The celebration will be twofold tonight.

First, New Orleans will be marking the return of NBA basketball, courtesy of the Hornets. Then, there's the glee that will accompany the return of one of Louisiana's most famous sons, Summerfield native Karl Malone.

But the latter could be a one-and-done party.

The Mailman -- the former Louisiana Tech star who redefined the power forward position in the NBA -- is 39 and approaching the days of his final deliveries. This season could serve as his farewell tour.

Only Malone, a first-round pick (No. 13 overall) in 1985, knows. And he isn't saying whether his first visit to New Orleans Arena, the tip-off to his 18th NBA season, will be his last -- or just his last in a Utah Jazz uniform -- until after the season.