John Stockton Criticizes ‘Softer’ Modern NBA
Aug 15, 2025, 2:25 PM
John Stockton #12 of the Utah Jazz (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
(Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Jazz legend John Stockton said he believes today’s NBA is “softer” than in years past.
In an appearance on “The Maverick Approach” podcast, which often explores conspiracy theories, Stockton shared his views on how the NBA has evolved.
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John Stockton Calls Modern NBA A “Softer” League
With host Maverick Bailey, Stockton admitted that though he doesn’t consume much NBA basketball, the league is less physical than it used to be.
“I do think it’s softer,” Stockton said. “You have guys that can take 20 days off, you know, what would they call it, load management?”
Stockton is not only one of the NBA’s greatest point guards of all time, but one of the league’s true ironmen.
John Stockton total games played per season. pic.twitter.com/i7T2iQhDGo
— Fastbreak Hoops (@FastbreakHoops5) August 6, 2025
During his career, Stockton played in all 82 games in 16 of his 19 NBA seasons, and never failed to qualify for the postseason.
“Could you imagine your dad coming home [and saying] ‘I might take a few weeks of work off?'” Stockton said. “You know, ‘Who’s going to feed us then?’ You know what I’m saying? These guys do it, and they’re supposed to be examples, and the league allows it.”
Due to his impressive longevity, Stockton is the NBA’s career leader in both assists (15,806) and steals (3,265), two totals that appear unbreakable with current rest standards.
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“I think people are looking for gladiators out there,” Stockton concluded. “They want you to go to war, and they want to see you do what they can’t do. Not go out there and shake hands and hug each other and shoot jumpers.”
Stockton retired with career averages of 13.1 points, 10.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds, was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, and is a member of the league’s 50th and 75th-anniversary teams.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
