Times Changing in Utah

The pick ‘n’ roll is down and out.

For the first time in 12 years, the All-Star game might not include John Stockton or Karl Malone. The fans who determine the starting lineups haven’t given them enough votes, perhaps a sign of a changing of the guards--and forwards--in the NBA.

The Utah Jazz stars say that’s OK with them.

“I would really like to play in the game, but I would also like to start spending more quality time with my family and doing things that I want to do,” the 36-year-old Malone said.

Asked how he would burn five days during the All-Star break, the 37-year-old Stockton smiled and said, “I’m sure I could fill it.”

Balloting ends today and barring a dramatic change, the only way Stockton or Malone will be in Oakland on Feb. 13 is through a coach’s selection to round out the All-Star rosters.

Even then, coaches’ picks come off the bench, which neither of them had to do at past All-Star games. Fan voting is a popularity contest, giving the All-Star starting slots to the top two guards and forwards in each conference, plus the top center.

Stockton has been voted to nine All-Star teams (1989-97); Malone, the last 11. Malone didn’t play in 1990 because of an injury and there was no All-Star game in 1999 because of the lockout.

Stockton and Malone, who have virtually patented the pick and roll move, shared the All-Star MVP award in 1993 when the game was in Salt Lake City.

This season, the Jazz are surging, winning seven of their last eight entering the weekend. It’s still early, but Utah is battling San Antonio for first place in the Midwest Division.

That’s why Jazz coach Jerry Sloan doesn’t care if his standout players miss the All-Star game.

“I’d be more worried about them getting a few days rest,” Sloan said. “Those things have nothing to do with what we’re trying to accomplish.

“They’re playing really well and we certainly hope they go, from their perspective, but we just have to go about our business.”

Stockton was a distant sixth in the voting for Western Conference guards, trailing Jason Kidd of Phoenix, Kobe Bryant of the Lakers, Gary Payton of Seattle, Jason Williams of Sacramento and Penny Hardaway of Phoenix.

Malone, the league MVP in the 1998-99 season, is fifth among forwards, behind Kevin Garnett of Minnesota, Tim Duncan of San Antonio, Scottie Pippen of Portland and Chris Webber of Sacramento.

Malone was averaging 26.3 points a game, almost three points better than last season’s average. He was also averaging 9.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 37.5 minutes a game.

Stockton, the NBA’s career leader in assists and steals, was averaging 11.9 points and 8.3 assists, playing 27.7 minutes a game.

Stockton’s wizardry is still potent: He had 18 assists against Denver on Jan. 3. And Malone, fourth in the league in scoring, has shown an enduring ability to carry the Jazz.

But if anyone thinks Stockton or Malone would lobby for a spot on the All-Star roster, forget it.

“I don’t like to get involved in any of that, one way or the other,” Stockton said. “I don’t even want to discuss it.”

Said Malone: “As long as I’m an All-Star in the fans’ minds here in Utah, within this organization and in my teammates’ and coaches’ minds, that’s what’s important for me.”

Stockton and Malone, fashionable earlier in their careers and during Utah’s run to the finals in 1997 and 1998, seem to have fallen out of favor with many NBA fans.

“I have no qualms,” Stockton said. “The success we’ve had here, and obviously Mailman’s played great and other people have contributed, that’s as far as I look at it.”