in the league, Stockton quickly responded: “No, I think I’ve played long enough.”

He noted that he still plays in pick-up games, but he enjoys doing some other things like watching his six children perform.

“I enjoy coaching my 8th grade son,” Stockton said.

As for the league, as one guard to the next, Stockton said the backcourt players are definitely making their presence felt.

“There are some guys out there who are playing very well,” Stockton said. “The league’s MVP, Stephen Curry (from the Golden State Warriors), Chris Paul (from the Los Angeles Clippers) and I can go on and on, there are some good guards in the league right now.”

In time, Stockton said if the opportunity presents itself, if he was given the call to coach a NBA team or to become a broadcaster, he will consider it.

“Some of those things look like fun, but when you give away your time from your family, you can’t get it back,” said Stockton, who indicated that he prefers to be doing what he’s doing right now, watching as a spectator in the stands. “I think I’m happy with what I’m doing right now.”

Although he had two games to watch in the Kendal Isaacs Gym, Stockton said he also intends to make use of his spare time to enjoy all of the amenities the Bahamas has to offer.